Christ’s righteousness, inheritance, and life are all graciously made ours. This gives our souls reason not only to rest but to rejoice!
October 25, 2026
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Welcome to our weekly roundup of articles, podcasts, videos, and links curated by pastors, for pastors—to equip and encourage you in your ministry. You don’t have to shepherd alone. Let’s go.
WORD OF THE WEEK

On Union with Christ

Written by Jim Thomas, pastor of The Village Chapel in Nashville, Tennessee, and host of the Timeless Truth podcast.

At the heart of Christian faith lies the glorious doctrine of union with Christ—the believer’s spiritual oneness with the risen Lord. It’s a radiant and beautiful mystery, and when grasped, even in part, it can transform how we relate to God, delight in him, and rejoice to serve him. Paul referred to this wonder when he spoke of “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27) and declared, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). John concurred: “By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit” (1 John 4:13). Our union with Christ isn’t merely a metaphor; it’s a gospel reality that breathes vitality into our faith, joy into our sanctification, and passion into our worship.

In union with Christ, we aren’t merely associated with Christ but intimately conjoined with him by the Spirit. Christ is in us, and we are in him. Christ is with us wherever we go and through whatever we must endure. We’re united with Christ in his mission, his death, his resurrection, and even his ascended life (Rom. 6:5; 1 Cor. 6:17; Eph. 2:6). The doctrine of union with Christ reminds us that God is nearer than we imagine. He abides in us, and we in him (John 15:4). This means we have deeper fellowship with God the Father, and we’re welcome as his beloved sons and daughters. His righteousness, inheritance, and life are all graciously made ours. This gives our souls reason to rest.

Union with Christ also resets the understanding of our personal identity. It’s the new foundation for our values and purpose. We’re no longer defined by our sin, suffering, or performance but rather by Christ’s love for us and his victory over all that seeks to derail our confidence in him. As Dane Ortlund writes, “The glory of Christian redemption is that it is in union with Jesus that we are given back our true selves. We finally begin becoming who we were truly created to be.”

Finally, union with Christ opens up to us a fountain of irrepressible joy. To be in Christ is to be caught up into his delight in the Father and the Father’s delight in him. For this reason, union with Christ isn’t only the foundation of our salvation; it’s the fountain of our delight!

Rejoice today that you are in him!

—Jim
Union with Christ Fills Our Deepest Longings

Resource Roundup

The Apostle Paul’s Principles for Digital Discipleship

Digital tools now make it possible to continue meaningful spiritual relationships while we build new local connections. The challenge, writes Joe Carter, is learning how to use these tools effectively for discipleship.

Unashamed Courage in the Gospel (2 Tim. 1:1–12)

In this keynote message from TGC’s 2009 National Conference, John Piper unpacks 2 Timothy 1:1–12 with a powerful call to “fan into flame” the gift of God.
How I Saw Esau in 3 Dimensions

Andrew Spencer reviews Alex Duke’s new “guided tour” of Genesis, a book that helps make sense of the difficult storylines in one of the most important books of the Bible.

Around the Web

Here are links to other great resources worth your time:

  • Jonny Atkinson argues that pastors, like all Christians, require ongoing spiritual growth and care—and offers practical ways churches can support their pastors’ discipleship through multiple leadership structures, peer connections, and creating space for pastoral vulnerability.

  • J. D. Greear uses the story of Joshua’s army marching around Jericho to address the frustration pastors feel when faithful obedience doesn’t produce visible results.

  • Ryan Nelson addresses the alarming rates of depression, hypertension, and burnout among pastors, offering five practical strategies to create sustainable ministry patterns.

Find more resources for pastors at tgc.org/pastors.
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