Colossians 1:27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. (NKJV)
Colossians1:27 God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, therefore you can look forward to sharing in God’s glory. It’s that simple. That is the substance of our Message. 28 We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less. (The Message)
I hear people testify they wish to experience the glory of God.
I’ve been in prayer meetings where the focus of intense and passionate prayer was for God to reveal His glory.
C.S Lewis compared the modern Christian experience of glory as being that we splash around in mud puddles while there is a vast ocean right around the corner.
It is possible to go to church on any given Sunday in this country and hear a message specially catered to appeal to a certain aspect of one’s life. Always with the promise that it will be that one thing that will release the glory of God in our lives.
I wonder what would happen if we decided to simply preach the gospel and believe that it will point people to Christ who is the hope of glory.
There are so many well intentioned programs and teachings available today that are meant to help believers, but are they helping?
Is it possible that having so many options available has led believers not to victory, but to confusion about what to believe?
I could be persuaded to believe that in our nation the church has been adding to the message and therefore departing from the simple and basic truth intended.
About The Author
- Tim Atchley
- Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
- I currently serve as Senior Pastor of Harvest Church in Knoxville, Tn. I was sent out from Trinity Chapel of Knoxville in 1993 accompanied by my wife Sheila our four children Sarah, Hannah, Josiah & Isaac and a handful of bold, brave and committed believers determined to plant our first church. Pioneering is hard work but well worth the journey. That is why we desire to make disciples of Christ who will, like us, also embrace the call to plant churches.
