PHILIPPIANS & COLOSSIANS

I just finished one cup of coffee and I am on my second as I do my typing today.  Today is Friday.  Good Friday!  Not the day that Christ was crucified, for that was on Wednesday.  He was in the tomb Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and rose from the tomb on Sunday.  (three days and nights) I am reading in Philippians and Colossians, and here are a few thoughts: 1) THREE PEOPLES IN CHURCH- Philippians 1:1, reminds us that there are two offices in a local church and three groups of people.  "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of the Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:"  The three are these the saints (God's people, the members of that Church), the bishops (the pastors throughout Philippi), and the deacons (those set aside to help the Pastors in their work for Christ and the Church).  Baptist hold to this, because this is just what the Bible teaches.  Stick to the Book! 2) DO!  Philippians 4:9 says:  "Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do:  and the God of peace shall be with you."  There is a reason we learn, and receive and hear and see.... it is to do!  We need to be a group of Christians that do the work of God, not just learn about it.  Do the will of God, not just know it.  Exercise our spiritual gifts, not just discern what they are.  Share the Gospel, not just know how to do so.  Do! 3) GOD LETS PEOPLE KNOW- How about the heathen that have never heard?  Well, in many places the Word of God is careful to tell us that God has let them know something of which they can respond to.  Colossians 1:23 says:  "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;"  God tells us here that the Gospel was preached to every creature which is under heaven.  Praise the LORD!!  God has a plan that is perfect and settles every question raised by some doubting mind.  God sees to it that His message gets out!  Let us do our part in doing so. Well, I hope you have a great day!  Blessings on you dear friend.  Pastor Mike Mutchler