THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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The young man walked into the greeting card store and said, "I'd like a very special greeting card that expresses my love, affection, loyalty and sincere feelings toward a very special young woman."
The clerk showed him a very beautiful card, and asked, "How about this one?"
The young man said, "That's fine! Gimme a DOZEN!"
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Col 1:3
To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
KJV
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Statistics show:
Over 1/2 of all church members cannot be located,
Less than 40% of recorded church members attend Sunday School,
Fewer than 50% of recorded church members attend church once per month,
Less than 40% of professing Christians study their Bibles daily.
"Faithful brethren in Christ," are those who have received and are using faith. Faith is like a shovel. It is not of works, but it is certainly to be USED for work in and for Christ.
Paul prays, for those who are "faithful brethren in Christ," that they might have "grace...and peace."
Grace is poured out from our Lord upon those who are "faithful." Grace is the undeserved, unmerited, unearned favor of God. Yes, grace does (like rain) fall upon the just and the unjust. But the grace that brings love, hope, joy, strength is like a well. It is there, and the faithful draw from it.
Peace is knowing one has a right relationship with God, and being assured of passing from death to eternal life with Christ. The "God of peace, .... brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus" (Heb 13:20). The peace of knowing a sure resurrection is found by those who are "faithful...in Christ."
Yes, statistics show that many have forsaken Christ.
But let us determine to be "faithful brethren in Christ."
In the past, Jesus has saved us.
In the present, Jesus keeps us.
In the future, He will deliver us.
Let us continually draw grace and peace from His well.
Love ya,
Bruce