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THE GOOD NEWS IN AFRICA

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I have heard it said that Africa is a place where your feet may leave, but your heart will always stay!

This is such a true statement. No matter how many years we have been away from Africa, it remains a large part of our lives and hearts. Both Cathy and I were born and raised in South Africa, making this continent and its people a huge part of who we are! We love taking every possible opportunity to visit with family and friends there and are eager and blessed to minister wherever we are invited.

At the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, we were invited to minister in several local churches in Johannesburg and Durban. We have established wonderful relationships in these areas over the years, and we always look forward to visiting with pastors and seeing how the Lord has expanded their hearts, visions, and ministries.

Over the past few years, I have been invited to Uganda several times, but due to COVID restrictions and circumstances beyond our control, this was not possible. However, in January this year, I was finally able to fulfill this dream! With the help of our friends and partners, as well as invitations from Charis Bible College, I was able to minister at the “Open Days

Conference” in Kampala, as well as in one of the local churches alongside Bishop Herbert Kiwanuka at Glory of Christ Church.

Bishop Herbert is a highly influential figure in Kampala, overseeing a large church and more than a hundred branch churches across Uganda. He has invited us to return and speak at his next pastor’s and leader’s conference in 2025/2026!

While there, I also traveled to Harare, Zimbabwe, to share at Charis’ “Open Days Conference” for two days. Through this, we saw many lives and hearts changed by the Gospel!

Here is one powerful testimony from a dear woman whose life and family were transformed through our ability to spread The Gospel of Grace and Peace in Africa:

Greetings Pastor Arthur Meintjes,
My name is JD. I am the mother of KAE. I graduated from Charis Bible College Cape Town in 2023. My husband is doing the first-year course online. I was introduced to one of your teachings in second year and was struck by your passion and attention to detail.
As an alumni, I now have access to other teachings as well. So far, I have watched all your other teachings. Because of your passion and attention to detail, we now have a desire to discover the meanings of the original Greek and Hebrew of the Bible.

I’m grateful that God is using you to ignite in us a desire to research the original meanings. We love your passion, directness, and transparency. We thank God for the impact you have had on our lives.
Yours sincerely,
JD

What a blessing to share hope, peace, and the goodness of God with all mankind, especially in Africa, which is in desperate need of the Gospel of God’s Grace and Truth. A BIG THANK YOU to our friends and partners—your support enables us to spread God’s message of grace, love, and mercy worldwide. If you’re not yet a monthly partner, would you consider joining us?

Thank you to the Charis Bible College Directors, staff, pastors, and their teams for a memorable trip. We cherished our time with each of you and the passion you have for sharing the gospel globally.

We look forward to continuing our travels and spreading the Good News with many more people. Our adventure together continues!
Blessings, Arthur and Cathy

The post THE GOOD NEWS IN AFRICA appeared first on Arthur Meintjes.

THE GOOD NEWS IN AFRICA

by

I have heard it said that Africa is a place where your feet may leave, but your heart will always stay!

This is such a true statement. No matter how many years we have been away from Africa, it remains a large part of our lives and hearts. Both Cathy and I were born and raised in South Africa, making this continent and its people a huge part of who we are! We love taking every possible opportunity to visit with family and friends there and are eager and blessed to minister wherever we are invited.

At the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, we were invited to minister in several local churches in Johannesburg and Durban. We have established wonderful relationships in these areas over the years, and we always look forward to visiting with pastors and seeing how the Lord has expanded their hearts, visions, and ministries.

Over the past few years, I have been invited to Uganda several times, but due to COVID restrictions and circumstances beyond our control, this was not possible. However, in January this year, I was finally able to fulfill this dream! With the help of our friends and partners, as well as invitations from Charis Bible College, I was able to minister at the “Open Days

Conference” in Kampala, as well as in one of the local churches alongside Bishop Herbert Kiwanuka at Glory of Christ Church.

Bishop Herbert is a highly influential figure in Kampala, overseeing a large church and more than a hundred branch churches across Uganda. He has invited us to return and speak at his next pastor’s and leader’s conference in 2025/2026!

While there, I also traveled to Harare, Zimbabwe, to share at Charis’ “Open Days Conference” for two days. Through this, we saw many lives and hearts changed by the Gospel!

Here is one powerful testimony from a dear woman whose life and family were transformed through our ability to spread The Gospel of Grace and Peace in Africa:

Greetings Pastor Arthur Meintjes,
My name is JD. I am the mother of KAE. I graduated from Charis Bible College Cape Town in 2023. My husband is doing the first-year course online. I was introduced to one of your teachings in second year and was struck by your passion and attention to detail.
As an alumni, I now have access to other teachings as well. So far, I have watched all your other teachings. Because of your passion and attention to detail, we now have a desire to discover the meanings of the original Greek and Hebrew of the Bible.

