Ephesians 1:1-14
We're starting a new book this week--Ephesians--and a new series on Back to the Bible called "Being a Christian Is Like Buying a Car." (Does that title pique your interest? It should. If you get a chance, listen in on the programs this week.) Many times through these first verses in Ephesians Paul uses the term "in Christ" or "in him."
Read verses 1-14 slowly, and maybe even a couple of times. What does being "in Christ" mean for you? Tami W.
After reading the portion in 3 different versions my cup over flows
with joy unspeakable and full of glory. I am going to read it again in a few more versions until I really get it.
Christ is my all in all. Without Christ I am nothing. If I do not believe in Him I have nothing to look forward to. He gives me wisdom, knowledge and understanding so each day as long as I live I have to give Him thanks, praise and bless His name. Christ has done everything for us. He has laid the foundation and the path and it is not a matter of should I but I have to obey and follow Him if I seek life eternal. Christ does not bear any grudges. His mercy is forever. He is compassionate and forgiving and I love Him with all my heart.
For me "in Christ" means that I am wrapped in His loving arms, surrounded by His protection, adopted - therefore a child of THE King of Kings-which means I will share in His limitless inheritance. I am a princess,loved beyond all measure,and blessed beyond imagination. He is my strength, comfort and joy, and so much more! (That was a loaded question Tami, lol.)
To be "in Christ" is a total transformation! An "extreme makeover"
There's so many blessings (ie. He has chosen us, adopted us, He's forgiven us, predestined us.... just to name a few!)
To me personally, it's very humbling - that the Creator of our vast Universe and everything in it, should think of me and is interested in my life! .... and has a plan for my life.
It also, puts upon me (in a good way) a responsibility to live a life that honors, pleases, and recognizes Him in all I do, all decisions I make, etc.
When I read those words, I interpret a strong sense of belonging, an intimacy, to our relationship with Christ.
I find Ephesians to be a book of promise and hope, to know that God loves us through Jesus His son. To know that if we have a personal relationship with Christ we to are sons and daughters of God. To know that He loved us so much that he was willing to send Jesus to show us the way. But it also shows me that I have a responsiblity to others because of what Christ has done for me.
"In Christ" means to me that it is only through the Son of God (Jesus),the Christ, that all things are done. I can't be saved, I can't fulfill God's will, I can't be productive or have meaning apart from Jesus. He has paved the way and made everything possible to me. To be healed, to be set free, to be redeemed, to have wisdom and knowledge, to have forgiveness and to give forgiveness, to be loved by God and others and to share His love with others. It reminds me that without God I am nothing and can do nothing.
It also provokes the thought, am I living a true and genuine reflection of who God is. Do I show Christ in my everyday living, my actions, my words, my thoughts, etc.
I need Him to help me to do what represents and gives glory in the highest to Him at all times in all ways possible.
It's awesome just thinking that from the beginning of time He had me in mind.
I can really relate to being "in Christ" as being a child of the king of kings. When I go through difficult days/times, I often remind myself of that. It's also comforting to think that He has me wrapped up in His arms. I look forward to listening to the series.
Nothing is more important then our salvation, by his Grace we have recieved IT as a gift. We stand for nothing if Jesus is not in our heart. I think of somthing beautilful here in this world somthing so grand when you see it your brought to tears at the work of his hands. That was how I felt the first and everytime I see the Grand Canyon. What a sunset. How awesome is our God! How wonderful is it to us who are saved to see God everytime we look out our windows or hold our child or grandchild. We see gods love in the reading today, and he has opened our hearts to his plan of salvation. Thank you Jesus for chooseing me. WE ARE BLESSED!
Being In Christ means being accepted by Him. Redeemed by Him. Following Him, no matter what circumstances may occur. Giving Him, Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ my all each and every day. Knowing Him and continuing to build a relationship with Him.
If you missed the start to this series this morning, you missed an awesome message. I am looking forward to this study.
I had read the story of Joseph many times before, but after listening to the study on the radio, I have a new perspective of it. I will miss it! This proves that the word of God never returns void.
It means I have His Holy Spirit to counsel and guide me and not only me but all people in Christ as well. We all have that and that is a good thing to know. I found the Joseph lesson very helpful. At work instead of being irrate over a new policy signed it and turned it in. I kept thinking on God's word and I felt a confidence I didn't have before thinking about Joseph and his confidence through all his trials. :)
i have been worried that i did not see p4 blog since 1st of march.thank God for getting on today.Being in christ means am in a relationship with Him.which i cherish so much.is not by my being better than anyone, but by His grace.so i thank Him for bring me closer to Him.