01/30/26 A TREASURE TROVE OF TRUTH

01/30/26 A TREASURE TROVE OF TRUTH

I re-read this passage recently and was amazed all over again. I hope you read it now. It is a great truth, a great reminder, a great encourager. It is also stunning in its overthrow of sinning religion. As I read it, I inserted a marker (*) next to comments that declare victorious Christian living over sin in this present evil age. I also thought about folks who don't believe in total deliverance from sin. Maybe they should read it and put a marker (x) next to comments with which they do not agree or comments they think are refuted or "explained away" by other passages in the New Testament.

Here is an example of what I am saying, using John 3:16

John 3:16 (my response)
16 For God so loved (*) the world (*), that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever (*) believeth (*) in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16 (sinning religion's response)
16 For God so loved (x) the world (x), that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever (x) believeth (x) in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Here is my response to the Colossian passage.
Colossians 1:9-23
9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you (*), and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will (*) in all wisdom (*) and spiritual understanding (*);
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord (*) unto all pleasing (*), being fruitful in every good work (*), and increasing in the knowledge of God (*);
11 Strengthened with all might (*), according to his glorious power (*), unto all patience (*) and (*) longsuffering with joyfulness (*) ;
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet (*) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light (*):
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness (*), and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son (*):
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood (*), even the forgiveness of sins (*):
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross (*), by him to reconcile all things unto himself (*); by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (*)
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy (*) and unblameable (*) and unreproveable (*) in his sight:
23 If ye continue (*) in the faith grounded and settled (*), and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel (*), which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;