"Fullness in Christ" (Introduction)

Intimidation is a form of fear that can keep one from a faithful walk with God.  Take for example the believers in Ephesus and Colossae in Paul’s day.  They were intimidated by people who appeared to be quite spiritual, making them feel as if they were second-class Christians.  This had the effect of rendering them weak.  They assumed they were missing something significant of God’s blessing and could never really experience the abundant life of Christ (John 10:10).  

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians concerned Gentile believers who considered themselves to have less of God’s blessing than Jewish believers.  Colossians concerned believers who were told that receiving Christ by faith was only the beginning of spiritual life and that there was much more for them to know and have.  

In each case the answer to the intimidation was the same: the standing of the believer was based on the person and work of Christ and not on the performance of the believer.  They needed to have a proper view of Christ.  Then they simply needed to know that they were in Christ.  In other words these letters establish 2 points:

¨    The fullness of Christ; and,

¨    Our fullness in Christ.

The letters thus have an easy connection in terms of theme, not to mention the fact that they were apparently written from prison in Rome at the same time and sent with the same courier.  For this reason we have placed them together for your encouragement.  

If you are wondering, the picture is of Holland Lake in Montana with the Mission Mountains in the background.  It was taken when our church family at Central Bible in Kalispell had one of their Memorial Day weekend campouts there.  It reminds me of that wonderful church families we have known as well as my own family who enjoyed this area back in the 1980’s when we were living in Lewistown.  These are all people that I hope will be assured of their fullness in Christ.

These letters will exalt the Lord Jesus Christ and will excite the believer who takes their truths to heart.  Let us not live beneath our position.

Ron Youde, Kalispell, MT (Christmas 2009)