Good morning, Cole. I cannot express how this word resonates with me. The Lord reminds me, in my struggles, not to hide behind fig leaves but to stay embraced in His arms, allowing Him to reveal the root—so He can bring healing. He uncovers the hidden things so that we may worship Him in spirit and truth. This word again challenges me to examine my walk and embrace the faith.
The Lord our righteousness—how it saves us from ourselves! How the power of the Gospel, which turns ‘self’ on its head.
I am deeply grateful for the care and grace poured into this. Your love for the saints shines through, and I truly appreciate it🙏🏾. God bless you!
Hello Andrea! It always warms my heart, the back and forth we have here on Substack! Your work always resonates with me and I’m so delighted that my work can do the same for you!
God is most assuredly moving and working, praise His name!
I'm grateful for you and the words overflowing from your time with Him. As I walked today, your writing came to mind. I prayed the Lord would continue to work out of me anything that isn't Him—that my faith would be authentic and robust. Amen. Thank you again🙏🏾
Andrea, your response captures so beautifully the heart of Cole’s message—and honestly, it resonates deeply with me too. That picture of not hiding behind fig leaves but staying embraced in the arms of the Lord… what a needed reminder. I’ve felt the same gentle uncovering in my own life—where the Lord lovingly exposes, not to shame, but to heal and restore. Truly, The Lord our righteousness is our only hope—not just from sin, but from ourselves. Thank you for your heartfelt reflection—it encouraged me just as much as the article did. Grace and peace to you, sister!
“…undefiled religion is nothing less than having God’s own presence dwelling within your soul, shaping your heart into the image of His Son.” Good words Cole!
Convicting. I liked your interpretation of the man who didn't have a wedding garment. Yes, most likely his clothes looked normal to everyone else. Only the king could spot the difference.
Absolutely powerful, Cole. I truly enjoyed this article—thank you for writing it with such clarity and conviction. I especially appreciated how you exposed the many faces of false "pure religion"—I’ve seen myself in some of those portraits over the years. But the way you contrasted that with the beauty of divine life and true worship was both humbling and hope-filled. By God's grace, He has been peeling back layers of self-love in my own heart, teaching me what it really means to walk in faith, obedience, and fellowship with Him. And He’s still teaching me. Grateful for this reminder—and for the Savior who doesn’t just call us to look holy, but to be holy by His indwelling life.
This is such a beautiful piece. I have shared with several of my friends. It also made a perfect counter to a piece I recently read on deconstruction that critiqued martyrdom. Thank you for the work you are doing here!
She was making the point that her prior Christian experience was focused in an unhealthy way on wanting to be a martyr. Seemed to fit what you mentioned. I could message to you but don’t want to call out publicly ❤️
Praise God that He could work through my words to bless you! I truly appreciate your kind words, and for reading and interacting with me! God bless you!
"When persecution comes, they are the first to volunteer their bodies to be burned—almost exhilarated by the thought of becoming a saintly martyr."
According to Scripture, false shepherds flee at the first sign of persecution. They will refuse to surrender their life for Christ. Jesus said, "The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock." He also said, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (Jn. 15:13). I would follow, or at least respect the words of someone who loves God so much that he or she would be willing to lay down their life for me. Other than that, I agree with nearly everything you wrote here.
I don't love my old self, which was born in sin. Even so, I know that there's a part of me that was created in God's image, which is redeemable. This part of me is worthy of God's love because, as Jesus said, "I am in my Father and my Father is in me" (Jn. 14:11). So, while I hate sin, I don't believe in hating myself. God didn't create trash. Some vessels are chosen for honor (2 Tim. 2:20-21).
As someone who has wallowed in self-hatred in the past, I can tell you that's not what God wants for me.
Personally, I don't know of any false teacher or preacher today who would be willing to give their life for Jesus' sake.
Hey Martin, that’s a great point you made and I appreciate you engaging with my article on such a biblical level.
I based that comment off of this scripture:
“And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.”
I Corinthians 13:3
As well as the people in the early church who believed that martyrdom meant guaranteed salvation, so there were some who would willfully seek it out.
But in light of your comment, I can see how the statement I made in the article could be misleading and inaccurate and I appreciate your perspective and conviction to point out an error.
And I agree, we are not defined by our old nature. The old has passed away and the new has come, we are new creations in Christ, praise God.
That's a good point that you made. It's true that, early in Christian history, it was in vogue to become a martyr. Many people who professed to be Christians probably gave their lives only because they thought their names would live on in glory. I would like to see more Christians who are willing to speak out against evil today, even if it means facing financial loss or other kinds of persecution. Sadly, I think it's something that nearly all of our Christian leaders today are lacking.