I’m grateful that God is using you to ignite in us a desire to research the original meanings. We love your passion, directness, and transparency. We thank God for the impact you have had on our lives.
Yours sincerely,
JD

What a blessing to share hope, peace, and the goodness of God with all mankind, especially in Africa, which is in desperate need of the Gospel of God’s Grace and Truth. A BIG THANK YOU to our friends and partners—your support enables us to spread God’s message of grace, love, and mercy worldwide. If you’re not yet a monthly partner, would you consider joining us?

Thank you to the Charis Bible College Directors, staff, pastors, and their teams for a memorable trip. We cherished our time with each of you and the passion you have for sharing the gospel globally.

We look forward to continuing our travels and spreading the Good News with many more people. Our adventure together continues!
Blessings, Arthur and Cathy

The post THE GOOD NEWS IN AFRICA appeared first on Arthur Meintjes.

THE GOOD NEWS IN AFRICA

by

I have heard it said that Africa is a place where your feet may leave, but your heart will always stay!

This is such a true statement. No matter how many years we have been away from Africa, it remains a large part of our lives and hearts. Both Cathy and I were born and raised in South Africa, making this continent and its people a huge part of who we are! We love taking every possible opportunity to visit with family and friends there and are eager and blessed to minister wherever we are invited.

At the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, we were invited to minister in several local churches in Johannesburg and Durban. We have established wonderful relationships in these areas over the years, and we always look forward to visiting with pastors and seeing how the Lord has expanded their hearts, visions, and ministries.

Over the past few years, I have been invited to Uganda several times, but due to COVID restrictions and circumstances beyond our control, this was not possible. However, in January this year, I was finally able to fulfill this dream! With the help of our friends and partners, as well as invitations from Charis Bible College, I was able to minister at the “Open Days

Conference” in Kampala, as well as in one of the local churches alongside Bishop Herbert Kiwanuka at Glory of Christ Church.

Bishop Herbert is a highly influential figure in Kampala, overseeing a large church and more than a hundred branch churches across Uganda. He has invited us to return and speak at his next pastor’s and leader’s conference in 2025/2026!

While there, I also traveled to Harare, Zimbabwe, to share at Charis’ “Open Days Conference” for two days. Through this, we saw many lives and hearts changed by the Gospel!

Here is one powerful testimony from a dear woman whose life and family were transformed through our ability to spread The Gospel of Grace and Peace in Africa:

Greetings Pastor Arthur Meintjes,
My name is JD. I am the mother of KAE. I graduated from Charis Bible College Cape Town in 2023. My husband is doing the first-year course online. I was introduced to one of your teachings in second year and was struck by your passion and attention to detail.
As an alumni, I now have access to other teachings as well. So far, I have watched all your other teachings. Because of your passion and attention to detail, we now have a desire to discover the meanings of the original Greek and Hebrew of the Bible.

I’m grateful that God is using you to ignite in us a desire to research the original meanings. We love your passion, directness, and transparency. We thank God for the impact you have had on our lives.
Yours sincerely,
JD

What a blessing to share hope, peace, and the goodness of God with all mankind, especially in Africa, which is in desperate need of the Gospel of God’s Grace and Truth. A BIG THANK YOU to our friends and partners—your support enables us to spread God’s message of grace, love, and mercy worldwide. If you’re not yet a monthly partner, would you consider joining us?

Thank you to the Charis Bible College Directors, staff, pastors, and their teams for a memorable trip. We cherished our time with each of you and the passion you have for sharing the gospel globally.

We look forward to continuing our travels and spreading the Good News with many more people. Our adventure together continues!
Blessings, Arthur and Cathy

The post THE GOOD NEWS IN AFRICA appeared first on Arthur Meintjes.

THE GOOD NEWS IN AFRICA

by

I have heard it said that Africa is a place where your feet may leave, but your heart will always stay!

This is such a true statement. No matter how many years we have been away from Africa, it remains a large part of our lives and hearts. Both Cathy and I were born and raised in South Africa, making this continent and its people a huge part of who we are! We love taking every possible opportunity to visit with family and friends there and are eager and blessed to minister wherever we are invited.

At the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, we were invited to minister in several local churches in Johannesburg and Durban. We have established wonderful relationships in these areas over the years, and we always look forward to visiting with pastors and seeing how the Lord has expanded their hearts, visions, and ministries.

Over the past few years, I have been invited to Uganda several times, but due to COVID restrictions and circumstances beyond our control, this was not possible. However, in January this year, I was finally able to fulfill this dream! With the help of our friends and partners, as well as invitations from Charis Bible College, I was able to minister at the “Open Days

Conference” in Kampala, as well as in one of the local churches alongside Bishop Herbert Kiwanuka at Glory of Christ Church.

