Set Free in Christ

Romans 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

Condemnation and Christian are not synonymous. Christ came to set men free from the law of sin and death. As we see in the previous verses (Rom 7:23-25), we have victory through Jesus Christ our Lord.

God condemned sin in the flesh by sending His Son to pay the penalty for sin through death. It was a once for all event that set men and women free from the need to be righteous by upholding the law. The law was never meant for us to use as a way to be righteous, rather, it shows us our unrighteousness and inability to be holy before the Father.

Many will try to keep the law and earn their way to heaven. But that becomes bondage to works and self righteousness. Paul teaches us that our performance is rubbish. (Phil 3:8-9) All of our accomplishments, all of our worldly desires, everything we do apart from Christ is simply garbage to God. Our righteousness can only be through faith in Christ Jesus.

Today I am reminded of the verse, "apart from Christ I can do nothing." (John 15:5) When I begin to think that I am accepted because of what I can do for God I fall back into the condemnation that holds me in bondage. Today I will strive to live in Christ and remember it is His work on the cross that set me free sin and death.

Praise be to God for providing a way to freedom and eternal life for all who believe.

Blessings....

What does it mean to be "In Christ."

What does it mean to be "In Christ."

There is a lot of Christian lingo that gets spread around in our culture and one of the phrases I hear quite frequently is the phrase "in Christ." I decided today to look into the phrase "in Christ" and try to understand what it means to me as a Christian.

I began by doing a word search for the phrase in my esword bible software and found the term to be throughout the New Testament at least 88 times. It is mainly used in the writings of Paul, but I also found it in the writings of Peter and Luke in the book of Acts (Acts 24:24).

So what does it mean to be "In Christ?"

The best place for me to begin is 2Cor 5:17. Just as I was a new creation at the moment of my human birth, I am now a new creation in my spiritual re-birth in Christ Jesus. 2Cor 5:17 tells me that I am a new creature, or creation. The old things have passed away and new things have come. Being one who is in Christ starts with us being transformed and living a new life from our old ways and habits. Christ died for us to have a new birth in His resurrection. Old passes away, new has come. But making the transition from old to new can be quite difficult from time to time since we are sinful and the old nature wants to creep back in and sabotage our walk with Christ.

Fortunately we were not left alone to accomplish our Christian journey on our own. God gave us the Holy Spirit as a pledge of our inheritance. (Eph 1:14, 2Cor 1:22, Acts 19:1-6) With the help of God through the Holy Spirit I am able to accomplish all things through Christ. Not by my own merit, talents, or ability, but because God has granted it to me. My faith comes from God through Christ. My grace comes from God through Christ, and all that I am is because of Christ. When we begin to understand that Christ is our source for all that we are, the fountain will never run dry. Too many times I try to love someone by my own strength. Eventually I get frustrated because I don't see love in return. When I forgive and the person offends again I find it quite easy to hold a grudge. When I rely on my strength and human ability I will fall short every time.

Being "in Christ" is to be intentional. One can not truly claim to be a Christian and not desire the ways of Christ. (Eph 4:1, 1Thes 2:12, Col 1:10)The old has passed away and the new has come. Being in Christ is coming to the throne daily and crying out to God for more of Him. More faith, more love, more grace... God gives abundantly according to His riches in glory in Christ. (Php 4:19)

For me to be "In Christ" means that all that I am, all that I have, and all that I do is done through and for the glorification of Christ. When I love someone I love them as Christ. When I show someone grace it is done like Christ. Even when I spend time at my job I am working as though I am working for Christ. (Col 3:23-24) Being "In Christ" is not just a pledge that hangs over one's door, it is a way to be. Christianity is not about following rules, doing the right thing, or trying to be good. It is about being one with the Savior and out of that oneness flows more blessings and love that one can imagine

