The word for this week is "rudiments". It's found in two places in Colossians 2. Verses 8 and 20:
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
This is the Greek word "stoicheion". Strong's Concordance says: something orderly in arrangement, a serial (fundamental, basal, initial) constituent. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: the elements, rudiments, primary and fundamental principles. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says that the word used in Colossians means: religious ordinances, which are inadequate as a basis for human existence. They also add this: "It is delusional for Christians to think that such things can sustain them. By dying and rising again with Christ they are free from this delusion and the bondage it entails." Religion has always been used as a way to control people or to bring them under subjection to the ideas of man instead of the Truths of God's Word. It takes diligence and commitment to dig into the Word the way that you do, rather than just follow some code or doctrine, but the rewards of that diligence is freedom and the real power that comes from the One Who lives inside of you! Paul said, in Philippians 3:10 (AMP) that as we get to know JESUS, we will also know the power that is available to us through Him! I really like The Passion Translation of these verses from Colossians:
8 Beware that no one distracts you or intimidates you in their attempt to lead you away from Christ’s fullness by pretending to be full of wisdom when they’re filled with endless arguments of human logic. For they operate with humanistic and clouded judgments based on the mindset of this world system, and not the anointed truths of the Anointed One.
20 For you were included in the death of Christ and have died with him to the religious system and powers of this world. Don’t retreat back to being bullied by the standards and opinions of religion— 21 for example, their strict requirements, “You can’t associate with that person!” or, “Don’t eat that!” or, “You can’t touch that!” 22 These are the doctrines of men and corrupt customs that are worthless to help you spiritually. 23 For though they may appear to possess the promise of wisdom in their submission to God through the deprivation of their physical bodies, it is actually nothing more than empty rules rooted in religious rituals
I am so glad that you and Kristine found a church that teaches the Word of God! I am excited to see what He is going to continue to do for and through you and your family! Here is another new song from Hillsong's "There Is More" album called "Touch of Heaven":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
