“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
I recently gave a message called “Living for God”. As I prepared for it, I was reminded again of how critically important a proper understanding of our identity in Christ is. (Pastor Bryan recently wrote about our identity, also. Seems like God has something He wants us to be thinking about.)
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” — Galatians 5:1
Wow! That is an amazing truth for you and me — ones who walk in faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for our salvation. You are free, so live like it. We are sons and daughters of a Holy God, not slaves who have to work for the favor of our Master. Indeed, we stand firmly free before a God who looks at us and is pleased — because of what Jesus has done.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
As a Christian, you and I are no longer who we used to be. Because of Jesus Christ, all of our past sins and failures do not determine who we are. As a result, we’re no longer bound to any kind of pressures from our culture/society about who we NEED to be. As sons and daughters of Jesus, our identity is not determined by what others think or say about us. It is not determined by what we think of ourselves. In other words, our identity has been determined by God Himself. Unfortunately, there are times we can get so lost in our thoughts and expectations from the world, we can FORGET who we are! We need to be reminded of Truth in order to change the way we think of ourselves.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.” — John 12:24-26
Recently, I watched a World War II movie which had the following dialogue between two characters:
When we think of Noah and the Ark, we imagine a coloring book page of a boat (with a happy Noah and happy animals), lots of primary colors and blue skies. However, this is not at all how it would have been. Everything about this event would have been surprising, terrifying and devastating. Most theologians believe this was the first-time rain had ever fallen on the earth. The experience of water coming from the heavens (and bursting forth from the ground) would have been a surprise, to say the least. People never had to seek shelter from rain before that day.
Imagine yourself living during that time. Unstoppable water rushed everywhere. It was terrifying as it consumed everything in its path. Heavy debris and trees crushed and pinned anything and anyone. People screamed for their loved ones as homes and other structures broke apart. As a result, there was no escape, no safe place to go — except the Ark. The giant boat the “crazy” preacher had been building for 120 years. Noah had said it was going to happen.
Unintentionally, I think that COVID quarantining has produced an unwanted side effect. Increased selfishness. Now, hear me out. I realize that many positives and saved lives came from this necessary, safeguarding step. However, I have to admit that in this “almost” post-COVID period, it seems all too easy for me to be selfish.
“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” — Luke 12:21
Through the years, I’ve never had a lot of wealth. It never really bothered me because I had enough money for burritos, and enough to take my wife on modest dates. I didn’t care all that much that we didn’t have “two nickels to rub together” to make our lives what they were. There was a sweetness in not having a lot of money.
“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” — Revelation 2:10
Last year, at a pastor’s conference, we watched the Tortured for Christ movie. This powerful film told the story of pastor Richard Wurmbrand (1909-2001). He was a Romanian pastor who endured 14 years of Communist imprisonment and suffering for his faith. The torture scenes made the movie difficult to watch. However, his courage and example were astonishing.
“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
Can you believe it? Winter is over and spring is already upon us! It seems as if this time of year brings new and exciting opportunities for us to labor hard for Jesus (and for me to start preparing my garden).
When my co-worker asked me if I’d be interested in helping him with electrical work for a church remodel, my first thought was that it was a long shot. Why? Because the church was in Hawaii! My co-worker (who is also a Christian) is good friends with the pastor of the Hawaiian church.