1. Our faith is - In Christ (Acts 24:24)
2. Our redemption is - In Christ (Rom 3:24)
3. We are made alive to God - In Christ (Rom 6:11; 1Cor 15:22)
4. We have eternal life - In Christ (Rom 6:23)
5. There is no condemnation - In Christ (Rom 8:1)
6. We are set free - In Christ (Rom 8:2)
7. We can not be separated from God's love - In Christ (Rom 8:39)
8. We are all one body - In Christ (Rom 12:5)
9. I have reason for boasting in God - In Christ (Rom 15:17)
10. We are approved by God - In Christ (Rom 16:10)
11. We are sanctified - In Christ (1Cor 1:2)
12. I experience God's grace - In Christ (1Cor 1:4)
13. God chose me - In Christ (1Cor 1:30, Eph 1:4)
14. We are resurrected from the dead - In Christ (1Cor 15:18-21)
15. I am triumphant - In Christ (2Cor 2:14)
16. The veil has been lifted - In Christ (2Cor 3:14)
17. I am a new creation - In Christ (2Cor 5:17)
18. We are reconciled to God - In Christ (2Cor 5:19)
19. We have liberty - In Christ (Gal 2:4)
20. We are justified by faith - In Christ (Gal 2:16)
21. We are sons of God - In Christ (Gal 3:26)
22. We are all one - In Christ (Gal 3:28)
23. We are blessed with every spiritual blessing - In Christ (Eph 1:3)
24. We are raised to heavenly places - In Christ (Eph 2:6-7)
25. I am created for good works - In Christ (Eph 2:10)
26. I have been brought near to God - In Christ (Eph 2:13)
27. I can partake in God's promises - In Christ (Eph 3:6)
28. I have been forgiven by God - In Christ (Eph 4:32)
29. I place no confidence in my flesh - In Christ (Php 3:3)
30. My righteousness comes through faith - In Christ (Php 3:9)
31. My heart and mind is guarded by God's peace - In Christ (Php 4:7)
32. All my needs will be supplied according to God's riches - In Christ (Php 4:19)
33. I am complete - In Christ (Col 1:28)
34. My faith remains stable - In Christ (Col 2:5)
35. I will give thanks in everything - In Christ (1Thes 5:18)
36. I am called to salvation by grace not by works - In Christ (2Tim 1:9)
37. I endure all things for the sake of others - In Christ (2Tim 2:10)
38. Persecution will come to the godly - In Christ (2Tim 3:12)
39. Those who revile me because of my faith will be put to shame - In Christ (1Pet 3:16-17)
40. We will be strengthened and established after suffering for a little while - In Christ (1Pet 5:10)

Making Much Of Him

Making much of Jesus is the sweetest thing we can do in our walk with Him. Unfortunately, we often get distracted. The pursuit of riches and the cares and concerns of life can take our focus off of Him and put them back where we are prone to go... onto ourselves.

John 3:30 tells us "He must increase, but I must decrease." This isn't just when we are spending time in His Word or Sunday mornings at the church worship service. It means that in all things the pleasures and desires of the Lord are always on the rise in my life. I often have to ask myself, "Is what I am doing right now bringing glory to God or to myself?" If it is bring recognition and glory to me then I need to step back and consider what inside of me is after the glory that so rightfully belongs to my Maker?

Making much of Jesus is the first thing we should desire when our feet hit the floor each day. And the only way we can achieve this is by being in Him throughout the day. To make much of Christ requires an intimate relationship with Christ and that only comes from knowing Christ.

We are not our own, we were bought with a price. Jesus gave it all for us to have a relationship with Him. This relationship is for the purpose of bringing ultimate Glory to the Father. Are you stealing the glory today? Are you seeking the approval of men and not of God? Making much of God means that we die to ourselves and humbly and thankfully receive the new life in Christ that He has given us.

Today I will make much of Him. I will give Jesus the glory that is His and allow His righteousness to become mine. Thank you Lord for allowing me to be one of your own. For calling me into this relationship with you so I can spend the rest of my days making much of your glory.

The Problem With Unbelief

They say that it takes a lot of faith to walk the Christian walk. And whoever "they" are, they are correct.

Living a life of faith can be one of our biggest challenges. Often I have thought that if God just sent me a message through an angel, then I would believe what He was about to do in and through me. Well, as we read in the book of Luke, this may not be the case at all.

Elisabeth is about to have a baby. However, she is completely unaware of this. Not only is she unaware, but her husband is as well. Zacharia and Elisabeth are two of the good ones. They are righteous in the sight of the Lord. They are a couple who walked blameless and kept the commandments. So, you would think that they would have the kind of faith that moves mountains.

God sends not only an angel to inform Zacharia about the good news of the forthcoming child, but he sends Gabriel himself. They top dog of God comes down to give a message of hope to a man of God... Sounds like a great story that has a great ending... And it does. John the Baptist is born and his entire life is spent heralding the good news of the coming Messiah. However, there is one little glitch. Zacharia doubts the angel and questions him because of his age. Zacharia is an old man and Elisabeth is no spring chicken herself, so maybe we can say, "give the guy some slack here."

God takes faith and unbelief quite seriously. Because of the unbelief, Zacharia becomes mute until the birth of his son. Read the story for yourself...

Luke 1:18-22 And Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." And the angel answered him, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time." And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute.

So what does this message from Luke teach me today? Well, the main thing I see here is that there are consequences to my unbelief. And, in spite of it, God's plan will still be fulfilled. Zacharia was praying to the Lord for this very thing and when it is announced he doesn't believe it. He was praying without conviction. How often do we throw up a prayer to the Lord and when it is answered walk around in disbelief? I know for me it is far too often.

