DAY 8 - THE MISSION & THE MYSTERY

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DAY 8 – The Mission & The Mystery by Pastor Dick

Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people.

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. — Colossians 1:24-29 (NIV)

Transformation Like a Renovation

Imagine walking up to a house that looks like it starred in a horror flick. You’d think it was at its best centuries ago.

But after some bold design choices, countless trips to the hardware store, and good old-fashioned elbow grease, it’s now a stunning home, proudly showing off its new look.

That’s what God does in us through salvation. Before Christ: we were broken, empty, and lost.

After Christ: we’re being made new, step by step, like a careful renovation crew does—not stopping until the job’s done.

Paul’s Joy in Suffering

Here’s the wild part: Paul wrote this while under house arrest, yet he says, “I rejoice.”

How? Because he knew his suffering was part of a bigger mission—introducing people to Jesus.

He calls himself a servant sent by God to share the full message, the mystery long hidden but now revealed: Christ in you, the hope of glory.

A Mission with Purpose

Paul’s focus was sharing the gospel. But the bigger calling belongs to all believers:

• Know Christ.

• Reflect Christ.

• Make Christ known.

That’s our mission too.

The Mystery Revealed

Paul uses the word “mystery”—something hidden for generations but now unveiled.

Here’s the shocker: in Christ, the Holy Spirit lives permanently in every believer.

Not just occasional visits like in the Old Testament, but a permanent, powerful presence.

Christ lives in us!

Strength to Endure

This truth changes everything. Mission + Mystery go hand in hand. Our mission is to live Christ-in-us and through-us.

The mystery is Christ Himself, empowering us by His Spirit—the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.

Even through hardships, like Paul, we can still say, “I rejoice.”

Reflection Questions

• What stories from Scripture or your life show how the Holy Spirit empowers believers?

• What are you avoiding due to fear instead of leaning on the Spirit’s power?

• Ask the Lord to reveal how He is truly your all in all and trust Him to meet you right

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New Hope Church of God

1250 Waggoners Gap Rd

Carlisle, Pa

(717) 241-5544