Colossians 1:28

 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ ~ Colossians 1:28


 We cannot preach the good news of the New Testament if we are not preaching the Christ of the New Testament. We cannot even preach the good news of the New Testament if we do not start with the beginning and Genesis, for in this day, people do not understand what sin is, or what the fall is, and why we need a Redeemer/Saviour. It is not until lost sinners recognize their need for justification, for pardoning, and by whose sacrifice their atonement was made that their sins can then be pardoned and their eyes opened to the truth. Then they will take hold of the Lord Jesus as Saviour. This is what admonishing means. It is not to get someone in trouble, it is to show them the trouble they unknowingly are in! There is a heaven and a hell, there is a wrath to come, and the lost sinner is bound for that terrible judgment if he or she does not come under the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not only are we to admonish them, but we are to teach them the ways of Christ, the words of Scripture, the truth about the love of God and His desire for all people to come to know Him, revere Him, and to be forgiven by Him. This is how we grow into maturity in Christ. We are born again the moment we receive Him into our heart, but we must allow His Holy Spirit to transform us into His likeness through growth. Just as a child gradually grows, so a Christ follower grows through struggles that expand their faith, through the guidance of mentors whom have had experience, through obedience to the Holy Spirit within as they learn to listen to His quiet voice, until they too grow in faith and practice.

Pastor Julia

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