“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” Colossians 4:2-4

The Apostle Paul, in prison for his testimony to the crucified and risen Christ, urges his fellow believers at Colosse to continue in prayer. And while they are praying to the Lord God, watching and giving thanks for God’s answers to their prayers, Paul urges them to remember him and his companions in their prayers as well.

Notice that Paul doesn’t request his release from prison, but rather the opportunity to speak of Christ and of the salvation Christ Jesus has purchased with His blood for all mankind. Paul desires the opportunity to tell the mystery of Christ — that which had been veiled before and only in part revealed through the prophecies of the Old Testament, but was now made known in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Paul was in bonds for telling the truth about Messiah Jesus, and he requested the prayers of his fellow believers that he would be given further opportunity to tell others of Jesus and of the forgiveness and life which Jesus won for all mankind — for both Jews and Gentiles — by His holy life and His innocent sufferings and death on the cross for the sins of the world.

Paul asked for prayers on his behalf that he might make the mystery of Christ manifest and openly known to all. He asked for prayers that he might hold back nothing, even in the face of adversity, but speak the saving Gospel as he ought to speak it that his hearers might be moved to repent of their sinful ways and look in faith to Jesus and His cross for pardon and peace with God.

This should be the desire of all ministers of the Gospel — for open doors and opportunities to speak the truth and tell others about Jesus and His life, death, and resurrection. And, this should be our prayer for all who are called to preach the Gospel — that they would hold back nothing of God’s Word, but preach the truth about man’s sinfulness and proclaim Christ Jesus and His blood shed on the cross as the only hope for sinful mankind.

No matter what our circumstances or what obstacles would prevent us from speaking of Jesus and making known the plan of God for the salvation of the world — that great mystery which has been revealed to us in the coming of Christ Jesus and made known to us through the Word of God — let us pray that God would give us opportunities to speak of Jesus and of the forgiveness and life He won for all, and that we hold nothing back, but speak as we ought to speak, that others, too, may know Him and trust in Him as their Savior!

O Spirit of God, we thank You for making known to us the mystery of the Gospel — for revealing to us that Jesus is God the Son in human flesh and that He has made full atonement for all our sins by His holy life and innocent sufferings and death on the cross for the sins of the world. Open doors that your called ministers may make known the mystery of the Gospel. Give us boldness to speak as we ought to speak, testifying against unrighteousness and sin but proclaiming divine mercy and forgiveness through faith in the crucified and risen Savior, Christ Jesus. In His name, we pray. Amen.

[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 (Read Colossians 3:18 — 4:1)

The book of Colossians centers on the “preeminence of Christ.” Paul argues that because Jesus is the Lord of creation and the head of the Church, His redemption should permeate every corner of our lives. When we are brought to faith in His cross, we aren’t just given a ticket to heaven; we are integrated into a new Kingdom with a new, God-pleasing way of relating to one another.

It is as Paul writes in Colossians 1:13-14: “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”

In Colossians 3:18 — 4:1, Paul moves from theological heights to the “gritty” reality of the household. He shows us that our faith is most visible in our most private and mundane relationships.

1. Harmony in the Home

For the redeemed, the home is the primary mission field. Paul addresses the core of the household, calling for a mutual yielding to the lordship of Christ.

Wives and Husbands: “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them” (Col. 3:18-19). Redemption removes the power struggles of the Fall. Submission is not about inequality but about “fitting” order in Christ; likewise, husbands are commanded to a self-sacrificial love that forbids resentment or harshness.

Children and Parents: “Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged” (Col. 3:20-21). A household under the Cross is characterized by a lack of provocation. Parents are called to nurture their children, ensuring their discipline leads to life rather than resentment or despair.

2. Excellence in Our Labor

Paul then addresses “bondservants” and “masters.” In our modern context, we apply these principles in our workplaces and in our professional integrity.

