The Fire Within: Pentecost and the New Nature

Yesterday, we closed out our ReMade sermon series with a powerful and Spirit-filled message titled “The Fire Within: Pentecost and the New Nature.” On Pentecost Sunday, we don’t just commemorate a historical event—we celebrate the moment the Church was born, the Spirit was poured out, and believers were empowered to live as the new creation God designed them to be.

Pentecost is not just about speaking in tongues or spiritual gifts—though those are important. It’s about transformation. It’s about living daily with the fire of the Holy Spirit burning within, enabling us to walk in the power, identity, and nature of the new man in Christ.

1. The Promise Fulfilled

Acts 2:1–4 (NKJV) says:

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven... and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

This was the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise in Acts 1:8:

“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.”

What was poured out in that Upper Room wasn’t just a moment—it was a movement. The Holy Spirit didn’t come to make believers feel good for a few hours. He came to indwell them, empower them, and transform them—forever.

2. The Spirit Fuels the New Nature

Over the past few weeks, we’ve learned that in Christ, we have been ReMade—given a new identity, a new mindset, and a new nature. But we must understand this: the new nature cannot be lived out in human strength.

Titus 3:5–6 tells us:

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.”

Without the Spirit, we revert to striving. But with the Spirit, we walk in freedom, speak with boldness, and live in righteousness.

The fire within isn’t emotionalism—it’s empowerment. It’s the Spirit enabling us to live in the fullness of our new identity as sons and daughters of God.

3. Power to Live Boldly

The early Church went from hiding in fear to preaching with boldness. Why? Because of the Holy Spirit. Peter, the same man who denied Jesus three times, stood up after being filled with the Spirit and boldly proclaimed the Gospel to thousands.

When the fire of the Holy Spirit fills your life:

Fear is replaced with courage

Timidity becomes testimony

Weakness is exchanged for power

Romans 8:11 reminds us:

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ... will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

This is the fire within—the very same Spirit that raised Jesus from the grave now empowers you to live victoriously.

4. Living Spirit-Led Every Day

Pentecost is not just an event—it’s a lifestyle. The fire that filled the upper room is the same fire that should guide our lives today.

To live by the Spirit daily means:

Yielding to His voice, even when it challenges our comfort.

Walking in step with His direction, not our own impulses.

Allowing the fruit of the Spirit to shape our character.

Galatians 5:25 says, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

You’ve been ReMade, but that new nature must be nurtured by the fire of the Spirit daily.

Closing Thoughts: Keep the Fire Burning

The same fire that fell on Pentecost now burns within every Spirit-filled believer. This fire isn’t just to stir our emotions—it’s to awaken our purpose, ignite our faith, and empower us to live in the fullness of our redemption.

Let me encourage you:

Don’t let the fire grow cold.

Don’t live like you’re powerless.

Don’t settle for a form of godliness without the fire of transformation.

You have the fire within.

You have the Spirit of the living God.

You’ve been ReMade for a purpose—and empowered to walk it out.

Let’s be a church that doesn’t just remember Pentecost…

Let’s be a church that lives Pentecost.

With fire and boldness,

Pastor Chris Tullis

Grace Christian Center

"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"

Putting On the New Man

This past Sunday, we continued our ReMade series by diving into one of the most practical and powerful truths for every believer: Putting On the New Man.

As we’ve explored over the last two weeks, we are no longer who we used to be. In Christ, we’ve been reborn—remade from the inside out. But while our spirit has been made new, we must daily choose to walk in that new nature.

Paul gives us clear instruction in Ephesians 4:22–24 (NKJV):
“That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”

1. Putting Off the Old Man

Before we can put on the new man, we have to take off the old one. That means intentionally choosing to lay aside the thoughts, habits, and behaviors that no longer belong to the new creation we’ve become.

