Who Else Wants To Be A Part Of The World's Next Great Awakening? Part 1

 

 

Dear reader,

You are merely one revelation away from opening heaven and receiving everything for which you ask. Know that I fully respect your opinion regardless of your views on faith and religion. But if you are not seeing results like this, maybe it’s time to inspect your theology. Watch how your faith grows exponentially as I put the pieces of the puzzle together for you right before your eyes.  

This is how God revealed it to me after diligently seeking Him with prayer and fasting.  Your life is truly about to change forever; the same way God changed mine!  CAUTION:  If you fail to read sufficiently now, you will most likely NEVER see what you have been missing ALL your life.  

Some of this may sound familiar. But you must allow me to put all the familiar or not so familiar pieces together to show you the BIG picture.  Up to now, you have probably only seen pieces of the puzzle. Thus, the reason you are not fulfilled; you feel like God is far away; you feel like you are missing something; you wonder what life’s all about; and you feel like your prayers are going nowhere.  

Take heart!  Because you are about to see why you feel that way - that God is the one who designed you to feel that way - and is the very thing He uses to lead you on your way to Him.  And this article is another signpost pointing you in the right direction. 

Can you imagine having a constant line of open communication with the God of the universe...where you hold priority privileges to the audience of Almighty God Himself...where God is ever present to immediately hear and receive your call and give you direction, answers, and dispatch angels on your behalf...

Have you ever enjoyed this kind of privilege before?  This is exactly what the Holy Bible says is available to ANYONE who gives God priority privilege and access into their every affair (Jeremiah 33:3, Isaiah 65:24, Proverbs 3:5-6, Revelation 3:20 and more!).

Come to find out, the reason I never enjoyed this kind of access before has to do with the following verse I discovered in the Holy Bible.  Now, you may have never heard of the Holy Bible or believed it was valid; but you are about to, and even more so than most of the millions of people who read it every day.  

When that happens, don’t be surprised when the same Spirit of the living God that is in me, moves in you to share this life saving truth with as many people as you can as fast as God can help you.  The following is that verse where God says in Proverbs 8:17 –

“I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me diligently find Me.”

The problem:  Although my parents raised me in a Christian church — I attended church my whole life — I listened to hundreds of preachers from various Christian denominations — and heard thousands of sermons, I never understood how to love God. It sounds simple enough. But to love God the way the Bible says to love Him, seemed impossible.  And every Bible believer I knew told me it was impossible.

So, I just assumed that God understood that it was impossible for me to love Him the way He said to love Him in the Bible.  And, that He was content with me loving Him the best I knew how.  But to my utter dismay, God showed me that I was wrong!  

My dear reader, if you only knew what is in store for you, here in this series of posts, you would NOT stop reading until you learn what God showed me that I never understood before. 

This is true and verified, life transforming information that you cannot afford to allow to pass you by without taking advantage.  It will be worth your reading investment if you value an open heaven and two way communication with the very God of heaven!

This is that which moves my heart with compassion to reach out to people everywhere and say:  Oh, give me the privilege to bring you close to my God as I build for you a bridge of faith that will take you to Him!

Are you ready to feel the weight of the world, the guilt of your past, shame, stress, fear, emptiness, loneliness, and depression leave your body as the Spirit of the living God enters into you?  (Acts 2:38) (James 1:25) (John 8:36) 

Are you ready for the chains to break from that which holds you captive and renders you helpless to resist the nagging cravings, addictions, lusts, and evil desires of your flesh and body that the Holy Bible calls sin and leads to death?  (Romans 6:14-18) (Romans 8:13)

Are you ready to receive wisdom, knowledge, and joy?  (Ecclesiastes 2:26)

Are you ready to receive great peace where nothing offends you?  (Psalms 116:165)

Are you ready to receive blessings and be surrounded by God’s favor?  (Psalm 5:12)

Are you ready to receive riches, honor, and life? (Proverbs 22:4)

Are you ready for God to deliver you and sit you on high? (Psalm 91)

Are you ready for God to command His angels to always guard you? (Psalm 91:11)

Are you ready for God to start answering every time you pray? (Psalm 91:15)

Are you ready to be filled with God’s righteousness instead of your own? (Matthew 5:6)

Are you ready for God to supply all your needs?  (Philippians 4:19)

Are you ready for God to give you the desires of your heart?  (Proverbs 10:24)

Are you ready for God to do for you immeasurably more than you can even ask or imagine? (Ephesians 3:20)

The reality of these and many more promises being realized in your life are simply waiting on you to activate them.  How would you like for someone who knows exactly how to do that to show you how?  The truth is, you can learn as I have from the very same people who wrote these promises under the divine inspiration of the God who longs to bring these things into fruition in your life.

