What a kick-off to a great night with the Saints going 8-0. Welcome to Jason and Garren as first time visitors. Happy Birthday Dwayne and thanks for a reason to have cake with Janet's Corn Stew.
- We started with a great reminder from Acts 1:1-3 "In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God." Jesus came to earth to START an revolution. We are to work towards completion of that calling.
- A reading of Colossians 1:2 makes it clear that Paul considered all of us saints. As saints we are indwelt with all the mystery that is God Himself. The very fact that Christ abides in us is the secret to that great mystery of our Creator. Paul tells us as much in Colossians 1:27, "To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." It is so hard for most Christians to truly understand what it means to have "Christ in you." Paul, in an attempt to encourage us through his ministry, reveals one of the great untapped elements of our relationship with Christ. Paul said, "For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me (Col. 1:29)." Wow! It isn't even about me having the energy to live out this calling! If I let Him God will do all that He wants through me. The religious have never figured this out. Do you believe God lives in you?
- (this post is a work in progess. comment and check back)
Just a thought that Dwayne and I discussed from Sunday... You were making a point about the word "baptized" meaning to immerse into something, to begin something that has ongoing effects. I guess since we got married this year, it was easy for us to think along those lines. We were talking about how marriage is a similar concept. There is a definite beginning, a wedding, but the effects of that beginning are continuous and ongoing. I know God didn't accidentally make it this way. He's all about teaching us how to have a relationship to Him in any way, even through our own marriages. I thought about how just like I want my relationship to Dwayne to be much more than just what we had on our wedding day... and it is building into more and more every day. Getting out of the boat with God is the same thing... I can't just make a one-time choice, that choice has effects that go on and on as we grow and grow.
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