Bishop Herbert is a highly influential figure in Kampala, overseeing a large church and more than a hundred branch churches across Uganda. He has invited us to return and speak at his next pastor’s and leader’s conference in 2025/2026!

While there, I also traveled to Harare, Zimbabwe, to share at Charis’ “Open Days Conference” for two days. Through this, we saw many lives and hearts changed by the Gospel!

Here is one powerful testimony from a dear woman whose life and family were transformed through our ability to spread The Gospel of Grace and Peace in Africa:

Greetings Pastor Arthur Meintjes,
My name is JD. I am the mother of KAE. I graduated from Charis Bible College Cape Town in 2023. My husband is doing the first-year course online. I was introduced to one of your teachings in second year and was struck by your passion and attention to detail.
As an alumni, I now have access to other teachings as well. So far, I have watched all your other teachings. Because of your passion and attention to detail, we now have a desire to discover the meanings of the original Greek and Hebrew of the Bible.

I’m grateful that God is using you to ignite in us a desire to research the original meanings. We love your passion, directness, and transparency. We thank God for the impact you have had on our lives.
Yours sincerely,
JD

What a blessing to share hope, peace, and the goodness of God with all mankind, especially in Africa, which is in desperate need of the Gospel of God’s Grace and Truth. A BIG THANK YOU to our friends and partners—your support enables us to spread God’s message of grace, love, and mercy worldwide. If you’re not yet a monthly partner, would you consider joining us?

Thank you to the Charis Bible College Directors, staff, pastors, and their teams for a memorable trip. We cherished our time with each of you and the passion you have for sharing the gospel globally.

We look forward to continuing our travels and spreading the Good News with many more people. Our adventure together continues!
Blessings, Arthur and Cathy

The post THE GOOD NEWS IN AFRICA appeared first on Arthur Meintjes.

THE GOOD NEWS IN AFRICA

by

I have heard it said that Africa is a place where your feet may leave, but your heart will always stay!

This is such a true statement. No matter how many years we have been away from Africa, it remains a large part of our lives and hearts. Both Cathy and I were born and raised in South Africa, making this continent and its people a huge part of who we are! We love taking every possible opportunity to visit with family and friends there and are eager and blessed to minister wherever we are invited.

At the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, we were invited to minister in several local churches in Johannesburg and Durban. We have established wonderful relationships in these areas over the years, and we always look forward to visiting with pastors and seeing how the Lord has expanded their hearts, visions, and ministries.

Over the past few years, I have been invited to Uganda several times, but due to COVID restrictions and circumstances beyond our control, this was not possible. However, in January this year, I was finally able to fulfill this dream! With the help of our friends and partners, as well as invitations from Charis Bible College, I was able to minister at the “Open Days

Conference” in Kampala, as well as in one of the local churches alongside Bishop Herbert Kiwanuka at Glory of Christ Church.

Bishop Herbert is a highly influential figure in Kampala, overseeing a large church and more than a hundred branch churches across Uganda. He has invited us to return and speak at his next pastor’s and leader’s conference in 2025/2026!

While there, I also traveled to Harare, Zimbabwe, to share at Charis’ “Open Days Conference” for two days. Through this, we saw many lives and hearts changed by the Gospel!

Here is one powerful testimony from a dear woman whose life and family were transformed through our ability to spread The Gospel of Grace and Peace in Africa:

Greetings Pastor Arthur Meintjes,
My name is JD. I am the mother of KAE. I graduated from Charis Bible College Cape Town in 2023. My husband is doing the first-year course online. I was introduced to one of your teachings in second year and was struck by your passion and attention to detail.
As an alumni, I now have access to other teachings as well. So far, I have watched all your other teachings. Because of your passion and attention to detail, we now have a desire to discover the meanings of the original Greek and Hebrew of the Bible.

I’m grateful that God is using you to ignite in us a desire to research the original meanings. We love your passion, directness, and transparency. We thank God for the impact you have had on our lives.
Yours sincerely,
JD

What a blessing to share hope, peace, and the goodness of God with all mankind, especially in Africa, which is in desperate need of the Gospel of God’s Grace and Truth. A BIG THANK YOU to our friends and partners—your support enables us to spread God’s message of grace, love, and mercy worldwide. If you’re not yet a monthly partner, would you consider joining us?

Thank you to the Charis Bible College Directors, staff, pastors, and their teams for a memorable trip. We cherished our time with each of you and the passion you have for sharing the gospel globally.

We look forward to continuing our travels and spreading the Good News with many more people. Our adventure together continues!
Blessings, Arthur and Cathy

The post THE GOOD NEWS IN AFRICA appeared first on Arthur Meintjes.

THE GOOD NEWS IN AFRICA

by

I have heard it said that Africa is a place where your feet may leave, but your heart will always stay!

