Identity in Christ, 113

~ I Am In Possession of the Spirit of Power ~

Introduction  ~  When Christians understand the various characteristics and aspects of the birthright which came with their second birth, they comprehend their identity in Christ.  Once Christians understand their identity, their destiny is also clear!  This series of “Abundant Life Now” posts will look at one of those facets each week. 

This Week’s Verse  ~  “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:6-7). 

~~~ EXPLANATORY “IDENTITY IN CHRIST” NOTES ~~~  

(1)  Each Monday ALN posts an example of Scripture’s description of aspects/characteristics of Christians—those who have personally trusted in Jesus Christ, The Messiah, as their personal Savior.

(2)  This series is not intended to be an exhaustive list.

(3)  God the Father described Himself to Moses as the great “I AM” (Exodus 3:14).  God the Son also said “I AM” (John 8:58). 

(4)  Jesus Christ is the Son of God and several times in the Gospel of John He refers to Himself as “I am.”  “I am the Bread of Life” (6:35-51), “I am the Light of the World” (8:12, 9:5), “I am the Door” (10:7-9), “I am the Good Shepherd” (10:11-14), “I am the Son of God” (10:36), “I am the Resurrection and the Life” (11:25), “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (14:6), “I am in the Father, and the Father in Me … Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me” (John 14:10-11), and “I am the True Vine” (15:1-5). 

(5)  Individual Christians are also sons and daughters of God.  This series will show some of the various “I am” aspects of a Christian. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

Christ Listens, 1of2

~ Do You Regularly Report Back to Your Savior? ~

Passage  ~  “Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught.  And He said to them, ‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’  For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.  So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves” (Mark 6:30-32). 

Applications  ~  Am I following the disciples example?  Do I report back to my Savior the results of each day?  Do I honestly admit my failures?  Do I include the temptations I faced?  Do I include sins of omission as well as those of commission?  Do I sincerely ask for feedback regarding what I could have done more effectively for Him?  Do I share my frustrations with well-intentioned efforts which seemingly failed?

When the disciples had toiled all day and caught nothing were they tempted to avoid interaction with their Master?  On fruitless days do we avoid communing with our Savior? 

Conclusion  ~  Tell your Savior everything!  That is the kind of end-of-day which is meaningful and will bring greater blessing to your life.  A side benefits of such daily prayer is that it will maintain our intimacy, we may well receive direct instructions from Him (see part 2 of this post), and it will strengthen us for improved service for Him. 

the key question:  “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).  This is the most important question you will ever answer.  If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

Word of God Acronym

~ The Impact of The WORD of God Summarized ~

W O R D

The Word of God – Handbook for Daily Living

Wonder is the first step in a four-step progression which results from a study of the Word of God.  Wonder at the God who created the universe. Wonder that the same God who created all, including you, is enough interested in you to provide this written communication to you. Wonder and amazement that this same God desires fellowship with you and because of that was willing to allow His only begotten Son to be cruelly crucified in order that you might have direct access to Him.

“They were all amazed at the majesty of God.  But while everyone marveled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His disciples, ‘Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men’” (Luke 9:43-44).  

Obligation.  The wonder of it all progresses to a deep sense of obligation.  Since God not only created you but bought you back at Calvary, you owe Him a life that is surrendered and obedient to Him. He has rights to you by virtue of having created you.  He further owns you by outright purchase at the cross of Calvary.  You owe Him a loving response of fellowship with Him and a life which is lived in obedience to Him.

“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.  And these things we write to you that your joy may be full” (1 John 1:3-4).  

Relationship to Him.  Having realized your obligation to Him, it is up to you to respond in love and gratitude to Him.  You must accept the authority of His Word; realize, confess, and repent of your sins; ask Him to forgive you and to make you His child, as you seek to make Him Lord of your life.  As you do, God has promised to make you His child.  Since you are His child, then you are His heir—and He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.  Since you are His heir, you are a co-heir with His own Son, your Savior, your Lord Jesus Christ.

“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:16-17).    

Discipleship is the fourth phase of the progression.  True discipleship yields the greatest satisfaction and joy that you can ever achieve in this life.  As a disciple you are physically, mentally, emotionally, and most importantly spiritually in tune with life, and with your Creator.  You are satisfying the purpose and the function for which you were created.  You are experiencing the abundant life as you translate what the Word of God tells you into your daily life.  You, as a disciple, are being controlled in every action by the Word of God.

“If you abide in My Word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them] you are truly My disciples.  And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 Amplified).  

The Word of God is not only a book (the Book of Books), but also a person (John 1:1) who deserves your thoughtful allegiance and obedience.  He is the source of wisdom and He freely imparts knowledge and power to those who truly put their trust and confidence in Him.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, Thy Will Be Done On Earth: Understanding God’s Will for You, pages 28-29

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .