The Berean Post Podcast

For many years, I held a deep fascination with healing evangelists. I would eagerly devour any book I could find on the great healing evangelists of the past, such as Smith Wigglesworth, Jack Cole, Amy Semple McPherson, AA Allen, Catherine Coleman, and many others. However, with the advent of YouTube, my fascination with healing evangelists and their services was taken to new heights. I was elated to discover old recordings in black-and-white from some of these services in the 1950s, which allowed me to witness firsthand the incredible healing power these men and women seemed to possess in the name of the Lord Jesus. As I watched spellbound, I saw how they commanded sickness and demons to disappear and witnessed the miraculous healings that occurred in the name of Jesus. I do not wish to comment on these individuals or their ministries' character or effectiveness. But point out I was always deeply impressed by how they used the phrase "in the name of Jesus," recognizing its power and authority. My fascination with healing evangelists taught me about the incredible power and authority of invoking the name of Jesus. While I may not fully understand the methods or motives of these individuals, I am humbled and awed by the power of God that is present when we call upon His name. In my youth, I became fixated on the phrase "in the name of Jesus." As an immature believer, I learned that this phrase inherently held some power, almost like a magical incantation. I believed a genie-like combination of words would enable me to request what I wanted and shape the world around me to suit my desires. After all, I reasoned, Jesus said that in his name, I could ask for whatever I wanted, and it would be done for me. As I read through the book of Mark, I convinced myself that this magical phrase "in the name of Jesus" would allow me, as a believer, to cast out demons, heal the sick, and even raise the dead. Various popular preachers over the years only strengthened my belief that I could do even greater things than Jesus with this magical phrase. The possibilities seemed endless. listen to more.

Paul urges the Colossians to understand Christ's teachings rather than simply memorizing scripture deeply. The expense of books and widespread illiteracy in biblical times suggest that Paul was not referring to memorization, as it would not have been practical for most people. Instead, Paul likely encouraged the Colossians to internalize and apply Christ's teachings in their daily lives, allowing them to live in a way that reflects the wisdom and reasoning of Christ. In other words, he told the Colossians to think like Jesus, as our thinking governs our actions. Paul's understanding of this concept developed over time, becoming more crystallized by the time he wrote to the Roman church, where he beseeched them to present their bodies as a living sacrifice and be transformed by renewing their minds through the indwelling words of Christ.

As we reflect on Colossians 3:12-25, we are reminded that our faith is rooted in God's immense love and willingness to forgive us. However, this love and forgiveness are not meant to be received passively but to be extended to others. As Christians, we are called to embody love in action by showing kindness, patience, humility, and forgiveness to those around us. We must remember that true moral perfection is not about following rules but loving and forgiving others. Jesus taught us to love our neighbours as ourselves and to forgive those who wrong us. As we strive to live a life that reflects Christ's love and forgiveness, may we continually clothe ourselves with tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, and forgiveness. Let us not forget that our level of spirituality is measured by our ability to love and forgive others, which is the true benchmark of Christianity and the Church.

One of the commitments I made when I began to do this series of blogs was simply to the best of my understanding explain passages from the Bible in a way that those who may not be familiar with the Bible might appreciate. I also committed that I would not push my interpretation of the text where good and reputable Christian theologians may dispute the interpretation. Where different views on a passage of Scripture may conflict, I represent both views and let the reader decide for themselves.In Colossians 3, Paul calls the brethren in the church of Colossae the "elect of God." This statement refers to those God has chosen for salvation, also called predestination. The word "eklekti" means "chosen" or "elect," and it is derived from the verb "eklegomai," which means "to choose out" or "to select." The phrase "elect of God" is found throughout the New Testament, particularly in the writings of Paul. In Romans 8:29-30, for instance, Paul explains that those whom God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, and those whom He predestined, He also called, justified, and glorified.

