We are starting a new study this week. We will be walking through the book of Colossians. This past Sunday, October 24, was the first lesson. We discussed where Paul was when he wrote the letter to the church in Colosse. We also discussed some facts about the town of Colosse. Finally, we ended by discussing why Paul always addressed his letters with a wish for the church to have “grace” and “peace”. I’d like to continue this conversation with anyone reading this blog. Why did Paul always wish for “grace” and “peace” in the churches in his letters?
* Was “grace” and “peace” just a nice way to open a letter?
* Does “grace” and “peace” have specific meaning to these churches?
* Or, does Paul have a specific reason to wish “grace” and “peace” upon these churches?
What do you think? I would love to hear your opinions!
Brent
Well, I know this is from last Sunday but you haven't posted anything from this Sunday yet. But going back to our question today, "What motivates us as Christian for what awaits us in Heaven?" I still think that some of it deals with our reward as treasures that we will receive. Now, I'm not saying that is a bad thing because if it were, then I believe that there wouldn't be any rewards or treasures at all. That being said, I don't think it should be our main motivation. However, our human nature is to be rewarded for our work. For instance, no one is going to work at their job for free. They must be compensated for their hard work, and I believe that is the same idea God has with the treasures we will receive for our work. Anyone have any other ideas, thoughts, or criticism? I'd love to hear them. I'm just trying to get the discussion going.
ReplyDeleteI tend to believe that a person will be motivated by what moves them, excites them, brings them passion, etc. This is the only way to get people to do something without paying them. If a person does it simply because of duty, obligation, or expectation, a reward of some kind will be expected. So, for us not to start expecting rewards, we should check our selves daily as to whether we serve Christ out of passion or obligation. Just my thought.
ReplyDeleteif Grace is what saves us and Peace is what we have when we are truly blessed. I think all Paul was saying was, may God save your soul at all cost and bless you. the thought is, what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and loose his own soul? so "God get his/her attion at all cost before its to late, take them down, brake them, put them in the gutter, destroy them, now... him/her is saved restore them, build them up, give them a triple portion so that all the world will know that YOU are God almighty and you alone know what we realy need. so Grace and Peace to all cause the sooner God brings you down the sooner He can build you upright.
ReplyDeleteEvery person has committed what we call sin (an action that is wrong according to God, such as lying, stealing, etc). The sin separates us from God. Grace is the kindness of Jesus forgiving us of our sin.
ReplyDeleteOnce we have grace, our sins are forgiven, so we are then able to:
1. have a relationship with God
2. not feel guilty of our past
3. know that we have the promise of heaven when we die
4. know that God will be with us forever, no matter what happens
All of these items bring us comfort, security, and assurance, which all add up to peace.
People will spend years trying to find real peace, but we can all get it once we have experienced the grace of Jesus Christ.