At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe in the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Our mission, “Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us,” is rooted in the understanding that through Christ, we are given a new life. This transformation is not just a superficial change but a profound renewal that affects every aspect of our being. Today, we delve into the concept of being united with Christ in His death and what it means to live a righteous life.
Understanding Our Union with Christ
In Romans 6:10-11, Paul writes, “For the death he died, he died to sin once for all, but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” This passage is rich with meaning and offers a powerful image of our relationship with Christ.
The Sacrifice of Jesus
The Bible makes it clear that God loved us enough to send His Son to earth, to be made in the likeness of man, and to experience all the temptations that we face, yet without sinning (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, and because of that sacrifice, Paul says we are united with Christ in His death. This union is not morbid but a profound truth that signifies our freedom from the bondage of sin.
Fall Decorations and the Glorification of Death
As we look around during the fall season, we see decorations that often glorify death. Tombstones, zombies, and skeletons are common sights. While these decorations may seem harmless, they remind us of the darkness and finality of death. However, in Romans 6, Paul uses the concept of death to illustrate a powerful truth about our union with Christ.
Dead to Sin, Alive to God
Paul writes in Romans 6:2, “We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” When we repent of our old life, we bury the old self when we are baptized into Christ’s death. This means we are no longer slaves to sin; we are free to live an abundant life in Christ (John 10:10).
Living a Righteous Life
Being united with Christ in His death means that our sins have been nailed to the cross. However, we often find ourselves running back to our old ways. Proverbs 26:11 vividly describes this: “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.” To live an abundant life, we must resist the urge to return to our old sinful habits.
Seeking God’s Kingdom
Matthew 6:33 instructs us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Pursuing a righteous life begins with daily seeking and inviting God into our day. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Conclusion
At Lakeview Christian Church, we encourage you to embrace the new life you have in Christ. Our mission, “Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us,” is lived out through “Just 3”: Study, Share, and Serve. By studying God’s Word, sharing the hope we have in Jesus, and serving others, we can live life to its fullest. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. The Holy Spirit is our guide and helper, empowering us to live a righteous life.
