Today With Jesus

In Colossians 2:1-7, Paul says that “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” are found in Christ. On this episode, Dan and Robert discuss the spiritual security that this passage teaches.

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings” — That’s how Paul begins the final paragraph of Colossians chapter one. How is it possible to rejoice in sufferings? Two points from Colossians 1:24-29 provide the foundation for two points of application that will help us be happy even when we hurt.

Colossians 1:15-23 gives us several reasons why Jesus should be the focus of our lives. Having discussed who Jesus is on the last episode, Dan and Robert study what Jesus has done, which is summarized in three words in today’s passage of Scripture.

Colossians 1:15-20 points us to four reasons why Jesus should be the focus of our lives.

What does it really take to please God? The Holy Spirit uses Paul to tell us in Colossians 1:9-14. 

Paul knew the Colossians as a people of faith in Jesus, feelings like Jesus, and anticipating a future with Jesus. How can we build a reputation like that? Dan and Robert discuss “Building A Great Reputation” from Colossians 1:3-8 on this episode of “Today With Jesus.”

He is mentioned some 80 times in just 95 verses in Colossians. There is no questioning the fact that Colossians emphasizes JESUS. Combatting false teachings from two fronts and seeking to encourage the faithful Christians in Colossae, Paul points the saints Jesus and demonstrates for Christians today that it’s all about Jesus!

On this, the season finale of Today With Jesus, Dan and Robert address three questions:

1. 1. “Several times prior to the establishment of the New Covenant via the shedding of Jesus’ blood on the cross, the Scriptures give examples of sins being forgiven. For example, in Leviticus, Moses repeats several times something along the lines of “and they shall be forgiven” or “and he will be forgiven” (Lev. 4, 5, 6, 19). When Isaiah had his great vision of God in His throne room in heaven, an angel flew to him with a burning coal and touched Isaiah’s lips and said “… your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” (Isaiah 6:6-7) Furthermore, when John the Immerser was preparing the way for the Messiah, he proclaimed “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (Luke 3:3) My question is: When were these sins forgiven? Were they “rolled forward” to the cross (like I’ve heard my entire life) or were they forgiven at that very moment when the condition for forgiveness was met?”
   2. “Can you elaborate and explore holidays? I grew up in the church and we never celebrated Halloween, Christmas etc.”
   3. “My question is one that I’ve had for a couple years that goes back to a good Bible class where we were discussing examples vs. expediencies. What would Jesus say about the church owning the buildings where we gather to worship? Tangentially, what do you think Jesus would say about our tendency to have a building-based focus in what we do today?  It isn’t fair to say I’m struggling with church ownership of buildings / properties, but I do struggle with our consistency with the motto of “speaking where the Bible speaks, and being silent where the Bible is silent”.  I think the building/property ownership may be speaking where the Bible is silent and would love your thoughts and opinions on the matter.   Please let me know if I can add additional clarification or elaboration to my question above.   I appreciate the Ministry that you have built with this (and the other Light Network) podcasts.  You are doing a great work in continuing to push us towards Jesus as revealed in the Bible.”

Dan and Robert address three questions submitted by listeners:

1. 1. “I just listened to your lesson about struggling with contentment. It was a blessing to me. However, I am struggling with contentment, not contentment with money or possessions. I am struggling with finding contentment since I lost my husband of 35 years. I just can’t find peace since he is gone.”
   2. “Hey guys been thinking about this question and would love to hear it on your podcast, are we allowed to protect our family with guns if someone broke into our house, I am in a gun state and have guns but I feel conflicted because I feel that god would rather us to turn the other cheek vs Harm someone to protect our wives and kids, would love to see you guys break this down! You guys have helped me grow my Faith and thanks for this podcast!”
   3. “What would Jesus say about benefiting from another’s harm? I have been presented by a preacher and elder from a congregation this concept which has far reaching consequences if it is Scriptural. He uses Luke 6:31 as the main point to show benefiting from another’s harm is sinful.”

On this episode of Today With Jesus, Robert and Dan answer this listener-submitted question:

• What does Jesus say about God’s love? Does God love everyone? What about Malachi 1:3?