1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
Pastor Jeff Rabe and I were having lunch a couple weeks ago. Jeff has become a good friend to me and I consider him one of my chosen circle of wise counsel. As is often the case, our conversation revolved around bowhunting and, of course, Jesus. He is, after all, a pastor. Jeff has an uncanny ability to get me looking at things in a different light, pondering, praying and meditating on things that may have otherwise escaped my thoughts. One of the things he said during this conversation really struck me. “Until we know who we are ‘in Christ’, we will struggle with the peace Jesus has for us and will fall short of fulfilling our roles as provider, protector and priest of our family.” Did you know in his writings of the bible, Paul uses the term “in Christ” 85 times? Over the next few days this thought really resonated with me.
Romans 10:9 (NKJV) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
I am saved. I have confessed with my mouth Jesus my Lord and savior and I believe in my heart that God raised Him from the grave three days later. I know this. He knows this. I am saved.
Romans 12:5 (NKJV) so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
Along with all other believers, I am a member of the body of Christ. I am gifted in ways that others are not and not gifted in ways that others are, so that as a body we are equipped to handle all the work that Lord Jesus would have done.
I am a sinner, from the beginning of my life to the day I die. I will strive to overcome, but will fall short of the glory of God. However, the bible says that’s ok. Romans 8:1 (NKJV) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. After all, I am saved and I am “in Christ”.
My wife, mother, father and brothers will disagree, but the bible says, I’m a saint. A saint is one who is in Christ and therefore denotes an intimate connection with God. If you are in Christ, you too are a saint.
Ephesians 1:18 (NKJV) the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians 2:19 (NKJV) Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
I am protected.
1 Samuel 2:9 (NKJV) He will guard the feet of His saints, But the wicked shall be silent in darkness. “For by strength no man shall prevail.
Psalms 37:28 (NKJV) For the Lord loves justice, And does not forsake His saints; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off.
I am confident. Confident because the bible says, Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23 (NKJV)
I could continue and continue. My point is, who I am in Jesus Christ is endless, because He is endless. I am changed and changing, being shaped into whomever He’d have me be. I am a child of God. I am loved, protected, comforted, strengthened. I am bold, meek, confident and humble. I am provider, protector and priest of my family. I am new. I am better. I am His. God bless you and have a great weekend IN CHRIST!
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
