What if the most powerful appearing of Christ happens not around us — but within?

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“Now to appear in the presence of God for us…” — Hebrews 9:24

This week at The Gathering, Chris Berglund unpacked a profound reality — one that changes how we understand the Gospel, how we pray, and how we live.

In Hebrews 9, the writer uses the same English word — appear — three times. But in the Greek, each is distinct. Each one reveals a layer of Christ’s redemptive work, and each one is not external, but internal.

Verse 24:
Christ now appears in the presence of God on our behalf. But that Greek word doesn’t mean “for” in the way we think. It means in behalf of — as in, He didn’t go alone. He brought us with Him. The Head brought the Body. He presented us as one — in union.
This is the answer to the prayer of Jesus recorded in John 17:24:

“Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, may be with Me where I am…”

Verse 26:
Christ appeared to put away sin. Not in spectacle, but by crucifying the old man and forming something new inside of us. This is the inward appearing of grace — the moment when what was once dead becomes alive in us.

Verse 28:
He appears as our salvation. The phrase “second time” isn’t even in the original Greek — it was added in English. This isn’t about a distant event. It’s about a present reality. Christ in us. Wholeness. Healing. Transformation.

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From the Outside Inward

Chris pointed to something we rarely think about: Paul never once mentions his road to Damascus encounter in any of his letters.

Instead, he talks about something deeper:

• Being crucified with Christ (Galatians 2)
• Being raised with Christ (Ephesians 2)
• Being seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2)
• Becoming the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6)

All internal. All transformational. Not one mention of the blinding light — because Paul understood the Gospel happens on the inside.

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Why It Matters Now

We live in a culture chasing experiences. Face-to-face encounters, angelic visitations, outward fire. And while we believe in signs and wonders — the truest sign is the one that happens in the hidden place.

As Chris said, “Peter’s shadow healed, not because he was projecting something mystical — but because what was happening inside of him was spilling outward.”

When we tend to the interior life, we begin to carry a radiance that cannot be manufactured.

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So the call this week is simple:

Return to the inward life.
Re-center in union.
Let the appearing of Christ happen again — in you.

“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” — Colossians 1:27

With every step into this mystery, we are learning to live from the inside out—anchored in union, transformed by Presence, and released as carriers of His life.

Let the inward appearing of Christ shape your days, your prayers, and your posture. He’s not far off. He’s closer than your breath.

We’re honored to walk this journey with you.

With joy and grace,
Leah Ramirez & Chris Berglund
The Gathering & Company 318

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Reflection Questions

Take a few moments to sit with the Lord, journal, or discuss with a friend or group:

• Where have I been seeking God outwardly but missing His presence within me?
• What would it look like to become more aware of Christ in me — daily, moment by moment?
• Which of the three “appearings” in Hebrews 9 speaks to where I’m at right now?

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Join Us in Colorado Springs

If you’re in the area and looking for a church home rooted in presence, communion, and the finished work of Christ — we’d love to meet you.

The Gathering meets weekly for worship, the Word, and joyful connection.
📍 Colorado Springs Christian School – Chapel
4845 Mallow Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
🕙 Sundays at 10:00 AM
🌐 Visit our website →

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