Standing Firm
Colossians 2:1-5
My heart goes out to so many who seem to have a difficult time “standing firm” for their faith in Jesus. To publicly & unashamedly say, “Yes, I am a follower of Jesus Christ.” Do you ever feel the pressure that comes with trying to stand resolute in a world that is very cynical and aggressive toward Christianity?
One thing each of us must acknowledge (even if we don’t like it) is that we are living in very different times for people of faith. I realize that many of us want to look at the problems and say, “well it is a simple as…” and we ascribe our solution to the situation. Let me just say, “I wish it were as simple as many of you say…” but it simply is not that simple.
To stand firm as a follower means standing firm in the face of constant resistance and there is little to no rest or peace. For just a moment think about the constant bombardment that people endure from many sources that try to get them to question the validity of Christ’s teachings.
These are just a few of the sources of pressure that daily pound away at the claims of Christianity. And unfortunately, they have been very effective.
Did you know that 70% of young people today turn away from their Christian upbringing by the time they are 22 years old? George Barna estimates that 80 percent of those reared in church will be “disengaged” by the time they are 29 years old… and they are unlikely to seek out alternative forms of Christian community like house churches or home groups.
Three weeks ago, I reconnected with an old friend from high school on Facebook. Brian was a great friend and we hung out all the time. We played football and basketball together, even attended each other’s churches since we both grew up under the influence of Christian parents. I can remember discussing matters of faith with Brian. After we reconnected on FB he noticed that I was a pastor and he begin to ask me questions. First about Bible questions that he had a difficult time resolving (specifically O.T. questions). What I noticed was that with each exchange he got more aggressive and more demeaning. Finally, he just said… “I don’t understand how you can promote Christianity. What has it done for society except promote hate, bigotry and division?” He then explained that these are the very reasons he is an atheist.
Of course, I responded back to Brian and told him that Christians have done more to promote love and healing in our world than any other group of people; that though Christians are not perfect, the teachings of Christ are… and when we actually obey Christ’s teachings it actually impacts our world positively. It is because of Christ’s teachings that we have hospitals, orphanages, disaster relief units, and even universities.
But his question was timely… because it reminded me of Isaiah 5:20 that describes a time when people will call “evil good and good evil.” In context, this exchange happened not long after I learned about the beheadings of Christians in Iraq who would not convert to Islam and I thought how ironic it is that in our world that those who behead Christian children in Mosul are called peace loving and those who run hospitals, orphanages, assist the hurting after natural disasters are called hateful, divisive, and bad for society.
Okay, so let me encourage you with some good news. Here it is… Christians have always had to stand firm in the face of opposition. I know you are thinking, “with good news like that who needs bad news?” I get it. But it is good news! It is good news because it reminds us that standing firm is not an impossible assignment. That as Christians of yesteryear stood strong in the face of opposition that we too can stand firm in the face of our cynics. But it is also good news because we can learn from their examples and apply the principles they used.
So let’s spend the rest of our time looking at the counsel that Paul gives to the Colossians. Now as you remember, they too were dealing with some oppression. They lived in a world where they were maligned for their faith in Christ. They lived in a world were they contended with the teachings of the Gnostics who claimed a special knowledge… a knowledge that was only available for the elite.
So Paul, out of love for these people who he has never met, reaches out with this letter to encourage them in their journey. Paul’s love is evident… his feelings for them have motivated him to labor on their behalf… even though they had never met. “For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face,” (Colossians 2:1 ESV)
Paul knows their struggle and can certainly identify with their hardships. I’m sure Paul even knows the temptation to want to fit in, or the temptation to recant on his beliefs and teachings. I mean let’s face it. If Satan, were bold enough to tempt Christ then what would make us think that Paul, or any of us would be beyond temptation.
So in love, in the spirit of encouragement Paul reaches out to these believers to share some counsel that will help them to stand firm during difficult times.