Today I am going to learn from the unbelief of Zacharia. Lord, I pray that you will open my eyes to your truth and help me to believe you when your hand is moving in my life. Help me to believe your promises... Thank you for using broken vessels and not turning us away because of our unbelief. Amen

Where Does Your Value Come From?

There is a lot of talk these days about one's self image or self worth. We read books, listen to talk show doctor's on television, and even attend churches in an attempt to feel better about ourselves. It has almost become an obsession in our culture. Having the right clothes, driving the right car, and living in the perfect neighborhood are all contributors to how we feel about who we are and what we are all about. If we have everything just so on the outside then we will certainly feel better on the inside. Our schools even teach kids that if they put forth the effort, then that is often good enough to get the grade simply based on trying to build up the student and make them feel worthwhile.

The Bible however has a different view on our worth. It isn't because of our status, our job, or how much money we earn. Who we are is not based on anything external, but simply on the fact that we are made by God and in His image.

 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. 

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. 

Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Psa 139:13-14 ESV 

When we understand our value, we can speak the way the apostle Paul speaks of himself in Romans. He calls himself a "wretched man." Now that doesn't sound like the most famous evangelist known to man. Paul was the greatest apostle and he considers himself to be wretched. How can that be? It is because he saw himself the way God sees us apart from Christ.

Paul knew the condition of his heart. He understood that apart from Christ he was nothing but a wretched sinner deserving the condemnation of God. His value didn't come from his possessions, his status with the churches he served, or even his knowledge. His value came from Christ alone.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the 

Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 

Rom 8:1-2 ESV

Though he did the things he hated and had difficulty doing what was right, he knew that he was delivered by the blood of Jesus Christ. When we place our value in the cross of Christ, the things we seek of this world for our sense of worth become vain idols. But when we know who we are in Christ, repent from our self focused ways, and seek Him for our worth then we will be free to live life to the fullest.

Are you seeking the things of the world to bring worth to your life? Or are you seeking Christ alone? Only He can satisfy that place in your heart that longs to be valued.

CCSE Uganda Short Term Mission 2013

Our video from Uganda...

Have a blessed day!
Keith

About My Father's Business

About My Father's Business

Luke 2:49 - And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

I went on my first short term mission trip last month and this theme was prevalent in all that we did during our stay in Bukere, Uganda. "I must be about my Father's business." Since my return the lenses I see life through have become quite different. I have been transformed by Christ in a whole new way.

The weeks leading up to the trip were filled with anticipation and preparation. I had many uncertainties and concerns. On occasion I was challenged with thoughts of not wanting to go because of these concerns, but once I arrived, I was filled to the brim with the Love of God and fulfilling His business there. Shortly into the trip I was now not wanting to return home to the everyday life I so reluctantly left behind.

The Lord spoke many things to me during my time away. The most clear instruction came during a devotional we had on about the 10th day of our trip. It came from both the books of Ecclesiastes and the book of John. Ecc 1:3 asks "What does a man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?" And in John 6:27, Jesus instructs us to not labor for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life.

As I prayed over these verses I felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit speaking to me. "What is all the toil you are doing in your life... you are spending much time taking care of your wants and desires and My work is going undone." As I continued through Ecclesiastes I was struck by another key verse. Ecc 6:7 says, "our toil is for our mouth, yet our appetite is never satisfied." That is exactly where I have been over the past many years that I have been serving Him. My day is spent toiling after food that perishes and yet, I am never satisfied. The blessings that were coming to me through the Holy Spirit while serving in Uganda was far more satisfying than what my everyday toil was and is bringing me. So I sought Him to help me know what to do next.

As I listened to what He was speaking to me I heard the word... "downsize." Not just the things I have stored away in my attic, basement, closets, and garage :) but to downsize my responsibilities and time. To cleanse myself from the things that are distractions. Extra work loads, entertainment, down and idle time that is beyond the necessary rest the body requires. To downsize my life in material and other ways.

So here I go... downsizing my life to free up not only my resources, but my time as well. To do what the Lord has called each of us to do. To be "about my Father's business" rather than my own.

Who's business are you about? Is the Lord calling your to be about His business and trim a few things from your life like He is mine? If so, what are you doing to answer that call?

While in Uganda we encountered much poverty. The belongings I have in my bedroom alone are worth more than most families worldly possessions. As we were digging our trench to feed a water line to the village one of the villagers said to a companion of mine, "All we need is water. We have electricity some of the time, but we don't need it for life. We need this water for life."

What a basic concept and a life lived in simplicity. The message, "All I need is water to survive!" God spoke to my heart and I will never be the same. To live here on this earth is temporary and I must be simply about my Father's business. So that is what I will be about.

Have a blessed day,
Keith