Passion: The Bright Light of Glory

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. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:1-4

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

Colossians 1:27-29

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

God can move a mountain with a whisper, make a universe with a word, silence hell in one fatal blow.

His power has no end. So why do we try to live life on our own and manage in our strength?

The beauty of walking with Jesus is not only that our debt is erased when we put our trust in Him for salvation, but that Jesus Christ takes up residence in us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus doesn’t just give us life. He is our life!

This is the power of the gospel and this gospel leads us to a brand new approach to life: less trying, more trusting.

This is our only hope for real change. Sure, we have to participate in God’s unfolding work in our lives, but we can never forget that it is Jesus within us who does what we cannot do alone.

Through faith in Jesus your life is immersed in the life of Christ, and in Christ you are forever hidden in God. “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. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4.

Often our approach to life is to believe God for our eternal salvation, yet to rely on our own ability for everything else while we are on Earth. But the same Jesus who saves us forever, saves us day by day.

The mystery is not Christ and you. But Christ in you!

When faced with temptation, trial or challenge, breathe out this prayer: Jesus, I can’t do this on my own. When you make this confession you tell the God of Creation what He already knows. But don’t just breathe out your weakness. Breathe in His strength: But, Jesus, I know You can…and You live in me.

In this exchange you enter into what is true, that Jesus has already conquered whatever you are facing and He lives to conquer it in and through you. Walk in the freedom that has already been won for you in Him! Step in obedience knowing that He will supply the power you need.