THURSDAY April 22, 2021

The Faithful in Christ

To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:1-2

Notice, to whom the Apostle Paul was writing. It was to the saints who were in Ephesus. The word saints is the Greek word hagios, which means “holy, or separated ones.” Believers in Christ are “set apart.” To be a Christian means to be separated from this evil world and to be separated to God. This is important. Dr. J. Vernon McGee said, “You are either a saint or an aint.” Believers in Christ are saints in Christ Jesus. In fact, it is biblical to call me “Saint Raul.”

How do we become faithful in Christ Jesus? We become faithful as we exercise our faith in Him. Are you being obedient and faithful to what God has called you to do? In actuality, God is the One who is faithful to place a calling on your life. He is the One using you. All the praise, glory and honor belong to God. Consider this: if you are faithful in the small things, then God will use you in the bigger things (Luke 16:10).

God extends to us His grace and peace. These are considered the Siamese twins of the New Testament. Without grace we are lost. Every one of us deserves hell, eternal death, but the grace of God has been given to each one of us freely––all because God sent His Son to die for us (John 3:16). We do not deserve it, but God has given us His salvation.

When you accepted Christ, you received the grace of God. It is then that you begin to understand the peace of God in your life. Sadly, many Christians do not have peace; instead, they continue to sit and worry about everything in this difficult life. In Philippians 4:6-7, we are told:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

In Christ, you never need to be anxious. You can start to grow and enjoy your Christianity. Rest in the grace and peace of God. He loves You!

Grace is the free favour of God; peace is the condition which results from its reception.
~H.L. Goudge~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!