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IN CHRIST

Today I've started listening to a sermon series about my identity and just who exactly I am. There are a few things that really threw itself out at me that I don't think I've fully understood yet, but hope to. Soon I'll be making this blog comment-able for any kind of feedback you have for me. Edifying encouraged.

Who are the two most important people in history? What is your answer?
This can explain a lot about a person's perspective on life. The first, most common and most correct answer is Jesus. So that's one.

1. Jesus

But who is the second? Some would say God. Others would say Lincoln. Some would even go as far as saying themselves. My answer was: "I honestly don't know..."

2. Adam

The two names are the first and last ''Adam'' and revolves around the idea on where we belong under these two categories. 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 tells us: "For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive." We are born into the ''Adam'' category and need to be reborn spiritually in Christ.

Did you know that Paul writes about being ''In Christ'' no less than 216 times?
Did you know that the bible refers us to us as a Christian 3 times ?

This is such a huge difference! It really puts our minds to work and reconsider how we look at our own identity. Religion by today's definition is a set of beliefs that one or many follow. A lot of definitions according to google use the word ''Superhuman'' and I think that's not what I am at all.

Christian soulds like ''like Christ'' as if we're supposed to be as great as Jesus is. When it's really not about us at all. It's about Christ through us, or us ''In Christ''.  But it's difficult to explain all this to someone who seeks out arguments and likes to belittle and debate against those who follow Jesus. Even to someone who is neutral on the subject.. to explain all this could be overwelming. I know I was overwelmed about what to title myself and how to explain my relationship with Jesus for so long that I avoided the subject entirely for a long while. To be completely honest, that's half the reason why I'm going through this identity sermon series.

I've recently had some situations I put myself in where I would later question my identity. I would say to myself, "Who am I?" and I really didn't have an answer for myself. I was doing things that was out of the normal for me to do. Losing myself in a darker part of the world that others would question a ''Christian'' being. For years I would tell myself and others it's simply a mask to fit in because I wasn't a good debator on Christian related beliefs and how I know them to be true. It's only until about a day ago did I realize that these masks are lies.. that they aren't masks, it's me. It's my flesh in all its sinful nature coming about to take over when during and after situations I would often question myself why I would let it happen.

My flesh wants to be accepted in this world. This is straight from satan. Remember what he said to Adam and Eve? He told them about how they would be like God as if what he gave them wasn't enough. When God made them in the image and likeness of Himself already, satan plays deceit in a way that sounds ramfication-free.

I, Jeremy Reynolds, am a fool to believe this lie. But Philippians 1:6 tells me "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." Which someone reminded me today at church. This reminder really helped me.

I am saved.
I am new.
I am adopted.
I am loved.
I am forgiven.
I am reconciled.
I am blessed.
I am gifted.
I am heard.
I am appreciated.
I am in Christ.

Next time I will go over what it means to be in Christ. Tomorrow I will spend the evening with a special brother of mine whom I love and respect more than most. I hope then he will help me repent and cry out to God for forgiveness.

For the longest time I was afraid to go to church due to my inconsistancy and how I was ashamed of falling so much. But now I realize that this is my walk with Jesus. There's no such thing as getting to a perfect spot and staying the same for the rest of my life. Being ''In Christ'' (As my new title) is an eternal walk with Him that will teach me new life lessons as I go. It's not being saved, fixing myself, then going to church for the rest of my life and hopefully go to heaven afterwards. The ''fixing'' never stops until we are perfected in the day Jesus Christ returns. ...and even then there will be an eternity of learning about God as we delight in His presence and glorify God.

I'm getting carried away.. but my point is I don't like other people seeing me while I'm down. To those that even read this, know that I am truly sorry for not being a great example of a godly man. But once again as Philippians 1:6 reminds me that I am not finished... I pray to at least have my heart on Jesus until then.

Enough!

Lately I have been attempting to live life without God, and boy I have never been so oblivious. I've settled in many ways, but above all else, clinging to my flesh telling myself, "I'm fine where I am." Let me tell you something I've learned in the past six months while I've been hiding under a rock.

Life without God is like building a sand-castle on the shore. What you have built quickly fades away with the tides that flow in every few moments. Before you know it.. not only is your castle flattened completely but you're in quick sand trying not to sink, but the harder you fight it the more you fall within this hole. (Added the quick-sand idea to get my point across. No, the shore does not swallow you up.)

Life without God is no life at all. It is a nightmare. Fortunately I realized He had never left, I simply ignored Him. I PRAY that I never lose perspective again..

It's time for a revival in my heart.

Not my own strength..

The battle is not over, in fact, it has only just begun. The agonizing torment can already be heard throughout the battlefield as Jeremy seems to be falling to his knees, weakened by what feels to be a thousand fiery darts weighing him down. His sword would be found laying a good twenty feet behind him. His armor has been found broken and left in the mud; lost. Tears now fall from his eyes as defeat is on the horizon. Where is your God now?! He has betrayed you! Him and all of your friends and family. Where is the love that you so desire? You're nothing. You always have been nothing, and you always will be nothing! No wife. No children. No friends. No God. You have been defeated. His body tightened and fists were made as he heard someone's prayer flow gently with the wind that held its' own against the opposing rainfall. Suddenly, Jeremy's sword had appeared in his hands as if he had it all along. With difficulty he raised his broken body up and stuck the sword in the mud, using it as a cane in attempt to stand. No avail. Jeremy found himself continuing to falling back into the mud and the muck.. Which seemed to be much more muck than mud at this point. "Oh Strength, where art thou? My flesh is weak. My faith is shaken. I cannot win this alone.. Help me, O' Lord.. lest I find myelf engulfed in this darkness; lost forever."

