Including You

Text: Ephesians 1:11-14

Today we are celebrating Jesus for including us in this fantastic journey called life in Christ.

What it means to be included in Christ.
• Paul was included when he met Jesus in unapproachable light.
• I was included when I called out to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and had an encounter with the Lord that was that was unexpected, unfathomable, undeniable and unforgettable.
• But a dramatic experience is not necessary in order to be included in Christ. Only faith!  According to verse 13 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, and your inheritance is now guaranteed.”

We are indeed “new creatures” in Christ. There is nothing else in the universe like us. Earth-residents but citizens of heaven. Mortal and immortal at the same time. Earth bound put wired for heaven.

What does this inclusion involve? Three things: Inclusion in His life, inclusion in His family and inclusion in His work.

I. Included in His Life

“Father, just as You are in me and I am in You, may they also be in us…” (John 17:20-21).
• We often say we invited Jesus into our lives, but the reality is He invited us into His.
• When we accepted His invitation, we became a part of the life Jesus enjoyed with the Father and the Spirit before the world began. Of the Spirit, Jesus said, “He will bring glory to Me by taking from what is Mine and making it known to you” (John 16:14).
• Then, after His resurrection, it says in John 20:22 “He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” The Lord literally breathed His life into us through His Spirit.

Jesus didn’t just give His life for us; He gave His life to us.

II. Included in His Family
Hebrews 13:1 “Let love of the brethren continue.”
1 John 4:7-8 “Beloved let us love one another.”
1 Peter 4:8 “Above all fervently love.”
Romans 5:5 The love of God has been poured out in our hearts”

One day we will be in the same place along with everyone throughout history who has been “included” by faith.

III. Included in His Work
Philippians 2:13 – God is always at work. (He never stops working). Not just “out there” but inside of us.
• “It is never too late, and I am never too old for You to do something new, Lord.” Though outwardly I am wasting away, inwardly I am being renewed day by day.
• Lord, let me be aware of, cooperative with and thankful for that renewal.

View from My Place from this past Wednesday.