The “old man” is:

• Bound by sin

• Driven by selfish desires

• Shaped by shame and insecurity

• Reactive, fearful, and flesh-led

Paul describes this old nature as corrupt and deceitful. It promises satisfaction but always leads to brokenness. Even though we’ve been made new in Christ, we can still fall into old patterns if we don’t actively resist and remove them.

Putting off the old man means repenting of old attitudes, forgiving past hurts, silencing lies from the enemy, and choosing not to live according to who you were, but who you are in Christ.

2. Be Renewed in the Spirit of Your Mind

In between putting off the old and putting on the new is a critical process—renewal. This happens in the mind, and it’s where transformation truly takes root.

Romans 12:2 tells us,
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

Renewal is a daily decision. It means we:

• Reject carnal thinking and replace it with kingdom truth

• Meditate on God’s Word until it shapes our thoughts

• Let go of limiting beliefs about ourselves and God

• Allow the Holy Spirit to challenge and change our perspective

You can’t walk in the new man while thinking like the old one. Your mind must catch up with what your spirit already knows: you’ve been made new.

3. Putting On the New Man

Paul says the new man is “created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”

When we put on the new man, we are embracing who we really are in Christ:

• Righteous – not because of our works, but because of Jesus’ finished work

• Holy – set apart, empowered by the Spirit to live a life that pleases God

• Loved – fully accepted and secure in our identity as sons and daughters

• Empowered – filled with the Spirit to walk in victory, not defeat

Putting on the new man is a spiritual practice that impacts every part of life. It’s not just about morality—it’s about identity, posture, and purpose.

It’s choosing grace over guilt, peace over panic, purpose over passivity.
It’s waking up each day and saying, “Today, I choose to live like the new creation God says I am.”

4. Walking It Out Daily

How do we practically put on the new man each day?

• Start with the Word – Let Scripture shape your identity before the world does.

• Speak Life – Declare who you are in Christ. Remind your soul that you are new, not old.

• Respond by the Spirit – Choose love, patience, and righteousness even when the old man wants to rise.

• Stay in community – Surround yourself with believers who call you higher and hold you accountable.

Putting on the new man is not a one-time act—it’s a lifestyle of transformation.

Closing Thoughts: Don’t Just Believe You’re New—Live Like It

Beloved, you’ve been ReMade. You’re not who you were. But now the call is to walk it out—to live daily clothed in the righteousness, peace, and power of Christ.

Let go of the labels, regrets, and patterns of the past.
Let your mind be renewed and your heart awakened.
Put on the new man. Walk in your new nature. Live like the child of God you were born again to be.

Next week, we’ll conclude this transformative series on Pentecost Sunday with a powerful message titled “The Fire Within: Pentecost and the New Nature.” We’ll discover how the Holy Spirit empowers us to fully live out the identity we've received in Christ. But until then, continue walking in the reality of who you are in Him—clothed in righteousness, rooted in grace, and filled with purpose.

You are ReMade—live boldly in the new nature God has given you.

In His righteousness,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Christian Center
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"

The Mindset of the Spirit Filled Believer

In Week 2 of our ReMade series, we focused on an essential element of walking in the nature of the new man—The Mindset of the Spirit-Filled Believer. Once we come to Christ, we don’t just receive a new identity—we begin a transformation that starts in our minds.

Romans 8:5–9 (NKJV) lays the foundation for this week’s message:
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

The mindset we choose determines the life we live. You can be saved, filled with the Spirit, and still be held back if your thinking is stuck in the patterns of the old man. But when your mind is set on the Spirit, you begin to walk in the freedom, peace, and power that God intended.

1. Set Your Mind: The Power of Focus

Paul uses the phrase “set their minds,” which implies intentionality. A Spirit-filled life doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of what we feed our thoughts and focus our attention on.

The flesh says, “Live for self.”
The Spirit says, “Live for Christ.”
The flesh says, “Fear, doubt, and guilt.”
The Spirit says, “Faith, peace, and grace.”

When your mind is set on the things of the Spirit—God’s truth, His presence, His purpose—you start to see life differently.

Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” This doesn’t mean we ignore daily responsibilities, but it means our worldview is shaped by heaven, not by culture, emotion, or circumstance.

2. Carnal Thinking Leads to Spiritual Stagnation

Paul makes a sobering distinction: “To be carnally minded is death.”
That doesn’t just refer to physical death—it includes spiritual deadness, emotional instability, and fruitless living.

When we operate with a carnal mindset, we’re constantly:

• Striving for approval

• Battling anxiety

• Reacting out of fear

• Drifting from God’s presence

Even Spirit-filled believers can fall into carnal thinking when they let the voices of this world become louder than the voice of the Spirit. That’s why we must daily renew our minds with the truth of God's Word.

Romans 12:2 reminds us:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

Transformation begins when we stop thinking like the world and start thinking like redeemed sons and daughters of God.

3. The Spirit-Filled Mind Produces Life and Peace

Paul continues in Romans 8:6 by saying, “To be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

What a promise!

• Life – Not just existence, but fullness, purpose, and power.

• Peace – A deep, abiding rest that transcends circumstance.

A Spirit-filled mind is:

• Anchored in the Word

• Tuned to the voice of the Holy Spirit

• Responsive to God’s leading

• Marked by faith, not fear

This is what it means to be truly awake in Christ—not just spiritually alive, but mentally aligned with the Spirit of God.

4. Living from a Heavenly Perspective

Romans 8:9 says, “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.”

Paul reminds us who we are: We are not who we used to be.
We are not just forgiven sinners—we are Spirit-filled believers with the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).

That means we:

• Speak life when others speak defeat

• Walk in peace when others are panicking

• Choose forgiveness when the world says to hold a grudge

• Trust God when the flesh says to worry

A Spirit-filled mindset brings heaven into every earthly situation.

Closing Thoughts: A Mind Transformed by the Spirit

This week, I want to challenge you:
What have you been setting your mind on?
Are you thinking like someone still bound by the past? Or are you thinking like someone who has been ReMade by the Spirit of God?

To live in the nature of the new man, we must think with the mind of the new man. That’s how we move from surviving to thriving, from striving to abiding, and from chaos to peace.

Let’s be people who don’t just carry the name of Christ—but who reflect His mindset, His peace, and His power in every area of our lives.

Stay awake. Stay transformed.
You’ve been ReMade—think like it.

With grace and expectation,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Christian Center
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"

From Adam to Christ: A New Identity

This Sunday, we began our newest series, ReMade: The Nature of the New Man, and what a powerful truth we uncovered in Week 1—From Adam to Christ: A New Identity.

So many people live their lives defined by their past, their failures, or the brokenness of this world. But when we come to Christ, we are no longer who we used to be. We are reborn, redefined, and remade—not just improved versions of ourselves, but new creations with a brand-new nature.

Our key text this week came from 1 Corinthians 15:45–49 (NKJV):
“And so it is written, ‘The first man Adam became a living being.’ The last Adam became a life-giving spirit… And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.”

1. The First Adam: The Image of the Fallen Man

When Adam fell in the Garden of Eden, sin entered the world—and with it came shame, separation, and spiritual death. We were all born into that nature:

• A nature that seeks self before God.

• A nature that is bound by sin and destined for death.

• A nature that reflects the image of dust, not glory.

Romans 5:12 tells us, “Through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.”

But thank God—that’s not the end of the story!

2. The Last Adam: The Image of the Redeemed Man

Jesus is called the last Adam because He came to reverse everything the first Adam lost. Where Adam disobeyed, Jesus obeyed. Where Adam brought death, Jesus brought life. Where Adam introduced sin, Jesus introduced righteousness.

Through the cross and resurrection, Christ did more than forgive our sins—He gave us a new nature. We are no longer simply "descendants of Adam" in the Spirit—we are born again into the family of God.

2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

In Christ, we don’t just receive a fresh start—we receive a new identity. We now bear the image of the heavenly Man.

