In Christ Alone (1)

Dear friends,

To the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ who are found around the world. To my own countrymen as well as those in other nations, grace to you and peace from God our Father.

It has come to our knowledge that Mill House Ministries has been able to share the gospel to over 10 countries and hundreds of people. I give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. How amazing to know that the Church of our Lord and Savior Jesus is alive and eager for His word. Today’s post is part one in a two-part series dedicated to those who are eagerly awaiting the soon return of our Blessed Hope. Our foundational scripture is heavily based on the entire book of Colossians and should be read in its entirety. Much of what is stated today is directly taken from Paul in the book of Colossians.  

When Paul had heard that there were believers in Colossae and Laodicea, he was ecstatic, I can only believe that the excitement I have now is similar to his. I have never met you, however, my heart is eternally thankful for the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ with you. The honor to talk regarding the richness of Jesus to my fellow partakers in Christ is a humbling experience, and one I tend to not put to waste.

I want to encourage you to stay strong in the faith leaning not on your own understanding but fully on the Lord. I would urge you to not cease from praying and asking God that you be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. By doing this, we can walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. Do not fear the challenge of such a calling, because we are strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience. His joy is a foundation for us by allowing us to give thanks to the Father, who has qualified us through Jesus Christ to share in the inheritance of the saints. In short, God through His good will and power, can transform us into the very aspect of what we were designed for.

Even in today’s world we should be thankful for what He has done, for He rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son. This transfer is why we are considered Ambassadors in this world, we are not destined to stay but to be taken to God. Now many might be thinking this is crazy talk but think about it. God through His Son, Jesus Christ has come to not only rescue you and I from our own sin but from the clutches of this world. We do not belong here but with God. It is why when we die, we are to be present with the Lord. However, while we are alive on planet earth, let us present ourselves worthy to be called sons and daughters of God. We should be eager to love more, defend the innocent and strive to be represent the greatness of Jesus Christ to a fallen world.

We have a great example on how to act, for while He is God, Jesus Christ is also wholly man. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities all things have been created through Him and for Him. We can rest assured that He was before all things and because of Him all things are held together.

I know many right now are down trodden and saddened by the turn of events, we see Christian leadership fail and pastors continue to tickle the ears rather than speak the Truth of God. However, do not forget who the Head of Church is, lean on Jesus’s words, the very word of God is our daily sustenance. Remember because of the Father’s good will, Christ has been made first place in everything, and the fullness of us is to dwell in Him. Some might ask what this means, I would point you to the cross. Through Him all things who are found in Christ, we are reconciled through His blood on the cross to which peace is capable for us to reach. Do not lose hope in these days, for our fullness is not in the pastors, it is not in the church assembly, or the place you live, but rather in our Lord. As the late Ravi Zacharias once said, “what defines you as a person is not who you are but whose you are” we must be defined in who our fullness is guaranteed.

Jesus is the only person who can guarantee that remarkable promise, not any other religion or god, no other name but Jesus Christ can save us.

As Christians we can look in retrospect to our former deeds, these alienated us from God by being hostile in mind and engaging in evil. Yet He has now reconciled you and I in His fleshly body on the cross in order to present you and I before God, holy and blameless and beyond reproach.

I cannot encourage you enough to continue in your faith firmly established and not moving by what the world says but towards the gospel which brings us hope.

Just like Paul in Colossians, it is sad that we have not been able to meet face to face, however we will meet one day with our Lord. But until that day comes let us not forgo fellowship with one another in spirit. For we are one in Christ. Pray continuously for one another, encourage one another, and most importantly continue in the Word of God and keep your eyes focused on the Blessed Hope. I pray that your hearts may be encouraged with these words knowing that the fellowship we have in our Lord is stronger than any earthly ties.

However, I wish to warn you of a danger. This danger is prevalent in all Christian circles no matter where you call home. Let no one trick you with persuasive argument. See to it that no one takes you captive through lecture, the tradition of men, or their understanding. Rather be bonded together, which comes from the full assurance and understanding resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

In Him we are made complete. No traditions, no additional work, no religiosity, but Christ alone.

I would encourage you to not be troubled by the world’s governments and the rise of antichristian polices but rather know that He is the head over all, He has all rulership and all authority and one day every tongue will confess that He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Finally, in ending part one of this two part series allow me to push you to pray for one another, pray for us here at Mill House Ministries, that we might continue to help encourage, strengthen and alert you to what God would have us do. Remember each day is a blessing from the Lord, and it should not be taken lightly. Allow us to humble ourselves daily in God’s Word, eagerly asking that the Holy Spirit reveal to us what God has desired for us to know. God has not left us as orphans but rather He has given us the Spirit of God who teaches us all things and brings to us remembrance of all that God would have us know.

I end today on this, we here at Mill House Ministries are dedicated to the proclamation of the Word of God, and the encouragement of all believers to stay in the fight. However, if you are unsaved or not sure if you are saved, I cannot stress more strongly today is your day to come to Jesus Christ. For you are not good enough, and you cannot be good enough. However, in the acceptance of Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross for you, you can be made whole. Please do not continue your day unless you are certain of your relationship in Him. If you have questions, comments, or concerns please reach out to us here at Mill House Ministries and we would love to help answer any questions you might have.

 Hold until relieved, Our blessed Hope is coming

JL