Now I am in Christ
Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh…at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:11-13 (NKJV)
I had hopes and dreams when I came to England in 1960 from Kenya with a small suitcase, desiring to have higher education and improve my chance of a better life. My education was interrupted and I therefore took up jobs that were available. Having no place of my own, I rented rooms as I moved around different locations. I was without Christ, without God and had no Bible. In Hinduism – the religion I had been exposed to – I had many gods and goddesses, but these deities did not help me or satisfy my needs. Life was still empty and without hope; I did not know the purpose of God for me.
However, God drew me to the Lord Jesus Christ, enlightening my eyes to understand His salvation for mankind through the Holy Spirit, who convicted me of my sins. My knowledge of scripture increased as I began to study the Bible. This knowledge is far superior to worldly knowledge, and it has brought me closer to God. My life is now fulfilled with joy everlasting.
Now, with nearly 60 years of my life as a Christian, I have full confidence in saying that I know only one true God: my Father, whom I have the privilege to call Abba Father; the Lord Jesus Christ, my Saviour; and the Holy Spirit, my teacher and guide, who has revealed the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10, 14). This isn’t a dream, but an absolute reality of my life in Christ Jesus.
I was alone when I came here with a little suitcase, but God blessed me with a beautiful wife, three handsome boys, four grandchildren and a lovely home of my own. And he gave me many brothers and sisters in Christ, in God’s Family. Life is filled with joy unspeakable, in the presence of God, who loves me with the same love with which he loves his son Jesus: “And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one… that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” (John 17:22-23)
This is the prayer of the Lord, which I believe, though it is hard to comprehend the love of God for us. I am now in Christ and all Christians are in Christ too. He loves us and gave his life for us – for God is love.
Prayer
Abba Father, I thank you for loving us with the same love with which you love your son Jesus. Let the Holy Spirit express my love for which I do not have words to thank you. In Jesus’ name I pray and praise and adore you, Amen.
Study by Natu Moti
About the writer:
Natu Moti is a Deacon in the Birmingham congregation
of Grace Communion International.
Local congregation:
Gracecom Birmingham
All Saints Church
George Road
Birmingham B23 7QB
Meeting time:
Saturday 1pm
Local congregational contact:
David Gibbs
Email: birmingham@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church