Hey ya’ll,

Here’s another “voice” in our congregation.  He’s not new to you. But don’t be surprised if Jesus is opening a fountain of encouragement through him.  He… is Russ Wilson.  I hope this word inspires you and enCOURAGEs you, filling you with a new level of confidence in your Identity in Christ.

Ken

Paul wrote in Ephesians 1: 1- 14 “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints that are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus:” Also in Phillippians:  [Phl 1:1]  Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus that are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: And Colossians:  [Col 1:1]  Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother, [2] To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ that are at Colossae….” In many of the epistles written by Paul, James, John, Peter and Jude,  these men of God describe themselves as “John the elder,” “an apostle” or “servants of the Lord.”  They had no qualms describing themselves by the call God had given them.  They wrote it for all to see. This could seem audacious.  Yet, it is not audacious to tell someone who you are according to your God-given assignment in His kingdom.  They give us a glimpse into who we are today: not just ordinary men and women.  We have a calling; bought with a price for destiny! I have walked too long in ignorance of who I am in Jesus Christ.  We are not ordinary people as we suppose!  We are not futilely struggling to stay true to God, only to blow it and ask forgiveness again and again.  No, we have a call, just like Paul, John, James.  Paul addresses his letters to “saints of the most High God” or “saints by calling.”  In doing so, He identifies them as belonging to another kingdom.  God placed us in His kingdom through the indescribable gift of His son and our Lord, Jesus Christ.   What does all this mean to you and me? It means that what was true of the people Paul called saints, is true of us today!  We are saints of the highest God; belonging in the family of God; destined to live from His heavenly kingdom.  I need not strive to become a part. God has ALREADY grafted me into the heavenly kingdom.  We represent God on earth right here and now.  It is not what we see around us, or how we feel at any given moment that determines who we are.  What matters is the truth:  we are more than conqueror’s in Christ Jesus.   The Spirit is directing us to become more like Jesus every day.  It is not something we obtain by much toil and suffering. It is something God accomplished in Jesus for us who believe.  It is truly a matter of faith.  The enemy attempts to tell us we not part of God’s kingdom here on earth.  But, the scripture is clear that you are.  You may not feel that you are, but you are in the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  The scripture says “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom also we have access by faith into the Grace wherein we stand” [Romans 5: 1-2] God sees us as friends, beloved, because He sees his Son Jesus in us.  Secondly since we have access to God (boldness to call upon God for guidance and help during our trails).  We can stand before him knowing that he is hearing us because we are part of his family.  We stand before him without worrying about how He views us, because we are in the family and under grace to stand before him.  We have every right to be there, knowing God accepts us because of what Jesus did for us.  It not something we work for but rather it is the free gift of God.  Knowing this cements us to Him since we know He will never leave us or forsake us.  We are the kingdom kids.  We strangers in a strange world and belong to the Kingdom of God.  It is no longer I who live but Jesus Christ lives in me.  Praise God! Praise God! Praise God!, and I could say it again, Praise God! This is not my home I am only passing through.