“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” (Colossians 2:1-5 ESV)
Firm Foundations Are Built Through Christ Centered Relationships
Notice the phrase in verse 2 “being knit together in love,” (Colossians 2:2 ESV)
Relationships with other believers are important. And when we first read this passage we almost walk away with the idea that the focus of Paul’s thought is the love that we have for each other. Clearly Paul is referencing our relationships but his focus is NOT on OUR love for each other. I know you might think that doesn’t make sense but when you really think about it… it makes total sense. And the reason it makes sense is because we are human and, guess what?… sometimes we don’t love each other perfectly. That is part of the human condition.
What Paul is referencing here is Christ’s love. It is Christ’s love for the believer that provides the basis for Christian unity. It is like we talked about a couple of weeks ago. The more that we grow in Christ’s love the more HIS love draws us together.
This phrase clearly challenges us on our focus. Because let’s face it, when it comes to relationships, all to often our focus is on other humans (people) and not on Christ. We evaluate other people to see if we like them or not. We examine their actions, words, the way they dress, the things (outside of faith) that we have in common. Are we the same age? Are our children the same age? Are we at the same stage in life? Do we have common hobbies? And these things become the foundation of our “Christian bonds.”
When we think about it… most people in church think Christian fellowship is about people with common interests getting together to eat. Friends, I love you and because I love you I have to tell you that isn’t Christian fellowship. Fellowship is when believers who focus on loving God come together to encourage others believers in their walk with God. In other words, the biblical approach to fellowship is not wasting time on celebrating things with no eternal value. Biblical fellowship is celebrating the eternal and encouraging one another to pursue Godliness.
Can’t you see how that type of relationship will help you stand firm whenever you feel like it would be easier to compromise? Christ centered relationships will help establish you in faith and provide for you the support you need during difficulties.
Let’s look at how the Bible explains the effect of Christ Centered Relationships.
Acts 2:42-44 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common.”
1 Thess 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Ephesians 4:12-14 “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.”
When relationships focus on the pursuit of Christ then believers will develop a foundation that helps them to stand firm in the face of temptation.
Let me ask you to think about your “Christian Fellowship.” Do your relationships focus on building you up in Christ? Do they focus on helping you to know Christ? Or do you simply pass time with others with whom you share common interests?
Earthly common interests do not produce a strong bond between believers. Healthy Christian relationships are achieved whenever we focus on Christ and not each other, and as we all grow closer to Christ, Christ then becomes the bond that “knits us together in unity.”
So let’s evaluate the focus and the result of our current relationships. If our current relationships are centered on common earthly interests, disappointments, aggravations, enemies, hobbies, ages then perhaps it is time to reboot those relationships, and insist that they first and foremost be Christ centered. As you focus on Christ and build one another up in Christ… you will have a stronger bond than you could ever imagine, a bond that will help you to stand firm.
Firm Foundations Are Built By Knowing Christ
Now Paul understands that spiritual growth is not done in a vacuum. Believers need each other, and our loving relationships would motivate us to grow in our understanding of the “all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ,” (Colossians 2:2 ESV)
“Riches” is a unique word to use… it actually refers to “informed convictions” that enable us to understand the difference between what is true and what is false. Remember what they are dealing with on a daily basis. A group of GNOSTICS who taught that they had special knowledge about truth and only an elite group of individuals would ever be able to know the truth they taught.
But Paul teaches them that true knowledge, a knowledge that transforms lives isn’t found in Philosophies of the world but rather in the Person of Christ. And here we have the difference between Gnosticism and Christianity. For Gnostics knowledge was the end in itself. But you know, you really have to beware of that because the Bible teaches us that “knowledge puffs up” 1 Corinthians 8:1
However, in Christianity the ultimate goal isn’t knowledge but rather a relationship with Christ. Knowledge isn’t the end… Christ is! Christ is supreme and preeminent! And therefore, our chief ambition is to know the person of Christ, not simply information about Him.