The Heart of the Worker: “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God” (Col. 3:22). As citizens of a new Kingdom, we no longer work just for a paycheck or a promotion. We work with “sincerity of heart” because we serve Christ, our Savior, and seek to honor Him in all things.

The Ultimate Reward: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:23-24). This is the great equalizer of the Kingdom. Whether you are cleaning a floor or running a corporation, the work is “as to the Lord.” Our “inheritance” is secure in Christ, freeing us from the need to find our identity in our earthly status.

3. Justice in Leadership

Finally, Paul speaks to those in positions of authority.

The master’s Master: “Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven” (Col. 4:1). Redemption reminds the leader that they are also a follower. Accountability to Christ changes how we treat those “under” us. We are called to be “just and fair” because we have been treated with justice and mercy at the Cross.

Reflection

Being “brought to faith” means realizing that there is no “secular” part of your life. Every dish washed, every email sent, and every word spoken to a spouse is an act of worship. We live differently because we serve a different King.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the redemption He purchased for us upon the Cross. We are humbled that You have graciously called us out of darkness and into the Kingdom of Your dear Son. Lord, we ask that the reality of our new life in Christ would reach into the very details of our daily walk. Help us to live out the instructions of Your Word with “sincerity of heart.” In our homes, grant us the humility to serve one another and the grace to put away all bitterness, that our families might reflect Your love. In our work, deliver us from the trap of “eyeservice” and people-pleasing. Remind us that whatever we do, we do it for You. In our positions of influence, keep us ever mindful that we also have a Master in heaven, that we might act with justice, fairness, and kindness. May our lives be a living testimony to the power of the Gospel. Let everything we do be done heartily, as to the Lord, knowing that our true reward is found in You alone. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.

[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]

“If you then were raised with Christ, desire those things which are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on earth. For you are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then you also shall appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4; Read verses 1-17)

Raised to a New Focus
In our baptism, a profound exchange took place. By the working of the Holy Spirit, we were joined to Jesus Christ in both His death and His resurrection. Our old, sinful nature — that “Adam” within us that rebels against God — was crucified and put to death on the cross with Jesus. But the story did not end at the grave. Just as Christ was raised by the glory of the Father, we have been raised to a brand-new life.

Because we are now “hidden with Christ in God,” our perspective on the world must change. By natural birth, we inherited sin and death. By our “washing of rebirth,” we have inherited eternal life. If Christ is our life, why would we anchor our hearts to a world that is passing away? Paul urges us not to obsess over earthly status, material gains, or man-made rules, but to focus on what Christ is doing: gathering His Church to Himself and saving lost souls for an eternal kingdom.

The Daily Battle: Putting Off and Putting On

Being a Christian in this world means living with two natures. We have the “new nature,” created by the Spirit to love and honor God, but we still carry the “old nature,” which remains prone to selfishness and doubt. This creates a constant internal struggle.

St. Paul provides a practical “wardrobe change” for the soul:

• Put to Death (Mortify) — We must actively reject the deeds of the old nature — sexual immorality, impurity, greed (which is idolatry), anger, and lying. We do not excuse these sins; we confess them, trusting that the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

• Put On (Embrace) — As God’s “holy and beloved” children, we are called to clothe ourselves in mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, and longsuffering. We forgive others just as Christ freely forgave us.

Love: The Bond of Perfection

At the center of this new life is love (agape). This isn’t just a feeling; it is the selfless, sacrificial love God showed us by sending His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Paul calls love the “bond of perfection” because it is the motivation behind all other virtues. When we love God and our neighbor, we are fulfilling the heart of His Law — not to earn salvation, but because we have already been saved by His grace.

Doing All in His Name

The goal of the Christian life is to once again reflect the image of God, just as humanity did before the Fall. Instead of speaking and acting for our own glory, we now live for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Whether we are at work, at home, or in the community, verse 17 serves as our ultimate guide: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” When we live this way, our lives become a song of thankfulness for the forgiveness we possess and a beacon of light to a world that desperately needs the Savior.

