October 30th, 2025
by Dr. Josh Franklin
by Dr. Josh Franklin
"... [T]o the saints who are in Ephesus and faithful in Christ Jesus." - Ephesians 1:1 (NKJV)
When someone asks what you do for a living, you might say "I'm in education" or "I'm in business." When you're newly married, you might say "I'm in love" - and everyone understands. But when the Bible says we're "in Christ," people often scratch their heads, wondering what that means.
Think about having an older sibling who shows up when you are getting ready to fight a neighborhood bully. Suddenly, you feel more confident, more bold. Why? Not because of who you are, but because of who you are with. Your position changes everything about your courage and confidence.
The phrase "in Christ" appears repeatedly throughout Ephesians, describing not just our salvation but our ongoing position. We're living our lives in the context of who Christ is and what He did for us. In John 15, Jesus explained it this way: "I am the vine, you are the branches." We're connected to Him in an unbreakable union.
Your position is in Christ. You may wonder to yourself, "I don't know if I can make it." But here's the truth: He already made it. Jesus Christ already won the victory for you, and your position is secure in Him. You're not fighting for victory; you're fighting from victory.
This isn't just theological theory - it's practical reality. When you understand your position in Christ, you begin to live with the confidence that comes from being connected to the One who has already overcome the world.
Reflection Question: What difference would it make in your daily challenges if you truly lived with the confidence that comes from being "in Christ"?
Heavenly Father, help me to understand what it means to be "in Christ" and to live from that position of victory. When I face challenges today, remind me that I'm not facing them alone or in my own strength. I am connected to Jesus like a branch to a vine. Let His strength, His wisdom, and His victory flow through me. In Jesus' Name, amen.
Adapted from "Where Do You Live?" (Ephesians 1:1-2): https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/whyxbk7/1-where-do-you-live-eph-1-1-2
When someone asks what you do for a living, you might say "I'm in education" or "I'm in business." When you're newly married, you might say "I'm in love" - and everyone understands. But when the Bible says we're "in Christ," people often scratch their heads, wondering what that means.
Think about having an older sibling who shows up when you are getting ready to fight a neighborhood bully. Suddenly, you feel more confident, more bold. Why? Not because of who you are, but because of who you are with. Your position changes everything about your courage and confidence.
The phrase "in Christ" appears repeatedly throughout Ephesians, describing not just our salvation but our ongoing position. We're living our lives in the context of who Christ is and what He did for us. In John 15, Jesus explained it this way: "I am the vine, you are the branches." We're connected to Him in an unbreakable union.
Your position is in Christ. You may wonder to yourself, "I don't know if I can make it." But here's the truth: He already made it. Jesus Christ already won the victory for you, and your position is secure in Him. You're not fighting for victory; you're fighting from victory.
This isn't just theological theory - it's practical reality. When you understand your position in Christ, you begin to live with the confidence that comes from being connected to the One who has already overcome the world.
Reflection Question: What difference would it make in your daily challenges if you truly lived with the confidence that comes from being "in Christ"?
Heavenly Father, help me to understand what it means to be "in Christ" and to live from that position of victory. When I face challenges today, remind me that I'm not facing them alone or in my own strength. I am connected to Jesus like a branch to a vine. Let His strength, His wisdom, and His victory flow through me. In Jesus' Name, amen.
Adapted from "Where Do You Live?" (Ephesians 1:1-2): https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/whyxbk7/1-where-do-you-live-eph-1-1-2
Dr. Josh Franklin
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