This is such a true statement. No matter how many years we have been away from Africa, it remains a large part of our lives and hearts. Both Cathy and I were born and raised in South Africa, making this continent and its people a huge part of who we are! We love taking every possible opportunity to visit with family and friends there and are eager and blessed to minister wherever we are invited.

At the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, we were invited to minister in several local churches in Johannesburg and Durban. We have established wonderful relationships in these areas over the years, and we always look forward to visiting with pastors and seeing how the Lord has expanded their hearts, visions, and ministries.

Over the past few years, I have been invited to Uganda several times, but due to COVID restrictions and circumstances beyond our control, this was not possible. However, in January this year, I was finally able to fulfill this dream! With the help of our friends and partners, as well as invitations from Charis Bible College, I was able to minister at the “Open Days

Conference” in Kampala, as well as in one of the local churches alongside Bishop Herbert Kiwanuka at Glory of Christ Church.

Bishop Herbert is a highly influential figure in Kampala, overseeing a large church and more than a hundred branch churches across Uganda. He has invited us to return and speak at his next pastor’s and leader’s conference in 2025/2026!

While there, I also traveled to Harare, Zimbabwe, to share at Charis’ “Open Days Conference” for two days. Through this, we saw many lives and hearts changed by the Gospel!

Here is one powerful testimony from a dear woman whose life and family were transformed through our ability to spread The Gospel of Grace and Peace in Africa:

Greetings Pastor Arthur Meintjes,
My name is JD. I am the mother of KAE. I graduated from Charis Bible College Cape Town in 2023. My husband is doing the first-year course online. I was introduced to one of your teachings in second year and was struck by your passion and attention to detail.
As an alumni, I now have access to other teachings as well. So far, I have watched all your other teachings. Because of your passion and attention to detail, we now have a desire to discover the meanings of the original Greek and Hebrew of the Bible.

I’m grateful that God is using you to ignite in us a desire to research the original meanings. We love your passion, directness, and transparency. We thank God for the impact you have had on our lives.
Yours sincerely,
JD

What a blessing to share hope, peace, and the goodness of God with all mankind, especially in Africa, which is in desperate need of the Gospel of God’s Grace and Truth. A BIG THANK YOU to our friends and partners—your support enables us to spread God’s message of grace, love, and mercy worldwide. If you’re not yet a monthly partner, would you consider joining us?

Thank you to the Charis Bible College Directors, staff, pastors, and their teams for a memorable trip. We cherished our time with each of you and the passion you have for sharing the gospel globally.

We look forward to continuing our travels and spreading the Good News with many more people. Our adventure together continues!
Blessings, Arthur and Cathy

The post THE GOOD NEWS IN AFRICA appeared first on Arthur Meintjes.

Let No One Disqualify You

by


I enjoy watching marathons and ultras. I love watching runners flog themselves for miles and miles, and I cheer when they cross the line. But recently, I saw something that made me shout with despair.

Two runners were leading a field of world-class runners. They were well in front and it seemed certain that they would get gold and silver. Then disaster struck.

A camera motorbike turned off the course and both runners followed the bike. They were so focused that they didn’t realize they had left the official route. Thankfully, fans and officials soon had them back on the right road.

Taking wrong turns in road races happens more often than you think. These wrong turns remind me of what Paul said to the Colossians:

Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize… (Colossians 2:18a)

Other translations say, “Let no one disqualify you from your prize” or “Let no one cheat you out of your reward.”

Let no one disqualify you

It is an important warning, but many people don’t know what Paul is saying. What is the prize (or reward) and how can we be disqualified (or cheated) out of it?

“You can be disqualified from the kingdom of God,” say some. “You can be cheated out of your salvation.”

Paul says no such thing.

Since God qualifies you (see Col. 1:12), no one can disqualify you. You are saved and kept by Jesus. No one can snatch you from his hand.

“But if you’re not careful, you could lose your prize and eternal reward.”

Again, nope. It might surprise you, but there is no word for “prize” or “reward” in the original text. The verb Paul uses, katabrabeuō, means “to judge against.”

Beware self-appointed judges

Paul is saying, “Don’t let anyone act like an umpire deciding against you.” He’s repeating what he said two verses earlier: “Don’t let anyone judge you” (Col. 2:16).

In other words, don’t let anyone tell you that you are a sinner because you don’t share their religious views.

Don’t let anyone suggest you are a poor excuse for a Christian because you don’t do what they do.

Don’t let anyone insist you must earn God’s love or complete the good work he is doing in you. In Christ, you are a saint, holy, beloved, and complete (Col. 1:2, 22, 2:10, 3:12).

In the Attention Economy, there is a lot of competition for your eyes and ears. People will do just about anything to get you to follow them. Paul warns, “Watch who you heed.”

Trouble comes when we allow others – influencers, blowhards, conspiracy theorists, self-appointed experts, and the like – to steer us away from simple faith in Jesus.

