Even in our ever increasing complex and volatile culture, most would agree that nature can bring a certain measure of peace or solace in troubled times. Whether it is the beach, a rocky coastline, a star filled night sky, or a radiant sunrise or sunset, we all have our favorite site or place. For me it is the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains (which I can view on a clear winter day from our church parking lot!). Obviously for the Christian, nature or creation points us to God, our Creator. For me, mountains give me a sense of God’s majesty, bigness, and strength. Of course, all of creation reveals God’s glory. That is what makes creation beautiful. God being the creator of all things is a biblical truth that reveals his greatness and sovereignty over all things. From this fact, his children gain much peace.

The apostle Paul mentions this is his letter to the Christians at Colossae. It seems that the Colossians were suffering with an ailment that many in our culture suffer with… a weak faith. Granted, we all have low points in our sanctification process due to our battle with our old sin nature. Yet, many in our churches seem to struggle with strengthening their faith. While Paul gives much instruction for this in his letter to the Colossians, he actually uses creation as the backdrop of his overarching theme: the Deity of Christ.

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn
of all creation. For by him all things were created
In heaven and on earth, visible or invisible…” (Col. 1:15-16)

Those beautiful words give us a great truth. Not only is Jesus Christ our Savior and the only way to God, Jesus Christ is God! By him all things were created! Understanding this truth is essential to the Christian faith. Indeed, it can only be understood through the gift of faith. Yet, many who profess that faith still struggle to know the power of the faith gifted to them, as the Colossians did. This lack of understanding makes us susceptible to many “diseases” … false teachings. This was the case in Colossae as it is today in our culture. Many times, we fall prey to thinking we need Christ plus something else. That is a lie from the enemy. The deity of Christ (the fact that Jesus is God) means that Jesus Christ is sufficient! We don’t need anything else.

This Sunday we have the great privilege of beginning our study of the book of Colossians. Like Paul, my desire for you is that the truth of the doctrine of the Deity of Christ will be sufficient for you. While there are many truths to be learned in Colossians, none are more important in strengthening our faith than the realization our Savior, Jesus Christ is the Creator. He is God! The apostle Paul sums it up this way,

For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell… (Col. 1:19)

Wow! In the days ahead, meditate on those words… “The Fullness of God.” What a beautiful and strengthening truth about our Savior, Jesus Christ… that in him, ALL of God dwells! I trust you will make our hour of worship each week a priority as we seek to strengthen our faith for God’s glory!

For His Glory,

Your Pastor