three essential christian experiences

…since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel…

Colossians 1:4-5

This careful prayer of Paul’s emphasizes three essential experiences every believer in Christ enjoys. They satisfy our souls. I believe they set our character and define all our relationships.

The first experience: Faith in Christ Jesus. Christianity is all about Jesus. The good news of the truth, the gospel, is all about Jesus. Jesus is our Teacher. Jesus is our Savior. Jesus is our Leader. Jesus is God. Jesus is our Lord. It is an essential experience that all Christians are committed to gospel faith in Jesus, about Jesus, and upon His completed work. From that essential our relationship with God, and in Christ, can be lived to the full, with joy, thankfulness, and direction.

Secondly, we know love for all Jesus’ people. The church is a vital place, not just pounding out right doctrine exclusively, or demanding hard expectations of us. No, the church is a group of people who experience the love of Christ together and in that love we grow, thrive, learn to think, and mature in our understanding both of our Savior and the saints. I love people because Jesus does. I love His church because He does. My deepest friendships are in Christ with Christians. In many ways my local church is my family and always will be. And with Jesus in common, we know love. With Him we show love.

And finally there is hope for us in heaven. We work toward an eternal goal. That hope Paul says is “laid up” for us… a call to the language of Jesus Himself Who calls us to “lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven”. His perspective was bigger than the mere present and its possessions. And our measure of success and wealth in Christ must also be eternally focused. My hope (re-arranged as all things have become for me in 2023) is squarely set in heaven. Eternal life is so much more important than chasing any earthly endeavor. Jesus, and eternity with Him, are the real treasures!

And so… in faith, love, and hope I now live by the mercies and grace of Jesus Christ. Lord, may Your people thrive in these essentials until You return!