OzThoughts, Thursday. 8th October 2009.

OzThoughts, Thursday. 8th October 2009.

Paul ends his letter to the Colossians by mentioning Tychicus and Onesimus who will bring them up to date on what is happening to Paul when they deliver this letter to them.

Paul does not stop there he names the people who are with him and commends them for their help to him and faithfulness in working for God’s Kingdom. He then goes on to mention the church in Laodicea and Hierapolis and the church which meets in Nympha’s home.

As I read this for some reason my mind went back to when I was a Cadet (Trainee Salvation Army Officer). My wife and I led the meetings at a Sydney Corps and we got into conversation with a Retired SA Officer. She said something to us, I had not heard before or since, but we adopted as a practice.

She said simply “In the Salvation Army we have a platform, not a pulpit. You do not stand alone. There is room for others beside you. Do not forget to use them in your meeting leadership”.

As individual Christians we do not stand alone. There are others who encourage us, guide us, and most of all pray for us. There are others who need our prayers and our encouragement.

When Paul mentions the other churches, I am reminded that we, as a church congregation, are not an isolated village church but are a part of a network of churches that God has been pleased to raise up and nourish.
Colossians 4:7-18 (The Message)
7-9My good friend Tychicus will tell you all about me. He's a trusted minister and companion in the service of the Master. I've sent him to you so that you would know how things are with us, and so he could encourage you in your faith. And I've sent Onesimus with him. Onesimus is one of you, and has become such a trusted and dear brother! Together they'll bring you up-to-date on everything that has been going on here.
10-11Aristarchus, who is in jail here with me, sends greetings; also Mark, cousin of Barnabas (you received a letter regarding him; if he shows up, welcome him); and also Jesus, the one they call Justus. These are the only ones left from the old crowd who have stuck with me in working for God's kingdom. Don't think they haven't been a big help!
12-13Epaphras, who is one of you, says hello. What a trooper he has been! He's been tireless in his prayers for you, praying that you'll stand firm, mature and confident in everything God wants you to do. I've watched him closely, and can report on how hard he has worked for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
14Luke, good friend and physician, and Demas both send greetings.
15Say hello to our friends in Laodicea; also to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.
16After this letter has been read to you, make sure it gets read also in Laodicea. And get the letter that went to Laodicea and have it read to you.
17And, oh, yes, tell Archippus, "Do your best in the job you received from the Master. Do your very best."
18I'm signing off in my own handwriting—Paul. Remember to pray for me in this jail. Grace be with you.
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_155.mp3 ]

Help us to help each other, Lord,
Each other's cross to bear;
Let each his friendly aid afford,
And feel his brother's care.

Help us to build each other up,
Our little stock improve;
Increase our faith, confirm our hope,
And perfect us in love.

Up into thee, our living head,
Let us in all things grow,
Till thou hast made us free indeed
And spotless here below.
Author: Charles Wesley (1707-88)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 662


O thou God of every nation,
We now for thy blessing call;
Fit us for full consecration,
Let the fire from Heaven fall.
Bless our Army! Bless our Army!
With thy power baptize us all.

Fill us with thy Holy Spirit;
Make our soldiers white as snow;
Save the world through Jesus' merit,
Satan's kingdom overthrow.
Bless our Army! Bless our Army!
Send us where we ought to go.

Give us all more holy living,
Fill us with abundant power;
Give the Army more thanksgiving,
Greater victories every hour.
Bless our Army! Bless our Army!
Be our rock, our shield, our tower.

Bless our General, bless our leaders,
Bless our officers as well.
Bless our converts, bless our soldiers;
Speed the war 'gainst sin and Hell.
Bless our Army! Bless our Army!
We will all thy goodness tell.
Author: William James Pearson (1832-92)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 622

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