Heavenly Citizens

Heavenly Citizens Some sightings in Colossians Epistle Offered by Doug Blair, Kitchener, 2021

What you come to first It is interesting that many new believers will lock into similar paths at the outset in scoping Bible portions. First a pair perhaps from the Four Gospels. Then a “what’s it all about” read from Romans, followed by Hebrews and Christ’s “finished work”. Choices after that will range from First Corinthians to Ephesians to the Revelation to Philippians.

But few of us entered early into Colossians which includes by reference the exciting story of Onesimus, the runaway slave (Philemon).

An old saint, whom I met while working part-time at a grocery store, wanted above all else, to give me references from Colossians. Christ the fulness of God in bodily form. Christ a partner in Creation and the One in Whom all things consist. Christ the rescuer from all condemning charges laid against us, nailing them to His Cross. Triumphing over evil spiritual

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forces. Christ the One for whom in reality we render our best efforts in all services or vocations. Christ the provider of new garments of righteousness, removing the filthy vesture of a former life. Christ the ultimate mystery in presentation of the nature, intentions and kindness of our Heavenly Father. And Christ in us the Hope of Glory.

Let us look deeper.

Hang On, It’s Brief FEBRUARY 22, 2015 / ISSUUDOTCOMSLASHDEWANE /

There’s a mess

Of mean misfortune

And you bear it.

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And you tell yourself

The devil has his day

And you cite the

Holy promises at prayer-time

Saying patience will

Dispel the gloom away.

But the years

They come and go

And still the hurting

And you’re tempted

To besmirch the Father’s grace.

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“Surely, faith had brought

The blessing, had you used it.”

And the pitty-party puddle

Bears your face.

But the stamina He gave

You, wins another

Who has faced the bitter test

This Life’s not fair.

And he’s just passed over

Singing of a Brother

Both, in Heaven now,

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Rejoicing for God’s care.

Yes that care may use

The suffering for a ransom

And Friend, Jesus knew

Such suffering for a night.

And He waits with open arms

And endless blessing.

Oh yes, eternity’s

A long time to be right.

(Colossians 1: 24 and 2 Corinthians 1: 6 and Philippians 3: 10-12)

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Faithful ones, you can preach, you can serve, you can spend, you can work, you can pray, you can uplift…you can suffer. They are all currencies, if used in the Spirit of Christ. (Doug)

Thanksgiving: It’s a Trip!

FEBRUARY 8, 2014 / ISSUUDOTCOMSLASHDEWANE / EDIT

Start out with the resolve to give thanks. The list starts to mushroom.

Learning most definitely that no man is an island. No longer blind to blessings. Now constantly on the lookout. Life thrills with

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opportunities to bless and be blessed. Thrilling prayer vistas open.

Disney World. Who needs Disney World? (Colossians 4: 2)

Born in Glasgow, Moffatt was educated at the University and the Free Church College in that city. After ordination in 1896, he spent fifteen years in parish work for the Free Church of Scotland. He then lectured at Mansfield College, Oxford, for four years, and Glasgow for twelve, before being appointed Washburn professor of church history at Union Theological Seminary, New York, in 1927. He retired in 1939.

Among his many books on biblical criticism, An Introduction to the Literature of the New Testament (1911), which is a wide-ranging survey of modem critical scholarship, reveals his own very liberal standpoint. But his most widely known work was the popular “Moffatt Bible”, a single-handed and somewhat colloquial translation of the entire Scriptures (New Testament, 1913; Old Testament, 1924). This was a remarkable achievement for one man, even though he attracted much criticism from other scholars for trying to overcome literary difficulties by freely rearranging verses and even chapters. He also depended far too heavily on critical theories for his rendering of the Old Testament in particular.

Subsequent findings in the fields of archeology and philology have shown his theories to be untenable.

Moffatt also edited a series of commentaries covering all the books of the New Testament (seventeen volumes, 1928-1949), which were all based on his translation. He himself contributed the volumes on 1 Corinthians and the general Epistles. In addition to theological and biblical works, Moffatt wrote several books on English literature. (Christian Classics Ethereal Library)

Attend to your prayers, maintaining your zest for prayer by thanksgiving; and pray for me as well, that God may give me an

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opening for the word, to speak of the open secret of Christ for which I am in custody. Pray that I may unfold it as I should. (Moffatt translation vv. 2-4 of Colossians 4)

Are You Content?

