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Colossians 1:15-20
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. To the true Christian man or woman of God this great doctrine of the providence of God brings the ultimate confidence and security to their hearts in knowing that “for those who love God all things work together for good…” We know that because God’s way is perfect (and David uses exactly those words in Psalm 18:30) all God wills is always flawless and righteous.
- THE INTERPRETATION OF PRESERVATION! Millard Erickson defines preservation as God’s maintaining his creation in existence. Wayne Grudem defines it as God keeping all things existing, and maintaining the properties with which he created them. When we say everything today is the way God created it we mean – water has always been two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen in every molecule – or water has always been water. Grass has always been grass. Let’s consider:
- THE IMPLICATIONS OF PRESERVATION! There are some important truths we need to notice at this point! As we examine these truths they begin to help us see how intricately and intimately God is involved with us as individuals, not just as the human race. The first truth is: All preservation is always in the present tense! Right now you are on God’s mind and He is keeping/holding you in existence, as He has done since your conception. And that just concerns your physical life here and now. The truth is you have been in God’s mind from eternity past until the time you were conceived – then you were not only in His mind, but you became an eternal part of His creation. Depending on both your current relationship and fellowship with God as one of His adopted children – knowing that preservation is always in the present tense – should bring to your daily life security, peace, joy, confidence, and a significant sense of humble gratitude. It is God who maintains our existence, and everything about it! Think of it this way – you continue to exist because God wants you too! A second truth that we should understand concerning preservation is that it should be thought of in a very positive way! We know that God will always act to direct all the affairs of our life so the ultimate result is always the best possible way to the best possible goal! Another truth to consider is preservation is also a means of God’s provision. OT history is filled with examples of God’s provision for His people. NT history records that Jesus told The 12, not to take any provisions with them as He sent them out to preach the gospel, because God would provide for them all they would need – including the words they would speak on His behalf. Now let’s consider:
- THE IMPACT OF PRESERVATION! Go with me to Phil. 1. Look at v. 6. The 1st impact of God’s preservation is that *He will finish the good work he has started in you. God will not leave any part of His creation undone or unfinished – and that includes you! What is the good work God has started in you? A short, clear answer can be found in Romans 8:29 where God tells us His adopted children have been “predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ.” The bottom line is this – if you are a true Christian – it doesn’t make any difference what circumstances you’re under, or what “lot” you consider your life to be – God will finish the good work He has started in you!
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
