See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. – Colossians 2:8
Recently, the persecutions of Christians in Nigeria have become more frequent and extensive. This serves as a reminder to fellow believers around the world to pray for these saints and to mourn with those who have experienced the loss of their families, their churches, and any sense of calm or peace in their homeland. You do not know them, but those who are one in Christ should lift their brothers and sisters in prayer.
When Paul sent a letter to the Colossians, he wrote as one who had never met them. The church was established when Epaphras, who had heard the Gospel preached by Paul in Ephesus, took the Good News back to his hometown. Paul now heard that false teachers were in their midst teaching philosophies contrary to Christ, deceiving them with man-made regulations. His concern as a fellow Christian drew him to write of the totality of Christ in this letter. Nothing and no one else is needed. In Jesus, the hope of heaven resides.
Paul’s letter contains some of the most Christ-centered writing you will find. In the first chapter alone, Jesus is identified as the image of the invisible God, Creator of all things, the Head of the Church, and Redeemer for all (Colossians 1:9-18). In Christ “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). The truth in Christ is sufficient.
Today, deceptions come in all forms. Reject anything contrary to God’s Holy Word. Know the truth.
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