Made One April 25Seated with Jesus

Ephesians 2:6-7 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
 
YES, we know from the Four Gospels and Acts that Jesus was raised from the dead and then seated in the power of God: Acts 7:56 And Stephen (as he was dyeing) said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Paul, then, applies the glory of Jesus’ resurrection and power to all who believe in Jesus. What a remarkable truth to know that by God’s grace we are one with Jesus, who has “raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” When you sit down next to someone with whom you have a mutual love relationship, you feel as if you are one with them, don’t you? So it is with Jesus. Here are some ways we are one with Jesus as we are “seated with him in the heavenly places.”   

1. Colossians 3:1 “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Seated with Jesus, you look upon the same things he sees. You have an appetite to know your Father in Heaven. You live in the fruits of the Holy Spirit, beginning with Jesus’ love.
2. Seated with Jesus, be assured that what once happened to Jesus will one day happen to believers as well. In some way you will experience trials and persecution. You will have to take up your burdens for others. Persevere and be one with Jesus in the hard days. 2 Corinthians 4:16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. 
3. Seated with Jesus, you will be resurrected to glory at Jesus’ return! Romans 8:11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
4. Seated with Jesus, you will have a new mind to think as Christ. Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
5. Seated with Jesus, you will have a new ability to live free from the control of Satan. Romans 8:1-4 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

    These are more realities of God’s great love to make you one with him. In his mercy, he graciously conforms you more and more into the likeness of Christ. Live in your wondrous gift from your most merciful God.
 
Prayer: Jesus, as I am seated with you, may I be joyful in all things. In your name, amen.  
 
Next Teaching, April 30 – traveling to Wisconsin this week to check on my mom and family.
 
Link to Ghana mission video: https://youtu.be/gRtOEGfkRpc
 
And correct link to Ghana mission report: http://www.onewithgod.website/ghana-ministry.html