When people are hurting or in need, they often want God to miraculously show up and make all things different. We pray, asking Jesus to appear in a white robe, to touch us, and – poof! – make things better.
Some people think they can only touch God through some kind of mystical union such as this.
What we fail to realize and often overlook is that Jesus HAS appeared and COMPLETED His work. He appeared on earth in the flesh and in this appearance modeled for us the kind of life we are to live. He demonstrated how we are to exercise self-discipline, make good choices, and obey His teachings so that our house will withstand the storms of life. He told us to gather with other believers, (i.e., the local church) where we can know and experience His presence on earth today.
Christ's completed work is imparted to us at the moment of salvation. We are given “everything we need that pertains to life and godliness” (I Peter 1:3) which empowers us to live as overcomers.
When you are born into the family of God, you are born complete (Colossians 2:10). Nothing can be added! Everything you will ever need has already been given. Now it’s a matter of walking daily in the Spirit, making right choices, and remaining faithful to God.
In other words, self-discipline.
And if you want to experience Christ, this happens most often through the Church - the family of God – which is the Body of Christ.
We also experience Christ in the elements; communion & water baptism.
We experience Christ in the Word.
We experience Christ through the Holy Spirit – who comes to us at the moment of conversion and lives within us. (He’s not floating around in the room near the ceiling).
And we also experience Christ by keeping His commandments (John 14:21-23). Look it up.
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