Alive by Faith (Nov 19)

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
                                   Galatians 2:20 NIV

The main message of the book of Galatians is that our salvation is by grace, apart from the law, apart from what we do.  Christ died on the cross and gave Himself as an offering for our sin; a complete, perfect, total, sufficient substitutionary sacrifice for all mankind.

As a result of that gift, we are tasked to keep our eyes on Jesus.  Some practical ways to stay focused on Jesus might include the following:

        Just say "no" to anything that is attracting your attention and rivaling the high position that Jesus holds
        Spend time in the Word daily
        Pray
        Ask for the Spirit's guidance.

Christ's death has freed us from the devil who holds the keys to death, from the fear of death, and from the fear of temptation.  Because Christ has been tempted, He knows temptation and is able to help those who are being tempted.  Just ask.

It is by faith that we are able to enter God's rest.  Disobedience does hinder us on our way to God's rest and can cause others to stumble.  Remember that nothing is hidden from God's sight.  

What does it mean to you to be "Alive in Christ?"

How do others know your faith?

Pray for a growing and deepening faith and that when you hear His Word that you do not harden your heart.

IN Christ,

David P