Thank you for the clarification. I greatly appreciate the fact that you were basing your writing on Scripture.
Also, yes, thank God we are new creations in Christ! Without him, we are nothing.
Some time ago, I was at a church solid in Reformed Biblical doctrine. I learned a lot. I'm grateful for my time there. But various events began to show cracks in the high religious sophistication; spiritual superficiality was evidenced in how folks thought and comported themselves the rest of the week: outwardly nice and clean compared to the world, but rarely excited about the person of Christ and His beauty; seldom filled with His joy; and in light of all the things to get done in careers and whatnot, not exactly in any hurry to see our Lord/master/husband face to face.
In light of Christ's descriptions of and admonitions to the 7 churches in Revelation 2&3, I began to ask folks which one(s) they thought we (that local church) most resembled. The universal answer: Ephesus. I.e., paraphrasing, A+ on the intellectual outward stuff. Yet when crises came, it became apparent that, on the whole, we'd lost our first love. Fierce wolves came in, not sparing the flock. (Acts 20)
The scattering of sheep illustrates your point here. I'm sure it will be to God's glory.
Thank you Art for reading and for your heartfelt comment.
I feel your grief for the Reformed brothers, and I share it more than you know. It’s not all of them obviously, but the group as a unit is so steeped in merely having right opinions and owning people in debate.
I was in a reformed Bible study once, and more than a few prayers were for their family to have better doctrine, rather than a better relationship with Christ that would lead to better doctrine and so many other blessings.
Glad for your fellowship here. God bless you brother!
Good morning, Cole. I cannot express how this word resonates with me. The Lord reminds me, in my struggles, not to hide behind fig leaves but to stay embraced in His arms, allowing Him to reveal the root—so He can bring healing. He uncovers the hidden things so that we may worship Him in spirit and truth. This word again challenges me to examine my walk and embrace the faith.
The Lord our righteousness—how it saves us from ourselves! How the power of the Gospel, which turns ‘self’ on its head.
I am deeply grateful for the care and grace poured into this. Your love for the saints shines through, and I truly appreciate it🙏🏾. God bless you!
Hello Andrea! It always warms my heart, the back and forth we have here on Substack! Your work always resonates with me and I’m so delighted that my work can do the same for you!
God is most assuredly moving and working, praise His name!
God bless you!
I'm grateful for you and the words overflowing from your time with Him. As I walked today, your writing came to mind. I prayed the Lord would continue to work out of me anything that isn't Him—that my faith would be authentic and robust. Amen. Thank you again🙏🏾
Andrea, your response captures so beautifully the heart of Cole’s message—and honestly, it resonates deeply with me too. That picture of not hiding behind fig leaves but staying embraced in the arms of the Lord… what a needed reminder. I’ve felt the same gentle uncovering in my own life—where the Lord lovingly exposes, not to shame, but to heal and restore. Truly, The Lord our righteousness is our only hope—not just from sin, but from ourselves. Thank you for your heartfelt reflection—it encouraged me just as much as the article did. Grace and peace to you, sister!
“…undefiled religion is nothing less than having God’s own presence dwelling within your soul, shaping your heart into the image of His Son.” Good words Cole!
Amein!
Thank you Debi! God bless you!
Wowww…
Wowww…
This is so beautifully written
Thank you for this exposition Cole
It pushes me to further search my heart
Is it to glorify self or God?
You have given me another layer to the wedding banquet and the verse that speaks to Christ denying knowing some people who called him Lord on earth
Wow…
Undefiled, Pure Religion
Hi Bennie, I’m so delighted that you took something away from this. Praise God He could work through me.
May we both be built up and continue in pure religion!
God bless you!
Convicting. I liked your interpretation of the man who didn't have a wedding garment. Yes, most likely his clothes looked normal to everyone else. Only the king could spot the difference.
I thought of 2 Timothy 3:5 “having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.” So thankful for the blood of Jesus. He changes everything!
Absolutely powerful, Cole. I truly enjoyed this article—thank you for writing it with such clarity and conviction. I especially appreciated how you exposed the many faces of false "pure religion"—I’ve seen myself in some of those portraits over the years. But the way you contrasted that with the beauty of divine life and true worship was both humbling and hope-filled. By God's grace, He has been peeling back layers of self-love in my own heart, teaching me what it really means to walk in faith, obedience, and fellowship with Him. And He’s still teaching me. Grateful for this reminder—and for the Savior who doesn’t just call us to look holy, but to be holy by His indwelling life.
Thank you Robert for reading and your comment!
I also have seen myself in these portrayals, praise to God that He has worked on my heart.