There are plenty of people out there who have not taken hold of Jesus, says Paul (see Col. 2:19). Don’t follow them. Don’t let them tell you how to live.

Don’t follow the crowd

A few years ago, I was watching the Venice Marathon when the lead runner took a wrong turn. About twenty other runners followed him up on to a busy motorway. Thankfully, nobody got hurt, but none of those runners finished on the podium. It was a disaster.

Maybe you’re going the wrong way. It’s not hard to do when you’re following the wrong person. You sign up to their channel, join their group, read their books, and next minute, you’re on the proverbial motorway.

If you’re stressed, anxious, and going nowhere, you may have gone off course. You’ve bought into a narrative contrary to the gospel of grace.

Does this mean you have lost your salvation? Of course not. But like those confused marathon runners, it’s going to take you longer to get where you need to be.

How to get back on track

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (Colossians 3:1)

For the believer, the way to life is not through self-discipline, self-denial, or self-improvement. It’s living from the reality of Christ in us. It is being mindful of what God has said and is now saying, what God has done and is now doing. It is trusting him to lead and guide you through the trials and challenges of life.

In this age of information overload, there is no shortage of temptations that can distract us and cause us to wander from the faith. But all these things are destined to perish and pass away.

Real life is found in Jesus Christ.

—

If you liked this, you will love my new verse-by-verse commentary, The Grace Bible: Philippians, Colossians & Philemon.

Let No One Disqualify You

by


I enjoy watching marathons and ultras. I love watching runners flog themselves for miles and miles, and I cheer when they cross the line. But recently, I saw something that made me shout with despair.

Two runners were leading a field of world-class runners. They were well in front and it seemed certain that they would get gold and silver. Then disaster struck.

A camera motorbike turned off the course and both runners followed the bike. They were so focused that they didn’t realize they had left the official route. Thankfully, fans and officials soon had them back on the right road.

Taking wrong turns in road races happens more often than you think. These wrong turns remind me of what Paul said to the Colossians:

Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize… (Colossians 2:18a)

Other translations say, “Let no one disqualify you from your prize” or “Let no one cheat you out of your reward.”

Let no one disqualify you

It is an important warning, but many people don’t know what Paul is saying. What is the prize (or reward) and how can we be disqualified (or cheated) out of it?

“You can be disqualified from the kingdom of God,” say some. “You can be cheated out of your salvation.”

Paul says no such thing.

Since God qualifies you (see Col. 1:12), no one can disqualify you. You are saved and kept by Jesus. No one can snatch you from his hand.

“But if you’re not careful, you could lose your prize and eternal reward.”

Again, nope. It might surprise you, but there is no word for “prize” or “reward” in the original text. The verb Paul uses, katabrabeuō, means “to judge against.”

Beware self-appointed judges

Paul is saying, “Don’t let anyone act like an umpire deciding against you.” He’s repeating what he said two verses earlier: “Don’t let anyone judge you” (Col. 2:16).

In other words, don’t let anyone tell you that you are a sinner because you don’t share their religious views.

Don’t let anyone suggest you are a poor excuse for a Christian because you don’t do what they do.

Don’t let anyone insist you must earn God’s love or complete the good work he is doing in you. In Christ, you are a saint, holy, beloved, and complete (Col. 1:2, 22, 2:10, 3:12).

In the Attention Economy, there is a lot of competition for your eyes and ears. People will do just about anything to get you to follow them. Paul warns, “Watch who you heed.”

Trouble comes when we allow others – influencers, blowhards, conspiracy theorists, self-appointed experts, and the like – to steer us away from simple faith in Jesus.

There are plenty of people out there who have not taken hold of Jesus, says Paul (see Col. 2:19). Don’t follow them. Don’t let them tell you how to live.

Don’t follow the crowd

A few years ago, I was watching the Venice Marathon when the lead runner took a wrong turn. About twenty other runners followed him up on to a busy motorway. Thankfully, nobody got hurt, but none of those runners finished on the podium. It was a disaster.

Maybe you’re going the wrong way. It’s not hard to do when you’re following the wrong person. You sign up to their channel, join their group, read their books, and next minute, you’re on the proverbial motorway.

If you’re stressed, anxious, and going nowhere, you may have gone off course. You’ve bought into a narrative contrary to the gospel of grace.

Does this mean you have lost your salvation? Of course not. But like those confused marathon runners, it’s going to take you longer to get where you need to be.

How to get back on track

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (Colossians 3:1)

For the believer, the way to life is not through self-discipline, self-denial, or self-improvement. It’s living from the reality of Christ in us. It is being mindful of what God has said and is now saying, what God has done and is now doing. It is trusting him to lead and guide you through the trials and challenges of life.

In this age of information overload, there is no shortage of temptations that can distract us and cause us to wander from the faith. But all these things are destined to perish and pass away.

Real life is found in Jesus Christ.