So, are you ready for a guide?

If so, then in the words of Steven Curtis Chapman:  Ready?  Let’s go!  Saddle up your horses.  We got a trail to blaze!  Through the wild blue yonder of God’s amazing grace.  Let’s follow our Leader into the glorious unknown.  This is life like no other.  This is the Great Adventure!

I shall grow your faith using nothing more than mere words written in God’s holy book; for this, as you will see, is the way God chose to set people free to live life abundantly.  When your eyes are open, follow me as I will disciple you in the battle for your soul.  

Once the Spirit of God sets you free, burn the ships of your old life of sin, and don’t ever look back. You will step into a new life and receive power to overcome!  But guard and hold onto your shield firmly, as many forces will try to take it from you.  

And remember, whatever you have to go through to get to the Father will be worth it.  Because nothing compares to the promise we have in Him!  May God find you worthy.

Now, my prayer for you:  Let God arise!  Let His enemies be scattered!  As I stand in the authority and in the name of the holy child Jesus, I command you Satan to release the mind of the reader!  Let the light of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ dispel the darkness of your past my friend, even as you take hold of the words of eternal Life.  

I invite you to come close to the eternal living God.  Let’s begin,

The Holy Bible is filled with thousands of prophecies (predictions of future events) and not one of them has failed to come to pass when it was supposed to, proving that the Holy Bible is a supernaturally inspired book. 

And the infamous, Jesus Christ/Yeshua Hammaschiach of Nazareth fulfilled more than 300 Bible prophecies concerning the first coming of the Messiah (the anointed one), which proves that Jesus Christ is God who inspired the Holy Bible that was written by 40 different holy men as they were moved by the Holy Spirit of God.   

2,000 years ago, in fulfillment of Bible prophecy, God who is all three in One (Father, Son/Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit), became as a man to live among us in the person of Jesus Christ – Hebrews 2:17.   

His life made such an impact, the world split time into AD (anno Domini is Medieval Latin and means “in the year of the Lord”) and BC (Before Christ). 

Jesus said in John 15:7 

 “If you abide in me and what I say abides in you, then ask for anything you want, and it will be yours.” 

Jesus said in John 14:12

“I tell you for certain that if you have faith in me, you will do the same things I am doing. You will do even greater things, now that I am going back to the Father.”

Jesus said in Matthew 21:22

"And all things, whatsoever you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive."

Now, let me show you how to unlock the power of these amazing promises and open a whole new world for you where God can take you far beyond your wildest dreams.  But know that there is a force that will try to stop you from completing this discipleship training.  If you quit, you may never learn what I believe I have received from the Lord.  

The short story of what you will learn from reading the Holy Bible is this: God’s top angel, Lucifer became lifted up with pride because of his position and convinced one third of the angels of God to rebel with him, in order that Lucifer might exalt his throne above the very God who created him. 

Of course, their coup d’ etat failed hard and fast. So, God banished them all (Lucifer/turned the devil and Satan and one third of the angels/turned demon minions) out of heaven – Revelation 12:4.

In fact, Jesus said in Luke 10:18 [I saw Satan fall like lightning.]  What a slam from heaven to earth, lightning fast!  You would have thought it would have knocked some sense into his head. But nah, it only made him worse.  Satan’s hatred toward God grew in all out revenge.  And his target now, is YOU!  

And if you didn’t know this, I implore you to keep reading for the sake of your eternal soul.  It is not by chance you are reading this right now.  Because, God also has His sights on YOU.  (2 Chronicles 16:9) (Proverbs 15:3) (1 Peter 3:12)

Psalm 33:9 says that God [Spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.]  In fact, Hebrews 11:3 says that God made everything that was made this way.  But, when it came to making you, Genesis 2:7 says [And the LORD God formed man (Adam) of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.]  

No doubt after making man, God said, “I can do better!” (smile). So, Genesis 2:22-23 says [Then the LORD God made a woman (Eve) from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.  The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.”]   

