Daily Bread – December 6, 2023 (The Fourth Day – Genesis 1:14-19) Colossians 3:1 – If you then be risen together with Christ, seek those things that are above, where Christ is seated on the right hand of God. All those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior – and thereby received the miracle of the new birth – have a statement of faith outlined for us by the Apostle Paul: I am crucified together with Christ (Romans 6:6,8; Galatians 2:20) I am buried together with Him by baptism into His death (Colossians 2:12, 3:3; Romans 6:4; Galatians 3:27) I am raised up together with Him (Ephesians 2:6; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12, 3:1) I am alive together with Him (Ephesians 2:1,5; Romans 6:11,13; Colossians 2:13) And I am seated together with Him in Heaven (Ephesians 2:6) The miracle of the new birth transcends all time insomuch that, even though Jesus was crucified, buried, arose from the dead, and ascended into Heaven almost two thousand years ago, we are still participants today. Being raised up together with Christ does not speak of a process changing us, but a radical transformation taking place in the instant of the new birth. If we are going to participate in the process of maturation in Christ, then we must turn all of our affections towards the realm of the Kingdom of God and gaze upon the Author and Finisher (Leader and Perfecter) of our faith, Christ Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2). Blessings, Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Daily Bread 12/6/2023
