DAY 7 - BEFORE & AFTER
- Pastor Dick Warner
- Aug 29
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 6
DAY 7 – Before & After by Pastor Dick
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.
This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. — Colossians 1:21-23 (NIV)
Paul Under Arrest
When Paul wrote this letter, he wasn’t out and about enjoying freedom. Nope, he was stuck under Roman house arrest for preaching the gospel!
But that didn’t keep him from pouring his heart into his letters, especially to protect believers from false ideas creeping into their faith.
In Colossae, some folks were saying:
Jesus wasn’t truly God.
You needed special rituals or good works for salvation.
Paul sets the record straight with powerful truth.
Before & After with Jesus
Think of those “before and after” pictures from workout ads—people love them because they show change, hope, and renewal.
Paul gives us a spiritual “before and after”: Before Jesus—alienated from God, enemies in mind and deed, trapped by sin.
After Jesus—holy, pure, forgiven, and free from accusations. Now that's a makeover worth celebrating!
The Difference Between This Change and Ours
Here’s the kicker: Most “before & afters” come from hard work on our part.
But our reconciliation isn’t earned—it’s God’s gift through Christ’s sacrifice, by grace and love. We can’t work for this salvation. He gives it freely.
Living in the “After”
Just like healthy living isn’t just a one-time workout but a lifestyle, walking with Christ is ongoing.
Paul challenges us to:
Continue firm in faith.
Stay established and rooted.
Never drift from the hope of the gospel.
The gospel is not a “once and done” news story; it’s a life-changing daily reality.
A Transformed Life
As John reminds us: “All who have this hope in Him purify themselves.”
The gospel shapes not only what we believe but how we think, act, and love.
Our “after” with Jesus should be:
Pure.
Forgiven.
Free.
Holy.
Hopeful.
Transformed.
Pointing others to God.
Reflection Questions
Why should the gospel change not just our beliefs but our daily lives?
Is there a part of your life resisting God’s transformation? Where do you need His grace more?
What’s one step you can take today to let God’s Word shape you? Say “yes” to His Spirit and invite Him to work in you.
New Hope Church of God
1250 Waggoners Gap Rd
Carlisle, Pa
(717) 241-5544
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