Some of us has already covered Chapters 1-3 in person. I thought we could discuss Chapter 4 digitally, especially for folks who cannot attend our meetings.
"Union with Christ is the doorway to communion with God." (p.85). In this season of my life, I'm learning that every gift and blessing is truly from God, and because everything is His to begin with, He also gives and takes away. But one thing that is never taken away is the gift of God himself. Knowing this provides assurance and reminds me that my "relationship with Christ is closer, more central, more defining, and more important than any other relationship [I] could ever have - closer than [my] relationship with [my] parents, [my] spouse, [my] children, even [my] own body!" (p.88).
I also like the tip about never overlooking "in Christ" in the Bible. I used to skim that part, but when I read other passages in the Bible, I realize that those two words not only appear many times, but carry a lot of meaning.
I was also moved when Rankin says, "[t]he church is in desperate need of a way to express the grace of the gospel and the demand of the gospel in a way that enhances both without canceling either." (p. 93). Answer: union with Christ.
Application: I'm trying to really understand and practice abiding in Christ. So that my joy may be full.
"Union with Christ is the doorway to communion with God." (p.85). In this season of my life, I'm learning that every gift and blessing is truly from God, and because everything is His to begin with, He also gives and takes away. But one thing that is never taken away is the gift of God himself. Knowing this provides assurance and reminds me that my "relationship with Christ is closer, more central, more defining, and more important than any other relationship [I] could ever have - closer than [my] relationship with [my] parents, [my] spouse, [my] children, even [my] own body!" (p.88).
I also like the tip about never overlooking "in Christ" in the Bible. I used to skim that part, but when I read other passages in the Bible, I realize that those two words not only appear many times, but carry a lot of meaning.
I was also moved when Rankin says, "[t]he church is in desperate need of a way to express the grace of the gospel and the demand of the gospel in a way that enhances both without canceling either." (p. 93). Answer: union with Christ.
Application: I'm trying to really understand and practice abiding in Christ. So that my joy may be full.