Colossians 4:3-4   Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: ⁴  That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Paul’s prayer

      Paul asked the believers at Colossae to pray for him that God would open doors for him to give his testimony and share the gospel with many others. Paul knew from experience that it was the Lord Who opened doors for him (2 Cor 2:12). The purpose of an open door is to enable us to preach/testify of the gospel and to speak the mystery of God to those who do not know or have never heard. In the Revelation, John writes that it is the Lord who opens and closes doors (Rev 3:7). Paul indicates that door of opportunity are answers to prayer, not human devices.

Criteria for open doors

      Jesus told the church of Philadelphia that there were three criteria that brought about the open door by the Lord (Rev 3:8).

1) Thou hast a little strength – it is not through our

(1 Th 5:18)  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 

      This command seems too difficult for us today who live in the prosperity of God’s blessings upon us. We are too often complainers and whiners; not people who give thanks – especially “in everything!” I have heard people say that God does not really want or expect us to fulfill this verse literally – He is just expressing an exaggeration. But God does expect this of us just as He expected it from others in the past and, might I add, who did just that.

      Thanksgiving is one of those purely religious holidays that the world tries to ignore, by-pass or exploit. But it exists today established by former generations as a wholly religious and spiritual day. It is to be a day of giving thanks to God for His blessings, protection and sustaining grace upon our nation and its people.

      We do not give thanks in everything today because we have been beguiled by liberal politicians and media to believe that we really deserve all the “free stuff” the government hands out to so many. We

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Man of faith

      Noah is listed with the hall of famers who were noted for their faith. Noah faced a huge task in building the ark in a day of no electricity or power tools. He also had faith to believe God that it would rain when it had never rained before that time (Gen 2:5-6). He probably had to coin a new word that meant water coming down from the sky. Noah had faith in God to believe in something that God told him without being explained in detail.

      Noah accepted the program of God and the details of the great ship he was to build. We know little about Noah’s occupation. It may be assumed that he knew something about carpentry and working with wood. The task was very great, but there is no indication that he complained or questioned God over it.

Man of God

      Through

John 3:1-2  There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
²  The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

The background

     This may have been the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. He enters Jerusalem at the feast of Passover and enters the temple and thrusts out those who bought and sold (Jn 2:13-16). The Pharisees ask for a sign for His actions and He responded about destroying His body and He will raise it up in three days. Upon His entry into Jerusalem a number made profession of belief in Him but Jesus would not make any commitment to them because they were only superficial. Among those who witnessed these events was probably Nicodemus.

Nicodemas

      The first two verses of chapter three tells us a few things about him.

1. He was a Pharisee. Today we have a bad view of them because of Jesus’ denouncing them and their ways. But they were the religious and respected class of people

Exodus 3:13-14  And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? ¹⁴  And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

Three primary names:

      There are multiple names for God but they are usually a combination of the three primary names for God. Those names are: Elohim, Jehovah and Adonai.

      Elohim -- means “Mighty One” and is a uni-plural name. It is plural in form but singular in meaning and verb usage, suggesting the uni-plural nature of the triune Godhead, appearing in most English translations as “God”. It is most often used when worldwide events or attributes are discussed, including creation, judgment, sovereignty, transcendence and salvation.

      Jehovah – means “the self-existing One”, and appears as LORD in English translations. It stresses God’s holiness, nearness, and concern for man, hatred of sin, love of sinners and His revelatory nature and

Exodus 3:1-4  Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. ²  And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. ³  And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. ⁴  And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.

A goodly child:

     When Moses was born his mother must’ve had a sense of God’s hand upon her because the word says, “she saw he was a goodly child”. Goodly means: pleasant, of a higher nature. In Heb 11:23 it says he was a proper child. Proper means: of the city; of polished manners. His parents hid him from Pharaoh for three months and then placed him

Philippians 4:5  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

What is moderation?

      When we say the word moderation we usually think of restraint in areas of living such as food, work, exercise and numerous other activities. But the word means more properly seeming suitable, equitable, fair mild and gentle. In 1 Tim 3:3 it is translated patient and in Titus 3:2 it is translated gentle. In James 3:17 it is given a broad sweeping definition of wisdom that is from above translating as gentle. All these give us the idea of fair and equitable.

      While restraint in our daily living is important and necessary for our physical well being, the moderation Paul speaks about is related to our character in our spiritual nature and important in our soul wellness.

