in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. - Colossians 1: 14 (NIV)
The absolute last thing preached about today is sin. Sure some lip service may be made to it but overall preachers are taught to not scare away potential churchgoers by discussing the very reason why they need Jesus to begin with! I am starting to see "sinners prayers", which is horrifically bad theology to begin with, remove any mention of sin at all! Just invite Jesus into your heart and voila! You are in the kingdom of god. But that is god with a small "g" because it is not the one true God. It is a god of our own creation and he has the power to save no one. So the final point Paul makes to the Colossians is to remind them of our natural fallen state before a holy God. It is the final point for us today as well when we look forward into 2014 and want to take inventory on what we need to be praying for.
We need to be continually praying:
1) For the spirit within us to lead us into His will.
2) That we pursue His revealed will to find ourselves closer to His decretive will.
3) That our motivation always be to live a life worthy of God.
4) That our motivation always be to please Him in every way.
5) That our motivation always be to bear fruit in every good work.
6) That our motivation always be to grow in the knowledge of God.
7) For a greater portion of patience and endurance in advance of trials.
8) With a thankful heart for God has qualified us for eternal life.
9) With a thankful heart that remembers where God found us.
10) With a thankful heart the remembers we are sinners before a holy God
