Colossians 3:5-17
The Christ-Centered Wardrobe

Paul tells us, along with the Colossian Christians, that we have a new wardrobe and must get rid of the old, not just push it to the back of the closet. As Pastor Todd described the sexual sins mentioned in v5 and the sins of the tongue listed in vv8-9, did you feel a sting from the Holy Spirit? Perhaps you view pornography – as do over 50% of Christian men – but excuse it by thinking, no one knows or everybody does it. Perhaps you lash out in anger at someone you love, using loud harsh words you don’t really mean, but tell yourself, it doesn’t matter, it’s only words. If you felt the pinch of the Holy Spirit on Sunday, pay attention. Take the issue to the Lord in prayer, confessing your sin and asking Him what you should do. Then take immediate action to obey.

Pastor Todd noted that the list of Christ-like qualities we are to put on (vv12-14) is very similar to the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Father, tune me to the Holy Spirit’s wavelength today and strengthen me to cooperate with His instructions. Grow Your good fruit in me.

Todd identified in vv15-17 several things that a “well-dressed” congregation pursues. The first is the peace of Christ. Pray that the peace of Christ will rule (serve as a referee) in our body at Calvary, that we will resolve issues in a spirit of unity, not avoid them. Pray also that the word of Christ will dwell in us richly, at home as well as at church. Pray that biblical truth would be a normal, daily subject of discussion between husbands and wives, parents and children.

We are also to pursue worship. With the passion and conviction you might expect from a worship pastor, Todd explained that singing as an expression of worship is commanded by Scripture. Only you can lift your voice in sincere worship from a thankful heart; the worship team can’t do it for you and neither can the person behind you who has a “good” voice. It seemed to me in the first service that many people took Todd’s exhortation to heart as we sang the closing song. Pray that we would truly be a singing church, that every person would feel the freedom and the need to sing.

Calvary Family

Please pray for 8-year-old Sawyer, grandson of Cindy and Mike Belleville. An MRI revealed a tumor in Sawyer's brain. He and his parents have an appointment tomorrow with a pediatric neurosurgeon at CHOLA. Cindy writes, " Please pray that the tumor is benign and operable and for peace for those who love him as we wait."

Fall FunFest happens this Saturday! As the day approaches, pray for plenty of willing hands to serve at Prep Night on Wednesday, set-up on Friday, and the event itself on Saturday. Pray that every worker will exude the love and joy of Christ as they serve. Ask the Lord to bring many who need Him to FunFest and to open their hearts.

Twenty-three foster families have accepted Calvary’s invitation to attend Fall FunFest as our guests. Pray they will feel welcomed, appreciated, and supported.

Please lift up the family of Al Pence, who passed away last week. Al and his wife, Pat, served the Lord with Wycliffe Bible Translators for many years and were part of the Calvary family of missionaries. Pray for Pat and the whole family as they celebrate Al’s life and mourn his loss.

Join Kay Lewis in thanking God for sparing her 57-year-old son’s life after a serious heart attack several weeks ago. David went home from the hospital last Thursday and is doing well.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert
Calvary Community Church of Brea