Posted on July 31, 2020

What does it take To stop the scrambling The must have or the Must be seen doing?

It never stops unless killed Mortified is the word Paul used to Colossians.

Brought to naught By the pull of some

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Greater affection.

Ignored to death.

That’s the key.

And the target for Such affection is Jesus.

His earth walk, compassion And countless hopeful promises.

His engagements with you.

Oh that sin?

That predisposition to folly?

Where did it go?

Don’t know, don’t care What a wonderful freedom This Grace affords!

To an undeserving Servant of the King.

Explore the Mysteries Posted on April 18, 2015

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Oh how we should love the mysteries unlocked in the Gospels and Epistles! The condescending love and self-revealing of the Godhead. But only when we are ready and in the right attitude of heart.

The mystery of the Kingdom of God The mystery of the reconciliation of Jew and Gentile The mystery of the indwelling Christ The mystery of godliness The mystery of the rapture of the Church I would like to say a little on the third one above. For so many years I was into religious exercise, seasons and the ‘imitation” of Christ.

Fat chance in that! But then I was told by an obedient messenger about the possibility of having the Spirit of Christ come to dwell inside me for the asking. This was perhaps the most exciting

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prospect arising out of the New Birth. And I for a time balked at the idea of “born again” experience. The educators were against it; the media; the trend-setters; the liberal church.

But I reached the bottom of my barrel, and through sad experience, gave up on the systems of the world and of self-important men.

Imagine! The Christian life was to be a matter of impartation rather than imitation. The shutters were pulled back. The windows were opened. The enormous capability, cleansing and compassion of Jesus allowed inside. Take a moment and read the third chapter of Paul’s letter to the Colossians. There we see the supernatural transition from old man to new; the change of raiment and of disposition.

Go for it. Explore the mystery.

A Tremendous Shift, Thankfully Shared

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In the last year I have been shown the out-workings of Paul's prayers for believers in Ephesians chapters one and three; particularly the reality of spiritual understanding and knowledge of God. Always thought that the writer was describing our position in Christ in faithful anticipation of Glory, and not very much in present-time reality. It took some guidance from Andrew Murray and from Oswald Chambers, and of course through prayer, to see that we have been included in the orbit of Triune love, agenda and harmony. The indwelling Holy Spirit accomplishes this NOW. This knowledge of God also appears in Colossians three. It is not head knowledge of facts accumulated concerning the attributes of God or the history. Rather it is His very own knowledge and capability indwelling me in partnership. This is not a cause for a big, proud head.

Nothing dampens vitality in faith more than self-assurance. Successful Christian life is not in the collection of checklists, ethics and how-to's.

Rather it is in soaking in Christ our forerunner in the Four Gospels and Hebrews Epistle. As in the case of the sponge critter who soaks in the ocean, and becomes more OCEAN.

Little Letter with Punch

From Paul in a Roman prison to Philemon, wealthy householder at Colossae. Not much to look at, if size matters. One chapter. Twenty-five verses. Very personal in nature. Recalling a former time when Paul introduced the Gospel to that household.

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But something very unusual has developed. Paul has been ministered to in custody by a young man recently arrived in Rome named Onesimus.The name translates "useful".

There was a time when the younger had proved useful to Philemon as a slave of his household. But then a theft. A flight to freedom and Rome.

An introduction to Paul and a life of new hope in the Gospel.

Over time Paul comes to realize the wrongdoing of his new friend. He insists that the old score must be settled. But this slave faces very dangerous prospects. The law of the Empire would allow the master to kill the thief, or cut off his hand, or allow him back into service.

What will be the decision now in light of the common bond of Christian faith between master and slave? Paul applies some of his most persuasive words to tip the scale in favour of mercy.

Philemon accepts the challenge, leaving for Colossae, and carrying what amounts to his own letter of emancipation. Consider the thrilling words:

15For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

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16Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

17If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

18If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;

Does not each believer have a similar assurance through Christ? Based upon His own sinless credit He intercedes with the Heavenly Father for our transgressions. He makes the same request as is found in the 17th and 18th verses. Trusting in this plea, we are freed from the bondage and guilt of our sins. Where restitution or apologies are necessary, we comply, and move forward in joyful release.

Good letter isn't it? Punchy.

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