Three aspects:

      Our moderation (gentleness, fairness and equitableness) are an important part of our spiritual make up or make over. Prior to salvation/sanctification we may not exhibit these qualities, but they are part of our spiritual nature subsequent to conversion. Many people are fair and equitable  and even gentle before conversion, but this quality is something God

Colossians 2:7

Establishing roots:

            When a seed fall into the ground there have to be favorable conditions for it to begin a root system. There must be a certain amount of moisture, good soil and sun light. There must also be needed nutrients in the ground as well for it to continue. Jesus gave the parable of the sower and seed and told us what it is that prevents people from becoming established – no interest, shallow soil and too much involvement in the world. Jeremiah and Hosea tell us that we need to break up the fallow ground and seek the Lord (Jer 4:3; Hos 10:12). Breaking up the ground allows moisture to soak down around the roots and also breaks up hindrances to good growth.

          The things that make for good roots are:

1. Love (Eph 3:17-19). The Scripture tells us to have love for God, His word and the brethren. Jesus said that love for God is the greatest command and loving our neighbor is the second greatest command. Paul tells us that love is the greatest gift and even though we may have multiple other gifts and abilities yet if we

John 15:26-27  But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
²⁷  And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

Necessity of the Holy Spirit:

Some Christians over emphasize the work of the Spirit and others under emphasize His work and ministry. Scripturally speaking no one can be saved without the work of the Spirit (Jn 6:44; Jn 3:3, 5-8; Tit 3:5). He is constantly working in the lives of God’s children to bring them into the likeness of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. He is in the world and also works in the lives and on the lives of the unconverted.

His ministry to the world:

            Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would act upon the world in a three-fold manner (Jn 16:8-11). Reprove means to convince, bring to light; the suggestion of bringing shame to one exposed; to expose a fault. He acts as God’s Agent to draw us into a personal consciousness of our sin, Christ’s righteousness and the absolute certainty of

Philippians 4:6-7  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. ⁷  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Happiness and joy

            God does not want His children to be mule faced about serving Him. It is also Paul’s desire for us to be rejoicing in our Christian experience (Phil 4:4). We often see this theme in the New Testament teachings – exhortations to be overcomers. Even in the Old Testament passages speak of overcoming circumstances through God (Psa 3:5; 4:8). People do not want to hear what we have to say about our faith if it does not keep us through the difficult times of life. Do we get stressed out? Can we sleep well? Is the joy of the Lord our strength?

Paul’s exhortation

      Be careful for nothing – don’t be anxious or full of care. It means anxiety or harassing care, nervous solicitude, brooding over the matter. Jesus taught that we are not to take thought for certain items. It has the same meaning as

1 Corinthians 2:16   For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

The mind of man

      The Bible mentions several aspects of the mind – reprobate mind (Ro 1:28), carnal mind (Ro 8:7) and a defiled mind (Tit 1:15). It speaks of those who “walk in the vanity of their mind” and “blindness of the mind” (Eph 4:17-18).

      When a person is born again he/she becomes a new creature in Christ and begins the work and life of renewing their mind so that they might not follow the world’s way of living (Ro 12:1-2).

Knowing the mind of the Lord

      Paul echoed the same thing in Ro 11:34 probably quoting from Isa 40:13 when he wrote it. It is an interesting question very much different from us today who can literally know what another is thinking – husbands and wives.

      There are many aspects to God’s infinite mind, but the key is undoubtedly the attribute of sacrificial love (Phil 2:5-6, 8). So following His example we should be of

1 Timothy 6:11  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Man or woman of God:

      The expression “man of God” appears 78 times in the Bible with only two occurrences in the New Testament, both of these are by Paul to Timothy the other being in 2 Timothy 3:17.  In the Old Testament it is used often of prophets or those sent by God for His work. Sometimes they are named and other times they are simply called the man of God. The first occurrence is in reference to Moses (Deut. 33:1) and often throughout the Old Testament he is called man of God. David is called man of God in Neh 12:24. In Judges when an angel appears to Manoah and his wife about Samson, he is called a man of God.

Qualities of a man or woman of God:

            Moses being called a man of God was a great leader and the law giver to Israel. He was also said to be the meekest man (Num 12:3). David being called a man of God is said to be

John 5:1-5  After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
²  Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. ³  In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. ⁴  For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. ⁵  And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

Pool of healing:

     The pool was called Bethesda or House of Mercy, a place where sheep were probably kept and where the impotent gathered in hope of receiving a healing. None of those around this pool would be permitted to attend the worship at the temple because of their sickness, disease or whatever their physical impotency was with which they were afflicted. Some versions do not include this verse saying that certain manuscripts do not include it and feel that it was added as an

John 14:5  Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

Uncertain times:

      We live in very uncertain times; financial uncertainties, unrest, spiritual lethargy, fake news  and compromise, ecclesiastical apostasy, political turmoil and etc. As the song writer expressed it, days are filled with worry and care, hearts are lonely and drear . . . but he goes on to say, burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is always near. Some may even get to the point of doubting Scripture and even their own experience.

