sunday school

Well, it will be week two of teaching a new Sunday School class (which, I recently thought, is the only Sunday School class I've ever taught.) We're studying the book of Colossians and made it through v. 14 on Sunday. I stressed the order that Paul states things, that he prays for their knowledge and strength so that they can do things pleasing to God. Without the desire and the power given by God, then we are unable to please Him. Oh, how glorious the ways of grace.

This week we'll probably be stuck in v.15-25. The supremacy of Christ in all things, his sovereign rule and his creation of all things and how we are saved through faith in his atoning sacrifice.

May the Gospel become more precious to you than it was yesterday and may it continue to build as the Holy Spirit convicts and teaches you in all things.

-joe

a definition for life

Spurred on by my friend Rachel, I have thought back on the year and tried to see how often Christ defined my life.

Sadly, it was not often. Too many times it was my sinful self shining through in the wake of trials, joys and agitations. Only when I was at a breaking point did Christ show up...and by then, His reputation had been severely tarnished.

What defines you? What is it that marks your life for others to see? A love of sports? Music? Literature? Work? School? "Maybe, just maybe" (said like Jean Girard) it should be something else.

I've spent a good portion of the evening contemplating my deficiencies and Christ's supremacy. And that, my friends, is our victory. Let us wake every morning and think "I am a horrible, wicked and sinful person. Ah, but Christ, He is righteous, good and holy and I am defined by Him by virtue of His blood."

When we are focused on those things, then Christ is able to shine through. In our weakness, He is strong.

-joe