Christ within us A reflection on Colossians 1:27 2:7.

Hello my friend Dr. Brad.

Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.

This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.

In a bit I will read the New Testament lesson selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.

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Here's today's reading from Colossians 1:27 27 reading from the Message this mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it's out in the open.

God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know his rich and glorious secret inside and out.

Regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing.

The mystery in a nutshell is Christ is in you.

So therefore you can look forward to sharing in God's glory.

It's that simple.

That is the substance of our message.

We preach Christ warning people not to add to the message.

We teach in a spirit of profound.

Common sense so that we can bring.

Each person to maturity.

To be mature is to be basic.

Christ, no more, no less.

That's what I'm working so hard at, day after day, year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously gives me.

I want you to realize that I.

Continue to work as hard as I.

Know how for you and also for the Christians over Laodicea.

Not many of you have met me.

Face to face, but that doesn't make any difference.

Know that I'm on your side, right alongside you.

You're not in this alone.

I want you woven into a tapestry.

Of love, in touch with everything there.

Is to know of God.

Then you will have minds, confident and at rest focused on Christ, God's great mystery.

All the richest treasures of wisdom and.

Knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else.

And we've been shown the mystery.

I'm telling you this because I don't want anyone leading you off on some.

Wild goose chase after other so called.

Mysteries or the secret.

I'm a long way off.

True and you may never lay eyes on me.

But believe me, I'm on your side, right beside you.

I am delighted to hear of the careful and orderly ways you conduct your affairs and impress with the solid substance of your faith in Christ.

From the shadows to the substance.

My counsel for you is simple and straightforward.

Just go ahead with what you've been given.

You receive Christ Jesus the Master now live him.

You're deeply rooted in Him.

You're well constructed upon him.

You know your way around faith now.

Do what you been taught.

School's out.

Quit studying the subject and start living.

It and let your living spill out over into Thanksgiving.

Hmm.

Well then this is just Paul really has a profound message here about inclusivity and about inner divinity.

That's the peace of God within us and authentic living.

Let's look at some points to ponder.

The first one is about radical inclusivity.

Paul declares that God's quote rich and glorious secret is meant for everyone regardless of background or religious standing.

This was revolutionary in his time and remains powerful today in our modern context.

This affirms that divine love transcends all human made boundaries, whether they're based on religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, race or social status.

The second point is about the divine within the holy within.

The core mystery Paul reveals is breathtaking.

Christ is in you.

This isn't about external religious observance, but about recognizing the sacred presence within each person.

This understanding invites us to see the divine spark in ourselves and in every person we meet, challenging us to move beyond judgment to radical acceptance and love.

A third point is about authentic over artificial.

Paul warns it gets caught up in wild goose chases or so called mysteries.

In today's terms, this might mean being wary of commercialized spirituality or rigid dogma that obscures the simple truth of divine love.

The emphasis is on living authentically rather than performing religiously.

Today's action step Take a few minutes to practice sacred recognition that is look in the mirror and acknowledge the divine God within you.

Then as you interact with others throughout your day, silently acknowledge the Christ presence in them.

So especially people you find a little bit challenging.

How does this shift your perspective and interactions?

We're going to pray here in just a minute, but I want to remind you that we have a great resource for you.

It's called the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible Study Method.

It's there to help you with your at home daily Bible study practices.

You head over to our website voiceofgodaily.com it's free to you so please go there and pick it up let's pray.

Oh God, you're a divine presence living in and through us all.

Help us embrace the beautiful mystery of your indwelling love.

When we feel alone and disconnected, remind us that you are as close as our own breath.

When we encounter others, open our eyes to see your light within them.

When we're tempted to complicate our faith with rules and requirements, draw us back to the simple truth of love.

Guide us in living authentically with gratitude spilling over into all we do.

Amen.

My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.

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Thanks much.

My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your Daily Bible Refresh.

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Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.

His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.