Today, we will be examining this text from a broad perspective. Upon perusing the text for practical applications, it becomes apparent that Paul has issued three imperatives. An imperative is a sentence that provides direction or commands action. Living a life that is pleasing to God is a challenge that many Christians face. We often find ourselves caught up in the things of this world and forget about our heavenly calling. In Colossians 3:1-11, the Apostle Paul provides some practical advice on how to live a pleasing life to God. Today, we will examine this text from a broad perspective and identify three imperatives that Paul has given us.Paul's first imperative in Colossians 3:1 is to seek the things which are above. He explains, "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God." The reason for this directive is that believers have been raised with Christ. This truth is not merely a symbol or tradition but a spiritual reality that has been symbolized through the act of baptism.We are made alive in Christ and part of God's family when we become believers. As a result, our focus should be on seeking the things above rather than being consumed by the things of this world. Our minds should be fixed on God's will and purposes, and we should strive to live a life honouring Him.It is all too easy to get caught up in the distractions and pleasures of this world, but as Christians, we are called to a higher purpose. We must seek God's kingdom and His righteousness above all else (Matthew 6:33). This means prioritizing time in prayer, reading the Bible, and being involved in a faith community.As we seek the things above, we will find that our priorities and values begin to shift. The temporary pleasures of this world will lose their appeal, and our hearts will be filled with a desire for the things of God. We will begin to see the world through His eyes and live our lives in a way that brings glory to Him. By seeking the things above, we will find a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment in our lives, and our hearts will be transformed to reflect the character of Christ.The second imperative is to put our members on the earth to death. Paul writes, "Therefore, put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5). But what does Paul mean by put to death your members which are on earth? The term "flesh" or "fleshly" desires is used in the Bible to describe the desires of our sinful nature or the part of us inclined towards disobedience and rebellion against God. This includes a wide range of desires and behaviors, including sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, jealousy, selfish ambition, envy, drunkenness, and wild parties. These desires and behaviors are opposed to the will of God and can lead to spiritual death and separation from God.The reason for Paul's imperative to put to death our members which are on the earth is that the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. Despite popular cultural beliefs that God is only loving and forgiving, the Bible portrays God as both just and loving. In fact, God's justice is based on His love. Thus, Paul's warning of God's wrath is rooted in God's love. This concept is not new and is reiterated in Romans 1, where Paul says that the wrath of God is revealed against all unrighteousness and ungodliness.As believers, we must recognize that we are called to put to death our sinful nature and live a pleasing life to God. Our old selves have died, and our new lives are hidden with Christ in God. Therefore, we should strive to live a life that is holy and pleasing to Him.

Eschatology, a word commonly used today, simply means studying the last things or the end times. It refers to the final and eternal state of all things or events leading up to it. While this text may not be among your top 10 favourite passages on end-time events, it contains interesting points that are not immediately obvious but are significant for eschatology. In Paul's mind, this passage speaks to eschatology, and we can learn from it.Examining the text this morning, we can distinguish two types of conditional rules. The first formula we discussed can be found in the chapter’s first verse, commonly known as the "if-then" formula. The "if" establishes the condition for the "then." The second formula we can identify is the "when-then" formula, which establishes a condition that, when met, will lead to a particular outcome. In this passage, the “when-then” formula is expressed as "when Christ, who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." This verse is familiar to many and can be easily recited, but comprehending its meaning can be a distinct challenge.What is the meaning behind Paul's statement, "When Christ, who is our life, appears?" Does the phrase "who is our life" simply express Paul's passion for Christ, in the same way, someone might say, "Golf is my life," with hobbies, likes, dislikes, and choices all influenced by this passion. While this is a possible interpretation, there is more to the phrase when considered within its broader context."who is our life" is meant to be understood metaphysically. Throughout the New Testament, Christ is portrayed as the source and sustainer of spiritual life for believers. He is the "way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6) and the foundation of our hope for eternal life. Therefore, when Paul refers to Christ as our life, he emphasizes the central role that Christ plays in the life of a believer beyond mere hobbies or obsessions.Furthermore, the phrase "appears" in this context refers to the second coming of Christ, as promised in the New Testament. At that time, those who have put their faith in Christ will be raised to new life and glorified with him. Thus, the phrase "when Christ, who is our life, appears" refers to believers’ future hope and the ultimate fulfillment of their faith in Christ.This idea is supported by 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, which states: "Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed." This passage speaks of the future resurrection of believers, which will occur at the "last trumpet" and in "a moment." This is consistent with the idea that believers will be raised to new life at the moment of Christ's return.

It's remarkable how nearly everything we encounter in the Bible about a believer's new life is directly related to the symbolic act of baptism. In particular, Paul uses the phrase "you have died," which we previously discussed as symbolized by entering the waters of baptism. However, the most significant aspect of water baptism is revealed when we come up out of the water. This act represents the spiritual reality that we have been made new in Christ; we are entirely new people. When we symbolically went down into the waters of regeneration, the person who went down stayed down – we died. The person who emerged from the water is now a new creation, a new thing hidden in Christ and united with Him. It's essential to note that this isn't merely my opinion; it's a vital understanding of one of the primary biblical truths of the new covenant.

The gospel’s transformative power is further emphasized in Romans 6:4-5, where Paul describes being united with Christ in his death and resurrection. This union transforms our lives as we walk in the newness of life. It is not merely a religious life but a new type of life that we have been given. When we encounter Christ, we know that something has happened. John says that when love for people, as defined by 1 Corinthians 13, begins to form, we have passed from death to life and are children of God. This transformation cannot be accomplished through our capabilities, but only through the work of Jesus in our lives. When Jesus, the Prince of Peace, enters the core of who we are, this metaphysical transformation happens. Where there was once unforgiveness, there now resides forgiveness; once there was hate, now there is love; once there was judgment, now there is mercy. Once there was a propensity towards immorality, selfishness, and greed; now, there is a proclivity towards righteousness and holiness.