June 5, 2017
“Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life – no longer at sin’s every beck and call! What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ’s sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection.” Romans 6:6-8 The Message
God has gone to great lengths to make sure you know what Christ ended on that cross. He ended your “sin-miserable life”. That’s not a popular topic in today’s world, because great expense and energies are expended to convince you that sin is not the problem. You did what you felt like doing and tried to convince yourself that you were living in freedom .. at least you told yourself that. But at some point you realized that freedom had to be different because you knew you weren’t free. The freedom that Christ brings into your life brings healing. The cross has broken sin’s suffocating grip. Christ’s resurrection breathes new life into every part of your life. Can it be that simple .. that basic? No one is immune from sin. It still sets traps .. still pollutes .. and still twists the truth into darkness. God won’t stop until you are living in the real freedom of Christ’s risen and indwelling life. He’s described what life going forward looks like: “healed and expansive in holiness”. You remember what life was like without Christ? Well today is life with Christ. That means His love meets you as this day begins and no matter what you face He is not going to forsake you. He will use all the ingredients around your life .. the pressures .. anxieties .. worries .. doubts .. fears .. and more. Because He wants you to walk in this new life of freedom. He wants you to live free in Christ. You’re no longer alone. You don’t have to control what’s in front of you. Christ is risen .. and has moved in. It only takes a moment …
“I’m using this freedom language because it’s easy to picture. You can readily recall, can’t you. how at one time the more you did just what you felt like doing – not caring about others, not caring about God – the worse our life became and the less freedom you had? And how much different is it now as you live in God’s freedom, your lives healed and expansive in holiness.” Romans 6:19 The Message
Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent to Men-and-Women-who-no-longer-do-what-they-feel-like-doing. They belong to Jesus.(kchesterp1@gmail.com)
