SCRIPTURE
“Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)
MESSAGE
The Lord Jesus is the God of heaven and earth. He pre-existed creation, and by Him, all things exist and consist. He had victory over sin, death, grave, and Satan. He did it for every man to make us partakers of His divine nature, giving us eternal life. The Lord Jesus Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and ascension separate Christianity from religion. This is our firm belief.
Christianity therefore is not a religion; rather, it is Christ in you. As a Christian, you have a personal relationship with your Lord Jesus Christ. For example, a husband and wife relationship is not a religion, so also your relationship with God is not a religion. Christ is the groom, we are His bride. Religion is by works: man tries to follow certain beliefs, codes, rules, laws, or traditions to earn his way and be accepted by God. In contrast, Christianity is by grace, which is God reaching out to man. In Christianity, you believe that Christ has already paid the price for your sin and gave you the free gift of salvation.
PRAYER / CONFESSION
Dear Father thank you, for revealing the mystery of godliness through Jesus Christ. I understand that Christianity is not a religion of rules and rituals but a living relationship with Christ. Through Jesus, I have been reconciled to You, and have received the gift of eternal life. I declare that my faith is not based on works but by grace, freely given by faith through the Lord Jesus Christ. I am alive in Him, victorious over sin, and filled with Your Spirit. I boldly declare, “Christ lives in me!” Amen
WISDOM NUGGET
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ, all will be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15: 1-2, 20-22 (NIV).