Colossians 1:18 (NIV) 'And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.'

We moved 20 times in 40 years and always attended church. We saw some conflicts in a few of those churches. It usually involved conflicts about how to 'run' the church, or some being dissatisfied with the leadership--usually the pastor. We even had one church close due to conflict between families. One church lost 2/3's of its members because the leadership started bring in children from the inner city who had never been to church a and acted like it. A few lost pastors, elders, and worship leaders due to scandals.

I only recall a few churches that made it clear that Jesus was the Head of the church and sought His will through Scripture to do His will. Only three churches paid attention to church discipline requirements.

My read on this is that while most churches would answer, 'Christ is the Head of the Church,' if asked, but that was not the case in practice.

Notice the last phrase, 'so than in everything he might have the supremacy.' Christ is to be supreme in the church. I think it really is that simple. Church conflict is inevitable. We had church conflict by Acts 5. Conflict has been with us in the church since it started. I think there would be less conflict if Christ was truly acknowledged as being the head of the church.

Blessings

FRANK

Colossians 1:13--14 (NIV) 'For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.'


I cannot think of a better message to the human race.

1. God brings us out of darkness.

2. God brings us into the kingdom of the Son He loves--Jesus

3. God redeems us from the market place of sin.

4. God forgives all of our sins.


Paul goes into the most exquisite teaching about this in Colossians 2:11---17. I can hardly wait to come to that part of my sharing. I am not smart or educated enough to do that scripture justice, so I hope some of you help me out when I get there. It is the most magnificent description of our comprehensive salvation that I have ever read. It is breathtaking. If my heart was not such an iceberg, I would shed tears of joy over this amazing salvation.

Blessings

FRANK

Colossians 1:6 (NIV) '.....All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth.'

Please don't be upset her. Reformers know God will save all those that He chooses. My church says as many who want to be saved will be saved when they put their faith in Jesus Christ.


I may be wrong here, but my understanding that compared to the worlds population, a very small percentage is becoming Christians.

I used to witness a great deal and my wife more. We were able to lead many to faith in Christ.

Paul could say in his day that the gospel was bearing fruit.

How is the church doing? How are you doing? I am not doing well at all!

Blessings


FRANK