Colossians 4:16. "And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea." THIS EPISTLE. I don't know how many letters I've written over the passage of years; But I do know what I wrote doesn't have the impact this letter bears. The Spirit of God knew what needed to be said to bring correction about. This epistle came from God that we all might know what to keep or what to cast out.
The preeminence of Christ, our union with Him, Christ as the Church's Head, All are important themes in this epistle to be heeded wherever it is read. Heresies are rejected, all the work of men's hands, anything that adds to grace; All of those emotional and psychic experiences in God's church have no place.
When one is a new creation in Christ, there are changes we choose to make. The things of the old life are put off like a coat; like a new coat, this new life we take. Things are different in personal life and in the life of our family. We consider what His will is and apply it to ourselves to live righteously.
Our freedom in Christ sets us free from the bondage that false teachers try to impose. The faith that we need comes from God Himself to us when His will we choose To learn from His Word as a company of saints, and it adds to us courage and strength. The impact at first may seem small to some, but it brings glory to God at length.
The size of the company, and how many attends, is not the measure of success. The place God gets and obedience to Him, is the gauge as to what He can bless. It is possible to "do church" and leave God out, so people are inclined to come. But the words of this epistle, and others like it, are the blueprint for what is to be done.
So, with faith, and hopefully, grace, we will continue on to carry out what is God's will. Even though some may pity us because we are small, we will maintain God's pattern still. This epistle gives guidelines to us in this place, and churches all over the world. And by God's grace, I intend to stick to His Word, even though the pages are curled.
"Lord God, please grant that Thy servant will never compromise nor demean in any way the written truths that have guided us for years. I fear lest I get senile and careless as age advances and I try to please others. Let Thy servant be kind and gracious, and yet trustworthy and faithful to Thee and Thy Word. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."