Now, here’s a sobering fact: Instead of immediately sending the fallen angels to a place the Bible says God prepared especially for them called hell (Matthew 25:41), God sent them of all places to earth first!  Most of them are still here!  Thus, all the chaos!  And they will NOT be banished to hell until after Jesus returns!  

So, please let me help you deal with these!  Please finish reading what I must tell you.  Because you are in danger with eternal consequence, more than you may ever know.  Even if you knew this, it is very likely that I can help you more than you can imagine.  

Because I will build a foundation, then add progressive revelation that you most likely have never seen before.  I GUARANTEE you that your faith will be much BIGGER by the time you read to the end of this series!

To continue the short story, God put the man and the woman in the beautiful Garden of Eden.  There God provided for them all kinds of trees from which to eat.  But God included a special tree called “Knowledge of Good and Evil,” and He told Adam not to eat from that tree lest he die. 

Here’s the problem: God created man with an eternal spirit housed in a physical body. So, to die meant separation from God. It also meant that the man’s body would start to grow old and perish. And the man’s spirit/soul would then depart to the place of the damned, which God originally prepared for the fallen angels called hell.

There is a silly debate over whether hell actually exists and whether or not the souls of the damned endure there in torment for eternity.  But only Satan would have you believe otherwise. I wished I could say it wasn’t true, but I will show you what the Bible clearly says about it. 

This is one of the things that makes the Holy Bible most compelling.  For example: This is what Jesus said about the man who betrayed Him: “It would have been better for him if he had not been born.”  – Matthew 26:24

So, the question is:  If that one tree of “Knowledge of Good and Evil” was so deadly, why would God place that tree in the garden with Adam?

Not only that, but God also put the devil/Satan in the garden to tempt Adam who persuaded him to eat of the forbidden tree causing Adam to die!

I know what you are probably thinking, but the story gets better.  

God said in Isaiah 46:10-12 [I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are now far from my righteousness.]

Being the only one who knows the future, God knew ahead of time that Adam would make a serious mistake.  And later you will learn that the consequence of this one sin would bring the curse of death upon the entire human race, which includes separation from God in that awful eternal place of torment called hell.

1 John 3:4 says [Everyone who sins breaks the law (of God); in fact, sin is lawlessness.]

1 Corinthians 15:56 says [The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.]

Romans 5:12 says [Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned] Yet, God did not stop the man from sinning, even though; God knew Adam’s mistake would damn all humanity — every single descendant of Adam including YOU and ME!

Mind you, God gave man a body that is given to lust.  Plus, God put the tempter, Satan in the garden with Adam who He knew would take advantage of the man’s weakness and tempt him to stir up all his lust.  But If you think about it, what better way to give the man an opportunity to show Father/God how much the man loved Him but by giving him choices?  

Because can you call it love without giving love a choice?  Nobody appreciates forced love. That is why forced love does not exist.  We give that a different name.  

And what better way to judge the strength of the man’s love but by providing him with options that vary in degrees of allurement, seduction, excitement, enticement, stimulation, and persuasion?  And I think you would agree that some temptations are more difficult to resist than others.  All of this in light of the fact that anything you love more than God is an idol, according to the Bible.

Know that the gospel is simply: {The good news about Jesus Christ, His coming Kingdom when Jesus returns to live with mankind forever, and it’s about salvation for man.  It is the promise that God would become a man through the bloodline of Eve, Abraham, and David and be born of a virgin (Mary’s egg combined with the seed of God.)  And, whereas every man has broken at least one of the laws of God and are eternally damned for it, Jesus came 2,000 years ago and lived His entire life free from sin, to satisfy all the demands of perfection for us.  

Then, He removed the sins of the world and the curse of death off humanity and placed them on Himself and “allowed” Himself to suffer the wrath of God for sin and was brutally crucified by the Romans.  They buried Him in a tomb.  Then, on the third day, He raised His own body from the grave!   Because He can.  (John 10:18)

Afterwards, He showed Himself to all his remaining disciples and appeared to over 500 people at once showing them many infallible proofs that He was alive again.  And, His disciples watched Jesus ascend up into heaven where He now sits on the throne of God.  

