The primary reason this parable is used here is to serve as a warning to the natural country of Israel. God, the vineyard owner, has come time and again to this most favored nation looking to see if they had turned from their wicked ways and back to Him. However, God finds that national Israel just keeps moving further and further away from Him.
At all times, our focus needs to be on our own behavior in comparison to Jesus. He is the standard.
How Do We Seek Those Things Which Are Above? • Colossians 3:17-4:1 – A church that is made up of individuals who are seeking to live their lives according to God's design are the greatest influence on society. Understanding our roles, as men, women, and children will help us to fulfill God's calling for our personal lives. This message was preached on Sunday, July 10, 2022
Colossians 13 • Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You Richly • Colossians 3:16 – Elder Bryce Lowrance Paul’s charge to us in Colossians, Chapter 3 is to live our lives like the born-again children we are. I order to do this, we must put away the desires of the things of the world and live our lives in charity for others. This behavior is blessed by the peace of God. But how do we become more devoted in this endeavor? Paul says that the word of Christ should dwell in us, and the key to making that happen is the singing of quality hymns that are filled with the wisdom of the Bible. This message was preached on Sunday, July 3, 2022
I think if we realize our Master is returning, we will stop seeking to be the master of one another and learn how to point ourselves back to the true King!
We are to be eagerly looking forward to our Lord's return when we can be with Him forever. And while we wait,... We work.
Colossians 12 • The Peace of God • Colossians 3:15 Part 2 – Elder Bryce H. Lowrance– Today's message concludes Elder Bryce's sermon on the peace of God. He begins in the books Psalms with David recalling how God had been with him in the past. This gave him the confidence to move forward in faith and have peace even in a time of distress. If we truly believe that God has saved us, it gives this same peace in all the courses of life. This message was preached on Sunday, June 26, 2022
Colossians 12 • The Peace of God • Colossians 3:15 – Elder Bryce H. Lowrance In order for the peace of God to rule in our hearts, we must first know how the peace of God got into our hearts. The doctrine of grace tells us the the finished work of Jesus Christ from election to glorification is the source and sustainer of peace between the elect and God. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit and so is therefore given to us in the new birth. In order for that peace to be the ruling factor in our lives, we must believe the gospel in sincerity. When we do, we grow closer together in the church and, even though the world may crumble around us, we can have peace and live and worship in thankfulness. This message was preached on Sunday, June 26, 2022
He is declaring that, though they think themselves to be wise and good teachers, they are actually having no positive effect on the people fo Israel at all!
Our devotion to the Lord is TO THE LORD. Not so that others can see how good we are. If we focus on the opinions of others like the Pharisees we will receive the same reward they did. Other people think we are good but God does not approve!
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