What’s In?

July 18, 2010

The first word in our Bibles is the word “In.”  “In” is a small word with big meaning.  We like it when the Doctor is “in”, our pictures are “in” or our order is “in.”  On the negative side, we say about some people that they don’t’ know enough to come “in” out of the rain.
    When it comes to fashion trends, what’s “in” can be a little confusing especially to those of us who might be “fashion-impaired.”  Tattoos, body piercing, and baggy jeans are the “in” thing for some, but thankfully, not for everyone.  Khaki’s are the “in” thing for others, and again thankfully not for everyone.  A little variety is nice.  There are just too many “in” things for too many people to list.  And to make matters worse the “in” thing changes too rapidly for most to follow.  When I was in High School, I wouldn’t’ be caught in anything except Levi brand jeans.  Now I understand Levi’s are “out.”  Or was that last month?  Does anybody wear PF Flyers anymore?  You get the point.
    But there is one “in” thing that has been “in” for a long time; at least for Christians.  That is the blessings and power of being “In Christ.”
    The phrases “In Christ” and “In Him” are found 187 times in the New Testament.  What does it mean to be “In Christ?”  Listen to the Word of God:

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)

Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (2 Cor 5:17)

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 6:23)

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Gal 3:26-28)

For as many as may be the promises of God, in Him they are yes.      (2 Cor 1:20)

For in Him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete. , and He is the head over all rule and authority; and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. (Col 2:9-12)

And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (2 Tim 3:12)

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,  (Col 2:6)

If we are in Christ, we have been blessed with everything.  Let’s live in and for Christ, and never let it go out of style.

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your Son, thank you for blessing us so richly in your son, Jesus.  Help us to stay in Him.  Amen.        - John

John Wheeler is the University Church of Christ congregational minister.