Colossians 1:2. "To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse; grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." SAINTS AND FAITHFUL BRETHREN. These people are not just common men and women. God knew who they were right from the beginning. There was placed within their personality A desire for spiritual things and sanctified curiosity - So that when the Holy Spirit, by His convicting power, Brought them to think about their life and beyond their dying hour. These set-apart people responded with faith in Christ, And with the Holy Spirit within, God, these people blest.
Many of them will not travel very far from home. Their field of service for God will be where they are known. Children will learn the way of salvation from a faithful mother. Believers will be shepherded through life by a faithful brother. The community where they live will know their manner of life. A husband will be faithful and provide for his children and his wife. Their testimony will be seen, although they are not aware Of the impact on their lives while living there.
One of the reasons why there is recognition in their place, Is that through them, God has chosen to reveal His grace. They received that dispensation when, with faith unfeigned, Their trust was put in Christ alone, and now His holy name Is reverenced by them, and they have a genuine love for the Lord. There is a consistent commitment to follow God's Word. They have a love for each other that shines out like a light, And the on-lookers know they have abundant life.
Contentment is missing in most people we meet. But saints and faithful brethren generally come together in peace. Not because they have done great things or won a war, But because they are conscious of their Father and who they are. The Lord Jesus is their Savior, and it is their delight to honor Him who has saved them, now they can say, "Abba Father." God is real to them, and so is heaven and hell. But they have found their peace in Him, who does all things well.
"Loving Father, it must give Thee joy to give grace and peace to the saints and faithful brethren and see evidence of their appreciation. I praise Thee for this - and so do many more, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."