The history of electrical power reportedly goes back at least to the 1700s. In 1879, the American inventor Thomas Edison was finally able to produce a reliable, long-lasting electric light bulb in his laboratory (www.tvakids.com/electricity/history.htm). Its significance is greater than many realize. Many of our conveniences and comforts depend on the power of electricity. One of the most common of these the incandescent light bulb is, of course, dependent on its source of power, that is, electricity.

Our thoughts today have to do with spiritual blessings found only in Jesus Christ. We are dependent on a spiritual connection with him for those blessings. Paul wrote, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing.... (Ephesians 1:3).

First, we need to understand that only in Jesus Christ is there salvation from sin and its consequences. Sin separates us from God in spiritual death; but in Christ, we are reunited to him.

Scripture clearly teaches that salvation is in Christ. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you[b] free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2). Because the world is separated from God by sin, and men are separated from one another through sins effects, ...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, .... by the work of Jesus on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:19; Ephesians 2:16).

Paul wrote to the Galatian Christians, ... 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 (3:26-27).

The apostle Peter, in the company of John the apostle, stood before the Jerusalem council and was questioned about why they preached about Jesus. He reply was that ...there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

Secondly, only in Jesus is spiritual peace possible in a world of physical and spiritual conflict. Those who are in a world filled sin but without Christ cannot know this peace. Men may seek it through the things of the world, simply speaking, the world cant give it, even though the world may promise it. Jesus promised, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you (John 14:27).

This spiritual peace exists in spite of circumstances. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:5-7).

Peace comes from our confidence in Gods providential care and our hope for the future. Further, Not even death can overcome our peace in Christ (Psalm 23: 4; 1 Cor 15:55).

Third, in Christ, we can enjoy a new way of life. ...if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come 2 Corinthians 5:17. The power for a new life in Christ is made possible by Gods Holy Spirit. ...we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live (Romans 8:12-13).

We began by talking about the importance of electric power. Far more important is spiritual power, available only through contact with Jesus. As with any source of power, this contact isnt theoretical. It is practical and available to all who will come to God the Father through obedience to Jesus the Son.

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Blessings come from the Father through the Son - Statesboro Herald