The Word Became Flesh Bible Conference was held in Buchanan Dam, Texas November 28–30, 2014.
Gene says, “It is my earnest prayer that this study will bring each of us to “behold His glory,” and be enraptured by the “beauty of holiness” seen only in Him. He presents such a captivating image that even the smallest seed of faith will be blessed by the process of inner transformation into His likeness. The book of Hebrews captures the thing we lack so much in our hustle-and-bustle lives.”
Gene Cunningham - April 8, 2000
Simplicity in Christ #7
Criteria for simplicity in Christ
To claim we abide in Him, we must walk as Jesus did (1Jo 2:1-6). The Christian life should be easier. The simiplicity of Christ is permanent and eternal. "As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him" (Col 2:6). "As" represents our point of salvation; "so" represents from then on. Our understanding of the gospel affects our Christian living. Keeping the law is complex. All commandments can be reduced to believe in Christ and love one another (Joh 15:11-12). We have but one rule (Gal 6:16), and result is peace. "As" is by Grace through faith; it is a gift; we do nothing (Eph 2:8). Faith by its nature is an admission of helplessness (Act 16:31). Sin complicates life (1Jo 2:1-3). When we choose sin, it opens the door for more. We defer our case to our defense attorney, Jesus Christ (1Jo 2:1). "Knowing" Him means fellowship with Him (1Jo 2:3). The person that consistently keeps His word demonstrates love for Him and a degree of maturity (1Jo 2:4-5). Abiding "in Him" denotes fellowship (1Jo 2:5-6, 1Jo 1:3-4, Joh 8:30-32). The Christian life is the life of Christ. The root is the Word of God; the fruit is the Word working out in our life. If we feed the soul we'll grow. We should feed on the Word of God as often as we feed our body.
Evidence for Simplicity in Christ
We have to live an other-centered life in order to demonstrate a love for Jesus Christ (1Jo 3:16-24). It is possible to live a simplified lives in a busy world. "Abiding" is written for believers only. Jesus Christ abides with us is we obey His commands (Joh 14:21-22). Our life must be 1) Christ-centered; 2) Biblically informed; and 3) time-oriented (sense of urgency). "Life" and "things" are contrasts; life does not consist of the things in it (Luk 12:13-15). Material things are in the hands of the Father. Things are the least (Luk 16:10-13); we cannot serve God and mammon. We do have an obligation, but not money (Rom 13:8). Our pre-occupation with things has made life complex (Mat 6:33). The things we don't let go of exclude us from fellowship with the Lord (Phi 3:7-21). We have to keep things into perspective; we need to rivet our eyes on Him. Jesus had nothing, but enjoyed life richley.
Scripture References: Colossians 2:6, John 2:1, John 3:16-24, John 2:1-6, Philippians 3:7-21, John 2:1-3, John 8:30-32, Matthew 6:33, Acts 16:31, John 1:3-4, Romans 13:8, Ephesians 2:8, John 2:5-6, Luke 16:10-13, Galatians 6:16, John 2:4-5, Luke 12:13-15, John 15:11-12, John 2:3, John 14:21-22
From Series: "2018 AYC Ladies Classes"
Nan Cunningham spoke to the ladies at the 2018 AYC Camp.