Welcome to Covenant of Hope Ministries and our Sunday sermon. You will normally see us posted in written and live form on Sunday. I am Rev. Laura A. Neff. Our ministry was built on the truth of God’s love and sharing the Word of God, the Spirit of Christ Jesus in a way that we believe embraces the ways Jesus taught us to manage. We bring His Word to the many as opposed to the few, in order to continue the legacy created by the ministry of Jesus Christ. It is God’s will that has brought this to be. We wish only that God’s truth will be shared within His words as brought to us by the Spirit as it fills my heart, mind, and soul to be shared with my hands, but with His words alone.
You will find us in the following location: http://www.covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com
Rev. Laura’s other sites: Facebook & Blogspot & Twitter & Linkedin
Wedding officiant page: Wedfolio
Prayer List: We have many on our prayer list. Some wish to remain anonymous, and others only wish to have their first names mentioned. Our prayer list grows or changes every week. This is our current list.
- Please pray for Evangelist Cal Jennings and family. His sister has been diagnosed with a malignant meningioma in her brain. This on top of all the issues that Evangelist Cal is already suffering with his health.
- Please keep several friends and other family members in prayer for their trials and tribulations. They have each requested to remain anonymous for the time being.
One who has been diagnosed with some painful health issues.
One who just got out of the hospital after hip surgery.
Two who have just recently gotten out of the hospital after medical procedures, may they continue to heal.
One who has entered rehabilitation after a stroke.
One who has just had a painful tooth removed.
Another pair who have had serious issues with pain levels in recent weeks and months. May their pain ease sooner rather than later.
- Pray for the economy around this world as inflation and supply chains suffer from extremely high prices for fuel and overly high demand.
- Pray for those who have suffered from violence and died this past week.
- Pray for the survivors of violent events, that they heal and do not have scarred psyches.
- Pray for the victims of the recent hurricane here in the United States throughout Florida, North Carolina, and throughout the island countries of Bahamas, Cuba, and our own Puerto Rico as well as on the Gulf and East Coasts of the USA.
- Be thankful for each day we live as we do not know what
tomorrow brings.
- Pray for our nations that the voice of God be heard through the Spirit.
- Pray for our friends and families that their tomorrows bring blessings and
pray our own be the same.
- Pray for those suffering as a result of the terrors that have occurred just this past week around this world.
- Pray for our sick and wounded that they may heal.
Prayer: Father in heaven, our prayer today is to have the Spirit bring healing to each of our bodies, minds, spirits, and souls. We pray for enlightenment in the wonders that You bring each of us and understanding while studying Your Word. We thank You for the many awe-inspiring gifts and the many more You have brought us. May our fears be drawn out of us. Help us to see the many gifts Your love brings and the unknown locations it might be found. May our pain and sorrow be eased. May peace be brought from our hearts and shared with others. May Your gifts of love shine through us toward others. We pray for the homeless, the survivors of the latest hurricanes and tropical storms. We pray for the poor, the sick, the sorrowful, the wounded, and the frightened. We pray for the soldiers, the Samaritans, the children, and the rest. We pray in thanksgiving for every gift brought us. We pray that every tomorrow would bring good things. For each of these we pray in Your Holy Name, through our Savior Jesus Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Amen and so it shall be.
Opening Song: Living Hope ~ Phil Wickham https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-1fwZtKJSM
Sermon: This week we are
completing the study of the fourth chapter in Colossians. This half of the
letter to the church at Colossae is reminding the readers of the hardships Paul
has endured with some of their own congregation, including Marcus and
Aristarchus.
Colossians 4:10 KJV –Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
NIV –My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you
his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received
instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)
Paul references a moment between Barnabas, John, and
himself where a disagreement had them parting ways.
Acts 15:37-39 KJV – And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
NIV – Barnabas wanted to take John, also
called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he
had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.
They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark
and sailed for Cyprus,
Paul also references Luke’s writings in the Acts of the
Apostles regarding Aristarchus and Gaius of Macedonia, another large city in
Asia Minor at the time.
Acts 19:29 KJV – And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
NIV – Soon the whole city was in an uproar.
The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from
Macedonia, and all of them rushed into the theater together.
Getting back into Paul’s letter to the church at
Colossae, we learn of yet another follower of Jesus, nicknamed Justus. Note, he
considers this young person to have been a comfort to have around.
Colossians 4:11 KJV – And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
NIV –Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends
greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God,
and they have proved a comfort to me.
One thing that some Christians say is that being able to
feel comforted around and within groups of people is a significant gift. It’s
not easy in this world of hustle and bustle, ignorance, pain, hatred, and fear
to find that part of us that connects in a peaceful, comfortable manner. This,
especially these days, within the various fractured parts of the Christian
faith. Seeing eye to eye on anything in this world today is a serious
challenge. Well, it must have been the same without all this technology in the
mix as well. This is where we find ourselves in Luke’s writing of the Acts of
the Apostles and Paul’s letters to the churches at Rome, Corinth, and Thessaly.
