In Christ (From our 7-6-25 Worship)

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/FUat7V23xUASummary:Introduction: The Largest Movable Structure in the WorldThe speaker introduces the New Safe Confinement at Chernobyl—the world’s largest movable land-based structure.Dimensions: 850 feet wide, 530 feet long, 350 feet tall.Built 600 feet away from its final location due to deadly radiation, then slid into place over the failed reactor.Notably, it has no doors (other than a sealed airlock), designed to keep everything inside contained—no entrance, no exit.Spiritual Application: The Meaning of "In Christ"Transition: Just as the Chernobyl structure is sealed with no entry or exit, the idea of being “in” or “out” has great significance in the Bible.The phrase “in Christ” appears about 115 times in Scripture, signifying something very important.Biblical Exploration of "In Christ"1. The Church is "In Christ"Romans 12:3–5—The church is described as one body in Christ.Ephesians 1:19–22—The body is the church.Matthew 16:13–18—Jesus builds His church upon the confession that He is the Christ.2. There Is an "Outside of Christ"If some are “in Christ,” others must be “outside.”Matthew 15—Some thought they worshiped rightly but were actually “outside” because they followed man’s traditions rather than God’s commands.The Bible is the standard for determining spiritual realities, like a tape measure ends all debate about width.3. Christians Are "In Christ" (Saints)Philippians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1—Saints are simply faithful Christians "in Christ."The Bible does not reserve “saint” for a select few; it’s the biblical name for all believers who are faithful and “in Christ.”4. Faith Must Be "In Christ"Philippians 3:7–9—Paul gave up everything to be found "in Christ," valuing Christ above all.Faith is action that follows belief; real belief leads to changed life and costly sacrifices (illustrated by the $20,000 moonshine story).5. Obedience and Evidence of Being "In Christ"1 John 2:3–6—If we claim to know Jesus but don’t obey, we’re lying.There must be evidence: “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.”Not perfection, but real, visible change.6. The Blessings of Being "In Christ"Ephesians 1:3—Every spiritual blessing is found "in Christ."Romans 8:1—“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”If all blessings are in Christ, there are none outside of Him.7. How to Get "In Christ"Just as the only way into a building is through a door, there is a way “into Christ.”Galatians 3:26–27 (ESV):"for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ."Romans 6:3–7—Baptism is described as a burial and resurrection with Christ; it is the point of transition into Him.Not baptism alone, but belief, repentance, confession, and baptism are all part of entering Christ (Mark 16:16, Romans 10:10).8. The Gospel’s FoundationThe gospel is based on Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1–4), which we participate in through baptism.Conclusion: The Importance of Being "In Christ"Every spiritual blessing, including no condemnation, is for those "in Christ."The invitation: Consider whether you are "in Christ" or "out of Christ."Baptism is the doorway—not the end, but the beginning of a life lived for Christ as a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1).Final encouragement to respond if help is needed.Key Points to RememberThe Chernobyl containment is a vivid illustration: once the door is closed, entry is impossible—mirroring the importance of entering “in Christ” now.Being “in Christ” is the only place where spiritual blessings and salvation are found.Baptism is the God-given way to enter “in Christ,” along with faith, repentance, and confession.Faithful living is required, not just a one-time event.