Afterwards, the disciples of Jesus who were hiding in fear of suffering a brutal death as their crucified Lord, lived the rest of their lives traveling everywhere boldly proclaiming the good news of the gospel of Jesus, after seeing their Lord rise from the dead and ascend into heaven. 

And they were compelled to risk all kinds of danger to warn others to flee the wrath of God by turning from sin and accepting God’s gift of salvation. They suffered all kinds of persecution.  After they recovered, they would go right back to preaching the gospel.  And nobody is going to endure that much suffering to promote what they know to be a lie.

In the end, they were all tortured and killed for simply sharing the good news about Jesus Christ, but not until each of them fulfilled their God given destiny. All but maybe John, who they tried to boil to death but supernaturally survived and lived on to write the book of Revelation while exiled on the Isle of Patmos.

This is the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ that Jesus commanded all His followers to proclaim to everybody throughout the world.  Because, as you will see, preaching the gospel is the method God chose to save humanity from sin and hell (1 Corinthians 1:21).  

And this is only the beginning of your journey!  I have so much more to tell you.

CAUTION:  If you fail to read sufficiently now, you will most likely NEVER see what you have been missing ALL your life.   

Please advance to Part 2 by clicking on "Older Posts" below or the right arrow button.

Watch the short music video at the bottom of each page to enhance your experience.  Click on the video below.

Scriptures in theme:

1 Kings 19:21 "So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant."

Mark 6:7 "He called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits."

Matthew 14:21,22  "Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat ... preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat ... and followed him.

Romans 15:19-21 "Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; ...I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, NOT where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:  But as it is written, To whom He was NOT spoken of, they shall see: and they that have NOT heard shall understand." - Paul

Philippians 4:9: "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." - Paul

1 Corinthians 11:1 "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. - Paul

Matthew 10:37 "Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." --- Jesus

Matthew 19:29  "EVERYONE who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life." -- Jesus

Wow!  100 times as much!  What an incredible incentive!  Plus, ETERNAL LIFE!  So, not only will we escape hell for following Jesus, it comes with a huge payoff!

Matthew 28:20 "And surely I am with YOU ALWAYS, to the very end of the age.” ---- Jesus

Live in Light of the Gospel

 

  

To hear the audio version 

of this message click here.

It is time to begin our session.

Welcome everyone to today’s Bible study.

The title of our lesson today is: Live in Light of the Gospel

Introduction

As we come to the final chapter of Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we find in verses 1 through 6 a powerful and practical guide for Christian living. These six verses are packed with timeless wisdom for how we are to conduct ourselves in our relationships, in our spiritual walk, and in our witness to the world.

As we study Colossians 4:1–6 together, let us ask ourselves:

How do we treat others when we are in positions of influence?

Is our prayer life alive, watchful, and filled with thanksgiving?

Are we using every opportunity to represent Christ with wisdom and grace?

May this lesson not only inform our minds but also transform our hearts and shape our daily conduct as we strive to live for Jesus in every area of life.

Let us open with prayer

Opening Prayer

Gracious Heavenly Father,

We come before You today with hearts full of gratitude for the opportunity to gather and study Your Word. Thank You for giving us the book of Colossians and for the truth and instruction found in chapter 4, verses 1 through 6.

Lord, as we open this passage, we ask that You open our minds to understand, our hearts to receive, and our lives to reflect what You are teaching us. Help us to learn how to walk in wisdom, speak with grace, lead with fairness, and live with purpose for Your glory.

Holy Spirit, guide our thoughts as we explore this portion of Scripture. Remove distractions, soften our hearts, and convict us where change is needed. Let us not be hearers only, but doers of Your Word.

May this time of study draw us closer to You and equip us to live as faithful witnesses in a world that desperately needs Your truth and love.

In Jesus’ precious name we pray,

 Amen. 

Verse 1 says: “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.” — Colossians 4:1 (KJV)

In Colossians 4:1, the Apostle Paul gives a direct and powerful instruction to Christian masters: “Give unto your servants that which is just and equal.” This verse is part of Paul’s broader teaching on Christian household relationships, which began in Colossians 3:18. 

He addressed wives and husbands, children and parents, and now he speaks to masters—those in authority over others, especially in the context of servanthood or employment.

In Paul’s day, slavery was a common part of the Roman world. While the Bible never condones the abuse of people or treats them as less than human, it does speak into the systems of the time to elevate justice, fairness, and dignity. 

