“God [in His eternal plan] chose to make known to them how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in and among you, the hope and guarantee of [realizing the] glory.” Colossians 1:27 AMP

Have you ever thought of the importance of your testimony? Our verse this morning tells us that part of what God is doing in the world today involves showing His work through our lives. IN the opening verses of this letter, the Apostle Paul states clearly,

“We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, as we pray always for you, 4for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus [how you lean on Him with absolute confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness], and of the [unselfish] love which you have for all the saints (God’s people); 5because of the [confident] hope [of experiencing that] which is reserved and waiting for you in heaven. You previously heard of this hope in the message of truth, the gospel [regarding salvation]”

Colossians 1:3-5 AMP

Notice that he said, “…we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus…” How would they have heard if the Colossians were not living out loud? Notice the qualifier, leaning on Him and unselfish love. These two things are an outward demonstration of the inward transformation! Do you see it? It was the power of the Gospel of Christ that wrought the change! I remember the words of the Apostle Paul the church at Rome.

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation [from His wrath and punishment] to everyone who believes [in Christ as Savior], to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16 AMP

The power of God! What can wash away our sin, nothing but the blood of Jesus! There is no other power in the universe that can change a sinner’s heart! It is a simple truth that the Gospel has power and it is working in the world even unto today!

“because of the [confident] hope [of experiencing that] which is reserved and waiting for you in heaven. You previously heard of this hope in the message of truth, the gospel [regarding salvation] 6which has come to you. Indeed, just as in the whole world the gospel is constantly bearing fruit and spreading [by God’s power], just as it has been doing among you ever since the day you first heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth [becoming thoroughly and deeply acquainted with it].” Colossians 1:5-6 AMP

The Devil thought he had you trapped with no way out, but Jesus made the way! The more thoroughly we know the truth the more freedom we enjoy! We should remember that we are the story of God’s grace. I remember when I got saved, people could not believe the massive shift in my behavior, attitudes, and desires. No longer was I perusing sin and self but the word on the street was “Ken has Jesus or something!” Well, it wasn‘t that I had Jesus it was that Jesus finally had me! The Scripture tells us that,

“[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].” Hebrews 12:2 AMP

Can I ask you what joy there was in enduring all the suffering He did on our behalf? He endured it all so that we might be free! That was the price! Remember in the wilderness when Satan tempted Jesus?  One of the temptations was if He would worship Satan, Satan would give Him all the kingdoms of the earth. “Take the easy way-out Jesus!” “No need for all that suffering, You can have it now!” It is the reality of our lives that give proof of the power of the Gospel. What are people seeing from your life? Is your light shining in a way that those who see you give honor and glory to Him! Have a shining day! Pastor Ken