From the vapor I no longer desire.

Oh strength, where art thou? Have I hidden from you once again? Lead me not astray O' Lord.. but into thine hands alone. For whom else can I trust but thee? The flesh has betrayed me, O' Lord my God. Thine hands alone protect me from things that will soon perish. From the vapor I look up at you and see your wounds. From the vapor I look up and see your glory. Let it cast down onto me so that I may spread it like wildfire. As your glory is infinite let it be casts through the finite to overwhelm the perishing. Let your might shine through me so I may be as bold as a mountain; unshakeable and immovable. Let your glory shine through this armor you've given me, let my shield not only defend but deflect light against the enemy as the sword of the spirit is thrust downwards to destroy evil and its deception. I am a child of God, but a warrior I will forever stand beside my King Jesus. Let it be known that not it is not my own strength that carries this armor or weaponry. Let it be known that it is not my own will that first desired Him. But it is He that first desired me, therefore I stand amongst you, my brethren in arms against the evil one for the glory of Yahweh.

You'd think I'd have something to post by now.. Every day I've sat for at least an hour typing up a few lines and then backspacing. Ultimately giving up.. A lot of things are up in the air for me right now so it's proven difficult to grab ahold of one thing and focus on it. Admittedly most of what makes me busy is thinking about my next move. Including worrying about it.. I wonder when I'll stop worrying about things and just live. I guess I can be pretty indecicive sometimes, as well as stubborn. Bad combination is bad. Oh well, for now I will wait until I have a clear view of every thing. For the most part I can say; I'm happy. Nervous for the future, absolutely. Worried of the outcome, absolutely. Wishing I'd stop worrying, quite. Is God still good? Without a doubt.

All for you my King

My fellow followers in Jesus,


I want to thank you for spending any time at all on my blog. For almost an entire month I've been eager to blog. Eager to just share my heart with you. But every time I hit the notepad I just go blank. I want to share my life with you but I go blank. Why is this? Writers block, per chance? Well no more! Tonight I give you my profession of faith. My resolution. Who says you need a new year to have a resolution? Just as we are to thank God not only on Thanksgiving but every moment we can.. Daily I believe we are to surrender to Jesus to ''Take the wheel'' if you will. So I do this now in respect to a song that I've recently listened to that just opens my heart in a whole new way. Without keeping you any further, read these lyrics.

I'll lay it out for all to see
What You my God have done for me.
I'm not holding back now
Oh-ohhhh.

I got my heart on my sleeve
No lies in between
I'm not holding back

I'm gonna sing
I'm gonna dance
I'm gonna praise You
Like I never had the chance.

And I'm gonna run
Like I've been set free
I'm gonna live
All for You my King.

Oh I'm gonna sing
Yeahhh
Oh I'm gonna sing.
Yeahh

Here it is, inside out
All will know what I'm about.
I'm not holding back now
Oh-ohhh.

I won't deny what You have done.
You are my saving One.
I'm not holding back

I'm gonna sing
I'm gonna dance
I'm gonna praise You
Like I never had the chance.

And I'm gonna run
Like I've been set free
I'm gonna live
All for You my King.

Ohh I'm gonna sing.

I will not be silent.
I'll become even more dignified than this.
Ohhh-oh-ohhh.

I will not be silent.
I'll become even more dignified than this.

I'm gonna sing
I'm gonna dance
I'm gonna praise You
Like I never had the chance.

And I'm gonna run
Like I've been set free
I'm gonna live
All for You my King.

Oh I'm gonna sing.
Oh I'm gonna sing.
Oh I'm gonna sing.
Oh I'm gonna sing.
I'm gonna sing

____________________________________________________
And here it is by Chris August: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGcfHBLlmZg
____________________________________________________

There is a back-beat, be warned. But seriously? I challenge any one to hear to song completely and still tell me that it's evil.

So that's just it! Don't you hear the beauty? Don't you see how you just can't help but to smile while listening to these lyrics?
This is my profession.
My extra resolution.

I'm GOING to sing.
I'm GOING to dance.
I'm GOING to praise You like I've never had the chance.
And so on!

All for you my King.

The fire has been set loose. Christ will spread like wildfire through my life. Not because of what I do, but what God does through me. Praise God if I'm convicted enough to be a Christian. There is no better calling in life but to give glory to the name of Jesus Christ. Do you realize what He's done for me?
Do you realize what He's done for YOU? This is incredible. WE'RE TALKING ABOUT JESUS HERE!

When's the last time you sang about/for Jesus?
When's the last time you danced about/for Jesus?
When's the last time you just declared the name of Jesus as ruler of your life to an unbeliever?
When's the last time you gave up your own desires just to prove your loyalty and love for Jesus? Even if there was nothing wrong with what you gave up!
When's the last time your prayer was ENTIRELY about thanking Jesus?

I'm talking to me, first.
O' Lord.. I am so undone.
To even think about why you've sent Jesus to die for me.. just baffles me.
O' Lord.. You are worthy. You are worthy.
Thank you..
Thank you for your Son.
Thank you for my friends and family.
Thank you for my future wife and family.
Thank you for Your blood which was spilled for me.

All for you my King.

Amen.