Rather than endorsing oppression, Paul challenges Christian masters to treat their servants in a godly way—doing what is just (morally right) and equal (fair, balanced, and impartial). 

These two words call for a radical shift from the common view of slaves as property, instead recognizing their humanity and worth in the eyes of God.

Today, this principle applies to anyone who holds a position of authority—employers, supervisors, managers, teachers, or leaders in any capacity. Paul’s message is clear: treat those under your care or employment with justice and fairness. 

Don't exploit them, mistreat them, or act with bias. God expects His people to reflect His character, especially when they hold power over others.

The second part of the verse provides the reason for this command: “knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.” This is a powerful reminder that no one is above accountability. 

All people, regardless of their status or authority, are under the rule of Almighty God. Christian masters are not the ultimate authority—God is. They must answer to Him for how they treat others.

This truth brings humility to leadership. It reminds those in charge that their position is temporary and their power is delegated. They are stewards, not sovereigns. 

Just as they expect respect and obedience from those under them, they must likewise act with integrity, compassion, and fairness—because God is watching, and He is just.

In Application

Are you in a position of authority in your home, job, or church? Then God is calling you to lead with justice and equality. Examine your actions and decisions. Are they fair? Do they reflect God’s love? Do they honor those you lead?

When we lead in a godly way, we become a testimony to the world of God’s character—righteous, merciful, and just.

Verse 2 says: “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” — Colossians 4:2 (KJV)

The Apostle Paul, writing to the believers in Colossae, gives a profound and practical command in Colossians 4:2: “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” 

This verse lays out three essential pillars of the believer’s prayer life—persistence, vigilance, and gratitude.

1. “Continue in prayer” – Be Persistent

Paul first tells believers to continue in prayer. This word implies steadfastness, devotion, and consistency. Prayer is not meant to be an occasional emergency response; it is to be a regular, ongoing conversation with God. 

Paul is encouraging a prayer life that is deeply rooted in daily dependence on the Lord. Whether in times of peace or trial, we are to remain faithful in our communication with God.

This idea echoes Jesus’ teaching in Luke 18:1, where He told a parable to show that men “ought always to pray, and not to faint.” Consistent prayer is a sign of a healthy, growing relationship with the Lord. 

It is how we seek His guidance, express our worship, intercede for others, and receive strength.

2. “Watch in the same” – Be Vigilant

To “watch” in prayer means to be spiritually alert. It is the opposite of spiritual laziness. Just as a soldier on guard must stay awake and watchful, the believer must stay spiritually aware. 

This involves being sensitive to the needs around us, discerning the attacks of the enemy, and recognizing the opportunities God places before us.

In Matthew 26:41, Jesus said to His disciples in Gethsemane, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” Watching in prayer means being mindful of the times, the temptations we face, and the spiritual condition of our hearts. It involves a readiness to hear from God and to act in faith.

3. “With thanksgiving” – Be Grateful

The third instruction in this verse is to include thanksgiving in our prayers. Gratitude shifts our focus from our problems to God’s provision. It reminds us of His faithfulness in the past and stirs up confidence for the future. 

Thanksgiving prevents prayer from becoming a list of complaints and transforms it into an act of worship.

Philippians 4:6 reinforces this: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” A thankful heart glorifies God and keeps us grounded in His goodness.

James 2:26 says: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” Thanking God for answering prayer before we see results is one of the ways the Bible instructs us to activate and work out our faith. We are to think, talk, and act as if God has heard and answered the prayers we pray, until we see the results. Amen

Because Jesus said in Mark 11:24, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have already received it, and it will be yours.”  

Therefore, God expects us to believe that God answers prayer at the moment we pray. Then, with unwavering, confident expectation, we continue to thank Him and act as if God has already answered until we see the results.

If we fail to approach God in prayer this way, with determination in our hearts to see results, then we are sinning. Because Romans 14:23 says: “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” And James 1:6 says, “We should not expect to receive anything of the Lord if we waver in our faith.”

Hebrews 11:6 says: “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

To earnestly seek Him means we put God first. We read and study the Bible daily, meditate on its teachings day and night, discuss them frequently throughout every day, pray, and trust the Holy Spirit to help us obey what the Bible instructs us.

Otherwise, we can thank Him all we want, but we will never move the hand of God on our behalf. Because Proverbs 15:8 says: “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.” 

