If God has truly been the writer and I merely His pen, then every article and book published is good, and of eternal value to the reader. Of course, I believe this to be the case. #iamjustthepen

However, every so often it feels like God has especially blessed us with the truth and mystery of His kingdom. The “in Christ” Reality series is one of those blessings. Here is a short excerpt from the introduction to encourage you read the entire series.

Most Christians would agree our relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important relationship in our lives. Consequently, we give much attention to the matter in our study, prayer, worship, etc.

Recently, the Holy Spirit revealed something of an imbalance in this area – that I have invested most of my attention into the “Christ in me” perspective at the exclusion of the equally important matter of my position “in Christ.”

For example, when I consider the Vine and Branches parable in John 15, my thoughts center on the life of Christ flowing in and through me – His life producing fruit that glorifies our Father in heaven. While this is incredibly important and profitable to consider, “Christ in me” is not possible without me “in Christ.”

An initial search for “in Christ”, “in Him”, and “in Jesus” returned almost two-hundred references. I suspect a few of these are either redundant or do not apply to our study. Still, there are far more than we can possibly cover in a reasonable number of articles. We will trust the Holy Spirit to point us in the right direction. Here are a few to whet your appetite:

Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:11

To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours… 1Corinthians 1:2

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2Corinthians 5:17

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

Alive to God, sanctified, new creation, all one (i.e., unified), and created for good works: All this in Christ!

This revelation begs some interesting questions:

What does it mean to be in Christ?

How does being in Christ enable or empower these things?

Who is responsible for getting and keeping us there?

How is “in Christ” accomplished?

Why has God done such a thing?

Are these eternal blessings available outside of Christ?

How should this affect my relationships with my sisters and brothers in Christ?

Wow! So many questions. We will trust the Holy Spirit and our Lord Jesus to reveal the answers to these and any other questions you care to submit. For now, here is the tentative outline for the series (and links to each article):

• Introduction.
• Biblical references.
• The meaning of “in Christ.”
• Who is responsible, and how does “in Christ” become our reality?
• How are we grafted into Christ?
• Why have we been grafted into Christ?
• Christ is Not His Last Name.
• What realities and blessings are ours in Christ?

The “in Christ” Reality is the normal Christian life. All the promises of God require our grafting into the Vine, with intent to draw our life from Him. Moreover, it is possible for someone to be grafted in and then cut out. Consequently, we must give our attention and surrender to this Reality as if our life depended on it. It does!

Thank you for your attention to this matter – and to the ministry and needs of inLight Consulting. Below you will find some good news and some important prayer requests. We are jealous for your support in these matters.

God bless you with a spirit of love, power, and a sound mind; and a close fellowship in which to share it.

Have a strong day in the Lord,

Rob

#iamjustthepen

P.S. We would like to collect these articles into a booklet, to make them available to a broader audience. Please let me know if you feel led to sponsor this endeavor.

Ministry Updates and Prayer Requests

The Douglas County Trusted Advisor Forum has now met three times, and completed the preparation phase of the transformation (i.e., Map Maker) process. Next, we will focus on discovering God’s purpose for this season of our lives. The Business Development Component has been focused on Business Planning God’s way and developing a healthy organization. We still have several open seats at the table. Please pray for the workplace leaders who will join us – that they would clearly hear the Father’s call.

Please share Our Vision with the workplace leaders you believe are hungry for the good work God has created for them to walk in. Or send me their contact information, and I will make the connection.

The new inLight website is up!! Now that we have a good design running on a stable platform, I can make some necessary changes to the messaging (to reflect God’s renewed mission for inLight). Please pray for the time and wisdom to complete this soon, and perhaps someone to lend a hand.

Marketing for The Storms Have Only Just Begun did not go as well as I had hoped, so I need your help. Please share our “About the Book” article with your family and friends. Chaos offers the best opportunity for discipling others, but we first need to prepare ourselves. The Storms Have Only Just Begun would serve as a great discipling tool for you and those entrusted to your care.

Please join me in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria, who are under tremendous persecution from the radical Muslims there. Please pray with me for their encouragement, protection, and faithfulness in the face of severe trial and tribulation. From my reading, I understand they are also praying for us.

Continue to pray for the workplace leaders you know. And let me know how I can help you minister to them (we have tons of resources for you to share).

Beth and I are now hosting a prayer meeting in our home – the first ministry we have done together since Beth’s retirement, and the first offering of our home to the local church community. Please continue to pray – particularly regarding our ministry to our adult children (and our wonderful, beautiful grandchild).

Partnering with inLight Consulting

God’s purpose for inLight Consulting is beyond human capability. We are desperately dependent on Him; and would have it no other way. We are grateful for the continued support of those that trust God to use this ministry to further His kingdom. Please pray for our vision and mission.

Share the truths you find here with the leaders in your life; it will make them free.

God bless you with wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him; and may He give you the grace and courage to walk in the work He has prepared for you.

Humbly yours and forever His,

Rob