And the really Good News is that all believers have access to Christ. No one is cut off. Christ is not reserved for a certain, elite group of individuals. And because we have access to Him we also have access to knowledge and wisdom. You see, Christ is divine and therefore in Christ we have the ability to apprehend truth. That is what knowledge is… apprehending truth. But it doesn’t stop there! You see, in Christ not only can we apprehend truth but in Christ we also can apply truth properly. The application of truth is Wisdom!
This is an amazing truth for us to understand today. Paul is literally telling them that Christ (not the philosophies of man) is all they need. If they lack knowledge then pursue Christ! And if they need to know how to apply truth, then pursue Christ. What we have to understand and come to grips with is that Christ is the Goal! Knowing Christ… walking with Christ is the source of true knowledge and wisdom. And the good news is that all followers of Christ have access to Him.
The result: Paul lays it out pretty plainly for us in verses 4 & 5.
“I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” (Colossians 2:4-5 ESV)
Simply put… the better we know Jesus, the more we will know truth and the better we will be able to stand firm in the face of temptation and in the face of persuasive arguments. Knowing Christ is the key to knowing truth and being able to stand against deception.
I know, I know… what I just said would seem foolish to the world. And Paul knows that too. In 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Paul basically says that the wisdom of God is foolishness to the world.
Now before we close, we have to discuss that little phrase “wisdom of God is foolishness to the world” because in that sentence we learn about the strategy of the deceiver and why he is so effective. You see secularists don’t like the wisdom of God because its focus is on God. God, and God alone, determines truth, establishes truth and reveals truth. And because God is the source and revealer of truth, many are turned off and pursue other philosophies because they target and play to the pride of man. Let’s face it, we feel powerful, intelligent, in control if we can determine truth and set the boundaries for right and wrong. This has been in the playbook for years and Satan keeps calling the play because it works.
Think about it…
Let’s be clear… these debates aren’t about academic liberty and credibility. These debates are about control, about ego. Man for centuries has wanted control in order to establish his own boundaries, to determine truth for himself, and to minimize the impact of the moral code that is taught in God’s Word. And let’s be a little more clear here… with each passing year that man turns a deaf ear to God, our world, our families, our society absorbs the negative impact of man’s pride and self reliance.
Conclusion
The people of Colosse had to learn that truth and persuasive arguments do not always go together. Just because something is persuasive doesn’t mean that it is true. And because they knew Christ… they were able to discern truth from error and they were able to stand firm in the face of deception. Paul rejoiced in their ability to stand and not compromise on the issue of Christ’s supremacy and deity.
I know that it is tough to stand firm sometimes. I know the pull to want to fit in. I know the desire to want to be seen as intelligent & enlightened. I know there is a strong pull that causes many believers in America today to compromise and not stand firm on the truth of who Jesus is, and what He did on our behalf.
To combat that temptation of compromise we must…
Colossians 2:1-5
My heart goes out to so many who seem to have a difficult time “standing firm” for their faith in Jesus. To publicly & unashamedly say, “Yes, I am a follower of Jesus Christ.” Do you ever feel the pressure that comes with trying to stand resolute in a world that is very cynical and aggressive toward Christianity?
One thing each of us must acknowledge (even if we don’t like it) is that we are living in very different times for people of faith. I realize that many of us want to look at the problems and say, “well it is a simple as…” and we ascribe our solution to the situation. Let me just say, “I wish it were as simple as many of you say…” but it simply is not that simple.
To stand firm as a follower means standing firm in the face of constant resistance and there is little to no rest or peace. For just a moment think about the constant bombardment that people endure from many sources that try to get them to question the validity of Christ’s teachings.
- Dealing with ever changing definitions. Tolerance now means acceptance & agreement. And intolerance means hate. Just because I don’t agree with you on a matter does not mean I hate you.