Isaiah 59:2 says: “Your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Psalm 34:15 says: “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth.”

Remember: God said, “I love those who love Me.” And in case somebody wants to argue and say, “No. Wisdom said that in Proverbs 8:17.” Let me tell you where God said it in the New Testament.  

Jesus said in John 14:21, “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. My Father will love the one who loves me, and I, too, will love them and show myself to them.”

In Application

Colossians 4:2 teaches that a strong prayer life is not passive—it is persistent, alert, and thankful. Are you praying regularly? Are you watchful for God’s answers, direction, and warnings? Do you thank Him even when life is hard or when you can’t see God working?

We must set aside time each day to pray. Stay spiritually awake and ask God to help us see His hand in all things. And never forget to give thanks—for who He is, for what He’s done, and for what He will do. 

Verse 3 says:

 "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." — Colossians 4:3 (KJV)

In Colossians 4:3, the Apostle Paul shifts from instructing believers about their daily conduct to asking for prayer support in his ministry. This verse reveals three key elements about prayer, evangelism, and the Christian mission that are still deeply relevant today.

1. “Withal praying also for us” – The Power and Priority of Prayer

Paul begins by asking the Colossian believers to pray for him and his fellow workers. This request highlights how crucial prayer is in the work of the Gospel. Ministry is not just about actions or eloquence; it begins with prayer. 

Prayer invites God’s power into the situation, opening hearts and preparing the way for effective witness. This reminds us that no matter our role—whether preacher, teacher, or layperson—prayer is foundational to all spiritual success.

2. “That God would open unto us a door of utterance” – Opportunity to Share

Paul asks God to “open a door of utterance,” which means to create an opportunity to speak clearly and effectively about Christ. The “door” metaphor suggests that opportunities to share the Gospel are often closed or restricted, especially for Paul, who was imprisoned for preaching Christ. 

He is asking God to remove barriers—whether opposition, fear, or lack of opportunity—so that he can proclaim the message freely.

This part encourages believers today to pray not only for courage and wisdom but also for open doors in their communities, workplaces, and social circles where they can share the love and truth of Christ. Opportunities to witness are gifts from God, and prayer invites Him to provide them.

3. “To speak the mystery of Christ” – Proclaiming the Gospel Message

The “mystery of Christ” refers to the previously hidden plan of salvation revealed through Jesus. In Paul’s day, this mystery was that both Jews and Gentiles could be saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Sharing this good news was Paul’s life mission.

Today, the “mystery of Christ” remains the heart of the Gospel. It calls us to faithfully proclaim Jesus as Savior and Lord, emphasizing God’s grace, redemption, and new life to the jew first and also to the gentile.  

If it were not for the jews, we wouldn’t even have the gospel. We would be without hope of eternal life. The jews have priority. Jesus was a Jew. And Jesus said: Repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in Christ’s name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem - Luke 24:47.  

God's heart remains set on the salvation of all humanity. The good news of the kingdom was destined for every nation, yet rightly began with Israel, God’s chosen people.  

God did not abandon His saving work among the Jews to reach the Gentiles. Throughout his missionary journeys, Paul upheld the pattern of preaching first in the synagogues. Therefore, we are called to prioritize sharing the Gospel with the Jewish people first.

The reason is, Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.” And Paul said in Philippians 4:9, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

How many of you want the God of peace to be with you? Then we must submit to the inspired writings of the apostle Paul, whom God gave authority to write over half of the New Testament, and follow his to-the-jew-first example.

Paul’s commitment “for which I am also in bonds” (imprisonment) shows the cost and courage involved in sharing the Gospel, but also the unwavering dedication we are called to have.

In Application

Verse 3 challenges us in three ways:

First, to pray fervently for those who preach and teach God’s Word.

Second, to ask God to open doors for us personally to share Christ with others.

Third, to boldly and faithfully proclaim the Gospel, no matter the cost.

Are you praying for missionaries, pastors, and your own opportunities to witness? Are you ready to step through the “doors” God opens, sharing the love and truth of Christ? 

Verse 4 says:

 "That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak." — Colossians 4:4 (KJV)

Colossians 4:4 is a continuation of Paul’s request for prayer, begun in verse 3. There, he asked the believers in Colossae to pray for open doors to proclaim the mystery of Christ. 

