“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.” Colossians 2:2-4

This week one of my heroes in the faith announced some pretty startling news. He made public claims that the idea of Hell exists only in the temporal; that it’s not an eternal destination. He questions in a new book he’s written how a “loving” God could send people to eternity in Hell. He makes vague statements that Jesus may not be the “only way” to salvation.

I was so disappointed to hear this once progressive, truth-telling leader’s new shift on Biblical principles. I’ve applauded his cutting-edge ways of asking the tough “faith” questions and spurring me on to find truth for myself. Now the headlines on major news media define this man as a “Controversial Pastor,” a pastor that speaks “Outright Blasphemy.”

It’s divine that our study in Colossians this week has brought us to the very point in scripture where Paul warns the early churches about false teachings that could deceive them from the truth. Sometimes lies can be wrapped in beautiful, bright, packages. Sometimes lies can be delivered by great communicators using fancy words that sound so good they must be true. All we have to do is go back to the first lie ever told—to Eve in the Garden of Eden. Fancy words and thought provoking questions from our great enemy disguised as a serpent, and what’s the result? Sin enters the world.

I’m greatly saddened when I look around and see the truth being watered down today. When I see Christian leaders buy into the lies of this world, and proclaim them as truth. What’s happening? Is the truth so hard to hear?

To me, it’s simple. The truth wrapped up in a beautiful gift to us:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

I am praying for this fallen hero of mine. I want him to know “that in Christ is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” I want him to look upward, not inward for the Truth. I want for him and for others what Paul wanted for the early churches, “to be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have all the riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Last year Chris Tomlin and some other artists wrote a song called, “All To Us.” Take some time to meditate on the words of the chorus.

“Let the glory of Your name be the passion of the church. Let the righteousness of God be a holy flame that burns. Let the saving love of Christ be the measure of our lives. We believe You’re all to us.”

**words and music by Christ Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Matt Redman and Matt Maher, 2010**

Last week was my birthday. If you have any type of celebration that occurs in December, you know that we are the blessed ones. At least that’s what I tell myself. Who else has the privilege of competing with a big holiday like Christmas? Who else is handed a nicely wrapped package (in Christmas wrap) and told, “Now this gift is for your birthday and Christmas.” I hardly doubt those with June birthdays hear that.

I will admit that has happened a time or two to me, but for the most part I have wonderful friends and family who make the two celebrations very distinct. Among the very nice birthday gifts I received last week, there is one that stands out in my mind. A girlfriend of mine gave me a very nice ice bucket. You might be thinking practicality. My seven-year-old daughter certainly thought that. She looked at it and said, “Oh good Mom, now we have something to take with us when we stay at hotels.”

All joking aside though, I LOVE my new ice bucket! It’s something I have needed for a long time. If you have ever been to my house for dinner, you know this, as I have to send my guests to the freezer to get their own ice. Not quite my idea of being a good hostess. It just so happens that my girlfriend picked up on the “ice situation” when she visited, and made note of it. We had a good laugh when I opened the gift. But I know whenever I serve ice in my new ice bucket, I will be reminded of her and her beautiful friendship.

We are almost to the end of our study on Philippians. As Paul winds down his letter to the church in Philippi he discusses this very topic of gifts in regards to the financial support of his ministry.

“Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Philippians 4:14-16”

Do you see how Paul’s focus is on the giving and receiving, not on the specific need or the specific gift? Think about that. All we know is that Paul was in need and this church provided for him. In our consumer-minded society how often do we focus on the gift? Or the amount someone spent? Whether it was on our wish list? Or do we immediately look for a gift receipt to exchange it?

We have all received unique gifts. They trigger a memory and bring a smile to our face, but most of all they remind us of the one who gave the gift. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry, a spray of perfume, or a much needed item for entertaining guests; gifts are all about the relationship between the giver and the receiver.

“They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. Philippians 4:18b”

Merry Christmas to all our readers! We are truly honored to write for you each week!

In Love and Prayers,

Krista, Michele and Stacy