July 7, 2017
“Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life — even though invisible to spectators — is with Christ in God. He is your life.” Colossians 3:3 The Message
Freedom from: Jesus has given you a freedom from being ruled .. driven .. and defined by sin. He is your new life. Everything that came before Him is not forgotten or thrown away. It’s been redeemed .. claimed by Jesus and no longer has the controlling power it once had in your life.
Freedom for: Now that you have a real life in Christ .. you have to start learning how to live that life. That means lining up your life for Jesus. It’s not as easy as it sounds. It includes every part of your life: marriage .. parenting .. friendships .. work .. finances .. property and even leisure. He’s working through all the issues and scar tissue of your life. There isn’t a Jesus-burden laid upon you to make you feel guilty. He even said that that His style is humble and gentle in heart. Patterns happened before that left you empty .. afraid .. and even despising your life. Now life is being patterned on how Jesus lived His life on earth .. because He lives in you.
Freedom in: Here’s the most radical relationship on earth. You are free to live your life in Christ. He wants more for you than you could ever imagine. He is more for you than you could ever imagine. And finally, He is everything that matters concerning your life. There is a cross-declared freedom in you that frees you to fully embrace Christ. If your grip feels weak .. His isn’t. If you are holding on to past memories .. He is filling you with your a real future. If you are struggling .. He is the grace you need today. Christ is your strength .. hope .. and life. And in Him you are free indeed. It only takes a moment..
“This makes Jesus the guarantee of a far better way between us and God — one that really works! A new covenant.” Hebrews 7:22 The Message
Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent to followers of the JesusLife. (kchesterp1@gmail.com)(Thanks Ben for reminding me Who serves up the best slice of life!)