Now, in verse 4, Paul takes the request further by asking that he may “make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” This verse highlights the importance of clarity, boldness, and responsibility in proclaiming the Gospel.

1. “That I may make it manifest” – Clarity in Communication

The word manifest means to make something known, visible, or clear. Paul is asking for the ability to explain the Gospel in a way that people can understand.

Joke - By the way, does anybody know why the apostle Paul brought a thesaurus with him into his prayer closet? Punchline - Because he wanted to make the mystery of the gospel manifest with synonyms. That was a joke.

The Gospel is not a message of confusion or vague spirituality—it is a specific and powerful message about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the salvation He offers to all who believe.

Even Paul, who was a seasoned apostle and brilliant communicator, recognized that clear communication is a gift from God. He did not take his preaching ability for granted. Instead, he humbly requested prayer so that he could present the message plainly and powerfully.

This teaches us an important lesson: when we share the Gospel, it should not be shrouded in religious jargon or complicated language. We should ask God to help us explain it in a way that others can easily understand. Whether speaking to children, coworkers, or strangers, our goal is clarity.

2. “As I ought to speak” – Responsibility in Proclamation

Paul says he wants to speak the Gospel “as I ought to.” The word ought implies duty, obligation, and moral responsibility. Paul felt a deep burden to share the Gospel rightly. He didn’t want to speak carelessly or half-heartedly; he wanted to speak with purpose, boldness, and faithfulness.

This speaks to our responsibility as believers. If we know the Gospel, we have a duty to share it. But we must do so in a way that honors Christ—truthfully, compassionately, and clearly. It is not enough to simply speak about God; we must speak as we ought, with love, boldness, and truth.

This part of the verse also reminds us that Gospel proclamation is not optional for the Christian. It is a divine calling. Every believer is a messenger, and each of us should ask for grace to speak in a manner that glorifies God and leads others to Christ.

In Application

Are you asking God to help you speak the Gospel clearly? Are you mindful of your responsibility to share Christ with others? Like Paul, we should ask for prayer and divine help—not only to speak, but to speak well, clearly, and faithfully.

Let us be intentional in how we share our faith, seeking to make Christ known in every word and action. 

Verse 5 says:

 "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." — Colossians 4:5 (KJV)

In Colossians 4:5, the Apostle Paul offers practical guidance for how believers should live in relation to those outside the church—unbelievers. 

After emphasizing prayer and bold Gospel proclamation in the previous verses, Paul now calls Christians to live out their faith in a way that reflects spiritual wisdom and urgency. This verse contains two key instructions: “Walk in wisdom” and “redeem the time.”

1. “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without” – Living Wisely Among Unbelievers

To “walk in wisdom” means to live with thoughtfulness, discernment, and grace. The phrase “them that are without” refers to those who are outside the body of Christ—nonbelievers. Paul is urging Christians to be intentional about their behavior, recognizing that the way they live will influence how the world sees Jesus.

Wisdom here involves more than just knowledge—it’s about applying God’s truth in everyday decisions, relationships, and conversations. We are to act in ways that draw people toward Christ, not push them away. That includes being kind, honest, respectful, and gracious even when we are misunderstood or mistreated.

When believers live wisely, they demonstrate the transforming power of Christ in a way that words alone cannot. Our witness begins with our walk. Unbelievers are watching to see if our actions match our message. 

Are we reflecting Christ in our daily conduct? Are we showing love, patience, and humility in a world that is often harsh and self-centered?

2. “Redeeming the time” – Making the Most of Every Opportunity

The phrase “redeeming the time” means making full use of every opportunity. It literally means to “buy back” or “rescue” time from waste. Paul is emphasizing the urgency of the moment. Time is short, and opportunities to share Christ and do good must not be wasted.

This part of the verse reminds us that life is brief, and the people we encounter each day may never hear the Gospel unless we share it. Whether through a conversation, a kind act, or a moment of prayer, every interaction is a chance to reflect Christ and plant a seed of truth.

Living with this urgency doesn’t mean being anxious or aggressive. It means being alert and intentional. It means recognizing that every day matters and that our time on earth is a God-given opportunity to glorify Him and reach others.

In Application

Ask yourself: Are you walking in wisdom around unbelievers? Are your words and actions pointing others to Christ? Are you making the most of your time, or letting opportunities slip by?

