The Weekly Epistle 3/24/21

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