- Media influences are constantly portraying people with Christian values as out of step with society and antiquated. Let me ask you, “how is sex, solely within the relationship of marriage, bad for society?” I understand it may not be in lock step with society… but please, oh please, don’t tell me that it is bad for society. That is a ridiculous and baseless argument.
- Greed & Materialism are constant pressures that cause many to compromise.
- Pragmatism is a constant threat as we become more convinced that it doesn’t matter if what we are doing is ethical or moral as long as it produces the result we desire.
- Academia makes it difficult to stand firm as it continues to insist that theory is fact and it you don’t agree with their assessment than you are an idiot who should be pitied. Really? Have they forgotten that well respected scientists like, “Francis Bacon, Capernicus (who often referenced God), Kepler, Einstein all believed in God? And if you were to Google “scientists who believe in creationism” you would find a list of biologists, chemists, psychologist’s, physicists, microbiologists, paleontologists, anthropologists, botanists, astronomers, who all believe in a God who created the “heavens and the earth.”
These are just a few of the sources of pressure that daily pound away at the claims of Christianity. And unfortunately, they have been very effective.
Did you know that 70% of young people today turn away from their Christian upbringing by the time they are 22 years old? George Barna estimates that 80 percent of those reared in church will be “disengaged” by the time they are 29 years old… and they are unlikely to seek out alternative forms of Christian community like house churches or home groups.
Three weeks ago, I reconnected with an old friend from high school on Facebook. Brian was a great friend and we hung out all the time. We played football and basketball together, even attended each other’s churches since we both grew up under the influence of Christian parents. I can remember discussing matters of faith with Brian. After we reconnected on FB he noticed that I was a pastor and he begin to ask me questions. First about Bible questions that he had a difficult time resolving (specifically O.T. questions). What I noticed was that with each exchange he got more aggressive and more demeaning. Finally, he just said… “I don’t understand how you can promote Christianity. What has it done for society except promote hate, bigotry and division?” He then explained that these are the very reasons he is an atheist.
Of course, I responded back to Brian and told him that Christians have done more to promote love and healing in our world than any other group of people; that though Christians are not perfect, the teachings of Christ are… and when we actually obey Christ’s teachings it actually impacts our world positively. It is because of Christ’s teachings that we have hospitals, orphanages, disaster relief units, and even universities.
But his question was timely… because it reminded me of Isaiah 5:20 that describes a time when people will call “evil good and good evil.” In context, this exchange happened not long after I learned about the beheadings of Christians in Iraq who would not convert to Islam and I thought how ironic it is that in our world that those who behead Christian children in Mosul are called peace loving and those who run hospitals, orphanages, assist the hurting after natural disasters are called hateful, divisive, and bad for society.
Okay, so let me encourage you with some good news. Here it is… Christians have always had to stand firm in the face of opposition. I know you are thinking, “with good news like that who needs bad news?” I get it. But it is good news! It is good news because it reminds us that standing firm is not an impossible assignment. That as Christians of yesteryear stood strong in the face of opposition that we too can stand firm in the face of our cynics. But it is also good news because we can learn from their examples and apply the principles they used.
So let’s spend the rest of our time looking at the counsel that Paul gives to the Colossians. Now as you remember, they too were dealing with some oppression. They lived in a world where they were maligned for their faith in Christ. They lived in a world were they contended with the teachings of the Gnostics who claimed a special knowledge… a knowledge that was only available for the elite.
So Paul, out of love for these people who he has never met, reaches out with this letter to encourage them in their journey. Paul’s love is evident… his feelings for them have motivated him to labor on their behalf… even though they had never met. “For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face,” (Colossians 2:1 ESV)
Paul knows their struggle and can certainly identify with their hardships. I’m sure Paul even knows the temptation to want to fit in, or the temptation to recant on his beliefs and teachings. I mean let’s face it. If Satan, were bold enough to tempt Christ then what would make us think that Paul, or any of us would be beyond temptation.
So in love, in the spirit of encouragement Paul reaches out to these believers to share some counsel that will help them to stand firm during difficult times.