Let your life be a testimony of the Gospel. Use every moment as a chance to show the love, mercy, and truth of Jesus. 

Verse 6 says:

 "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." — Colossians 4:6 (KJV)

Colossians 4:6 offers a powerful instruction on how believers are to speak—especially in the presence of those outside the faith. This verse reminds us that our words matter.

And now for another bit of wholesome humor. Joke - Why did the Christian boss bring a salt shaker to the staff meeting? Punchline - To season his speech with salt and the donuts, too. 

Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to lead someone closer to Christ or push them away. Paul gives us three guiding principles for godly speech: grace, salt, and preparedness.

1. “Let your speech be alway with grace” – Speak with Kindness and Gentleness

To speak with grace means our words should reflect the kindness, patience, and love of Christ. Grace-filled speech is not harsh, argumentative, or condemning. It is respectful, humble, and full of compassion, even when addressing difficult topics. 

Paul says this should be our constant way of speaking—“always” with grace—not just when it's easy or convenient.

Graceful speech mirrors the way God communicates with us. He is patient when we fall short, loving when we stray, and gentle in His correction unless we are being stubborn. By all means, avoid stubbornness unless you want to experience the extent of God’s wrath and the worst of pain.

As believers, we are called to let His grace shape the way we speak to others. Whether we're sharing the Gospel, having a conversation with a friend, or dealing with a disagreement, our words should be gracious and filled with mercy.

2. “Seasoned with salt” – Speak with Truth, Wisdom, and Impact

Salt in ancient times was used for both flavor and preservation. In this context, Paul uses it as a metaphor for speech that is meaningful, wise, and impactful. 

Just as salt enhances food, our words should bring value to conversations. Salt also preserves, which suggests our words should help uphold truth and righteousness, not contribute to moral decay.

Salted speech avoids being bland or careless. It is thoughtful, appropriate, and guided by Scripture. It’s not about impressing people with clever words, but about speaking in a way that reflects God's truth in love. 

Our speech should be both kind and truthful—never compromising one for the other.

3. “That ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” – Be Ready to Respond

Paul ends this verse by stressing the importance of being prepared to respond to anyone who asks about our faith. This echoes 1 Peter 3:15, which instructs believers to “be ready always to give an answer… with meekness and fear.” 

As followers of Christ, we must be ready to respond to questions, objections, or opportunities to share the Gospel with clarity, love, and confidence.

This means we must know God’s Word. This means we must know God’s Word. This means we must know God’s Word. Am I starting to sound like a broken record? Okay, I will fix it.

This means we must know God’s Word, walk closely with Him, and pray for wisdom in our conversations. Our answers should not be reactionary or defensive, but thoughtful, respectful, and Spirit-led.

In Application

Are your words consistently filled with grace? Are they “seasoned with salt,” offering truth and love? Are you prepared to answer others with wisdom and humility?

Ask God to help you speak in a way that honors Him and draws others to Christ. Amen

Let’s close our time with prayer.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the truth and wisdom found in Colossians 4:1-6. Thank You for teaching us how to walk in integrity, to lead with fairness, to speak with grace, and to live with purpose. Lord, help us to apply these words in our daily lives.

May we treat others with justice and equality, remembering that we are all under Your authority. Help us to be faithful in prayer, watchful in spirit, and always full of thanksgiving. Open doors for us to share the Gospel, and give us boldness to make the message of Christ clear to those around us.

Let our walk reflect wisdom, especially toward those who do not yet know You. Teach us to redeem the time—to use each moment wisely for Your glory. 

And may our speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, ready to give a kind and truthful answer to everyone.

Strengthen us, Lord, to live out these verses—not just with words, but in action and character. May our lives be a testimony of Your love and grace.

We give You all the praise, and we ask these things in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

If you would like to give an offering, we have an offering basket.

Thank you for your attention. Now, remember as we enter into today’s worship service: Jesus said in Matthew 18:19, “Truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.”  

Therefore, when Prophet Ed or any of our leaders decree something over your life, be sure to connect your faith with theirs so you can collect. Prayer may be the key to heaven’s door, but faith is what unlocks it, and patience waits for heaven to respond with confident expectation. Amen.  

You are blessed in Jesus' name!

Presented by Michael Wilkerson Aug, 10th, 2025