Citylights Church Long Beach Citylights Church Long Beach

Passage: Ephesians 2: 19-22 and Galatians 3: 26-28

Main Point:
Christ in us unites us more than our differences divide us.

This unity is experienced when:
I define myself by Christ in me.
I view others by Christ in them.

Closing Truth:
Christ's plan for the church has always been unity amidst diversity.

Ephesians 2:19-22,

In Christ, you are:
1. A Child of God. 'chosen people' special possession' people of God'
2. Forgiven 'now you have received mercy'
3. Holy 'a holy nation'

Central Truth: What you do does not determine your identity in Christ. Your identity in Christ determines what you do.

Two Things that are always True at the Same Time:
1. Life is hard.
2. God is good. All the time.

5 Current Truths to Focus On
1. I am adopted. Romans 8: 14
2. I am supported, not abandoned. Romans 8: 26-27
3. I am nurtured. Romans 8: 28-30
4. I am protected. Romans 8: 31-34
5. I am loved. Romans 8: 35-39

How do I know this to be true?
God gave us His Son and will give us everything we need. Romans 8: 32

Closing Thought: The best way to shrink your problems is to focus on the hidden blessings you have because of Jesus.

THE TRANSFORMING MESSAGE IS FAITH IN CHRIST, NOT CHANGED BEHAVIOR.

TRUE FAITH IN CHRIST WILL RESULT IN CHANGED BEHAVIOR.

MAIN POINT:
THE POWER OF CHRIST IN US EMPOWERS OUR EFFORTS TO BRING ABOUT LIFE TRANSFORMATION.

Passage: Colossians 1:15-23

IN CHRIST:

WE KNOW GOD (V15)
WE KNOW GOD, BECAUSE HE IS GOD (v16-19)
WE KNOW GOD, BC HE IS GOD AND HE RECONCILES US TO GOD. (v20-22)

THEREFORE (v22):

CONTINUE IN FAITH IN HIM
DO NOT MOVE FROM HOPE IN HIM.

CENTRAL TRUTH:
Because we belong to Christ, life is not just HAPPENING TO US it is HAPPENING FOR US.

THREE TRUTHS ABOUT THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD:
1. It RESHAPES OUR PERSPECTIVE. (v19)

2. It REPURPOSES EVIL FOR GOOD. (v20)

3. It REMOVES ANY CAUSE FOR WORRY. (v21)

CLOSING AFFIRMATION:
ALL THINGS ARE WORKING TOGETHER FOR YOUR (MY) GOOD.