To: Saints_in_Christ_Jesus@cyberspace.com
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
God has chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him (1:4). It is God's will that humankind obtain forgiveness for their trespasses through the death of Christ. This is our redemption. He now makes known this mystery of His will to us in all wisdom and insight (1:7).
All who heard this truth, the gospel of salvation, and believed are guaranteed salvation by the Holy Spirit (1:13).
So let us pray that God may give all unbelievers the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know Jesus Christ (1:16). It does not matter how sinful they be, for the most merciful God love humankind so much that He is willing to accept us as we are, without any condition. He will then remake the person for good works (2:4-10). He will strengthen the inner person through His Spirit (3:16) to make the person a saint. A member of the household of God. A dwelling place of the Holy Spirit (2:19, 22).
Yes it is God's plan that His church be a testimony to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places (3:10) of His manifold wisdom. His glory to all generations, forever and ever (3:20).
So lead a life worthy of the calling. Be meek, patient, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain unity in the bond of peace. However we must not compromise on the doctrine of one God, one faith, one hope, one baptism, and one universal church.
Yes God has called different people to different roles in His ministry to establish a matured universal church that can withstand false teachings. Christ who is the head of this church wills every member to be like God. He will renew the spirit of their mind for righteousness and holiness. So do not grief the Holy Spirit in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Be imitators of Christ. Let there be no malice or bitterness among you. Be kind and tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God forgave you. Walk in love.
Know for a fact that no fornicator or impure person, or one who is covetous (that is an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of God. Do not associate with such people in the church. Expose them.
Make the most of your days in this evil time. Glorify God starting in your family and in your workplace. Let there be love and respect for each other.
Be strong in the Lord so that you can withstand the attack of the devil. The only defense you have against the devil is the truth, righteousness, peace, and faith. Knowing that your salvation is guaranteed, attack the devil with the word of God. At all times pray and be alert. Pray also for all fellow Christians.
Grace be with all who love the Lord Jesus Christ with love undying.
Paul@heaven.com
