The title used for this article is a partial citation from Paul’s powerful message (Acts 17:24-28). To clearly and effectively communicate the thoughts that will follow, there is the need to define two terms that will serve as themes.
First, the term substance is defined as: what a thing consist of; matter; the main or important part of a person. In regards to the true identity of those that have encountered the born-again experience, our identifiable substance is Christ. This Christ is our substance! Christ’s character serves as our Light to this world.
This divine Substance of ours can be confirmed by the scripture that says that, “Christ lives in me;” (Gal. 2:20). Not only does God give us His Spirit, we also have His indwelling nature that comes to us in the form of Christ. Due to this wonderful manifestation that God orchestrates through our faith, we have a priceless treasure on the inside of us. This heavenly process is acknowledged as man’s spirit becoming re-generated.
What a glorious Substance we have in the form of Christ Jesus! Christ living in us becomes that matter; that important thing; that real thing that showcases my new life. Praise God!
From a natural perspective, every living organism must have an energy source of life if it is going to function properly. This ideology must also be woven into the belief systems of Christians. If we, God’s saved citizens, are expected to function properly while dealing with all the challenges of this life; we need to have some sustenance.
Secondly, the term sustenance is defined as: the means of be sustained; nourishment; means of living. Since we regard Christ “in us” as being The Substance reflected to a God-less generation; we should aim toward establishing sustenance for our lives with Christ. A spiritual intimacy (prayer) with The Lord. This is coupled with having daily fellowship in The Lord’s Word and special times given toward fasting. Christianity that is practiced with total abandonment involves expressing the Substance within us and hungering for the Sustenance that preserves us.
It is humbling to consider that a holy God would give us His Spirit and supply our lives with blessings. His has declared His mercy and love to generations of believers who have not always lived up to their part. The role that God exemplifies is Him giving us a part of who He is. Our role should be believing what He tells us and take the lead in nurturing a spiritual life that will sustain us.
We should practice what our inward Substance (Christ) requires. We should sacrifice the things that would get in the way of having spiritual fellowship. My dear friends, some storms have our name written upon them! Christ is our Substance. Let our spiritual fellowship help create our sustenance.
