Lesson 2121

(Lesson 2121)(09-26-17)  Colossians 2:16-23 
    “ Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.”

   Today’s quote contains one of the more important lessons, pertaining to Christ’s churches, that is to be found in the New Testament. Therein, Paul clearly warned the Colossians (And thereby today’s Christian churches.) not be distracted from their efforts, in the ministry of the true gospel of Jesus Christ, by those who would demand, as an erroneously required practice, that they/we perform pointless ceremonial rituals and set apart certain days, or anniversaries, that serve no purpose within the ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
    Although Paul’s warning was mainly intended against the rituals of the Jews that had been imposed by their law such as, celebrating certain days, abstaining from eating certain foods, circumcision, water baptisms, etc., the warning also pertained to the pagan rituals practiced by many of the Gentiles.
    The true gospel of Jesus Christ is clearly defined thoughout the Pages of the New Testament.  and, as Paul so clearly stated, should NOT have pointless rituals imposed upon it.~