PHall | December 9, 2011
It is fitting that baptism is an immersion imitating a burial. Under the water the eyes are closed, the breathing stopped, and death is imitated. Rising out of the water we open our eyes anew and breathe in life again. Yes, it is fitting that baptism imitates a resurrection.
Category: Colossians |
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Tags: Baptism
PHall | November 3, 2011
“But now” suggests that possibly a practical application is that with young Christians you begin with the sins of the flesh and then work up to other sins. These are those other sins which is seen in Paul’s language, “But now you must also put away” (3:8). “Now you” is emphasized in the Greek to [...]
Category: Bible, Colossians |
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Tags: Commentary
PHall | November 3, 2011
Having clothed yourself with Christ, do you feel superior to unbelievers? Admitting Christians still sin, are you in a “better class” of sinners? In putting on Christ, we are to put away sins. It is a command. It is a command that is never quite being finished obeying because of our disobeying. Paul’s list here [...]
Category: Colossians |
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Tags: Article, Commentary
PHall | September 11, 2011
There are two words I believe every mother has uttered – “be careful.” I think these words are more often spoken to first born children, than latter born. It goes from “be careful, or you’ll get hurt” to “Be careful that you don’t get any blood on the carpet.” Paul warns also “be careful.” And [...]
Category: Colossians |
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Tags: Commentary
PHall | September 11, 2011
After hearing me preach, several times people have asked, “So, where did you go to preacher’s school?” When I tell them, “I didn’t” they respond somewhat ambiguously, “Oh.” And I think, “Oh, I that explains it.” Or “Oh, “I’m not surprised.” I doubt Paul’s description of his ministry would be accepted in a school of [...]
Category: Colossians |
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Tags: Commentary
PHall | July 23, 2011
Brethren. Do we comprehend and appreciate the historical depth and spiritual ramifications of this word? Paul used this term over one hundred times in his writings (i.e., Col.1:2). A word that often chosen must be significant. And remember, ultimately, God through His Holy Spirit, is behind every word written by inspiration. The Jews used the [...]
Category: Colossians |
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PHall | July 23, 2011
Paul claiming that he is, “an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will” is not simply a throw-away line in introducing himself to the Colossians who he has never met (1.4). Neither is it simply a title of superior rank. There is no rising in ranks in Christianity, just becoming what we are not by [...]
Category: Colossians |
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PHall | July 25, 2010
Detained by the authorities from the Bureau of Religious Affairs. Interrogated by the same. Warned that if what occurred in 2008 happens again, the warning will turn into something not so kind. Six officials from the Communist regime of China sitting in front, behind and to the side, all are speaking Chinese. None of us [...]
Category: Acts, Colossians, Hebrews, I Thessalonians, II Corinthians, Luke, Matthew |
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PHall | April 18, 2010
The below account is courtesy of Robert Turner: This story came right out of the heart of my native Kentucky, and I may have scooped Joe Creason with it. A well-known preacher of the past generation was hurriedly called to preach the funeral of one of two brothers. He had known the two men well [...]
Category: Colossians, Ecclesiastes, II Timothy, John, Romans |
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Tags: Sermon, Suffering
PHall | March 8, 2010
When reading the period of the Judges and Kings, one sad fact overwhelmingly – and even numbingly – is present: the draw of idolatry. How could God’s people, a nation dedicated to monotheism, not only falter and fall into idolatry, but repeatedly falter and fall?
Category: Colossians, I Chronicles, I Kings, I Peter, II Chronicles, II Kings, Judges, Matthew |
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Tags: Article, Marriage, Money, Parenting