CHRIST IN YOU IS THE HOPE OF GLORY! LET US ENTER!

CLARK E. WADE's picture
Submitted by CLARK E. WADE on Wed, 2009-11-25 04:46

Ephesians 2:13 says this:

"But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were so far away, through (by, in) the blood of Christ have been BROUGHT NEAR."

What are the implications for this as believers right "now" as the passage states, to live in nearness to Him Who so loved us and gave Himself for us? If He really does live 'in' us, which doesn't get any 'nearer' than that, how can we live 'in' Him who lives 'in' us? I think it would be a good thing to prayerfully reflect on some passages which I don't think we have understood very well, let alone actually attempted to practice, as obviously the early church did. They knew an indwelling Lord! He was the central focus of their lives together, in community, and I think we are going to see that in these passages in new and unexpected ways.

Some of the passages that speak of this immense privilege of entering into the joy of the Lord in the land of the living are Hebrews 10:19-25; 2 Corinthians 3:16-18,4:6-7; and I Peter 3:15.

Our precious Heavenly Father. Oh how we love You and thank you for placing us in Christ, in whom are all heavenly things, and then placing Christ in us. We pray that Father, you will open first our ears to hear just how glorious is this gospel of Jesus Christ to us and in us. And then in our hearing Father, may you then open our eyes to see this utter blessedness in which You have granted to us in placing Christ in us as our indwelling Lord, Savior, Teacher, Friend and soon-coming King! The world is famishing not because they haven't heard our doctrine, but because they haven't seen our Lord in us, together, as Your community expressing Him in Spirit and in Truth. Oh Father, when Christ is truly living in us, we become living epistles. If the world can't 'read' Christ in us, we perish as Your church! Oh our great and glorious God, let us know Him, who lives so near! The glory of God was in this place and we knew it not. Plant in us ears to hear and eyes to see. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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ladyhoffman's picture

An Affirmation

Submitted by ladyhoffman on Mon, 2009-11-30 12:12.

Dear Anotida,
I prayed and held onto Psalm 91 with a mighty hold for my only son was in Iraq this past year, an Army Airborne Scout, in the very front of danger. I held my breath this entire year, praying and beseeching God's protection. I celebrate God's goodness and mercy as my son is now back, unharmed. I praise God for His mighty acts of protection and keeping this day and can once again breathe a sigh of relief.

How I thank-you for your remembrance of this precious Psalm of protection.

Your Sister, United by the blood of Christ,
Linda