In Touch 12-21-04

In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley

Tuesday December 21, 2004
What God Wants You to Know
Romans 8:14-17

God "desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4). Yesterday we studied God's reasons for wanting to save all of humanity. Today we will explore what truths God desires for us to know.

Salvation. It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict us of our sinfulness and bring us to the knowledge that Jesus Christ died for our sin. When we receive the Lord as our personal Savior, we are reconciled to God and accorded full fellowship with Him. This is the moment salvation occurs. Our sin-debt is paid in full so we are free from guilt. Also, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit for eternity, and we are set apart for God's service.

Identity. What is our identity in Christ? We are children of God. The Bible calls us "joint heirs with Christ" - in other words, we are partakers in the wealth of the Lord Jesus. Also, we have been transformed from sinners into saints. We may not always act saintly, but a true saint is one who has been saved and set apart for the purposes of God.

Position. We have instantaneous access to God the Father through Jesus Christ. He is always with us to provide for us.

Mission. Our primary mission in life is to demonstrate Christ. Believers should live in such a way that others see the life of Christ within us. And because we understand the wonder of our salvation, our identity in Christ, and our position to the Father, we share about Jesus with others. God wants everyone to know the truth.

Need gift ideas? The 2004 In Touch Christmas Catalog is here. Visit the In Touch online bookstore for more information.
http://www.intouch.org/cc/christmas2004/index2_39287503.html

Teen Connection is the official teen outreach of In Touch Ministries. Be sure to tell your teen about this cutting-edge web site filled with practical content for teenagers of all spiritual maturity levels. The featured interview for December is best-selling singer/songwriter Bebo Norman. Check out Teen Connection today!
http://www.teen-connection.net