—

If you liked this, you will love my new verse-by-verse commentary, The Grace Bible: Philippians, Colossians & Philemon.

Let No One Disqualify You

by


I enjoy watching marathons and ultras. I love watching runners flog themselves for miles and miles, and I cheer when they cross the line. But recently, I saw something that made me shout with despair.

Two runners were leading a field of world-class runners. They were well in front and it seemed certain that they would get gold and silver. Then disaster struck.

A camera motorbike turned off the course and both runners followed the bike. They were so focused that they didn’t realize they had left the official route. Thankfully, fans and officials soon had them back on the right road.

Taking wrong turns in road races happens more often than you think. These wrong turns remind me of what Paul said to the Colossians:

Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize… (Colossians 2:18a)

Other translations say, “Let no one disqualify you from your prize” or “Let no one cheat you out of your reward.”

Let no one disqualify you

It is an important warning, but many people don’t know what Paul is saying. What is the prize (or reward) and how can we be disqualified (or cheated) out of it?

“You can be disqualified from the kingdom of God,” say some. “You can be cheated out of your salvation.”

Paul says no such thing.

Since God qualifies you (see Col. 1:12), no one can disqualify you. You are saved and kept by Jesus. No one can snatch you from his hand.

“But if you’re not careful, you could lose your prize and eternal reward.”

Again, nope. It might surprise you, but there is no word for “prize” or “reward” in the original text. The verb Paul uses, katabrabeuō, means “to judge against.”

Beware self-appointed judges

Paul is saying, “Don’t let anyone act like an umpire deciding against you.” He’s repeating what he said two verses earlier: “Don’t let anyone judge you” (Col. 2:16).

In other words, don’t let anyone tell you that you are a sinner because you don’t share their religious views.

Don’t let anyone suggest you are a poor excuse for a Christian because you don’t do what they do.

Don’t let anyone insist you must earn God’s love or complete the good work he is doing in you. In Christ, you are a saint, holy, beloved, and complete (Col. 1:2, 22, 2:10, 3:12).

In the Attention Economy, there is a lot of competition for your eyes and ears. People will do just about anything to get you to follow them. Paul warns, “Watch who you heed.”

Trouble comes when we allow others – influencers, blowhards, conspiracy theorists, self-appointed experts, and the like – to steer us away from simple faith in Jesus.

There are plenty of people out there who have not taken hold of Jesus, says Paul (see Col. 2:19). Don’t follow them. Don’t let them tell you how to live.

Don’t follow the crowd

A few years ago, I was watching the Venice Marathon when the lead runner took a wrong turn. About twenty other runners followed him up on to a busy motorway. Thankfully, nobody got hurt, but none of those runners finished on the podium. It was a disaster.

Maybe you’re going the wrong way. It’s not hard to do when you’re following the wrong person. You sign up to their channel, join their group, read their books, and next minute, you’re on the proverbial motorway.

If you’re stressed, anxious, and going nowhere, you may have gone off course. You’ve bought into a narrative contrary to the gospel of grace.

Does this mean you have lost your salvation? Of course not. But like those confused marathon runners, it’s going to take you longer to get where you need to be.

How to get back on track

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (Colossians 3:1)

For the believer, the way to life is not through self-discipline, self-denial, or self-improvement. It’s living from the reality of Christ in us. It is being mindful of what God has said and is now saying, what God has done and is now doing. It is trusting him to lead and guide you through the trials and challenges of life.

In this age of information overload, there is no shortage of temptations that can distract us and cause us to wander from the faith. But all these things are destined to perish and pass away.

Real life is found in Jesus Christ.

—

If you liked this, you will love my new verse-by-verse commentary, The Grace Bible: Philippians, Colossians & Philemon.

Let No One Disqualify You

by


I enjoy watching marathons and ultras. I love watching runners flog themselves for miles and miles, and I cheer when they cross the line. But recently, I saw something that made me shout with despair.

Two runners were leading a field of world-class runners. They were well in front and it seemed certain that they would get gold and silver. Then disaster struck.

A camera motorbike turned off the course and both runners followed the bike. They were so focused that they didn’t realize they had left the official route. Thankfully, fans and officials soon had them back on the right road.

Taking wrong turns in road races happens more often than you think. These wrong turns remind me of what Paul said to the Colossians:

Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize… (Colossians 2:18a)

Other translations say, “Let no one disqualify you from your prize” or “Let no one cheat you out of your reward.”

Let no one disqualify you

It is an important warning, but many people don’t know what Paul is saying. What is the prize (or reward) and how can we be disqualified (or cheated) out of it?

“You can be disqualified from the kingdom of God,” say some. “You can be cheated out of your salvation.”

Paul says no such thing.

Since God qualifies you (see Col. 1:12), no one can disqualify you. You are saved and kept by Jesus. No one can snatch you from his hand.

