"Bona fide Christianity" (Colossians 1:3-8)

The word "bona fide" means "authentic, real, true, actual, and genuine." A story from Reader's Digest shares a conversation between a pastor and a person who attended the same place of worship. It says, the pastor who'd just had a cup of tea with the person made this comment, "I'm glad to see in what a comfortable way you're living." The parishioner replied, "Oh, pastor, if you want to know how we REALLY live, you need to come by when you're not expected!" It's a sad but true story. Many who profess to be Christ followers live that way! They don't live as bona fide or genuine Christ followers. Most people place a high value on genuineness. We all value the "Real McCoy," especially as it relates to our faith. But how can we know if our faith is bona fide? Are there any signs which accompany genuine Christianity? If so, what are they? In our text, apostle Paul answers these questions. Apostle Paul wrote this letter to bring assurance to these Christ followers that the gospel they previously heard and accepted through Epaphras was the true item. It had proven its genuineness by the fruit that was being produced in them as well as in others every place it went. As we examine our text, we learn that bona fide Christ followers are marked by thankfulness and prayer, trust in Jesus, love for the saints, and the confident expectation of heaven! Is the Word of God "constantly bearing fruit and increasing in your life?" Is your faith in Christ being demonstrated by thankfulness and prayer? Is your life marked by the love that you have for all the saints? Is your life marked by the confident expectation of heaven? It's very obvious that the Colossian Christ followers were VERY DIFFERENT after they'd heard and received the good news (gospel) which Epaphras preached. If people have not changed, we can rightly suppose that either the genuine gospel was not delivered or that it wasn't believed! Belief in the true gospel always results in the changes that had taken place in Paul's life and that he refers to here. Your move. Be encouraged!