The Bible is divided into two sections: Old Testament and New Testament. There are sixty-six books in the Bible: thirty-nine in the Old Testament and twenty-seven in the New Testament. God inspired forty human authors over a period of sixteen hundred years to record His Word to humanity. The Bible’s overall theme is that of God revealing Himself and His persistence in redeeming fallen man. We are the recipients of the transforming grace of God through Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible. Identify your position in Christ as a result of God’s initiative in the following verses.
- “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” Eph 2:6 (NIV)
- “We were therefore 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 may live a new life.” Romans 6:4 (NIV)
- “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Col 3:1-2 (NIV)
You cannot raise yourself up. You cannot live the new life in Christ outside of God’s provision. It’s not about what you can do. It’s all about what God has done in Christ to raise you up so that you may live a new life. Stop trying to live for God and start allowing His resurrection power to flow through you as He lives His life through you.
What is your response to being raised with Christ?
- Set your heart on things above. In other words, allow your passion to be fueled by God’s agenda.
- Set your mind on things above. Nurture a heavenly and eternal perspective so that your decisions will reflect the mind of Christ.
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care