SEPTEMBER 13

Christ in you, the Hope of Glory!

Bible Reading: Colossians 1:24-29

Colossians 1:27, “To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

“Christ in you, the hope of glory!”–as Paul traveled and taught, this was at the heart of the mystery he proclaimed, a message regarding the “unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8).  Paul was willing to endure all sorts of troubles in his endeavor to make it known (Colossians 1:24; Ephesians 3:1; 2 Timothy 2:8-10).  It’s estimated by biblical scholars that Paul would have traveled over 10,000 miles, by foot, on his missionary journeys.  That would be equal to walking from New York to Los Angeles 4X. Along the way he was confronted by various obstacles and threats, as detailed in 2 Corinthians 11:23-27: “—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death.  Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.”

Paul’s love for Christ and love for others so motivated him that he gladly embraced all that!  As he went from place to place, he knew he bore with him the treasure of a message well worth sharing.  By God’s grace, that message, “Christ in you, the hope of glory,” was likewise brought to you.

It’s not just that you know of Christ as a historical figure who once lived on earth.  Nor is it that you know about Him, as a theologian might know about the main tenets of Christology.  Nor is it that you know of Him as you might know of the name and occupation of an acquaintance, or friend.  The intimacy of your relationship with Christ transcends the nearness of the best of earthly relationships.  This is because you don’t just know of Him, or about Him, He lives in you!  How incredible is that!  Especially considering what’s been related to us thus far in this epistle regarding Christ.  He is the creator of all things, the One who holds all things together, the preeminent One, the One who has purchased your redemption by His blood—it is He who is even now IN you!

He has been in your heart since when you first trusted in Him for salvation.  Never a day has gone by where He has left you alone.  Things are sometimes messy IN you.  If you were a house you’d have need of a deep cleaning to host such a guest!  There are rooms and places where you’ve probably attempted to shut Him out.  Though He is well aware of all of this, per His promise, He’s never left you, nor forsaken you (Hebrews 13:5).  And though He intercedes before the very throne of God in heaven for you, He is nonetheless so immanent He is IN you.

You’ve no other friend like Him.  No friend so true and faithful!  No other friend so loving and patient and kind!  No friend so glorious!  It is the ministry of the Spirit of God to glorify the Son of God.  The Spirit is ever working to unveil to you the manifold beauty of the person of Jesus.  And Jesus’ presence in you foretells of a future unveiling unto His glory!  Where is this friend, who is in you, leading you?  To glory!  Sometimes the journey gets long and wearisome.  The light dims to where it is hard to see and stay on the pathway.  It’s easy to get discouraged.  But you are not alone.  The Apostle Paul traveled thousands of miles to make Jesus known, because unsearchable riches are bound up in Him!  You now possess these unsearchable riches!  He is in you and His presence in you works to assure you of your glorious destiny!

O THAT WILL BE GLORY

When all my labors and trials are o’er,
And I am safe on that beautiful shore,
Just to be near the dear Lord I adore
Will through the ages be glory for me.

Refrain:
O that will be glory for me,
Glory for me, glory for me;
When by His grace I shall look at His face,
That will be glory, be glory for me

When by the gift of His infinite grace,
I am accorded in heaven a place,
Just to be there and to look on His face
Will through the ages be glory for me. [Refrain]

Friends will be there I have loved long ago;
Joy like a river around me will flow;
Yet just a smile from my Savior, I know,
Will through the ages be glory for me. [Refrain]

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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