      When Jesus began talking to His disciples about His forth coming crucifixion and death, they were troubled. And when Jesus told them that they knew where He was going and they also knew the way, Thomas told Him how can we know the way (Jn 14:1-5). Jesus responded with the certainty that they needed – He was/is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

The Way:

      In the world there is a severe push to make the way to heaven into many ways to heaven. The compromise of the church from a beacon of light and call to repentance

Philippians 4:10-12 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. ¹¹  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. ¹²   I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Paul’s thanks to the Philippians:

     When Paul expresses his thanks to the Philippians, he does so in such a way that shows his appreciation for the gift, but also his dependence upon God and not the gifts.  He tells them in such a way that he was not sitting waiting for their support or wondering why they had not sent anything prior to it. He wants them to know how grateful he is but also that his happiness is not dependent upon it.

      Paul said that he learned to be content – independent of circumstance, or conditions or surroundings; having sufficiency in oneself. Paul had

Psalm 9:10   And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

Knowing the name of the Lord:

      God’s names are important, for they tell us about Him and His relationship to us and all of mankind. When Mary proclaimed, “God my Savior”, she was not only referencing Jesus as God, but also acknowledging that God is our Savior. There was not a struggle to persuade God to save mankind by Jesus and the Holy Spirit. God loves His creation and desires that all come to Him in repentance (2 Pet 3:9). To Isaiah, God announced His name (Isa 42:8) declaring He would not allow an idol to receive the glory belonging to Him.

 Jehovah is the most commonly known name for God, meaning the self existing One. He was before there was time or anything, He is presently and He will be eternally after this thing we know as time has vanished. (Rev 1:8, 11; 21:6; Isa 41:4). God was here before there was anything and He will be here after all is gone. There is none like

Matthew 7:1  Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Familiar maxim:

     Often we hear this verse quoted by unbelievers or carnal Christians when someone will say something about them, their actions, dress , etc. It is used as a rebuke to those whom they regard as intolerant to them or their ways. These are the words of Christ and they are given as a warning to the self-righteous condemnation of others with whom they disagree on the basis of superficial criteria.

Differing words:

      Matt 7:1 – krino:  ”to pass judgment; to sentence”

      1 Cor 2:15 – anakrino: “question; examine; evaluate”

      1 Cor 11:31 – diakrino: “make distinction; weigh thoroughly”

      Gal 6:4; 1 Jn 4:1 – dokimazo: “test; examine; interpret”

  2 Cor 13:5 – peirazo: “examine; to prove; to try”

Discerning and judging:

      The command of Jesus not to judge does not relieve us of our duty to be a discerning and examining people. We are to evaluate beliefs, actions and spirits in light of Scripture. Matt 10:16 is a directive from Jesus for us in this world of wickedness.

      It is important for us to know the difference

James 4:11-12  Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. ¹²  There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

Two types of sin:

     Christians commit two types of sin in the area of criticism – they are too harsh in criticizing others; and they get offended if they are criticized. Criticism can be good and/or bad. If it is designed to help a fellow Christian in their walk with the Lord, then it can be very beneficial. If it is too harsh or extreme and spoken in the wrong manner, it can become very bad, even sinful, because it enters into the realm of judging which only God is qualified to do.

Results of criticism:

            Criticism, even constructive, can generate resentment, quarreling and enmity. It can damage the character of the critic as much as the recipient. It can build walls between Christians (Prov 18:19) and cause divisions.

John 15:1-2   I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. ²  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Analogy from nature:

     While on the way to the garden where He will be taken captive and carried to the place of His death, Jesus gives instruction to the eleven disciples using nature and an Old Testament example to them. Jesus calls Himself the True Vine and the eleven and us branches growing out of the Vine.

      The disciples would have identified the vine as being representative of Israel from Old Testament passages (Isa 5:1-2, 7; Psa 80:8-9; Hos 10:1). Jesus used the adjective “True” of Himself as opposed to something that was false or untrue. Israel did not prove to be the true vine that God desired of them and they were disposed of being that desired vine (Matt 21:43). Jesus also used this adjective in other examples as well (Jn 1:9; 6:32; He 8:2). Paul used it to show us that we are to seek true holiness

Psalm 33:12  Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

          America was founded upon Christian principles and ideals. Although not all the Founding Fathers were Christian they were all God-fearing men and women. Some in recent years have tried to change history to tell us that they were all atheists and unfortunately there are those who actually believed this lie. The Fathers prayed for three hours before their congressional meetings, asking for divine help and guidance. If they were all atheists they would not pray at all let along for three hours.

          The Founding Fathers knew the text verse and its implications for our nation. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD. The word LORD is Jehovah, the great I AM of the Old Testament times and especially the God who met with Moses to bring Israel out of Egyptian bondage and into the Promised Land. They knew which religion was being expressed by this passage and what the implications of it were. They were convinced that the God of the Bible was being identified as the One who blesses any nation that