3. A New Identity Means a New Way of Living

When you understand your identity in Christ, everything changes. You no longer walk in shame, fear, or condemnation—you walk in freedom, authority, and righteousness.

Your new nature includes:

• A new mind – Renewed by the truth of God’s Word (Romans 12:2)

• A new heart – That desires God and His will (Ezekiel 36:26)

• A new spirit – Empowered to live holy and boldly (Galatians 5:16)

You are not the same person you used to be. You are no longer defined by Adam’s fall—you are defined by Christ’s victory.

4. Living ReMade

So how do we live out this new identity?

• By faith – You must believe who God says you are, even when you don’t feel it.

• By the Spirit – The Holy Spirit empowers you to walk in your new nature daily.

• By the Word – God's Word anchors you in truth when the enemy tries to drag you back to who you were.

You were not saved to stay the same. You were saved to be ReMade—to reflect Christ in everything you say, do, and become.

Closing Thoughts: You Are No Longer Adam’s—You Are Christ’s

This week, I challenge you to reflect on this truth:
Who am I in Christ?

You are not a mistake. You are not a mess. You are not what the world labels you.
You are redeemed, restored, and remade in the image of the Heavenly Man.

Let this truth awaken your heart and reshape your identity. No matter what your past has looked like, the blood of Jesus has rewritten your story. You are not who you were. You are who God says you are.

Welcome to the journey of living ReMade.

In His grace,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Christian Center
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"

The Road to the Cross

The Road to the Cross – Week 1
“Setting Our Hearts Toward Calvary”

As we enter this powerful new series, The Road to the Cross, we begin a spiritual journey that leads us to the most pivotal moment in human history—the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This road is not just a story from the past; it’s a path we must walk in our hearts to fully grasp the depth of God's love and the power of His redemption.

Each week, we’ll reflect on the steps Jesus took, the sacrifice He made, and what it all means for us today. In this first week, we focus on what it means to set our hearts toward Calvary—to recognize the weight of sin, the beauty of grace, and the journey Jesus willingly embraced for our salvation.

1. A Willing Savior

Luke 9:51 says, “As the time approached for Him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.”

Jesus knew what awaited Him in Jerusalem—betrayal, suffering, and the cross. Yet He walked that road with resolve and purpose. Why? Because of His deep love for you and me.

The road to the cross wasn’t paved with ease; it was marked by obedience. Jesus willingly chose the cross so we could experience the fullness of life, forgiveness, and freedom. In this first step of our series, we are reminded that our Savior didn’t stumble into sacrifice—He chose it.

2. Preparing Our Hearts

Just as Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, we too must set our hearts on Him in this season. This week, I encourage you to take time to reflect:

• Am I living with the same sense of purpose and obedience?

• Have I allowed the distractions of life to pull me away from the path God has called me to?

• What areas of my life need to be surrendered as I walk this road with Jesus?

This journey isn’t about going through the motions of tradition. It’s about drawing near to the One who gave everything for us. It’s about preparing our hearts to receive all that the cross represents—love, sacrifice, grace, and victory.

3. The Cross Was Always the Plan

The cross was not an accident. It was the plan of God from the beginning—to redeem a broken world and restore relationship with His creation. Isaiah 53:5 prophetically reminds us:
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”

As we walk the road to the cross, let us never forget that every step Jesus took was for us—to carry our sin, to bear our shame, and to secure our healing.

4. A Call to Follow

Jesus said in Luke 9:23, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

The road to the cross is not only Jesus’ journey—it’s our calling too. We are invited to walk in His footsteps, to deny ourselves, and to live lives of sacrificial love. That doesn’t mean we’ll be nailed to a physical cross, but it does mean choosing God’s will over our own, walking in humility, and living for something greater than ourselves.

Closing Thoughts: The Journey Has Begun

This week marks the beginning of a sacred and meaningful journey. As we walk this road together, let’s slow down, reflect deeply, and open our hearts to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Let this be a season of renewed focus, surrendered hearts, and passionate pursuit of the One who walked the road of suffering so we could walk in grace.

