Are You In Christ?

Text: Romans 8: 1-17, 37-39 (NIV)

So... what does it mean to be in Christ? I mean, the Apostle Paul says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ... and that sounds pretty attractive doesn't it? I don't want to be condemned, do you? No, of course not! But what does it look like to be "in Christ"? Does it mean that somewhere along the line you heard the preacher say Jesus died for your sins, and you have to accept him into your heart to be saved - so you came to the altar and invited him in? Is that it?

But what about an hour later... or a day later, or a week later... or certainly a month later? What happens after the emotional fervor wears off, and you're back to being the jerk you were when you walked into the sanctuary in the first place? What about when you act rudely to the people you (supposedly) love the most? What about when you fly into a rage in traffic when someone has the audacity to commit automotive injustice? What about when you give into temptation?

Are you still "in Christ" at that point? Or has the glory faded? Has the newness worn off? Has reality set in that - you may be saved - but you're still the same old sinner you've always been? 

If, through Jesus the law of the Spirit has indeed set us free from the law of sin and death (v. 2)... then why in blazes do I still so often feel imprisoned in this dark cell made of flesh and bone? 

⁹ You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. 

Really, Paul? So why do I feel so close to God... so utterly saved at times (so full of God), and yet so completely lost at other times (so devoid of God)? Which is it... does the Spirit of God indeed live in me... or am I on my own in the realm of the flesh?

I guess I'm saying this: I feel as though I have dual citizenship - full access  and privilege in both worlds... that of the flesh and that of the Spirit. But why? How?

I want to live. I want to see. I want to be free. I want to experience ongoing peace. I want to know I'm an adopted child of God who can call out to my Daddy, "Abba!"

Who am I, Lord? Am I a son of Hell, bound for the fire...? Or am I a son of the Almighty, a co-heir with Christ... sharing in his sufferings and in his glory?

You know, when it comes down to it, God knows our hearts. Hes a perfect judge, not bound by systems or principles, or even written codes... the only code he follows is that of divine love, bourne out of His holiness. He knows our secrets, he knows our lies, he knows our regrets, he knows our motivations... he knows every sin we've ever committed. And yet He says over and over again that He loves us... not just like I love movie theater popcorn... no, I mean he loves us more than we could ever, ever begin to imagine! And that he forgives us when we seek it. All it seems to take is a genuine movement toward him as he reaches up for us. And in the midst of that kind of all-encompassing love, I believe God knows how to filter out all the evil deeds of the flesh verses all the righteousness and humility that pours out of a heart that's been captured by Christ.

I may be screwed up a bit... but I'm a disciple of the best rabbi who ever lived... the greatest prophet who ever spoke... the most powerful healer who ever prayed... the most awesome human being who ever got dust on his feet... because he also know what it felt like to have blood run down his face. I'm not just a disciple of Jesus... I'm thoroughly, completely in Christ. In spite of the warts, wrinkles mistakes and stretch marks... God sees me as spotless and blameless sheep thanks to the power of the Cross.

I don't need to worry... and I don't need to feel ashamed. I am part of a family that is called more than conquerors...

³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Amen, Brother Paul. Amen! So, in response to all that, let us live according to the spirit who raises us from death to life.
 

A Mighty Wind

Text for this Sunday's sermon/conversation: Acts 1-2 (NLT)

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Wow, if there's anything that someone from Ellensburg, Washington should understand... it would be the power, frustration and sheer unpredictability of the wind. Sure, there are things we can observe about the wind that can help us plan our day... for example: this week a long-term hardcore local resident told me that if it's not very windy in the morning, you can be assured a strong wind won't start up late in the afternoon in our valley. I believed him, because frankly, I'm not a terribly observant person. I've lived here a great portion of my life, and I still couldn't tell you if the wind generally blows in from the North, South, East or West. 


But even for the most observant person in the world... wind is - and will always be - a mystery that cannot be completely contained, described, or understood. Even the gazillion dollar turbines at the Wild Horse wind farm (Northeast of town) can't begin to harness the immense power of the Ellensburg wind. When it's all said and done, all they can really do is take in a small amount of energy at a time. It's kind of like a child trying to pick up his or her newly build sand castle... inefficient at best!


It's that way with the awesome revelation of God too, don't you think? I mean, He's given us resources in which to capture a glimpse of His eternal power and presence... things like Scripture (the story), prayer (the communication), and the Church (the community). However, none of these ordained resources makes much sense in and of themselves. Stories, prayers, and groups of people are a dime a dozen - but the thing that gives them life is the Wind of God... the breath of God... the Spirit of God. However, let me be clear... the Spirit of God is not a what, but a Who. He is the living, breathing Person of God Who makes something from nothing (creation), Who opens our eyes and reveals the love of God to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (salvation) and Who breathes new life into death (resurrection). He is powerful, He is willing, He is able, He is Awesome... and He is good. But nevertheless, we can observe Him... but the Holy Spirit transcends our ability to wrap God up in a neat little package and domesticate Him. 


In Exodus 3:14, God had this to say:  "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'"


He is who he is... He gets to make the rules. He determines what is right and wrong. He alone is able to give and take away life. He is the LORD... and He - through the ministry of Christ - died for you. The Wind of God is willing to give you the gift of eternal life... are you willing to accept it?