2. Fresh Perspectives Alive in ChristAlive in Christ United (one) in ChristUnited (one) in Christ “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” Ephesians 3:16-17a (NIVUK)

3. Being a Christian Estranged from GodEstranged from God “Dead in our trespasses and sins” (v.1) “Separate from Christ” (v.12) “Alienated” (Colossians 1:21) RestoredRestored “Rich in mercy” (v.4) “Made alive by grace” (v.5) “Raised up” (v.6) – literally “resurrected” “Seated with Him in heavenly places” (v.6) “Brought near” (v.13)

4. Get with the programme Direction | Destination | DesignationDirection | Destination | Designation God’s plan is eternalGod’s plan is eternal Eternity is forever Eternity has always existed – we’re in it now! Being limited by time doesn’t mean we’re limited

5. I’m a Christian When I say “I am a Christian”, I am not shouting that I am clean living. I’m whispering “I was lost but now I’m found – and forgiven.” When I say “I am a Christian”, I don’t speak of this with pride. I’m confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide. When I say, “I am a Christian”, I’m not trying to be strong. I’m professing that I am weak and need His strength to carry on. When I say “I am a Christian”, I am not bragging of success. I’m admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess. When I say “I am a Christian”, I’m not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it. When I say “I am a Christian”, I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches so I call upon His name. When I say “I am a Christian”, I’m not holier than thou. I’m just a simple sinner who received God’s good grace, somehow! Copyright © 1988 Carol Wimmer

6. But God… … is rich in mercy… is rich in mercy … raised us up with Christ… raised us up with Christ … stepped in when we least deserved it… stepped in when we least deserved it Grace – God gives us what we don’t deserveGrace – God gives us what we don’t deserve Mercy – we don’t get what we do deserveMercy – we don’t get what we do deserve A new creation in ChristA new creation in Christ (2Corinthians 5:17) “Holy and blameless in God’s sight”“Holy and blameless in God’s sight” (Ephesians 1:4)

8. Raised up with Christ “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” Ephesians 2:6-10 (NIVUK)

9. The Contrast Good works are not necessarily “God-works”Good works are not necessarily “God-works” “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God”“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God” (Romans 8:14) “…everything that does not come from faith is sin”“…everything that does not come from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23) “all fall short of the glory of God”“all fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) We should do everything for the glory of GodWe should do everything for the glory of God (1Corinthians 10:31)

10. Implications Good works should come out of a desire to bring glory to GodGood works should come out of a desire to bring glory to God Words and actions should go together and point to GodWords and actions should go together and point to God Being spiritually alive we’re directed by the Holy Spirit to be like JesusBeing spiritually alive we’re directed by the Holy Spirit to be like Jesus “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ” “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ” Romans 8:6–9 (NIVUK)

11. The Challenge Is Jesus really MY Saviour?Is Jesus really MY Saviour? What has God equipped me to do for His Kingdom?What has God equipped me to do for His Kingdom? Are we becoming God’s dwelling place where He lives by His Spirit?Are we becoming God’s dwelling place where He lives by His Spirit? (Ephesians 2:22)