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IBS 42 - Philippians 3:9

Philippians 3:9
“…and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”

Having a righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. I can’t gain righteousness through myself or the law. I can’t do things to have righteousness. My good deeds won’t save a spot for me in Heaven. It’s only through Christ. Having a relationship with Him. That’s the only way. And to have a relationship with Him I must have faith. Because I can’t physically see Him, I have to have faith. And that’s sometimes really hard for me. I’ve never wanted to be like the doubting Thomas, not believing until I see. But that’s hard to do. I’m such a visual person that I’ve always just wanted a sign, to see something that shows that He’s there. I’ve always wanted to know that He’s physically with me. But it’s through Spirit. That’s the faith. Having faith to believe that He’s there even without seeing Him. To believe that He’s listening, that He’ll answer. I have to have faith to know Him. Without faith, there is no relationship. Faith is the beginning of the relationship. 
Since being here at Ignite, I’ve learned how real He is. He’s not just a character that I’ve been told about my whole life. He’s my God who desires a relationship with me. He’s shown me that He’s here, shown me that He listens, and He’s answered prayers. God is with me. Never leaving me. God is real. I now have a stronger belief without having to physically see Him. I know He’s there. He’s shown me His faithfulness. His love for me. 


Application: I’ll have Gabbi write righteousness through Christ on my right arm to remind myself that it’s only through Him and the love He has for me. 

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