A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture or the Day (May 20, 2016)
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
We live in the Bible Belt of South Georgia. We have a church on just about every corner, which is not completely bad. The challenge is that most denominational churches preach a message of sin consciousness versus righteousness consciousness which leaves Christians weak and powerless. Rather than being an overcomer, they are overcome with guilt and shame because they are reminded constantly of how sinful, unholy, and unworthy they are. “In Yourself” you are all those things but “In Christ” you are a whole new person.
One person told me that their Pastor was really good one Sunday morning. That person said he felt like he had been spanked when he left the church that day. Really?? Is that what we suppose to feel like when we leave church. I don’t think so!
We consistently try to teach our devotional audience that Jesus is our prime example. He is the Word of God made flesh. He did not do anything or say anything that He did not see or hear the Father do. Question? How did people feel and react after they came in contact with Jesus? What about the woman at the well? What about the woman caught in the act of adultery? The answer to these questions is that Jesus never condemned anyone. He did not come into the world to condemn the world (John 3:17). He always lifted them up, encouraged them, healed them, and helped plant a vision in their hearts for the future. Jesus reflected the very Spirit of Prophecy which the Word tells us is all about edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Corinthaisn 14:3).
The Apostle Paul was one of the greatest teachers of all times. Listen to what he said in 2 Corinthians 10:8 about this subject:
For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority (which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction), I should not be ashamed (KJV)
You stare and stare at the obvious, but you can’t see the forest for the trees. If you’re looking for a clear example of someone on Christ’s side, why do you so quickly cut me out? Believe me, I am quite sure of my standing with Christ. You may think I overstate the authority he gave me, but I’m not backing off. Every bit of my commitment is for the purpose of building you up, after all, not tearing you down. (The Message Bible)
I can remember when my father listened to Norman Vincent Peale when I was probably 10 years old. I can also remember the people of that time that would criticize Peale for his positive messages. I also hear some of those same criticisms today aimed at preachers like Joel Osteen. Be very careful who you criticize. You just might be criticizing the very one that has the message from God that you need to hear.
Personally, I think when we hear the Word of God preached we need to be able to walk out of that place feeling like you are an overcomer and more than a conqueror. We need to be ready for battle. Satan is the accuser of the brethren and he is very good at it. We don’t need the church following in his footsteps. We need to know that if we are born again then we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus and we are well able to take the fight to the enemy and do great damage to his Kingdom. You can not do that if your confidence is constantly being eroded by sin consciousness teachings.
Paul knew who he was “In Christ” and was not about to back off. You have to have that type of confidence and boldness if you are going to successfully fight the enemy because the first thing Satan will always throw at you is “Who do you think you are?” This is where the rubber meets the road! Do you know who you are “In Christ”???? Do you know the power and authority that has been given to you??? It is time to awake to righteousness!!!
Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. (1 Corinthians 15:34)