Let’s journey with intention, love, and reverence—remembering that the cross was never meant to be the end, but the beginning of a new life for all who believe.

In His love,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Christian Center
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"

Awake Part 4: Living in the Power of Redemption

From the Pastor’s Desk: Awake Part 4 – Living in the Power of Redemption

As we continue our Awake series, we come to one of the most powerful and life-changing truths in our faith—redemption. Too many believers live as if they are still bound by their past mistakes, weighed down by shame, or stuck in cycles of guilt. But when Jesus went to the cross, He didn’t just forgive our sins—He redeemed us, restoring us to our rightful place as children of God.

Redemption is more than just being saved from sin. It is about living in the fullness of what Christ has done, walking in victory, and embracing the power of new life. Today, I want to challenge you to not just know that you are redeemed but to live in the power of that redemption every day.

1. Redemption is Our New Identity

Many Christians struggle with the weight of their past. They may say, "I know Jesus forgives me, but I still feel unworthy." This is the enemy’s tactic—to keep you sin-conscious instead of Christ-conscious.

Ephesians 1:7 declares, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”

Redemption means you are no longer defined by:

• Your past failures

• Your old habits

• Your former identity

Instead, you are:

• A new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

• Clothed in righteousness (Isaiah 61:10)

• A child of God (Romans 8:15-16)

When you wake up each day, remind yourself: "I am redeemed, I am restored, I am made new!" Don’t live as a slave to the past when Christ has set you free.

2. Redemption Breaks Every Chain

One of the greatest lies of the enemy is that we are still bound—that we can never change, never overcome, and never fully walk in freedom. But redemption is total freedom.

Galatians 3:13 says, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us.”

That means:

• Sin no longer has power over you. You are no longer a slave to addiction, fear, or shame.

• Your past mistakes do not define your future. God’s redemption rewrites your story.

• Satan has no legal claim over your life. The blood of Jesus has already paid the price.

Are you still living as if you are in bondage? It’s time to wake up and walk in the freedom Jesus has already given you.

3. Living as the Redeemed Means Walking in Authority

Redemption doesn’t just bring personal freedom—it gives us authority as children of God. Too often, believers live as if they are powerless, waiting for God to move when He has already given them authority to walk in victory.

Luke 10:19 says, “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

Living in the power of redemption means:

• Declaring victory over the enemy instead of living in fear.

• Speaking life over your circumstances instead of accepting defeat.

• Praying bold prayers and believing for miracles.

Your redemption is not just about escaping hell—it is about walking in power today!

4. Redemption Calls Us to Live with Purpose

When God redeems us, He doesn’t just restore us—He releases us into purpose. Your testimony, your transformation, your new life is not just for you; it is meant to impact others.

2 Corinthians 5:18 says, “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.”

Living in redemption means:

• Sharing your story—what God has done in your life can bring hope to others.

• Serving with love—God has called you to be His hands and feet in the world.

• Living in joy and gratitude—when we truly understand our redemption, we live differently.

You are not redeemed to sit on the sidelines—you are redeemed to be a light in this world!

5. A Daily Decision to Walk in Redemption

Redemption is not just a one-time event—it is something we choose to walk in daily. The enemy will try to remind you of your past, but you must remind him of your redemption.

How do we walk in the power of redemption every day?

1. Stay in the Word – Let Scripture renew your mind and remind you of who you are.

2. Declare your identity – Speak life over yourself: “I am redeemed, I am free, I am victorious!”

3. Reject condemnation – When the enemy whispers lies, respond with truth: “There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

4. Live in gratitude – Thank God daily for His grace and love.

When we choose to live in redemption, we stop surviving and start thriving.

Closing Thoughts: Awake to the Power of Your Redemption

Beloved, it’s time to wake up to the full power of your redemption! You are no longer bound, no longer defeated, no longer a slave to sin or shame. You are redeemed, restored, and empowered by the blood of Jesus!

