Scripture

Frequently in our church we share stories of how God is at work in people’s lives. Stories like these are important because they put flesh and bone on the idea of God’s presence in our lives. The people themselves become pictures for us of what our own life with God can be like. They are compelling stories.

In my readings of Genesis this week, I was struck by two different stories about sin.

I am a new creation in Christ; old things have passed away and all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

I am God's workmanship, created in Christ for good works.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

I am the temple of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 3:16
Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?

John 15:5 I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

John 1:12 I am God's child.
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

John 15:15 As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.