Quote from Forum Archives on November 14, 2002, 3:01 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

Neil Anderson has been writing a series of messages this week
that are useful. He entitled his message from Wednesday,
"Complete in Christ". My friends, that is so true, we are really
only complete when we completely place our hope and trust in the
Living God. Yet, even saying that, so many of us fall back to
our own ways and means. I'd like to encourage each of you to
really read this message closely and think about how it may apply
to the situations in your life right now.

I'd also like to reiterate that I think it is important that we
set aside specific, regular time, and devote some attention to
reading, praying, thinking about scripture, and personally
worshipping God.

May God's Word be closely knit into the fabric of who we are, so
even at times when we find it difficult to sit down and study,
God's Word will be imprinted deep within us. I also pray that
each of us would privately respond to God and give Him first
place in all that we think, say, and do.

Your Brother in Christ, Brian

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____________________________

N E I L A N D E R S O N D A I L Y D E V O T I O N A L
from Freedom in Christ Ministries

November 13, 2002

COMPLETE IN CHRIST

In Him you have been made complete (Colossians 2:10).

Colossians 2:6-10 reveals three levels in our relationship with
Christ. If we are going to present every believer complete in
Christ (Colossians 1:28), our discipleship must acknowledge the
following order.

Level One ensures that our identity is firmly rooted in Him. This
entails:

* Leading individuals to Christ and directing them to their
scriptural assurance of salvation;

* Guiding them to a true knowledge of God and who they are in
Christ;

* Helping them see the ways they are still playing God or
rebelling against God's authority;

* Breaking down their defenses against rejection by accepting
and affirming them.

Level Two deals with the issue of maturity in Christ, which Paul
alluded to as "being built up in Him" (verse 7). The second level
of discipleship is to accept God's goal of sanctification and
grow in Christlikeness. This entails:

* Helping people learn to walk by the Spirit and by faith;

* Helping them get off the emotional roller coaster by
focusing their thoughts on God instead of their
circumstances;

* Encouraging them to develop self-control;

* Challenging them to resolve personal problems by forgiving
others and seeking forgiveness.

Level Three reflects the issue of our daily walk in Christ, which
is possible when our identity and maturity are in Christ. The
third level of discipleship is to help believers live responsibly
in Christ in their homes, on their jobs, and in society. The
effective Christian walk involves the proper exercise of
spiritual gifts, talents, and intellect in serving others and
being a positive witness in the world.

Lord, I desire to be firmly rooted and built up in Christ today
so I may walk in Him.

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Crosswalk.com. It is written by Neil Anderson at
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< www.crosswalk.com/faith/devotionals/>.
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--
Brian Masinick, mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

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