“But if you’re not careful, you could lose your prize and eternal reward.”

Again, nope. It might surprise you, but there is no word for “prize” or “reward” in the original text. The verb Paul uses, katabrabeuō, means “to judge against.”

Beware self-appointed judges

Paul is saying, “Don’t let anyone act like an umpire deciding against you.” He’s repeating what he said two verses earlier: “Don’t let anyone judge you” (Col. 2:16).

In other words, don’t let anyone tell you that you are a sinner because you don’t share their religious views.

Don’t let anyone suggest you are a poor excuse for a Christian because you don’t do what they do.

Don’t let anyone insist you must earn God’s love or complete the good work he is doing in you. In Christ, you are a saint, holy, beloved, and complete (Col. 1:2, 22, 2:10, 3:12).

In the Attention Economy, there is a lot of competition for your eyes and ears. People will do just about anything to get you to follow them. Paul warns, “Watch who you heed.”

Trouble comes when we allow others – influencers, blowhards, conspiracy theorists, self-appointed experts, and the like – to steer us away from simple faith in Jesus.

There are plenty of people out there who have not taken hold of Jesus, says Paul (see Col. 2:19). Don’t follow them. Don’t let them tell you how to live.

Don’t follow the crowd

A few years ago, I was watching the Venice Marathon when the lead runner took a wrong turn. About twenty other runners followed him up on to a busy motorway. Thankfully, nobody got hurt, but none of those runners finished on the podium. It was a disaster.

Maybe you’re going the wrong way. It’s not hard to do when you’re following the wrong person. You sign up to their channel, join their group, read their books, and next minute, you’re on the proverbial motorway.

If you’re stressed, anxious, and going nowhere, you may have gone off course. You’ve bought into a narrative contrary to the gospel of grace.

Does this mean you have lost your salvation? Of course not. But like those confused marathon runners, it’s going to take you longer to get where you need to be.

How to get back on track

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (Colossians 3:1)

For the believer, the way to life is not through self-discipline, self-denial, or self-improvement. It’s living from the reality of Christ in us. It is being mindful of what God has said and is now saying, what God has done and is now doing. It is trusting him to lead and guide you through the trials and challenges of life.

In this age of information overload, there is no shortage of temptations that can distract us and cause us to wander from the faith. But all these things are destined to perish and pass away.

Real life is found in Jesus Christ.

—

If you liked this, you will love my new verse-by-verse commentary, The Grace Bible: Philippians, Colossians & Philemon.

Let No One Disqualify You

by


I enjoy watching marathons and ultras. I love watching runners flog themselves for miles and miles, and I cheer when they cross the line. But recently, I saw something that made me shout with despair.

Two runners were leading a field of world-class runners. They were well in front and it seemed certain that they would get gold and silver. Then disaster struck.

A camera motorbike turned off the course and both runners followed the bike. They were so focused that they didn’t realize they had left the official route. Thankfully, fans and officials soon had them back on the right road.

Taking wrong turns in road races happens more often than you think. These wrong turns remind me of what Paul said to the Colossians:

Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize… (Colossians 2:18a)

Other translations say, “Let no one disqualify you from your prize” or “Let no one cheat you out of your reward.”

Let no one disqualify you

It is an important warning, but many people don’t know what Paul is saying. What is the prize (or reward) and how can we be disqualified (or cheated) out of it?

“You can be disqualified from the kingdom of God,” say some. “You can be cheated out of your salvation.”

Paul says no such thing.

Since God qualifies you (see Col. 1:12), no one can disqualify you. You are saved and kept by Jesus. No one can snatch you from his hand.

“But if you’re not careful, you could lose your prize and eternal reward.”

Again, nope. It might surprise you, but there is no word for “prize” or “reward” in the original text. The verb Paul uses, katabrabeuō, means “to judge against.”

Beware self-appointed judges

Paul is saying, “Don’t let anyone act like an umpire deciding against you.” He’s repeating what he said two verses earlier: “Don’t let anyone judge you” (Col. 2:16).

In other words, don’t let anyone tell you that you are a sinner because you don’t share their religious views.

Don’t let anyone suggest you are a poor excuse for a Christian because you don’t do what they do.

Don’t let anyone insist you must earn God’s love or complete the good work he is doing in you. In Christ, you are a saint, holy, beloved, and complete (Col. 1:2, 22, 2:10, 3:12).

In the Attention Economy, there is a lot of competition for your eyes and ears. People will do just about anything to get you to follow them. Paul warns, “Watch who you heed.”

Trouble comes when we allow others – influencers, blowhards, conspiracy theorists, self-appointed experts, and the like – to steer us away from simple faith in Jesus.

There are plenty of people out there who have not taken hold of Jesus, says Paul (see Col. 2:19). Don’t follow them. Don’t let them tell you how to live.