This week, I challenge you to:

• Live as a child of God, not a slave to the past.

• Declare your victory over every lie of the enemy.

• Walk in confidence, knowing you have been set free!

Let’s rise up as the redeemed people of God and walk in the fullness of everything Jesus has paid for. This is our reality. This is our calling. This is redemption!

In His grace,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Christian Center
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"

Awake Part 3

As we continue our Awake series, we are stepping deeper into what it means to live fully in our identity in Christ. Last week, we focused on shifting from a sin-conscious mindset to a Christ-conscious one—seeing ourselves through the lens of grace, righteousness, and victory. Now, as we move forward, we must ask: How do we live out this truth in our daily lives? The answer lies in walking in boldness and confidence as children of God.

1. Boldness Comes from Knowing Who You Are in Christ

Many believers struggle with insecurity, fear, and hesitation—not because they lack faith, but because they don’t fully understand their position in Christ. When we grasp our true identity, we can walk in boldness, knowing that we are not just sinners saved by grace but sons and daughters of the Most High God.

Proverbs 28:1 says, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.”

The enemy wants to keep you timid and uncertain, constantly questioning whether you are good enough, strong enough, or worthy enough. But here’s the truth: Your boldness is not based on your ability—it’s based on Christ in you. When we fully embrace that truth, fear loses its grip, and confidence begins to rise.

2. Confidence Comes from Trusting God’s Promises

One of the greatest barriers to boldness is doubt—doubt in ourselves, doubt in God’s calling, and sometimes even doubt in His love for us. But Hebrews 10:35-36 reminds us:

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.”

Walking in confidence means standing firm in what God has spoken, even when circumstances seem uncertain. It means believing that:

• You are chosen (1 Peter 2:9).

• You are equipped (2 Timothy 3:17).

• You are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37).

• God’s plans for you are good (Jeremiah 29:11).

When you trust in who God is and what He has promised, confidence replaces hesitation. You step forward in faith, knowing that you are not alone—God has gone before you.

3. Boldness in Your Calling

Every believer has a divine calling. It may not always look like standing on a stage or leading a ministry, but God has given each of us a unique purpose to fulfill. Whether in your home, workplace, church, or community, God has positioned you to make an impact.

Ephesians 2:10 declares, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Many people never step into their calling because fear holds them back. They worry about failure, rejection, or inadequacy. But God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called.

Moses doubted his ability to speak.
Gideon doubted his strength.
Peter doubted his own loyalty.

Yet God used them mightily. And He wants to use you, too. The key is to step out in faith, trusting that His power is greater than your weaknesses.

4. Boldness in Prayer and Spiritual Authority

A believer who is awake to their authority in Christ will pray with boldness. Many Christians approach prayer timidly, unsure if God hears them or if they have the right to ask for big things. But Scripture tells us otherwise:

Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Jesus gave us authority to speak His Word, to pray with power, and to stand firm against the enemy. Luke 10:19 declares, “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

When you understand who you are in Christ, your prayers shift from weak requests to bold declarations. You begin to pray with faith, authority, and expectation, knowing that heaven moves when you speak in alignment with God’s Word.

5. Boldness to Overcome Fear

Fear is one of the biggest tactics the enemy uses to keep believers from walking in their God-given authority. But 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Walking in boldness doesn’t mean you will never feel fear—it means you won’t be controlled by it. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s choosing to move forward in faith despite the fear.

When fear tries to whisper, “What if you fail?” remind yourself: “God is with me.”
When doubt says, “You’re not good enough,” declare: “I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.”
When the enemy says, “You can’t do this,” stand on Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Boldness is a mindset. It is a choice to believe God’s truth over the enemy’s lies and to live fearlessly, knowing that God is on your side.

Closing Thoughts: Awake to Your Boldness and Confidence

You were not created to live a timid, hesitant life. You were made to walk in boldness, confidence, and authority as a child of God. This week, I challenge you to step into that boldness:

• Pray with confidence, knowing that God hears you.

