Is Christ in, where Christ is on it?

367 is Christ in it where Christ is on itI've held back from eating pork for years. I bought a “veal bratwurst” in a supermarket. Someone told me, "There's pork in this veal bratwurst!" I couldn't believe it. But it was in the small print in black and white. "Der Kassensturz" (a Swiss TV show) tested the veal sausage and wrote: Veal sausages are very popular at barbecues. But not every sausage that looks like a veal bratwurst is actually one. It often contains more pork than veal. There are also differences in taste. A jury of experts tested the best-selling veal sausages for the "Kassensturz". The best veal bratwurst contained just 57% veal and was rated as particularly tasty. Today we examine the label of Christianity and ask ourselves, "Is Christ in what Christ says on the outside?"

Do you know a person who is a good Christian? I only know one of whom I can say without hesitation that he is a good Christian. Jesus Christ Himself! The rest are Christians to the extent that they allow Christ to live in them. What kind of Christian are you? A 100% Christian? Or are you mostly yourself and therefore just a label bearer, with a sign: "I am a Christian"! So you are very likely a label cheat?

There is a way out of this dilemma! You and I, through repentance, repentance, in other words, turning back to Jesus become an 100% Christian! That's our goal.

In a first point we look at "the repentance"

Jesus said the right way into his sheepfold (into his kingdom) is through the door. Jesus says of himself: I am this door! Some want to climb over the wall to enter the kingdom of God. That will not do. The path to salvation that God has provided for us humans consists of Repentance and faith to the Lord, Jesus Christ. This is the only way. God can not accept a person who in any other way tries to climb into his kingdom. John the Baptist preached the buses. This was the prerequisite for the people of Israel to accept Jesus as their Savior. This is true for you and me today!

“Now after John had been taken prisoner, Jesus came to Galilee and preached the gospel of God, saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the gospel” (Mark 1,14-15)!

The word of God is very clear here. Busses and faith are inextricably linked. If I have not regretted, then my whole foundation is unstable.

We all know the laws in road traffic. Some years ago I drove to Milan by car. I was in too much of a hurry and drove too fast in 28 km per hour. I was lucky. My driver's license was not withdrawn from me. The police gave me a hefty penalty and a judicial warning. Buses to do in traffic means to pay an amount and keep to the rules.

Humans have been under the yoke of sin since the time sin came into the world through Adam and Eve. The penalty for sin is eternal death! Every human being pays this fine at the end of his life. To "repent" means to make a turn in life. Repent of your self-centered life and turn to God.

Doing buses means: “I recognize my own sinfulness and confess it! “I am a sinner and deserve eternal death! “ My selfish way of life brings me to the state of death.

"You also were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly lived after the manner of this world, under the mighty one that rules in the air, even the spirit that is at this time at work in the children of disobedience. Among them we too all once lived our lives in the lusts of our flesh, doing the will of the flesh and of the senses, and by nature we were children of wrath, as were the rest (Ephesians 2,1-3).

My personal opinion:
Because of my transgressions and sins, I am dead. I am unable to become spiritually perfect on my own. As a dead person, I have no life in me and can not do anything on my own. In the state of death I am totally dependent on the help of Jesus Christ, my Savior. Only Jesus can raise dead people.

Do you know the following story? When Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, he waited two full days before rising up to go to Lazarus at Bethany. What was Jesus waiting for? To the time when Lazarus could no longer do anything of his own accord. He was waiting for confirmation of his death. I imagine how it felt when Jesus stood at his tomb. Jesus said, "Take the stone away!" Marta, the sister of the deceased, replied: "It stinks, it's been dead for 4 days"!

A question:
Is there anything in your life that stinks that you don't want Jesus to expose "by rolling the stone away?" Back to the story.

They rolled away the stone and Jesus prayed and called out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The deceased came out.
The time is fulfilled, the voice of Jesus comes to you too. The kingdom of God has come near to you. Jesus calls out in a loud voice, "Come out!" The question is, how do you get out of your selfish, egotistical, stinking way of thinking and acting? What do you need? You need someone to help you roll the stone away. You need someone to help you remove the Shrouds. You need someone to help you bury old stinky ways of thinking and acting.

Now we come to the next point: "The old man"

The biggest obstacle in my life was my sinful nature. The Bible speaks in this context of the "old man". That was my condition without God and without Christ. To my old man belongs everything that contradicts the will of God: my fornication, my impurity, my shameful passions, my evil desires, my greed, my idolatry, my wrath, my wrath, my wickedness, my blasphemies, my shameful words, mine Overwork and my cheating. Paul shows the solution to my problem:

“For we know that our old man was crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed, so that we should no longer serve sin. For he who has died has been made free from sin" (Romans 6,6-7).

In order for me to live in a close relationship with Jesus, the old man must die. This happened to me at my baptism. Jesus didn't just take on my sins when he died on the cross. He also let my “old man” die on this cross.

“Or do you not know that all of us who are baptized into Christ Jesus are baptized into his death? So we were buried with him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too might walk in new life" (Romans 6,3-4).

