The power to grow in our relationship with Christ is wrapped up in one word. It is at the heart of how we can live the way God wants us to live. It is the way we can be changed to the image of Jesus Christ. It is one word- a two letter word. It is the word “IN.” It is a favorite term in Paul’s letters to the church. He uses the preposition “in” over 160 times to describe our union, identification, oneness, and personal relationship with Christ.
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Co. 5:17).
“We are filled with the fruit of righteousness in Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:11).
“We have access to the Father in Christ” (Eph. 2:18).
God causes us to “Triumph in Christ Jesus,” (2 Co 2:14).
“He who remains IN ME,” Jesus says in John 15, “will bear fruit.”
We can’t get any closer than in! And because there is such a close relationship, He gives us all the resources we need to live our life each day for Him. “We have been blessed in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (EPH 1:3). Because Christ is in us and we are in Him, we have the power to obey Him, witness for Him, serve Him in the church, love others, and grow more and more like Jesus.
We share all that Christ does and has and is! We need to believe this to be true and live like it each day. We are to conform all of life to our “in Christ” identity. That means, we don’t have to yield ourselves to sin anymore because we are in Christ. That means, we don’t live in defeat, but in victory. That means, the voice of truth we listen to about who we are comes from our identity in Christ and not what others say about us.
So, as you seek to live out God’s Word in your life, first take in the amazing reality of your union with Christ. No matter what the world throws at you, you are in Christ and Christ is in you! No matter what happens at your job, you are in Christ and Christ is in you. No matter what your diagnosis is, no matter what people try to do to you, no matter what others say about you, no matter what turn of events mess with your dreams and plans, you are in Christ and Christ is in you. When you are in Christ Jesus nothing can stand against you! And Colossians 3:3 says, “Your life is hidden with Christ in God.” You are secure!
Below you can check out some other verses that speak of the breathtaking reality of our union with Christ.
Prayer 30 tomorrow night (Thursday) @ 6:30 is open to everyone! The business meeting will follow our prayer time at 7:00. If you can’t make it in person, checkout the zoom link below.
We will be having an in-person Good Friday service at 7:00 on Friday, April 2. We will have two Easter services at 9:00 and 10:45 with both services following the same mask guidelines (see below). EBC kids will begin again on Easter Sunday for second service only. Nursery for Easter Sunday will be offered in both services.
It is a beautiful time of year as we celebrate our new life in Jesus Christ and anticipate that day when all those who are united to Christ will rise to live again!
Blessings to you, Pastor Brian
Looking Forward
Sermon Direction
Caught in the Act
Daniel 6
Link to This Sunday Worship Service
Sample verses that speak to our union in Christ
Romans 6:23
Romans 8:38-39
1 Corinthians 1:2
1 Corinthians 15:22
2 Corinthians 1:20
2 Corinthians 5:21
Galatians 3:26
Ephesians 1:4
Ephesians 1:7
Philippians 4:7
Philippians 4:19
2 Timothy 1:9
Business Meeting
Thursday March 25th 7pm
Prayer time at 6:30 pm
Business Meeting Zoom
If you are unable to attend the business meeting in person and prefer to attend via zoom, use this link to participate: ZOOM LINK
Child Dedication
There will be a child dedication on Sunday, April 11. If you are interested, please mark your calendars to meet with Pastor Brian on Sunday March 28 between services (10:15-10:30)
Good Friday
Join us for our Good Friday service on Friday April 2nd at 7pm.
Easter Sunday Services
For Easter Sunday, the mask requirements will be the same for both 1st and 2nd services. Masks are required to be worn to and from your seats only. EBC Kids will take place during 2nd service only and nursery will be provided during both services.
Ushers for Easter Sunday
As you probably know, finding a good seat on Easter Sunday can be challenging. As such, we need extra hands on deck to help guests find seats and muscle around chairs as needed. If you would like to volunteer to first or second service or both, please email Pastor Dan at dan@ebclaconia.com
Save the Date
Q & A with Sam Huggard about the E Free affiliation. April 11th at 6pm
More details to come.
Upcoming Missions Trip
Are you interested in joining a short-term Mission trip? EBC’s Global Outreach Team is joining with Rick Odess from Missions Door to send a group to El Salvador for church related projects. This would be a 9 day trip in or around August. If you are interested or have questions, please reach out to Mary Beth Letourneau (603-545-7329) or another member of the Global Outreach Team.
Prayer and Praise
If you have any prayer requests or needs, please email Corianne at: corianne@ebclaconia.com