• Walk in faith, knowing that you are called and equipped.

• Speak God’s Word boldly, resisting fear and doubt.

• Move forward in your calling, trusting that God has gone before you.

When we awaken to the power of Christ within us, we stop shrinking back and start stepping forward in confidence. The world needs bold, Spirit-filled believers who know who they are in Christ and aren’t afraid to walk in it.

Are you ready to wake up and walk in boldness? God is calling you higher. It’s time to rise up and live fearlessly in the power of His Spirit!

In His strength,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Christian Center
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"

Walking in Confidence and Victory

Walking in Christ-Consciousness

As we continue our Awake series, we’re diving deeper into what it means to walk in Christ-consciousness over sin-consciousness. Last week, we explored how many believers remain trapped in a mindset of guilt, shame, and self-condemnation, constantly aware of their failures rather than the finished work of Jesus. But God calls us to live with a renewed mind—one that is centered on Christ and the righteousness He has given us.

Romans 8:1 reminds us: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

Yet so many still struggle to truly embrace this freedom. Why? Because our mindset matters. If we live focused on our shortcomings, we’ll always feel unworthy. But if we live focused on Christ, we’ll walk in the power of His grace.

1. Christ-Consciousness Begins with Identity

Many believers know about salvation but don’t fully walk in the identity Christ has given them. They still define themselves by their past, their mistakes, or even their daily struggles. But 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

If we are new creations, why do we live as though we are still bound? Because we haven’t fully awakened to who we are in Christ.

To walk in Christ-consciousness, we must:

• See ourselves as God sees us—redeemed, righteous, and set apart.

• Stop identifying with sin and failure—your past does not define you.

• Renew our minds daily with God’s truth (Romans 12:2).

2. Shifting from Performance to Grace

A sin-conscious mindset keeps us trapped in a cycle of striving, feeling as if we need to "earn" God’s love and approval. But Christ-consciousness leads us to rest in what Jesus has already done.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

This means:

• You don’t have to prove yourself to be worthy of God’s love.

• Your failures don’t separate you from God—grace restores you.

• You serve, pray, and obey out of love, not obligation.

The more we understand grace, the more we walk in freedom.

3. Living Awake in Righteousness

Romans 5:17 says, “For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”

Notice that righteousness is a gift—not something we achieve, but something we receive. When we are awake to our righteousness in Christ, we live differently:

• We walk in boldness, not fear.

• We approach God with confidence, not shame.

• We resist sin, not out of duty, but because we understand our new nature.

When we are Christ-conscious, we no longer feel unworthy to come before God. Instead, we live from a place of victory, authority, and sonship.

4. Awake to the Power of the Spirit

Being Christ-conscious also means living in the power of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:16 tells us, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

The more we are aware of Christ in us, the more we:

• Are led by the Spirit in our decisions.

• Experience victory over sin and temptation.

• Walk in the supernatural power of God’s presence.

The key to overcoming sin isn’t trying harder—it’s surrendering more. As we abide in Christ, His Spirit transforms us.

Closing Thoughts: Awake and Walk in Freedom

Many believers are saved, but they’re not truly awake to the reality of who they are in Christ. They still live with a sin-conscious mindset—striving, struggling, and feeling unworthy. But Jesus didn’t just come to forgive sin—He came to make us new creations, full of His righteousness and power.

This week, I encourage you to ask yourself:

• Am I living aware of my righteousness in Christ?

• Do I focus more on my failures or on Jesus’ finished work?

• Am I walking in the freedom and boldness of my identity in Christ?

When we truly embrace Christ-consciousness, we walk in the fullness of His love, grace, and power. We stop striving and start reigning. We stop condemning ourselves and start living in the joy of our salvation.

Let’s wake up to who we really are—sons and daughters of God, empowered by grace, alive in righteousness, and victorious in Christ!

In His grace,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Church
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"