Martin Luther called this old man the "old Adam". He knew that this old man could "swim". I always give the “old man” the right to live. I soil my feet with it. But Jesus is willing to wash them for me again and again! In God's sight, I've been washed clean with Jesus' blood.

We consider the next point “The Law”

Paul compares the relationship to the law to marriage. I initially made the mistake of marrying the Levitical law instead of Jesus. I sought victory over sin in my own strength by keeping this law. The law is a good, morally upright partner. That's why I confused the law with Jesus. My spouse, the law, never hit or hurt me. I find no fault in any of his claims. The law is just and good! However, the law is a very demanding “husband”. He expects perfection from me in every area. He asks me to keep the house sparkling clean. Books, clothes and shoes all have to be in the right place. The food must be prepared on time and perfectly. At the same time, the law doesn't lift a finger to help me with my work. He doesn't help me in the kitchen or anywhere else. I want to end this relationship with the law as it is not a love relationship. But that's not possible.

“For a woman is bound to her husband by law as long as the man lives; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law that binds her to her husband. So if she is with another man while her husband lives, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress if she takes another husband. So you also, my brethren, were killed to the law through the body of Christ, to belong to another, even to him who was raised from the dead, that we might bring forth fruit unto God" (Romans 7,2-4).

I was placed "into Christ" when he died on the cross, so I died with him. So the law loses its legal claim on me. Jesus fulfilled the law. I've been in God's mind from the beginning and he united me to Christ so he could have mercy on me. Allow me to say this: when Jesus died on the cross, did you die with him? We all died with him, but that's not the end of the story. Today, Jesus wants to live in each one of us.

“For by the law I died to the law, that I might live to God. I am crucified with Christ. I live, but not I, but Christ lives in me. For what I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me" (Galatians 2,19-20).

Jesus said: “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15,13)". I know these words apply to Jesus Christ. He sacrificed his life for you and me! Giving my life for Jesus is the greatest love I can express to Him. By giving my life unconditionally to Jesus, I participate in Christ's sacrifice.

“I beseech you now, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to God. This is your reasonable worship" (Romans 1 Cor2,1).

To do real buses means:

  • I deliberately say yes to the death of the old man.
  • I say yes to the deliverance from the law through the death of Jesus.

Believing means:

  • I say yes to the new life in Christ.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come" (2. Corinthians 5,17).

The Crucial Point: “The New Life in Jesus Christ”

In Galatians we have read: "I live, but not I, but Christ lives in me". What is your new life like in Christ? What standard did Jesus set for you? Does he allow you to keep your home (heart) unclean and dirty? No! Jesus asks much more than the law required! Jesus says:

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery. "But I say to you, whoever looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5,27-28).

What is the difference between Jesus and the law. The law demanded much, but gave you no help or love. Jesus' requirement is much higher than the requirement of the law. But he comes to your aid in your mission. He says: “Let's do everything together. Clean the house together, put clothes and shoes in the right place together”. Jesus does not live for himself, but participates in your life. This means that you should no longer live for yourself, but participate in his life. They participate in the work of Jesus.

"And he died for all, that they that live Do not live yourself, but to him who died for them and rose again" (2. Corinthians 5,15).

Being a Christian means living in a very close relationship with Jesus. Jesus wants to be involved in all your life situations! HIM is rooted in true faith, true hope and love itself. Its foundation is Christ alone. Yes, Jesus loves you! I ask them: Who is Jesus for you, personally?

Jesus wants to fulfill your heart and be your center! You must give your life completely to Jesus and live in his dependence. You will never be disappointed. Jesus is love. He gives it to you and wants your best.

“But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2. Petrus 3,18).

I grow in grace and knowledge, through understanding "Who I am in Jesus Christ"! It changes my behavior, my attitude and everything I do. This is true wisdom and knowledge. ALL IS GRACE, an undeserved gift! It's about growing more and more into this awareness of "CHRIST IN US". Maturity is always living in perfect alignment in this "BEING IN CHRIST."

We Conclude “Repentance Connects With Faith”

We read “Repent and believe the gospel. This is the beginning of our new life in Christ and in the kingdom of God. You and I are alive in Christ. That's good news. This faith is both encouragement and challenge. He is true joy! This belief is alive.

  • See the hopelessness of this world. Death, disasters and misery. They believe the Word of God, "God overcomes evil with good."
  • You experience the needs and concerns of your fellow human beings, are aware that they have no solution for them. What you can offer them is to have a close and intimate relationship with Jesus. He alone brings success, joy and peace. Only he can accomplish the miracle of repentance!
  • You put every day in the hands of God. No matter what happens, you are safe in his hands. He has every situation under control and gives you wisdom for making the right decisions”.
  • They are belittled, accused and blamed for no reason. Yet your faith says, "I AM IN JESUS ​​CHRIST." He has experienced it all and knows how my life feels. You trust him completely.

Paul formulated it in the chapter on faith in Hebrew:

"Faith is a firm confidence in things hoped for, and not doubting things that are not seen" (Hebrews 11,1)!

This is the real challenge in daily life with Jesus. You give him your full confidence.

For me, the following fact counts:

Jesus Christ lives 100% in me. He protects and fulfills my life.

I fully trust in Jesus. I hope you too!

by Pablo Nauer