“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” (Colossians 2:1-5 ESV)
Firm Foundations Are Built Through Christ Centered Relationships
Notice the phrase in verse 2 “being knit together in love,” (Colossians 2:2 ESV)
Relationships with other believers are important. And when we first read this passage we almost walk away with the idea that the focus of Paul’s thought is the love that we have for each other. Clearly Paul is referencing our relationships but his focus is NOT on OUR love for each other. I know you might think that doesn’t make sense but when you really think about it… it makes total sense. And the reason it makes sense is because we are human and, guess what?… sometimes we don’t love each other perfectly. That is part of the human condition.
What Paul is referencing here is Christ’s love. It is Christ’s love for the believer that provides the basis for Christian unity. It is like we talked about a couple of weeks ago. The more that we grow in Christ’s love the more HIS love draws us together.
This phrase clearly challenges us on our focus. Because let’s face it, when it comes to relationships, all to often our focus is on other humans (people) and not on Christ. We evaluate other people to see if we like them or not. We examine their actions, words, the way they dress, the things (outside of faith) that we have in common. Are we the same age? Are our children the same age? Are we at the same stage in life? Do we have common hobbies? And these things become the foundation of our “Christian bonds.”
When we think about it… most people in church think Christian fellowship is about people with common interests getting together to eat. Friends, I love you and because I love you I have to tell you that isn’t Christian fellowship. Fellowship is when believers who focus on loving God come together to encourage others believers in their walk with God. In other words, the biblical approach to fellowship is not wasting time on celebrating things with no eternal value. Biblical fellowship is celebrating the eternal and encouraging one another to pursue Godliness.
Can’t you see how that type of relationship will help you stand firm whenever you feel like it would be easier to compromise? Christ centered relationships will help establish you in faith and provide for you the support you need during difficulties.
Let’s look at how the Bible explains the effect of Christ Centered Relationships.
Acts 2:42-44 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common.”
1 Thess 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Ephesians 4:12-14 “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.”
When relationships focus on the pursuit of Christ then believers will develop a foundation that helps them to stand firm in the face of temptation.
Let me ask you to think about your “Christian Fellowship.” Do your relationships focus on building you up in Christ? Do they focus on helping you to know Christ? Or do you simply pass time with others with whom you share common interests?
Earthly common interests do not produce a strong bond between believers. Healthy Christian relationships are achieved whenever we focus on Christ and not each other, and as we all grow closer to Christ, Christ then becomes the bond that “knits us together in unity.”
So let’s evaluate the focus and the result of our current relationships. If our current relationships are centered on common earthly interests, disappointments, aggravations, enemies, hobbies, ages then perhaps it is time to reboot those relationships, and insist that they first and foremost be Christ centered. As you focus on Christ and build one another up in Christ… you will have a stronger bond than you could ever imagine, a bond that will help you to stand firm.
Firm Foundations Are Built By Knowing Christ
Now Paul understands that spiritual growth is not done in a vacuum. Believers need each other, and our loving relationships would motivate us to grow in our understanding of the “all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ,” (Colossians 2:2 ESV)
“Riches” is a unique word to use… it actually refers to “informed convictions” that enable us to understand the difference between what is true and what is false. Remember what they are dealing with on a daily basis. A group of GNOSTICS who taught that they had special knowledge about truth and only an elite group of individuals would ever be able to know the truth they taught.
But Paul teaches them that true knowledge, a knowledge that transforms lives isn’t found in Philosophies of the world but rather in the Person of Christ. And here we have the difference between Gnosticism and Christianity. For Gnostics knowledge was the end in itself. But you know, you really have to beware of that because the Bible teaches us that “knowledge puffs up” 1 Corinthians 8:1
However, in Christianity the ultimate goal isn’t knowledge but rather a relationship with Christ. Knowledge isn’t the end… Christ is! Christ is supreme and preeminent! And therefore, our chief ambition is to know the person of Christ, not simply information about Him.
