Discover Life-Changing New Creation in Christ

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of Memorial Day
3. The Heroics of Sylvester Antelak
4. The State of Believers Prior to Salvation
5. The New Position in Christ
6. Seated with Him in the Heavenly Places
7. Practical and Supernatural Benefits of Being Seated in Christ
8. The Eternal Realities of Being Seated in Christ
9. The Unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ
10. The Church Built on the Foundation of Christ
11. The New Creation in Christ Jesus

The Importance of Memorial Day and the Heroics of Sylvester Antelak

Introduction

Memorial Day is an important holiday for remembering and honoring the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. It is a day to reflect on the heroics of those who fought for our freedom and to express our gratitude for their service. One such hero is Sylvester Antelak, a sergeant in World War II who displayed incredible bravery and sacrifice in the face of danger.

The Importance of Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor the brave men and women who have fought and died for our freedom. It is a day to reflect on the sacrifices they made and to express our gratitude for their service. Without their bravery and dedication, we would not be able to Gather together freely and enjoy the rights and privileges we have today. Memorial Day serves as a reminder of the importance of freedom and the need to defend it.

The Heroics of Sylvester Antelak

Sylvester Antelak was a sergeant in World War II who displayed incredible bravery and heroism in the face of danger. He was part of Company B, 15th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, and was in the army. On May 24, 1944, during the offensive to break through the German Cordon of Steel around the Anzio beachhead in Italy, Antelak charged 200 yards over flat, coverless terrain to destroy an enemy machine gun nest. Despite being struck by bullets three times and knocked to the ground, he continued his relentless advance. With a deeply gashed shoulder and a shattered right arm, he continued to rush directly into the enemy fire until he was within 15 yards of the enemy strong point. There, he opened fire and killed two Germans, forcing the remaining ten to surrender. Antelak's heroic actions eliminated 20 Germans, captured an enemy machine gun, and cleared the path for his company to advance.

Antelak's selflessness, fighting courage, and heroic devotion to the attack are the epitome of the sacrifice that is honored on Memorial Day. Men like Antelak were willing to fight and give their lives for the cause of freedom. Their bravery and dedication ensure that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.

The State of Believers Prior to Salvation

In the book of Ephesians, the apostle Paul outlines the state of believers prior to salvation. He describes how both Jews and Gentiles were separated from Christ, excluded from the Commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise. They had no hope and were without God in the world. This paints a bleak picture of the spiritual condition of both Jews and Gentiles before the coming of Jesus Christ.

The New Position in Christ

But now, in Christ Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles have been brought near to God by the blood of Christ. Through his sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus made peace between God and man, reconciling both Jew and Gentile in one body. The enmity between the two groups, both racially and spiritually, has been abolished, establishing peace.

Seated with Him in the Heavenly Places

One of the incredible benefits of being in Christ is the position believers have in the heavenly places. Just as Jesus is seated at the right HAND of God the Father, believers are also seated with him in heavenly places. This position signifies the authority and privilege that believers have in Christ. It is a position of victory, triumph, and power over the forces of darkness.

Practical and Supernatural Benefits of Being Seated in Christ

Being seated with Christ in the heavenly places brings both practical and supernatural benefits. Practically, believers experience the blessings and favor of God in their lives as they walk in obedience to his word. Supernaturally, believers have a witness before the angelic realm that displays the grace of God in action. Believers also have the assurance of reigning with Christ and ruling under his kingship for eternity.

The Eternal Realities of Being Seated in Christ

The fact that believers are seated with Christ in the heavenly places has eternal implications. It means that believers will be superior to angels in the future. Just as Jesus as a man is seated at the right hand of God the Father, believers will also reign with him and rule under his kingship. This eternal reality highlights the incredible privilege and honor of being in Christ.

The Unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ

In the book of Ephesians, Paul emphasizes the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ. He highlights how the church is made up of both Jews and Gentiles who are now united in Christ. This unity is not a result of Jews becoming Gentiles or Gentiles becoming Jews but of both groups becoming Christians. In Christ, racial distinctions and barriers are dissolved, and a new creation emerges—a new man that is the body of Christ, the Church of God.

The Church Built on the Foundation of Christ

While the church does not replace Israel, it is a new entity separate from Jews and Gentiles. The church is built on the foundation of Christ, with Jesus himself as the cornerstone. The church is not a continuation of Israel but a new spiritual species—the body of Christ. It is a unique and separate entity that is united in Christ and made up of both Jews and Gentiles who have embraced him as Lord and Savior.

The New Creation in Christ Jesus

The culmination of Paul's message in Ephesians is the truth that believers are a new creation in Christ Jesus. This new creation supersedes racial distinctions and identities. In Christ, believers are transformed into new creatures, united by faith and part of the body of Christ. This truth emphasizes the spiritual reality of being in Christ and the indescribable privilege and honor it is to be a Christian.

Highlights

• Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor the sacrifice of those who have given their lives in service to their country.
• Sylvester Antelak demonstrated incredible bravery and sacrifice in World War II, serving as an inspiration for Memorial Day.
• Prior to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles were separated from Christ and lacked hope and a relationship with God.
• The new position in Christ brings believers near to God through the blood of Jesus and reconciles Jews and Gentiles in one body.
• Believers are privileged to be seated with Christ in heavenly places, experiencing practical and supernatural benefits.
• The eternal realities of being in Christ include reigning with him and being superior to angels.
• The church is a new entity, distinct from Jews and Gentiles, built on the foundation of Christ.
• Believers are a new creation in Christ, united by faith and part of the body of Christ.

FAQ

Q: What is Memorial Day? A: Memorial Day is a holiday in which we remember and honor the men and women who have died while serving in the military.

Q: Who is Sylvester Antelak? A: Sylvester Antelak was a sergeant in World War II who displayed incredible bravery and sacrifice in the face of danger.

Q: What is the significance of being seated with Christ in the heavenly places? A: Being seated with Christ in the heavenly places signifies the authority and privilege that believers have in him. It is a position of victory, triumph, and power over the forces of darkness.

Q: How does the church relate to Israel? A: The church is a new entity separate from Israel but built on the foundation of Christ. It does not replace Israel but is a unique and separate spiritual species.

Q: What does it mean to be a new creation in Christ? A: Being a new creation in Christ means that believers have been transformed and united in Christ. Racial distinctions and identities are dissolved, and believers become part of the body of Christ.