Good evening all!
Well, I hate to admit that I don't really have much to say about today's readings. They're pretty much all genealogies, and I've explained the purpose of these already. So what does that leave me to say? Not a whole lot, I guess. Maybe for the first time ever!
So... I think I will share some devotional material from elsewhere while I have the chance. On Sunday in worship, we talked about the identity we receive through baptism. So as I was looking around (making sure that the genealogies were all there was to read for today), I actually came across this on the One Year Bible website. Funny how God works, you know? Anyway, I actually read the book which the following excerpt comes when I was a senior in college. The following excerpt is from Conformed To His Image : Biblical and Practical Approaches to Spiritual Formation by Kenneth Boa.
Boa says, "The following biblical affirmations about our identity in Jesus Christ are derived from a few selected passages in the New Testament. These passages teach a portion of the many truths about who we have become through faith in God's Son.
I am a child of God.
John 1:12
I am a branch of the true vine, and a conduit of Christ's life.
John 15:1-5
I am a friend of Jesus.
John 15:15
I have been justified and redeemed.
Romans 3:23-24; Romans 6:6
I will not be condemned by God, I have been set free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:1-2
As a child of God, I am a fellow heir with Christ.
Romans 8:17
I have been accepted by Christ.
Romans 15:7
I have been called to be a saint
1 Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:2
In Christ Jesus, I have wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
1 Corinthians 1:30
My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in me
1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19
I am joined to the Lord and am one spirit with him.
1 Corinthians 6:17
God leads me in the triumph and knowledge of Christ.
2 Corinthians 2:14
The hardening of my mind has been removed in Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:14
I am a new creature in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17
I have become the righteousness of God in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:21
I have been made one with all who are in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:28
I am no longer a slave but a child of an heir.
Galatians 4:7
I have been set free in Christ.
Galatians 5:1
I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 1:3
I am chosen, holy, and blameless before God.
Ephesians 1:4
I am redeemed and forgiven by the grace of Christ.
Ephesians 1:7
I have been predestined by God to obtain an inheritance.
Ephesians 1:9-11
I have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.
Ephesians 1:13
Because of God's mercy and love, I have been made alive with Christ.
Ephesians 2:4-5
I am seated in the heavenly places with Christ.
Ephesians 2:6
I am God's workmanship created to produce good works.
Ephesians 2:10
I have been brought near to God by the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:13
I am a member of Christ's body and a partaker of His promise.
Ephesians 3:6; Ephesians 5:30
I have boldness and confident access to God through faith in Christ.
Ephesians 3:12
My new self is righteous and holy.
Ephesians 4:22-24
I was formerly darkness, but now I am light in the Lord.
Ephesians 5:8
I am a citizen of heaven.
Philippians 3:20
The peace of God guards my heart and mind.
Philippians 4:7
God supplies all my needs.
Philippians 4:19
I have been made complete in Christ.
Colossians 2:9-10
I have been raised up with Christ.
Colossians 3:1
My life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:3
Christ is my life, and I will be revelaed with him in glory.
Colossians 3:4
I have been chosen of God, and I am holy and beloved.
Colossians 3:12
God loves me and has chosen me.
1 Thessalonians 1:4
Review this powerful inventory frequently, since it reminds us of truths we quickly forget amid the worries and cares of this world. The more we embrace these affirmations from Scripture, the more stable, grateful, and fully assured we will be in the course of our lives.
I thought might be something good to meditate on for today if the genealogies aren't cutting it.
Or... since the genealogies are listing relatives through the ages, perhaps today's lesson might lead you into a time of thanksgiving for the people who went before you, who raised you to be the person you are today, and pray for those who will come after you.
Either way, have a great night!
In Christ,
Pastor Nathan
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