to the end of the chapter in verse 23. If you're able, I'll ask you to stand. You can follow

along as I read. If not, where you're seated is fine. Beginning in verse 16, the Apostle Paul

is writing, and by the Holy Spirit says, verse 16, therefore, do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink or with regard to a religious festival,

a new moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come. The reality, however,

is found in Christ. Do not, verse 18, let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you.

Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen.

They are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.

They have lost connection with the head,

from whom the whole body supported and held together by its ligaments and sinous grows as God causes it to grow.

Since you died, verse 20, with Christ, to the elemental spiritual forces of this world,

why, as though you still belong to the world, do you submit to its rules?

Do not handle. Do not taste. Do not touch. These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.

Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom,

with their self-imposed worship,

their false humility,

and their harsh treatment of the body,

but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Would you join with me and we'll pray and ask God's blessing on our understanding.

Loving Heavenly Father, thank you so much for your word and this portion that we have here before us this morning here in your word.

Lord, would you at this time just quiet our minds and settle our hearts so that we can focus and give you our undivided attention so you can speak into our lives in and through your word.

That's why we're here today.

We're here to hear you speak in that still small voice of the Holy Spirit.

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