Now You Are Near - Message #199

No one likes being excluded from the crowd. In fact, we all want to be part of the action. The Bible tells us about the ultimate exclusion. "Remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12).

You should notice two things. First, those who are separated from Christ are strangers to the promises of God. God promises, "I will sprinkle clean water on you and you will be clean.... I will give you a new heart.... And I will put my Spirit within you" (Ezekiel 36:25-27). God promises forgiveness. God promises to change how people think and feel. God promises the power to act differently, His Holy Spirit! But if you are separated from Christ you have no part in these great promises.

Second, those who are without God are without hope. Real hope comes from knowing and serving God. Real hope comes as God changes your heart and places His Holy Spirit within you.

How do you participate in the promises of God? You are "brought near by the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:13). This means you must trust the sacrifice of this same Lord Jesus Christ. Then you are included within the fellowship of the people of God.

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