Colossians 2:4-8

Crawford Toy and Lottie Moon. Crawford was a professor at a seminary and Lottie was a student. They started a relationship, but Lottie was called to missions and Crawford remained a professor. Eventually, Crawford went to Europe to study more and came across Darwin’s theories of evolution and natural selection. He started being more critical and questioning of the Bible. When he went back to resume teaching at the seminary, he started, not only presenting, but teaching Darwin’s theories and saying that the Bible has good value, but might not be all true. He and Lottie had been writing letters to each other throughout this and Lottie was ready to return and get married. But when she heard of his new beliefs, she cut off the relationship. She dumped him because he no longer believed the Bible like she did. Sadly, Crawford never returned to Christ. 

Deconstruction might be a relatively new term, but it’s been happening since well before the term existed. Crawford is an example of this. He encountered an argument that he thought sounded good and he deconstructed his beliefs to make it fit. Paul warns us against such things. 

Four Essentials for Walking with Jesus for a lifetime: 

1. Be grounded (v. 7a). … Having deep roots in Christ is critical to walking with Him. Being rooted in Christ requires belief in the Bible. Sadly, a growing number of evangelical christians are slipping away from that. Polls show a growing number don't believe the Bible to be true, believe gender identity is a choice, or that Jesus was a great teacher, but not God. These are concerning trends and something each of us must guard against. 
2. Be growing (v. 7b). … We can always grow more spiritually. Don’t be discouraged by a lack of growth, but just keep taking steps. Here are three things that help us grow. 
   1. Be nourished by the Word of God
   2. Cultivate a heart of prayer
   3. Be strengthened by community, 
3. Be grateful (v. 7c). … Paul tells us to be overflowing with gratitude, abounding in thanksgiving. G.K. Chesterton said “The worst moment for an atheist is when he is really thankful and has no one to thank.” As believers, we know who to thank when we feel blessed. We know who to thank when we are overflowing with gratitude. 
4. Be on guard (v.. 8), … Paul warns us to be careful so that we are not deceived by false voices and arguments. They may sound reasonable at first, but if they don't line up with God’s Word, they are not voices to listen to. 

If you’re a longtime believer and have walked with Jesus a long time or are a new believer, stay grounded.

If you’re a believer who has strayed from Christ, come back. 

If you’re not a believer yet, come to Jesus. 

Wherever you are in life’s walk, it’s not a walk you have to take alone. Jesus has invited us all to walk with Him.