Colossians 2:4. And this I say, lest any man should beguile (deceive) you with enticing (persuasive) words.
Well Friends, it’s so wonderful to be alive and kicking -even just barely – (smile) this Sunday morning, and though it’s still dark and chilly in my area. Oh Glory to God my brethren!
And what makes it even more interesting and exciting is that our ever-LOVING God has a whole bunch of new mercies and blessing freshly prepared to rain down on us today! Mama Mia!
And though we don’t know what they might be, we can be assured that they are ALL meant for our good, because that’s the promise of our most faithful Lord and Saviour.
Now before we go any further, I think some thanks and praise are in order. So please pray with me. ‘I am blessed…When I wake up in the morning…I am blessed. All throughout the day…I am blessed… When I lay my head on my pillow to sleep at night…I am blessed. Everyday of my life…I am blessed…
Oh thank You heavenly Father for pouring out so many blessings upon my life. And with Your awesome help, I will continue to LOVE You, praise Your Holy Name and further Your glorious kingdom. Amen.’
Yes Friends, as true believers in Jesus Christ, we are indeed abundantly blessed by our most generous and caring Creator! Let’s always remember that and show the appropriate thanks and gratitude for such undeserving goodness.
Now here is a very interesting quote from the July page of my Almanac… by the way, it’s still turned to May (smile)… from one Paul Bryant. I don’t know which Paul Bryant it is, because there are so many. It might have even been from the famed Alabama College Football coach, Paul (Bear) Bryant.
However this most enlightened person is reputed to have said: ‘If you believe in yourself, and have dedication and pride, and never quit, you’ll be a winner.’
Oh my people, those are simple, but awesome words of wisdom and truth! They are indeed the formula for success…in conjunction with the mighty Word of God of course! But with, or without the word of God, we do need self-belief, dedication, pride and the ability to keep keeping on if we ever hope to achieve any goal, or anything worthwhile at all.
So to win this race of life, we need to have all those qualities, and when the Word of God is added to them, then we’re well on our way. And the beauty of it all is that God’s Word will indeed help to bring out all those abilities in our life, because they are required to be a true believer and follower of Jesus Christ.
I hope that all makes sense. But even if it doesn’t, I know you all are wise enough to pick sense from nonsense. (smile)
And now, for definitely the last day, let’s turn to our Bit; Bruh Paul’s warning to the Colossians, re false teaching and teachers. ‘And this I say, lest any man should beguile (deceive) you with enticing (persuasive) words.’
Ah mih people, we can never be warned or careful enough on the topic of false teachers and teachings, because it is so rampant in today’s free-for-all world. So please listen and pay close attention to Peter’s words on the subject.
‘But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily (secretly) shall bring in damnable (destructive) heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
And many shall follow their pernicious (destructive) ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall evil be spoken of (blasphemed). And through covetousness shall they with feigned (deceptive) words make merchandise of (exploit) you: whose judgement now of a long time lingereth not (has not been idle), and their damnation (destruction) slumbereth not.’ (2 Pet.2:1-4)
Yes Friends, there are plenty sweet talkers out there in this faithless and fickle world, who are only too willing to tell you all sorts of lies and untruths. And unless you know the Word of God for yourself, you won’t be able to resist them, because they sound so reasonable and true.
So please, let’s all make it a habit to continually delve into our Bibles, that we may learn the Word and have protection against the falsehood that permeates our world today.
Now here are some explanations from the scholars. ‘2:1-3. The opposite of true revelation is the message of false prophets and false teachers who deceive God’s flock and bring in damnable heresies. These heresies (unorthodox teachings) include an open denial of Christ Himself.
Denying the Lord that bought them indicates that Christ’s atonement potentially extends to all men, including these false teachers who reject Him. Therefore, they will experience destruction because they themselves will be deceived by their own teaching and continue to reject the way of truth.’
In conclusion Friends, please remember to look, learn and listen very carefully to whatever is being poured out before you, for that’s indeed the wisdom of the ages! Much LOVE!
…to protect oneself against falsehood and deceit…one must know the Word of God…
P.S. My parish of St. Francis held our 40th anniversary gala last night! And oh what a wonderful turn out and time it was! If it’s one thing we can do at St. Francis is party! (smile)
And today we will celebrate the Feast Day of our Patron Saint. And remember Friends, it’s Sunday, so don’t forget to go to church. Wonder how many will be at our early service this morning? (smile) I’ve got to finish this so that I can go. Much LOVE!