Hello Grace Church Family and Friends!

It’s been a great day! Cheryl and I are looking forward to some family time on Monday. Tomorrow is going to be a wonderful time together in the Lord’s House. If you are in town join us for Bible study @ 9:45AM and Worship @ 11:00AM. Psalm 150:6 says, Let everything that has breath praise the Lord, praise ye the Lord. Invite a friend to join you for the services. You might be surprised at how few people ever receive an invitation to attend church. Call someone this evening and see what happens. You won’t regret it! Tomorrow’s message will focus on Colossians 3:17 (KJV) And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. As you see, it’s just one verse. I believe the Lord is going to bless our time together in His word.

Here’s a brief note from my study this week: 

Colossians 3:1-17 ~ [bibleref.com] Over these recent verses, Paul has listed 11 negative traits to avoid, and 11 positive traits for believers to mimic. In [3:17], Paul summarizes his teaching with the all-encompassing phrase “whatever you do.” Anything unmentioned in his list is to be understood from his words in this verse. This includes what we say and how we act. This fits cleanly with Paul’s rejection of legalism and pious self-denial. Our relationship with Christ is not about a set of rules—human minds could never make enough individual rules to cover every possible situation. Instead, we are to submit everything, and every moment to Christ. Instead of living by a checklist, we are to submit to Him in “whatever” we think or do.

This teaching is emphasized a second time. Paul’s teaching is once again all-encompassing. We are to “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” The final phrase “giving thanks to God the Father through Him” is one reason for the tradition of ending prayers using the name of Jesus. Though we are not required to say these words in prayer, the idea is true. We thank God the Father, in the name of Jesus. It is through Jesus we are saved and have a new life (Acts 4:12).

Colossians 3:23 (KJV) And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Cheryl and I look forward to seeing you and your family in church tomorrow! Have a great evening and Labor Day weekend! Blessings!

Mike and Cheryl <><