So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7
One of our very favorite Thanksgiving celebrations was in Hong Kong with Godwin and Crystal Chan's House Church gathered in a small, high-rise apartment around a table laden with all the Thanksgiving treats accented with awesome Chinese dishes. The fellowship was a living 3D illustration of the Scripture above.
THANKFUL FOR YOU
The disciples love celebrating Thanksgiving because it is the heart of following Jesus. I have heard similar stories about other cultures around the world.
Marcia and I want to personally express to you how grateful we are to God for you. We are thankful for the Spirit he put in you that continues to burn bright for him. And we want to thank the incredible volunteers who serve mostly in anonymity to connect you and your church with other disciples and churches around the world. Without them and you there would be no Disciples Today, no Church Locator, no DT Space, no DT Heart & Soul no DToday.tv and on and on. Definitely More Than a Website.
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8
TRUE FREEDOM
In my dresser I have a piece of glass that I chipped off the top of the Berlin Wall in 1963 when I was a junior in high school. Our football team from Bitburg, Germany was playing the American high school there. Recently I stumbled across the pictures that I took.
Last week was the 20th anniversary for the fall of the Berlin Wall, symbolizing that profound moment in history - the fall of communism - truly one of the hollow and deceptive philosophies relying on human wisdom and worldly principles rather than on Christ. That philosophy has been exposed for the futile substitute for godliness that it is.
But aren't all philosophies besides Scripture hollow and deceptive? True freedom only comes from freedom in Christ. No matter our country, our economy, our society, our culture, our neighborhood, our sports team or our favorite band, freedom only comes through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
As we live lives overlowing in thankfulness and as we give thanks around our tables this week and all year, let's be overwhelmed with gratitude for the freedom from our sins and the freedom to walk with God. Because God gave up his freedom for us. Let's all keep a chip of remembrance handy of the wall of our sin that God destroyed. Then let's help tear down more walls for more people.
Grateful for you,
Roger and Marcia Lamb
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