Our Identity Comes From Faith In Christ
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord, there is so much unholiness in this world, help me to learn from You how to live a holy life. Amen
“He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”
Ephesians 2:17-22 NIV
REFLECT:
My wife and I had the uplifting experience of attending a conference at the Cove (The Billy Graham retreat center in Asheville, NC). Pastor Bob Russell discussed the topic “Living Distinctively Holy Lives in an Increasingly Unholy World.” He emphasized that God is in charge of what is going to happen because He is sovereign and has a plan for those of us who are His heirs. He went on to discuss how we should live during these perilous times. His emphasis was on the fact we are to “Live holy and Godly lives…” (2 Peter 3:11) He emphasized:
1. Holiness is putting aside deeds of darkness
2. Holiness is imitating the righteous character of God
3. Holiness is having a positive spirit about God’s plan for the future
He ended by quoting 1 Peter 1:16 “for it is written: “Be holy because I am holy and 2 Peter 3:14: “So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him” (NIV)
APPLY:
In my reading this week I read 1 Thessalonians 4:3a (NLT): “God's will is for you to be holy.” The Life Application Bible explains how to accomplish this, “It is God’s will for us to be holy, but how can we go about doing that? The Bible teaches that holiness is not a state of perfection that comes with hard work, severe discipline, or good deeds. Instead, if you have accepted Christ’s sacrifice on your behalf and given your life to him, then God already sees you as holy and complete in his eyes, as if you have never sinned. Jesus’ death and resurrection have cleansed you from the ravaging effects of sin, but that doesn’t release you from the call to good conduct as a follower of Jesus. As one of his disciples, you will want to continue to learn, grow, and mature in your faith and life during your time on earth. This is a lifelong process (called sanctification) as the Holy Spirit works in you, conforming you to the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). The goal is to be more and more like Him every day.”
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, as one of Your disciples, I want to continue to learn, grow, and mature in faith during my time on earth. Help me to be more and more like You every day. Amen