Immanuel—Christ In You
By Dr. Charles F. Stanley
This week's topic: In Need Of A Savior
When Jesus Christ was born, God in human flesh dwelt among mankind. The
long-awaited Messiah had come into the world. Immanuel was here.
The news was given first to the shepherds, who hurried to see this
God-man for themselves. From there, they spread the word that a Savior
has been born (Luke 2:20). What a momentous day! God had sent His Son
into the world to live among the people.
For 30 years, Jesus lived in obscurity—till the Father's appointed time
for Him to begin His work. Then for three years, He ministered among
Jews and Gentiles, teaching and preaching to whoever would listen. In
the end, His message and His person were rejected; He was crucified on
a cross and buried in a tomb. It appeared that Immanuel was gone.
However, the resurrection proved that was wrong. And then on Pentecost,
the Holy Spirit was given to all believers (Acts 2:1, 4) just as Jesus
had promised. The Lord's Spirit would now live within them forever,
guiding them into all truth and leading them in the way they were to
go. The promise was not just for the disciples but for every person who
chooses to trust in Jesus.
If you've acknowledged that you are a sinner and accepted Christ's
payment for the penalty you owe, the Spirit now lives in you. Through
Him, you have an intimate connection with God. Take time to dwell on
the divine mystery of Christ in you. Let the knowledge of His constant
presence transform loneliness into comfort, fear into faith, and
weakness into strength.
Scripture Of The Day: "A little while longer
and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live,
you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father,
and you in Me, and I in you." - John 14:19-20 (NKJV) |
