The True Christian
Colossians
Final Greetings
November 24, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Colossians 4:7–18
The book of Colossians closes with a listing of those who supported and partnered with Paul in his ministry. Some of the names are familiar, while we shrug our shoulders at others. But every name is significant as a narrative of God's handiwork. Like names in a graveyard or those engraved on a cenotaph, these names have a story - even as our name has a story. Every story is a message about God's grace and glory. There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authentic. The book of Colossians is aimed at understanding the real Jesus and being real Jesus followers. This series of messages by Dr. John Neufeld will clarify our beliefs and fortify our living of the truth in Jesus Christ.
Final Reminders
November 23, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Colossians 4:2–6
Speakers and writers tend to pack in more content as they near the end of their communication. You get that sense from Paul at the end of his Colossian letter. He writes in a compact manner of prayer, ministry and evangelism. The brevity of his words does not suggest that these are small matters. In fact, he invites the Colossians to participate with him in these God-given opportunities. Whenever God is at work, there are no small matters.
Slaves and Masters
November 22, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Colossians 3:22—4:1
Today, we justly look with abhorrence at slavery. It has not been that way throughout all of history. Slavery has been practiced in various manners, even in biblical times. Listen as Dr. John teaches on Paul's commands in Colossians to both slaves and masters. We are reminded that any condition can be a vehicle of grace for God's glory.
Husbands, Wives and Children
November 21, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Colossians 3:18–21
Considering the number of complaints and criticism we hear of the family structure, you may begin to wonder if it is truly something "good" as declared by God in Genesis. The New Testament affirms the goodness and importance of the family. Paul speaks to the Colossian congregation and gives specific commands to wives, husbands, fathers and children. These commands remain relevant, central and beneficial for our homes today.
The Word of Christ
November 20, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Colossians 3:16–17
Families may gather for meals. Fans gather to cheer their team. Managers gather to set visions and direction. Why does a Church gather every Sunday? The people of God meet to worship. While worship may shift from culture to culture and over the generations, Paul commands the church at Colossae to pay attention to their form of worship. Dr. John teaches on the fundamentals of worship for every congregation. There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authentic. The book of Colossians is aimed at understanding the real Jesus and being real Jesus followers. This series of messages by Dr. John Neufeld will clarify our beliefs and fortify our living of the truth in Jesus Christ.
New Clothing!
November 17, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Colossians 3:12–15
Not all clothing fits the occasion. Shorts and t-shirts are inappropriate for a formal banquet. Likewise, not all clothing fits our identity. Teens and seniors dress differently. Paul tells the believers in Colossae to take off what was true of their past and put on what is new in Christ. Today Dr. John teaches on the 5 virtues that Christians are to put on. We will find that these virtues suit every occasion and fit every believer. There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authentic. The book of Colossians is aimed at understanding the real Jesus and being real Jesus followers. This series of messages by Dr. John Neufeld will clarify our beliefs and fortify our living of the truth in Jesus Christ.
The New Life
November 16, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Colossians 3:5–11
It is our experience to be living and growing. A toddler is alive but not yet what they will be. So too in Christ - we are made alive and are growing into the stature of Jesus within us. Today we learn that our growing necessitates a renouncement of sin, both sexual and relational. Our growth may not be a straight line towards perfection, but it is in a new direction, pursuing that which glorifies our Lord.
The Things That Are Above
November 15, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Colossians 3:1–4
Those in cemeteries give no thought to the stock market, the latest fashions or current amusements. They are dead and have no relationship to matters of this earth. Paul reminds us that we were dead, but are now raised with Jesus. In this new life we are to set our hearts and minds on the matters of heaven - the Kingdom of God. Listen as Dr. John teaches about seeking the things above and resisting the things below.
Let No One Disqualify You
November 14, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Colossians 2:16–23
You may have received a phone call or an email proclaiming that you won a spectacular prize. The prize is yours and all you need to do is subscribe to a magazine, pay the upfront taxes or some other obligation. Paul warned the Colossians about adding anything to God's gift of grace in Jesus. We are not saved, nor do we live by "Jesus plus..." To trust or exalt anything added to the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus is wandering off the path of grace.
Made Alive
November 13, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Colossians 2:13–15
If the bank manager called you into their office and declared your mortgage free and clear, your car loan forgiven and all your bank accounts filled beyond measure, you would have good reason to celebrate! Today we celebrate the good news of our personal ledger of crimes and punishment being wiped clean in Jesus. By His sacrifice, we are forgiven and made alive. Reason enough to celebrate for ever. There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authentic. The book of Colossians is aimed at understanding the real Jesus and being real Jesus followers. This series of messages by Dr. John Neufeld will clarify our beliefs and fortify our living of the truth in Jesus Christ.
Complete
November 10, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Colossians 2:9–12
It is a marvelous mystery that the fullness of Deity resides within the physical being of Jesus. Added to that mystery is this - all that Jesus is, dwells in your physical being as a believer. Whatever lack or shortfall we sense within ourselves is enveloped by this truth. We may not be what we should be nor what we will be, but in this moment, we are complete in Jesus Christ. Take hope in that. There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authentic. The book of Colossians is aimed at understanding the real Jesus and being real Jesus followers. This series of messages by Dr. John Neufeld will clarify our beliefs and fortify our living of the truth in Jesus Christ.
That No One May Delude You
November 8, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Colossians 2:1–5
Anyone can be tricked; but that can be easily reversed with better information. Not so with delusions. Delusions are rooted deep within us and create personal blind spots resistant to instruction. Dr. John points to the only remedy for delusions - a heart that is sensitive and growing upon the riches of Jesus Christ. Delusions are not cured just through better information - we need heart change.
Don't Lose What You Have Gained
November 9, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Colossians 2:6–10
There have been instances where someone wins a very large sum of money through a lottery ticket, and then continues to buy more tickets! What could they possibly need, having been so enriched in the first place? Dr. John asks the same question about Christians. Having received an immeasurable, eternal treasure in Jesus through grace, some still seek more beyond Him. They are in danger of losing something precious - their gratitude and praise for what Jesus has given.
What Is Lacking in Christ's Afflictions
November 7, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Colossians 1:24–29
The work of Jesus is fulfilled. His atonement for our sin is complete. So, what does Paul mean when he says that he fills up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions? Listen as Dr. John sorts through our confusion. The finished work of Jesus is an on-going message that we carry to our world. For that, we suffer.
Christ's Supremacy in Salvation
November 3, 2023 • Dr. John Neufeld • Colossians 1:18–20
Have you ever wondered what the early church sang? What were their songs of faith about? We find in the first chapter of Colossians an early hymn. The song is about Jesus, who He is and what He has done. It's a song about creation and redemption. Listen as Dr. John walks us through the second verse of that hymn. It is a song of joy and peace we can echo today! There are forgery works of art hanging undetected in museums. They look authentic but are false. There can be false Christians in our congregations. It can be hard to discern the fake from the authentic. The book of Colossians is aimed at understanding the real Jesus and being real Jesus followers. This series of messages by Dr. John Neufeld will clarify our beliefs and fortify our living of the truth in Jesus Christ.