Coreনমুনা

LIVING

In this last day of reading together, I want to point out what we have been learning, and why we have been learning it.

We have looked at four of the core beliefs of Christianity: there is one God, the Bible is His word to us, sin is the ultimate issue humanity faces, and Jesus is the savior for our sin. We have looked at these four core beliefs because they are more than just ideas. These beliefs are pillars of reality, helping us to understand God, ourselves, and the world in which we live. And more than just statements that give understanding, these realities shape the way we live.

In fact, they shape what we are.

The author of 2 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul, had a favorite description for people that had entrusted their lives to Jesus. He liked to say that they were, “in Christ,” or that they, “belong to Christ.” He didn’t speak this way just because he thought it sounded good. Paul was trying to help us see the new reality in which we live.

We were once lost, dead in sin, but now we are IN CHRIST.

And Christ is the One that died, and rose with new life.

He died, that life ended.

And He rose, a new life began.

To be IN CHRIST, means that your old life ended, and a new life has begun. Paul goes as far as to say that you are a brand new creature, a whole new person IN CHRIST.

That means that the life you now live (your life IN CHRIST) is more than a second chance, it is something else entirely. As we live in this new life, it means we have to learn to live by a new nature, to leave old patterns behind, and to adopt new mindsets. You can’t do this on your own. That’s why it’s so important to be IN CHRIST, with His Spirit - the Holy Spirit - empowering you, and guiding you. You are a new you, so live it out!

Worship God: He is holy, and full of grace, and truth.

Read the Scriptures: the Bible is God’s word, it is where you will learn His voice.

Turn away from sin: humble yourself, and turn toward God.

Trust in Jesus: you have been saved by Jesus; this is such good news!

Live this new life: continue to be transformed into someone new, day by day, as you live IN CHRIST.