Don’t follow the crowd

A few years ago, I was watching the Venice Marathon when the lead runner took a wrong turn. About twenty other runners followed him up on to a busy motorway. Thankfully, nobody got hurt, but none of those runners finished on the podium. It was a disaster.

Maybe you’re going the wrong way. It’s not hard to do when you’re following the wrong person. You sign up to their channel, join their group, read their books, and next minute, you’re on the proverbial motorway.

If you’re stressed, anxious, and going nowhere, you may have gone off course. You’ve bought into a narrative contrary to the gospel of grace.

Does this mean you have lost your salvation? Of course not. But like those confused marathon runners, it’s going to take you longer to get where you need to be.

How to get back on track

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (Colossians 3:1)

For the believer, the way to life is not through self-discipline, self-denial, or self-improvement. It’s living from the reality of Christ in us. It is being mindful of what God has said and is now saying, what God has done and is now doing. It is trusting him to lead and guide you through the trials and challenges of life.

In this age of information overload, there is no shortage of temptations that can distract us and cause us to wander from the faith. But all these things are destined to perish and pass away.

Real life is found in Jesus Christ.

—

If you liked this, you will love my new verse-by-verse commentary, The Grace Bible: Philippians, Colossians & Philemon.

Let No One Disqualify You

by


I enjoy watching marathons and ultras. I love watching runners flog themselves for miles and miles, and I cheer when they cross the line. But recently, I saw something that made me shout with despair.

Two runners were leading a field of world-class runners. They were well in front and it seemed certain that they would get gold and silver. Then disaster struck.

A camera motorbike turned off the course and both runners followed the bike. They were so focused that they didn’t realize they had left the official route. Thankfully, fans and officials soon had them back on the right road.

Taking wrong turns in road races happens more often than you think. These wrong turns remind me of what Paul said to the Colossians:

Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize… (Colossians 2:18a)

Other translations say, “Let no one disqualify you from your prize” or “Let no one cheat you out of your reward.”

Let no one disqualify you

It is an important warning, but many people don’t know what Paul is saying. What is the prize (or reward) and how can we be disqualified (or cheated) out of it?

“You can be disqualified from the kingdom of God,” say some. “You can be cheated out of your salvation.”

Paul says no such thing.

Since God qualifies you (see Col. 1:12), no one can disqualify you. You are saved and kept by Jesus. No one can snatch you from his hand.

“But if you’re not careful, you could lose your prize and eternal reward.”

Again, nope. It might surprise you, but there is no word for “prize” or “reward” in the original text. The verb Paul uses, katabrabeuō, means “to judge against.”

Beware self-appointed judges

Paul is saying, “Don’t let anyone act like an umpire deciding against you.” He’s repeating what he said two verses earlier: “Don’t let anyone judge you” (Col. 2:16).

In other words, don’t let anyone tell you that you are a sinner because you don’t share their religious views.

Don’t let anyone suggest you are a poor excuse for a Christian because you don’t do what they do.

Don’t let anyone insist you must earn God’s love or complete the good work he is doing in you. In Christ, you are a saint, holy, beloved, and complete (Col. 1:2, 22, 2:10, 3:12).

In the Attention Economy, there is a lot of competition for your eyes and ears. People will do just about anything to get you to follow them. Paul warns, “Watch who you heed.”

Trouble comes when we allow others – influencers, blowhards, conspiracy theorists, self-appointed experts, and the like – to steer us away from simple faith in Jesus.

There are plenty of people out there who have not taken hold of Jesus, says Paul (see Col. 2:19). Don’t follow them. Don’t let them tell you how to live.

Don’t follow the crowd

A few years ago, I was watching the Venice Marathon when the lead runner took a wrong turn. About twenty other runners followed him up on to a busy motorway. Thankfully, nobody got hurt, but none of those runners finished on the podium. It was a disaster.

Maybe you’re going the wrong way. It’s not hard to do when you’re following the wrong person. You sign up to their channel, join their group, read their books, and next minute, you’re on the proverbial motorway.

If you’re stressed, anxious, and going nowhere, you may have gone off course. You’ve bought into a narrative contrary to the gospel of grace.

Does this mean you have lost your salvation? Of course not. But like those confused marathon runners, it’s going to take you longer to get where you need to be.

How to get back on track

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (Colossians 3:1)

For the believer, the way to life is not through self-discipline, self-denial, or self-improvement. It’s living from the reality of Christ in us. It is being mindful of what God has said and is now saying, what God has done and is now doing. It is trusting him to lead and guide you through the trials and challenges of life.

In this age of information overload, there is no shortage of temptations that can distract us and cause us to wander from the faith. But all these things are destined to perish and pass away.

Real life is found in Jesus Christ.

—

If you liked this, you will love my new verse-by-verse commentary, The Grace Bible: Philippians, Colossians & Philemon.

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