Summary: Can you make the bold statement you have Christ living within you?
Key Scripture (Galatians 2:16-20): Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law. 17 But suppose we seek to be made right with God through faith in Christ and then we are found guilty because we have abandoned the law. Would that mean Christ has led us into sin? Absolutely not! 18 Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down. 19 For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. 20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Growth from 2019
What we learned in 2019:
- How to be a Disciple of Christ
- That God has blessed each of His disciples with a gift to edify the Body of Christ
- Disciples need to be placed in fellowship where their talents can be nurtured and grow.
- Being physically present in church matters.
- Cannot enhance the Body of Christ with your talents nor grow your talents if you are not physically present in church
- Other benefits of being physically present in church:
- Experience the FULL worship experience
- Feel the true presence and glory of God
Important Takeaway: As a disciple of Christ, you have been blessed with gifts to enhance the body of Christ. In order to grow and fully use those gifts, disciples should make every effort to be a physical presence in church.
Point of Reflection: What are the talents God has given me to use in glorifying Him and His kingdom? Am I using my God-given talents to edify the body of Christ? What can I improve to make sure I am using my talents the way He has intended?
What our members will work toward in 2020: Knowing and Understanding the Christ within us.
What Does it Mean to have Christ Living Within You?
Beginning to Understand the Christ within you:
- You must know what is The Word - The Word is the beginning. It is the basis for how we as Christians should live our lives
- You must know who is The Word - The Word is God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit
- You must know what The Word is able to do - Bring life and light to a dark world
Key Scripture (John 1: 1-5): In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Important Takeaway: Now that Jesus is no longer physically on Earth, it is our job as Christians to explain what God is like. Therefore, it is important that Christians understand the God living within them.
Point of Reflection: Do I have a solid foundation of what I believe as a follower of Christ? How often am I making time to read, reflect and understand God's word?
Call to Action: Take a look at your schedule for this coming week. Are you making any time to spend one on one with God? Set aside at least 15 minutes this week to spend time in prayer, meditation, devotion or worship. When taking notes on God's word, use pronouns such as "I" to make your study time personal. Decide and make a commitment to how you will enhance Antioch Missionary Baptist Church this year.
Signs of Christ Living Within You
Evidence Christ is living within you:
- You are walking by Faith in Jesus Christ
- You are being a witness for the Kingdom
- You are denying yourself so that God increases
- You have good character
Important Takeaway: You do NOT have to be perfect to be a Christian. None of us are perfect. But you should be striving everyday to be more like Christ and to be a witness for the Kingdom. If you look at your life, you should be able to see God's goodness shining in your life.
Point of Reflection: When I look at myself and when others look at me, what is seen? If I were on trial today, is there enough evidence to show I'm a Christian?
Call to Action: Take a look at your life over the past week. What great things has God done for you in your life? Are you able to express God's goodness in your life to others? Practice giving a testimony on the goodness of God this week to others in your life.
