CSI: CHRISTIAN SPIRITUAL IDENTITY
“Celebration of Who You Are”
07/24/05
Intro: We have been looking at who God created us to be in Christ Jesus and what that means for our lives? Today we are going to wrap up this series by celebrating what God has done for us in Jesus and what it means for us today.
As part of our celebration today, we are going to remember the sacrifice of Jesus and celebrate his plan for us through the observance of Communion.
I. Because of Christ we have peace.
“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations.” Ephesians 2:14-15 (NIV)
Because of what Jesus has done for us, we are able to live at peace with God.
Before Christ, we lived in tension with God
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.” Ephesians 2:1-3 (NIV)
One of the reasons Jesus came to earth was to bring peace.
“A child will be born for us. A son will be given to us.The government will rest on his shoulders. He will be named: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,Prince of Peacee.” Isaiah 9:6 (God’s Word)
Peace with God only comes through right relationship with Jesus.
II. Because of Christ we have been reconciled to God.
“His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility." Ephesians 2:15-16 (NIV)
God took our lives of sin and brought us back to Him through Jesus.
When Christ died on the cross, it allowed sinful man to have relationship with Holy God.
“But God is rich in mercy because of his great love for us. We were dead because of our failures, but he made us alive together with Christ. (It is God’s kindness that saved you.)”
Ephesians 2:4-5 (God’s Word)
Forgiveness of our sin and new life in Christ is a work only God could accomplish.
III. Because of Christ, we have access to the Father.
“He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” Ephesians 2:17-18 (NIV)
Sin separates us from God, but grace allows us into his presence.
“God saved you through faith as an act of kindness. You had nothing to do with it. Being saved is a gift from God. It’s not the result of anything you’ve done, so no one can brag about it.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 (God’s Word)
IV. Because of Christ, we are members of God’s household.
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone”
Ephesians 2:19-20 (NIV)
We are no longer “slaves” but God calls us friends.
“I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father.” John 15:15 (The Message)
V. Because of Christ, God’s Spirit lives in us.
“In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”
Ephesians 2:21-22
God’s Spirit dwells in us to guide our lives and to instruct us how to live.
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26 (NIV)
God’s Spirit dwells in us as a promise of the life to come.
“Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession-to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIV)
Today you may think that you are too far away from God for his forgiveness and a new life. God’s plan for you is to call you and draw you to Himself. He calls you his Beloved because you are the love of His life. Listen to this song as see if the words resonate with you.
** Song- Beloved
Today, if you would like to begin a new life with Christ, you can do so before we celebrate the communion. Simply cry out to your “Beloved” in the depths of your heart.
Dear Jesus,
I ask you today to come into my life and give me a new relationship with God. Please forgive my sin, and help me to learn to live in my new identity in you. I ask you to open my life to your presence and help me to live as a friend of God. Amen.
