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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
You may know of Tony, Bruce, and Dick. These are the names of characters who’re normal human beings. But, when they put their suits on, they become Ironman, Batman, and Robin. Seemingly endowed with superpowers, they can do amazing things. But take away the suits, and they’re just normal guys. The superhero suits change the outside appearance and give them some heroic power, but inside, nothing’s changed.
But there is a certain suit we can put that will lead to actual change … inside and out. Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, says, “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons and daughters of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ HAVE PUT ON CHRIST. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.” (Galatians 3:26-29) Paul tells us, when we’re baptized, we put on a “suit” that truly changes us inside and out … we are given a new identity … sons and daughters of God … brothers and sisters of Christ … who will inherit the kingdom of heaven first promised to Abraham millennia ago (Genesis 12:1-3).
When we “put on Christ” we become children of God. We’re given a permanent, lasting hope. Paul tells us it doesn’t matter who we are, where we’re from, what our socio-economic status is … we’re all children of the same triune God – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we cry out to God the Father, “Abba! Father!” (Galatians 4:6) While each of our lots in this life may be different, our hope is in God’s promise that we’re all heirs to the same inheritance that our brother, Jesus Christ, has received, eternal life in the eternal kingdom of heaven. And through faith in Christ alone, we will all receive that inheritance. This changes everything!
Your Brother in Christ,
Pastor Jim