Prayer

Dearest Jesus, my Savior and my life, keep my eyes fixed on You and the glories of heaven. Forgive me for the times I let my earthly nature rule my heart. By Your Spirit, put to death the sin within me and clothe me in Your love and kindness. Grant that all I say and do would bring glory to Your name, so that others, too, may come to know the life and peace found only in You. Amen.

[Scripture from The Holy Bible, Modern English Version, Copyright © 2024, 2017, 2014 by United Bible Association, Published and distributed by Charisma House. All rights reserved.]

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2 (Read Matt. 2:1-23)

Once again, through the Scriptures, we have heard of the birth of the Christ Child in Bethlehem of Judea. God the Son was made a true man, born of a virgin, and laid in a manger. An angel told the shepherds in the field nearby that this Child was none other than the Savior of the world, the Messiah, Jehovah God Himself!

Wise men (the Bible doesn’t tell us how many) from a land or lands east of Judea learned of the Messiah’s birth through the appearance of a star (cf. Numbers 24:17; Isaiah 60:1ff.) and traveled a great distance to come and worship this newborn King and bring Him costly gifts. When they arrived in Jerusalem, King Herod was troubled by their quest and inquired of the chief priests and scribes where the Messiah was to be born. They rightly understood the Scriptures and quoted from Micah 5:2, pointing out that Bethlehem was to be the place of the Messiah’s birth.

But what happened after this? The wise men continued their journey and were led by the star to Bethlehem and to the very house where Jesus was. There, they worshipped Jesus and offered Him gifts. Herod, the king, felt threatened by the birth of the Messiah and sought to kill Him and prevent Him from reigning on the throne of David. The chief priests and scribes knew the Scriptures and could tell Herod where the Messiah was to be born, but nowhere do we hear of them traveling to Bethlehem to worship their newborn Savior and King.

The question today is: “What about you?” You have heard of His birth and know of His sufferings and death for your sins and of His glorious resurrection. Do you reject Jesus and try to silence those who would speak to you of Him because Jesus is a threat to you and your way of life? Do you know all the facts about Jesus, but still fail to come and bow before Him and give Him your praise and worship? Or, like the wise men of old, do you follow the star (seeking the guidance of Holy Scripture) to find Messiah Jesus and worship your God and Savior, presenting Him with the costliest of gifts — your very lives?

O dearest Jesus, You are the Almighty God and our Maker. We thank You for taking on flesh and blood and coming into this world to redeem us from sin and death. We praise You and give to You our treasures and our lives. Amen.

[Scripture is quoted from the Revised 1883 Webster Version of the Bible.]

Worship

Invocation

O almighty God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — we come into Your presence to seek Your mercy, to hear Your Word, and to offer up to You our prayers and praises. Hear us for the sake of the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and His atoning sacrifice on the cross for our sins. Amen.

Psalm 130 A Song of degrees

1 Out of the depths have I cried to thee, O LORD. 2 Lord, hear my voice: let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. 3 If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? 4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. 5 I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. 6 My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. 7 Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. 8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.”

Confession of Sins

P: Let us confess our sins unto the Lord our God and look to Him for mercy and forgiveness for the sake of the abundant redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ, who has redeemed us from all our iniquities.

C: Almighty God, our Maker and Redeemer, we poor sinners confess to You that we are by nature sinful and unclean and that we have sinned against You in our thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. We, therefore, flee for refuge to Your infinite mercy, seeking and imploring Your grace for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ.

P: For the sake of Jesus’ holy life and His atoning sacrifice on the cross, I announce unto you the grace and mercy of God and proclaim to you forgiveness for all your sins through faith in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Scripture Lesson: Matthew 2:1-23

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and have come to worship him. 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he enquired of them where the Christ should be born. 5 And they said to him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented to him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And being warned by God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

13 And when they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: 15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken from the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men, was exceeding angry, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all its surrounding lands, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, 18 In Ramah was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead who sought the young child’s life. 21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judaea in the place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there: however, being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: 23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

Do you seek Him?

