Second Chance: Colossians 2

√ Re·new·al: the replacing or repair of something that is worn out, run-down, or broken

2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge…8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ…17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 

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A mystery can be as simple as a jigsaw puzzle or as complicated as finding the next piece of faith that begins to help you see the image of Christ in youself.  

Our life of faith is the mystery.  Piecing together that life is the puzzle. The Bible is the box.  The many pieces of the Scripture are what fill the box.  Inside that box are a jumble of puzzle pieces of irregular shapes, sizes, color and design but every one is a necessary part to complete the puzzle.  FYI: No one ever solves a jigsaw puzzle by leaving all the pieces in the box and pulling them out one at a time. 

Paul has given us a big table in his New Testament writings to pour out the whole contents of the box on and begin solving the puzzle.  Paul’s secret that brings life to the puzzle and solves the mystery of our faith is the top of the box, the completed image so we “may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ.”