### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to delve into the profound truth that our understanding of who sits on the throne in heaven should fundamentally change the way we live our lives. We began by reading from Ephesians chapter 2, where Paul addresses the Gentiles and Jews, emphasizing that we were once dead in our sins but have been made alive through Christ. This transformation is not just spiritual but affects our entire being. We are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms, and this should change everything about our perspective, identity, and daily living.
Understanding our position in Christ is crucial. Jesus, fully God and fully human, took on our nature and now sits at the right hand of the Father. This act brought humanity into the throne room of God for the first time. The tearing of the veil at Jesus' crucifixion symbolizes our newfound access to God's presence. However, it was His ascension that truly seated us with Him in heavenly places. This means our entire human nature, not just our spirit, is redeemed and can commune with God.
We must let our roots grow deep into Jesus, immersing ourselves in His word and presence. This deep-rooted faith will overflow with thanksgiving and protect us from being swayed by empty philosophies and human thinking. In Christ, we find the fullness of God, and through our union with Him, we are complete. This union means our sinful nature is cut away, and we are no longer slaves to sin. We have the authority to overcome spiritual rulers and authorities because of Christ's victory on the cross.
Reflecting on the story of Narnia, we see a parallel to our spiritual journey. Just as the children in Narnia discover their true identity as kings and queens, we too must realize our dual identity as children of God and co-heirs with Christ. This realization empowers us to bring the realities of heaven to earth, transforming chaos into order and advancing God's kingdom.
We must be careful not to fall into the trap of Gnostic beliefs, which separate the spiritual and physical realms and dehumanize Jesus. Instead, we should embrace the truth that Jesus' divinity and humanity are perfectly intertwined, and through Him, we are united with God. This unity is not just a future hope but a present reality that should influence every aspect of our lives.
As we navigate the challenges and trials of life, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. He surrounds us, guides us, and provides for us. Even in the midst of pain and suffering, we can find comfort and strength in His presence. We are called to be comforted by God but not to seek a life of comfort. Instead, we should step out of our comfort zones and actively participate in God's redemptive work in the world.
In conclusion, our position in Christ changes everything. We are seated with Him in heavenly places, given authority, and called to bring heaven to earth. Let us live in this reality, rooted in Christ, and let our lives reflect the incredible grace and love of God.
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Key Takeaways
- 1. heirs with Christ. This realization empowers us to bring the realities of heaven to earth, transforming chaos into order and advancing God's kingdom. We are called to be both comforted by God and to step out of our comfort zones to participate in His redemptive work. [01:26:45]
4. Rejecting Gnostic Beliefs: We must be careful not to fall into the trap of Gnostic beliefs, which separate the spiritual and physical realms and dehumanize Jesus. Instead, we should embrace the truth that Jesus' divinity and humanity are perfectly intertwined, and through Him, we are united with God. This unity is a present reality that should influence every aspect of our lives.
5. Living in the Reality of Our Union with Christ: Our union with Christ is not just a future hope but a present reality. This means we have the authority to overcome spiritual rulers and authorities, and we are called to bring heaven to earth. By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and living in this reality, we can navigate the challenges and trials of life with confidence and strength.
### [86:45]
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