Sermon Illustrations

MAX LUCADO: BESIDE, UNDER, WITH CHRIST?

As Paul said, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal 2:20). The apostle sensed within himself not just the philosophy, ideals, or influence of Christ but the person of Jesus. Christ moved in. He still does. When grace happens, Christ enters. "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col 1:27). For many years I missed this truth. I believed all the other prepositions: Christ in me, with me, ahead of me. And I knew I was working beside Christ, under Christ, with Christ. But I never imagined Christ was in me.

--Max Lucado, "Grace" (p. 9)