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2 (Read Matt. 2:1-23)

Once again, through the Scriptures, we have heard of the birth of the Christ Child in Bethlehem of Judea. God the Son was made a true man, born of a virgin, and laid in a manger. An angel told the shepherds in the field nearby that this Child was none other than the Savior of the world, the Messiah, Jehovah God Himself!

Wise men (the Bible doesn’t tell us how many) from a land or lands east of Judea learned of the Messiah’s birth through the appearance of a star (cf. Numbers 24:17; Isaiah 60:1ff.) and traveled a great distance to come and worship this newborn King and bring Him costly gifts. When they arrived in Jerusalem, King Herod was troubled by their quest and inquired of the chief priests and scribes where the Messiah was to be born. They rightly understood the Scriptures and quoted from Micah 5:2, pointing out that Bethlehem was to be the place of the Messiah’s birth.

But what happened after this? The wise men continued their journey and were led by the star to Bethlehem and to the very house where Jesus was. There, they worshipped Jesus and offered Him gifts. Herod, the king, felt threatened by the birth of the Messiah and sought to kill Him and prevent Him from reigning on the throne of David. The chief priests and scribes knew the Scriptures and could tell Herod where the Messiah was to be born, but nowhere do we hear of them traveling to Bethlehem to worship their newborn Savior and King.

The question today is: “What about you?” You have heard of His birth and even know of His sufferings and death for your sins and of His glorious resurrection. Do you reject Jesus and try to silence those who would speak to you of Him because Jesus is a threat to you and your way of life? Do you know all the facts about Jesus, but still fail to come and bow before Him and give Him your praise and worship? Or, like the wise men of old, do you follow the star (seeking the guidance of Holy Scripture) to find Messiah Jesus and worship your God and Savior, presenting Him with the costliest of gifts — your very lives?

O dearest Jesus, You are the Almighty God and our Maker. We thank You for taking on flesh and blood and coming into this world to redeem us from sin and death. We praise You and give to You our treasures and our lives. Amen.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, God of all mercy and grace, we approach Your throne through the perfect sacrifice and shed blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We confess our failures to walk by faith in the glorious promises of Your Word. Forgive our lack of trust and our sinful inclinations, which so easily overcome us.

By Your Holy Spirit, move us daily to read and study our Bibles and to approach You with our petitions and heartfelt praises. Be patient with us in our weakness and disobedience, move us to turn from our sins and look to Jesus, our Savior, for mercy and pardon. Preserve us in the true and saving faith unto life everlasting.

O Christ Jesus, eternal Son of God and our Savior, You gave Your life for ours and made full atonement for our sins on the cross. Bless the tireless work of faithful pastors, missionaries, and congregations everywhere, so that Your life-giving Word might be proclaimed and all who hear may repent and look to You for forgiveness.

O loving and merciful God, our nation and people are living in darkness and under Your just wrath and judgment. We pray that You would open the eyes and ears of our citizens and rulers that they might see and hear the truth of Your Word. Move them to repent of their evil deeds and fall down at the feet of Jesus, pleading for pardon.

You are the great Healer and Preserver of our bodies and souls. We humbly ask You to provide for all our needs and preserve us from all harm and danger in this life. We lift up those among us who are afflicted — especially Harley, John, Karen, Renne, and all we name in our hearts. Have mercy on us all, grant healing to the sick, comfort to the oppressed, and strength for everyone to endure the troubles of this life in the sure hope of everlasting glory, for the sake of Christ Jesus, our Redeemer.

Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

“Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on 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.” (Matt. 6:9-13)

Benediction (Num. 6:24-26)

“The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious to thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” Amen.

[Scripture is quoted from the Revised 1883 Webster Version of the Bible.]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

For pastoral care, please call Pastor Moll at 479-233-0081 or email him at randy@mercifulsavior.net.

Our next Business Meeting will be held following our worship service on Sunday, January 18.