Acts 11:2 KJV – And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
NIV – So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the
circumcised believers criticized him
Romans 16:3 KJV – Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
NIV – Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my
co-workers in Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 7:6-7 KJV –Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
NIV –But God, who comforts the downcast,
comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also
by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your
deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
1 Thessalonians 3:7 KJV –Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
NIV –Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all
our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your
faith.
Paul references again another fellow Christian at the
church at Colossae. This one we’ve heard mentioned before in Paul’s other
letters, Epaphras. However, Paul references this fellow Christian several times
in most of his letters to the various churches of Asia Minor.
Colossians 4:12 KJV –Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
NIV –Epaphras, who is one of you and a
servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for
you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
We see here the reference reaches back to the first line
in the Gospel of Luke. Paul simply wants all those who read or listen to his
letters to understand the mission that God has for each of them, and for each
of us this far into the future. There is a lot to do, and it will not be easy.
Even with all the technology this world has, we still have a great many hurdles
to overcome to spread the truth of God’s Word far and wide. Here are some
examples that Paul and Luke and others have given us to pay attention to.
Luke 1:1 KJV – Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
NIV – Many have undertaken to draw up an
account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,
Romans 15:30 KJV – Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
NIV – I urge you, brothers and sisters, by
our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle
by praying to God for me.
1 Corinthians 2:6 KJV –Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
NIV –We do, however, speak a message of
wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of
this age, who are coming to nothing.
Philemon 1:23 KJV – There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;
NIV – Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ
Jesus, sends you greetings.
Now we’re going to add references from the Word of Jesus
Christ in the Gospels of John and Matthew. This is part of the Sermon on the
Mount according to Matthew and another conversation held with the Twelve
Apostles through the writings of John the Beloved.
John 12:26 KJV – If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
NIV – Whoever serves
me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My
Father will honor the one who serves me.
Matthew 5:48 KJV – Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
NIV – Be perfect,
therefore, as your
heavenly Father is perfect.
Today’s world is not so different for the days when Paul
was writing. Sure, we have more modern roads and transportation, we have
computers, video cameras, and all the rest, but our paths are quite similar.
Where Paul and the other Apostles had gossip translated from one to another, we
have online censors, media blackouts, redacted writings, and too much more in
the realm of misinformation around the world. Some of that is relative to
language barriers, but that’s only some. Paul and the rest of the Twelve spoke
several languages back in their day. They spoke Hebrew, Latin, Greek, Aramaic,
and more. In those days, these were learned by necessity for trade, for
knowledge and more. Today, every language has different dialects. Yet, for
people like Paul and the others, they learned this out of both necessity and
urgency. The Apostles knew that many Jews were just not ready to accept that
Jesus indeed is the Messiah. This is why so often “ministry” was done behind
closed doors, away from ever-watchful eyes, and sharp-eared others who were not
followers of God and Jesus. Paul wants the members of the church at Colossae to
know that he knows exactly how difficult it can be to preach the truth of our
Savior and Salvation. This is why he shares these next words with them when it
comes to Epaphras.
Colossians 4:13 KJV –For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
NIV –I vouch for him that he is working hard
for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Again, Paul references these same fellow prisoners, like
he was far too often, as true Christians, turning toward God as the
transforming Words that Christ taught helped change them from who they were at
the time to brand new Christians, circumcised for Christ. Paul also references
John the Beloved’s experiences as well.
Romans 10:2 KJV – For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
NIV – For I can testify about them that they
are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.
2 Corinthians 8:3 KJV –For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
NIV –For I testify that they gave as much as
they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,
Revelation 1:11 KJV – Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
NIV – which said: “Write on a scroll what you
see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira,
Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.”
Back in the days of Paul and the Apostles, physicians
came in many different formulas. Some were actual doctors treating the
physically ill. Luke was one to teach the spiritually lacking. This is why Paul
shares these words in his letter.
Colossians 4:14 KJV –Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
NIV – Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and
Demas send greetings.
He, of course, is referencing the Great Physician known
as Jesus Christ. This is what our Savior had to share.
Matthew 9:12 KJV – But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
NIV – On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
Paul shares this in his second letter to Timothy.
2 Timothy 4:10-11 KJV –For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
NIV –for Demas, because he loved this world,
has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and
Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you,
because he is helpful to me in my ministry.
Paul adds to that with this that is in his letter to Philemon
of Colossae.
Philemon 1:24 KJV – Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
NIV – And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and
Luke, my fellow workers.
Paul is instructing these four men to work closely with
those in the church at Colossae and bring the members of this church closer to
the truth of Jesus Christ. This is something some of us in today’s world take
quite seriously. The world then was filled with almost as much misinformation
as there would be today. In their day it just traveled far slower than it does
today.
