Today’s Bible Verse

Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

1 Corinthians 5:17 (AMPC)

Engrafted in Him

Did you know that you are fresh and new in Christ Jesus? Today’s Bible verse tells us, “If any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether).”

While enrolled in a biology class in college, I became familiar with the term “engrafted.” It refers to being united, the joining of two different plants for example. These two plant parts are connected by inserting a branch of one into the tissue of another. The result of this union will bear new fruit specific to this union of these two species. 

Thus when we are engrafted into Christ, a miracle takes place. We have been incorporated in a firm or permanent way. We have become one with Christ. We now have a new nature that is like our Lord. We experience God’s presence about us. That still small voice guides us. When we read our Bible, the Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts.

This is because God has made us one with Him. We start to thrive on the things that please God. We recognize that attending a Life Group, classes, prayer and church is vital. It helps us be connected, united ultimately with God, His ways and His people (who too are like Him). We truly experience living the new creation realities. Behold, everything is made so fresh and new in Christ Jesus. (Pastor Darlene Tsuha)

An Uncommon Life

Many come to Christ with a desire to change. They hear about people’s lives being transformed when they gave their hearts to Christ. Although they’ve heard the messages at church, have faithfully attended a Life Group, they’ve even bought the t-shirt, they find themselves still blending in with a crowd that confuses them outside of that holy bubble of saints. 

Deep within their hearts, they truly want to live set apart for Christ. They want to be a remnant for Jesus like all the others. Yet, they struggle with their old, sinful nature. They often walk in weariness from trying all too hard. Only to end up falling into self-condemnation and depression, even quitting all too soon. Have you or someone you know ever been there? Done that? Why does this happen?

Many don’t yet understand that though our spirit is born again, our soul isn’t. That there is also an enemy who wrestles with their soul (mind, will and especially emotions). The Bible reminds us that there is a war going on and there is no neutral ground. If we are not on God’s side, we’re the enemy. If we’re not helping, we’re making things worse (Luke 11:23 TMB).

We must realize the raging battle that goes on and stand and fight. This is a part of working out our salvation with fear and trembling in God. We must remain to be open to renew our thinking (Romans 12:1-2 NLT). We must learn through all the great resources that our church provides how to build and release our faith. 

Our spirit man is completely new. Not rehabilitated, not just washed clean, but brand new. When Jesus suffered and died for us, He did so to take away our sins. He did not just remedy our shortcomings, He took our sin upon His own body and became the curse that we deserved. Jesus conquered it for us. 

Yet, remember to sustain ourselves. We must meditate on the Word of God day and night, and keep the Word on our lips. This will help us to be careful to do life as God intended. We then experience a prosperous and successful life (Joshua 1:8 NLT). It’s truly is a done deal when we are engrafted in God not just spiritually, but also in our soul and body, doing life God’s way.

Today’s Declaration

I belong to Christ Jesus. I am engrafted in Him which makes me a new creation. The old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come. I put to death those things that don’t belong in my life. I am dead to weakness and sin and alive unto God. I possess His strength and power to live the resurrected life. I’m no longer a victim, I’m victorious in Christ. I’m no longer a slave to sin and self, I’m more than a conqueror. It’s no longer me who lives but Christ lives in me, and the life I now live I live by faith in the Son of God who loves me and gave His life for me! I’m engrafted in God. Truly, as You are, so am I in this life! In Jesus’ Name! Hallelujah!

Today’s Bible Reading

• Old Testament: 1 Chronicles 7-9; Psalms 127
• New Testament: Luke 8:1-15; Colossians 2:8-15