Abiding in Christ

"Oh, that believers would stop looking at their old nature so much, and complaining of their weakness, as if God called them for what they were unsuited! How much better for them to believingly and joyfully accept the wondrous revelation of how God, in uniting them to Christ, has made Himself responsible for their spiritual growth and fruitfulness! Then all hesitancy and laziness would disappear, and under the influence of this mighty motive--faith in the faithfulness of Him who of whom they are in Christ--their whole nature would arise to accept and fulfill their glorious destiny!" (Andrew Murray, Abiding in Christ)

The Abiding Life Part 2

Some things I learned today on the Abiding Life videos.

1. Self-righteousness is a main contributor to living in defeat. This means that I'm trying to become righteous through my own efforts.
2. "I can't" opens the Abiding Door, while "I can" closes it. I have to admit I can do nothing in my own strength and have to depend on Jesus to do it through me.
3. Long-term victory over sin and the flesh comes as moment by moment I open the abiding door of my heart.
4. God allows failure and defeat in my life to bring me to an awareness of my need for abiding in Christ. (See 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.)

The Abiding Life

I mentioned this on FaceBook, but wanted to post it here too. I just started an online course called BeliefChangers Basics of the Abiding Life. I had already determined that I would focus this year on abiding in Christ. Then I came across this course. It's no coincidence, I'm sure. So far, I've watched three videos and each one has more information than the one before. It's changing my life. Go to my FaceBook page and find the link there.