Colossians 4:15 KJV –Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
NIV –Give my greetings to the brothers and
sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
Paul wants everyone to be friends, to recognize each other as who we all are, Friends in Christ. Jesus said it Himself in John 15:13-15, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants: for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”
This is the reason that Paul references his other letters
in each letter to the separate churches. This includes these two from the
letter to Rome and his first letter to Corinth.
Romans 16:5 KJV – Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
NIV – Greet also the church that meets at
their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ
in the province of Asia.
1 Corinthians 16:19 KJV –The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
NIV –The churches in the province of Asia
send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so
does the church that meets at their house.
Another method the Twelve Apostles utilized when it came
to spreading the Word as Jesus taught them was to encourage each of the
churches to share these letters to the neighboring towns that might not have a
church as yet, or a congregation large enough to require a building to share
the Word within.
Colossians 4:16 KJV –And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
NIV –After this letter has been read to you,
see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn
read the letter from Laodicea.
Paul was quite prolific, one of the most mentioned
writers in all the New Testament. John the Beloved was the same. It is
interesting that the Epistles were shared mostly through the ones who lived the
longest after the resurrection. Here is more from Paul’s letters this time to
the church at Thessaly.
1 Thessalonians 5:27 KJV –I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
NIV –I charge you before the Lord to have
this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.
2 Thessalonians 3:14 KJV –And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
NIV –Take special note of anyone who does not
obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that
they may feel ashamed.
Paul cautions his readers and listeners to beware when it
came to spreading the Word. There are always wolves out there hidden amongst
the sheep. This is true even in this world today. We can’t take everything
based on what we see or hear. We have to test that faith and belief in order to
ensure it is truly just that. This is that cautionary tale for the church at
Colossae.
Colossians 4:17 KJV –And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
NIV –Tell Archippus: “See to it that you
complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
Long ago, many centuries before Jesus, there was a king
named Hezekiah. This Jewish king worked hard with the Jews to remove anything
and everything that was not sanctified for the temple and remove it from that
temple. Much like Jesus did when He removed the moneychangers and all other
forms of sin from the temple many centuries later.
2 Chronicles 29:11 KJV –My sons, be not now negligent: for the Lord hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.
NIV –My sons, do not be negligent now, for
the Lord has chosen you to stand before him and serve him, to minister before
him and to burn incense.”
Paul references another verse from the Acts of the
Apostles as written by Luke. In this case, it reminds us that Jesus was, is,
and will always be one of us, just like we are, a child of God. It was His
sacrifice that brought Him to be the head of the church, and His faith in the
Father that keeps us going even to this very day.
Acts 1:17 KJV – For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
NIV – He was one of our number and shared in
our ministry.”
This is something that is shared in Paul’s letter to
Timothy as well.
2 Timothy 4:5 KJV –But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
NIV –But you, keep your head in all
situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the
duties of your ministry.
When we close letters these days, we’re so accustomed to
thanks, love, and see you later more than we are to providing salutations and
dedications that proclaim the readers as though they’re on the same side of the
ocean, in the same house, as Paul closes his letter here with these words.
Colossians 4:18 KJV –The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
NIV –I, Paul, write this greeting in my own
hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
Paul duplicated this methodology with his letters to
fellow Christians Timothy and Titus.
2 Timothy 4:22 KJV –The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
NIV –The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be
with you all.
Titus 3:15 KJV – All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
NIV – Everyone with me sends you greetings.
Greet those who love us in the faith.
We don’t share letters the same way nowadays, but, truthfully, we should do that more often. They don’t have to be long letters. They just have to share how we connect with each other through the love that Jesus brings to each of us. Now that’s something to think about as we pray in the prayer that Jesus taught us saying:
Our Father, which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the
kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
(Matthew 6:9-13)
Closing Song: Zach Williams ~ Song of Deliverance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZNXii1gzhk
~ Shalom ~
Rev. Laura A. Neff
Facebook & Blogspot & Twitter & Linkedin
Evangelist Calvin Jennings
Covenant of Hope Ministries Main Site: http://www.covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com
Scripture Excerpts: The New Open Bible Study Edition: Copyright © 1990: Thomas Nelson Publishers, Inc.
Scripture Excerpts: Holy Bible: Copyright © 1982: E. E. Gaddy and Associates, Inc.
Scripture Excerpts: Holy Bible: Copyright ©circa 1890-1910: International Bible Press, The John C. Winston Co.; Philadelphia, PA, USA
Sermon or Study Copyright © 2022 http://www.covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com
Our mission for Covenant of Hope Ministries is not to exploit fear, but to conquer it, and overcome all that is created through fear together as the bringers of the light of Jesus found in the midst of darkness.
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