“By Christ all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether . . . rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16

Everything. Absolutely everything.

Exists for him.

To show his worth.

For our treasuring.

“God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our sins, made us alive together with Christ.” Ephesians 2:4–5

This is a love given only to those he makes alive.

Do you know yourself loved with this peculiarly “great” love?

“The Lord is my strength and shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped.” Psalm 28:7

“If your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell.” Mark 9:47

Saying people “choose” hell is a metonymy for choose sin. No one on the shore of the lake of fire chooses it. Hence: “thrown.”

“Jesus said to him, ‘All things are possible for one who believes.’ Immediately the father cried out and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’” Mark 9:23–24

Therefore, it would be wrong to say that the fullest faith is necessary to enjoy the mercy of answered prayer.

“You are from everlasting.” Psalm 93:2

No beginning.

He is absolute, ultimate Reality.

We are not.

God gives us the victory over death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:57–58

No labor in vain in the Lord.

“So is the resurrection of the dead.
What is sown is perishable;
what is raised is imperishable.
It is sown in dishonor;
it is raised in glory.
It is sown in weakness;
it is raised in power.” 1 Corinthians 15:42–43

God speaks these words over Jesus to everyone.

“This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” Mark 9:7

A sense of unworthiness accompanied Paul to the very end.

Not killing him but thrilling him with Grace.

“I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am.” 1 Corinthians 15:9–10

Jesus:

“Whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.” Mark 8:35

For example, loses ownership.

“You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.” 1 Corinthians 6:19–20

God’s promise to those who love him.

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him.” Psalm 91:14

“For those who love God all things work together for good.” Romans 8:28

How to test debatable sentences.

Sift all by the words of the apostles.

“If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 14:37

“Let all things be done for building up.” 1 Corinthians 14:26

Let everything you say cement the faith of others, for Christ’s sake.

Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” Mark 8:29

Pray that that the blinding veil be lifted from Israel.

And for all the Gentiles who refuse to see that salvation is from the Jews. (John 4:22)

“In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Judges 17:6

“The kingdom of God will be taken away from you [Israel] and given to a people producing its fruits [the church].” Matthew 21:43

Today Christ rules the church by his Word.

“The parts of the body [the church!] that seem to be weaker are indispensable.” 1 Corinthians 12:22

Among other things, they are part of us to call forth, beauties of patience and kindness.

“He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” Mark 7:37

Deaf, mute, all things set right when he comes.

We taste some triumphs now.

But the fullness is attached to his presence.

“‘Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ And he said to her, ‘For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.’” Mark 7:28–29

Humility and trust triumph over all.

“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:7

To each.

No one who says from the heart, “Jesus is Lord,” is excluded (1 Corinthians 12:3).