God bless you!
I always wondered how the guy got into the wedding without wedding clothes! The way you described it made a lot of sense! Praise Yah! 🙌🏼
It is just a guess by me admittedly, but it makes the most sense in my mind!
Thank you Kara, I always enjoy your fellowship and work!
God bless you!
Amen thank you Cole
Thank you Mike! God bless!
This is such a beautiful piece. I have shared with several of my friends. It also made a perfect counter to a piece I recently read on deconstruction that critiqued martyrdom. Thank you for the work you are doing here!
Thank you Amber! I truly appreciate your kind and gracious words!
That’s interesting, what did the article you’re referencing say?
She was making the point that her prior Christian experience was focused in an unhealthy way on wanting to be a martyr. Seemed to fit what you mentioned. I could message to you but don’t want to call out publicly ❤️
If you feel comfortable sure, I’d love for you to send it to me!
Sent!
Thank you. It has sparked something in me that I've needed to hear. I'm reminded of the Hymn. 'I need thee every hour'.
Praise God that He could work through my words to bless you! I truly appreciate your kind words, and for reading and interacting with me! God bless you!
"When persecution comes, they are the first to volunteer their bodies to be burned—almost exhilarated by the thought of becoming a saintly martyr."
According to Scripture, false shepherds flee at the first sign of persecution. They will refuse to surrender their life for Christ. Jesus said, "The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock." He also said, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (Jn. 15:13). I would follow, or at least respect the words of someone who loves God so much that he or she would be willing to lay down their life for me. Other than that, I agree with nearly everything you wrote here.
I don't love my old self, which was born in sin. Even so, I know that there's a part of me that was created in God's image, which is redeemable. This part of me is worthy of God's love because, as Jesus said, "I am in my Father and my Father is in me" (Jn. 14:11). So, while I hate sin, I don't believe in hating myself. God didn't create trash. Some vessels are chosen for honor (2 Tim. 2:20-21).
As someone who has wallowed in self-hatred in the past, I can tell you that's not what God wants for me.
Personally, I don't know of any false teacher or preacher today who would be willing to give their life for Jesus' sake.
Hey Martin, that’s a great point you made and I appreciate you engaging with my article on such a biblical level.
I based that comment off of this scripture:
“And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.”
I Corinthians 13:3
As well as the people in the early church who believed that martyrdom meant guaranteed salvation, so there were some who would willfully seek it out.
But in light of your comment, I can see how the statement I made in the article could be misleading and inaccurate and I appreciate your perspective and conviction to point out an error.
And I agree, we are not defined by our old nature. The old has passed away and the new has come, we are new creations in Christ, praise God.
God bless brother.
That's a good point that you made. It's true that, early in Christian history, it was in vogue to become a martyr. Many people who professed to be Christians probably gave their lives only because they thought their names would live on in glory. I would like to see more Christians who are willing to speak out against evil today, even if it means facing financial loss or other kinds of persecution. Sadly, I think it's something that nearly all of our Christian leaders today are lacking.
Thank you for the clarification. I greatly appreciate the fact that you were basing your writing on Scripture.
Also, yes, thank God we are new creations in Christ! Without him, we are nothing.
AMEN!
Some time ago, I was at a church solid in Reformed Biblical doctrine. I learned a lot. I'm grateful for my time there. But various events began to show cracks in the high religious sophistication; spiritual superficiality was evidenced in how folks thought and comported themselves the rest of the week: outwardly nice and clean compared to the world, but rarely excited about the person of Christ and His beauty; seldom filled with His joy; and in light of all the things to get done in careers and whatnot, not exactly in any hurry to see our Lord/master/husband face to face.
In light of Christ's descriptions of and admonitions to the 7 churches in Revelation 2&3, I began to ask folks which one(s) they thought we (that local church) most resembled. The universal answer: Ephesus. I.e., paraphrasing, A+ on the intellectual outward stuff. Yet when crises came, it became apparent that, on the whole, we'd lost our first love. Fierce wolves came in, not sparing the flock. (Acts 20)
The scattering of sheep illustrates your point here. I'm sure it will be to God's glory.
Thank you Art for reading and for your heartfelt comment.
I feel your grief for the Reformed brothers, and I share it more than you know. It’s not all of them obviously, but the group as a unit is so steeped in merely having right opinions and owning people in debate.
I was in a reformed Bible study once, and more than a few prayers were for their family to have better doctrine, rather than a better relationship with Christ that would lead to better doctrine and so many other blessings.
Glad for your fellowship here. God bless you brother!
That’s where I long to be - in His presence! Just loved your truth here. God bless you