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by Pastor Joe Garofalo
“For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” Colossians 1:29
March 20, 2022— the first time my wife and I walked to this church.
Knowing it had been struggling over the past number of years, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. We walked in and right away we were taken in by the warmth of the people. We clearly saw, due to its prime location in the Village of Huntington, that it was positioned to impact the community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As I accepted the role of pastor, I could sense God saying, “There’s work to be done.”
That was almost two years ago— and we’re still working. In fact, we will always be working, because God is always working.
Certainly it is God who builds the church—Jesus said it:
“I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).
But we have a part. As the apostle Paul said,
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” (1 Corinthians 3:6).
It’s a partnership really— a blending of our efforts done in the power of the Holy Spirit.
We see that “blending” in Colossians 1:29, where Paul makes that statement following what is in essence, his chief goal:
“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (1:28).
It is what he strives for! But not only with his efforts, but by the power of the Holy Spirit working in him!
Commentators suggest that this verse is an excellent example of the balance of Christian living. Paul makes the statement that he gives all his energy to this effort. In fact, “toil” refers to working to the point of exhaustion.The Greek word for “striving” gives us the English word for “agonize,” as in the maximum effort required for intense athletic activities. At the same time, he knew that for his striving or efforts to have any spiritual and eternal results, it must be done by God through him.
Indeed, Paul was confident that his efforts of furthering the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ would be effective by doing his part with all his might—and by the power of God working through him. Amazingly, the same power at work in the apostle Paul is at work in us! God will use our desire and efforts as we share Christ with others for His glory. But remember, it’s a partnership. We have to do the seeding and/or the watering!
So my question to you is, “Will you take the opportunity to partner with God in the gospel?” As we are entering the summer season, there are great opportunities to connect with people, with more gatherings and events happening this time of year, it’s is a perfect time to share your faith with neighbors, friends, co-worker and family!
Jesus wants to partner with you— so don’t be a silent partner!
Watch our Services live on Sundays at 11:00 AM est
NEW SUMMER HOURS: Sundays at 10am est
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