And the really Good News is that all believers have access to Christ. No one is cut off. Christ is not reserved for a certain, elite group of individuals. And because we have access to Him we also have access to knowledge and wisdom. You see, Christ is divine and therefore in Christ we have the ability to apprehend truth. That is what knowledge is… apprehending truth. But it doesn’t stop there! You see, in Christ not only can we apprehend truth but in Christ we also can apply truth properly. The application of truth is Wisdom!
This is an amazing truth for us to understand today. Paul is literally telling them that Christ (not the philosophies of man) is all they need. If they lack knowledge then pursue Christ! And if they need to know how to apply truth, then pursue Christ. What we have to understand and come to grips with is that Christ is the Goal! Knowing Christ… walking with Christ is the source of true knowledge and wisdom. And the good news is that all followers of Christ have access to Him.
The result: Paul lays it out pretty plainly for us in verses 4 & 5.
“I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” (Colossians 2:4-5 ESV)
Simply put… the better we know Jesus, the more we will know truth and the better we will be able to stand firm in the face of temptation and in the face of persuasive arguments. Knowing Christ is the key to knowing truth and being able to stand against deception.
I know, I know… what I just said would seem foolish to the world. And Paul knows that too. In 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Paul basically says that the wisdom of God is foolishness to the world.
Now before we close, we have to discuss that little phrase “wisdom of God is foolishness to the world” because in that sentence we learn about the strategy of the deceiver and why he is so effective. You see secularists don’t like the wisdom of God because its focus is on God. God, and God alone, determines truth, establishes truth and reveals truth. And because God is the source and revealer of truth, many are turned off and pursue other philosophies because they target and play to the pride of man. Let’s face it, we feel powerful, intelligent, in control if we can determine truth and set the boundaries for right and wrong. This has been in the playbook for years and Satan keeps calling the play because it works.
Think about it…
- Adam & Eve craved the knowledge of God and wanted to be as God.
- Today we debate what is true based on what is true in our sight… as if we have the ability to establish truth. People running all over the place proclaiming that all truth is relative and that there are no real absolute truths.
- Sometimes I just want to say, “Really?” What preschool did you flunk out of?
- The fact that the earth is rotating is an absolute truth. Gravity is an absolute truth.
- When someone says to me, “There are no absolute truths…” I just ask them if they are “absolutely” certain of that?
- I understand that some truth is relative… for example blue might be a better color for Melissa than me, so she could say that blue is the best color ever. That is her relative truth. But if everything is relative, then it would be ABSOLUTELY true that everything is relative. So saying everything is relative can’t be true.
- Evolutionists run around touting a theory as if it is fact whenever there are plenty of reputable scientists who continue to poke holes in the theory of evolution.
Let’s be clear… these debates aren’t about academic liberty and credibility. These debates are about control, about ego. Man for centuries has wanted control in order to establish his own boundaries, to determine truth for himself, and to minimize the impact of the moral code that is taught in God’s Word. And let’s be a little more clear here… with each passing year that man turns a deaf ear to God, our world, our families, our society absorbs the negative impact of man’s pride and self reliance.
Conclusion
The people of Colosse had to learn that truth and persuasive arguments do not always go together. Just because something is persuasive doesn’t mean that it is true. And because they knew Christ… they were able to discern truth from error and they were able to stand firm in the face of deception. Paul rejoiced in their ability to stand and not compromise on the issue of Christ’s supremacy and deity.
I know that it is tough to stand firm sometimes. I know the pull to want to fit in. I know the desire to want to be seen as intelligent & enlightened. I know there is a strong pull that causes many believers in America today to compromise and not stand firm on the truth of who Jesus is, and what He did on our behalf.
To combat that temptation of compromise we must…
- Develop healthy relationships that are centered on Christ.
- We must pursue KNOWING CHRIST… not just knowing about Christ.
