Tag: in Christ
IN
In 1 Thessalonians chapter four, Paul turns to discussing behavior and growing in separation to the Lord (1 Thess. 4:1-12). But he starts with a phrase, easily overlooked, that provides vital context for what follows: “We ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus….” (1 Thess. 4:1). In other words, “in Jesus” is where Paul’s…
One Is All
I am one with God in Christ, and this is all that is required of me.
Facing Incompleteness
The old covenant high priest in his ministerial garments “Be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before My God” (Rev.3:2). Jesus said this to the church at Sardis. A more literal (but akward) translation would read, “I have not found your works made…
Another Face in the Crowd
Minions from Despicable Me Most of the time, I don’t feel very spiritual. I feel average. My day is filled with mundane things like brushing my teeth, going to work, caring for kids, taking out the garbage, etc. Amidst daily responsibilities and stressors, sometimes I keep my humor, sometimes I don’t. On occasion I’m a shining…
Scribbling and Bibbling
Picture from Amadeus (Milos Forman, 1984) Sanctification or growing in holiness can be a confusing subject to Christians. Verses such as 1 Corinthians 1:30 say Christ is our sanctification. But 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely.” Are we holy now? Do we still need to be sanctified? As…
Secret Place
I’ve been thinking about Psalm 91 lately. This passage teaches us about being in Christ. He is our secret place, our dwelling wherein we are safe and at rest (Psalm 91:1-2, 9). The New Testament tells us that, in Christ, we are crucified and dead to sin. In Christ, we are also raised from the…
Had You for a Minute, Didn’t I?
I don’t believe in prayer. I believe in the One who answers prayer. I don’t seek blessings. I seek the Blesser. I don’t go to church. I gather with those who are the church. I don’t believe in the power of words. I believe in the Word. I don’t seek the…
Reject All Lies. I Am in Christ.
Living Sacrifice album cover Living Sacrifice is one of my favorite bands. The other day I was listening to a compilation of their songs that I put together. As the chorus of one of the songs came on, it seemed the Holy Spirit was pounding the lyrics into me: “Reject all lies! Reject all lies!”…
What the Lord Said…
This what the Lord said to me last night: “If you never sinned you still wouldn’t be righteous.” “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). “Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I…
The Voice of One 