Colosse, a populus city, wealthy and large

[dmday3000]

I really enjoy learning about the background on the cities that the early churches grew up in. The more I learn of the people and places the easier it is for me to identify with them, they seem less foreign and closer to home.

This looks like a great series of articles on the city of Colosse. I hope Dan doesn't keep us waiting for too long for the rest of them!

http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2010/02/colossians-city-its-inhabitants-its.html

the second article in the series...

http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2010/02/colossians-studies-2-churchs-founding.html

third article

http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2010/02/colossians-studies-3-false-teachers.html

fourth article

http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2010/03/colossians-studies-4-false-teachers.html

fifth article

http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2010/03/colossians-studies-4-false-teachers_04.html

sixth article

http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2010/03/colossians-studies-4-paul-responds-to.html

[MD Matlock]

 I guess Darin, this would be one example that God did not make a promise about the local church. "..... for no local church is permanent: they all serve their time and purpose, then either disappear or apostatize." a quote from Conrad Murrell about the church he pastored for years.

[dmday3000]

Lot's of different ways we can go with that, immediately we apply it to our own church, as long as God blesses and wills it we continue. What would happen if false doctrine should creep in? Would we even know? False teachers don't have a label on their shirts they look and act just like us. We tend to treat our weaker brothers with a large dose of grace, but when does grace end and discipline begin?

Having come from a church that taught false doctrine I have to say, if you're being taught lies you have no idea that they are lies. Until someone comes and tells you the truth and the bonds are loosed by God grace. That realization should make us cherish the truth and strive to keep it even more.

So where do we go from here?

[MD Matlock]

Love the truth and strive to keep the foundation of the teaching of the apostles that was handed down as pure as we can.