Stepping Stones: Born Again: Stunted or Growing?

Transformational Thought

If you really want to experience love and life…then you must face the truth about your standing before God. Scripture repeatedly tells us that we are born with a sinful nature. It is this sin problem that keeps us from life…life as intended for us by God. Whether as an individual…or as a couple…unresolved sin will block even our most focused efforts at living. This is because the undeniable outcomes of sin are losing the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit and then becoming enslaved to our very worst impulses.

But thankfully, we have a wonderful alternative. You can reach out today in faith to truly begin living. Reach out today to receive your free gift of new life. Here are the words Jesus used to communicate this good news; “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16)

If you have taken this step already, then you have victory over the sin nature that resides in all of us. It is a little complicated because there are 2 types of victory. The First Victory is the eternal victory over the separation from God, death, and eternal damnation. We will be with God forever. We call this being saved or Born Again. The Second Victory is the victory over the daily impulses, fleshly desires, and sinful ways of this earthly life. This is where Christians have trouble still sinning even though we are a new creation. We didn’t get a brain transplant when we were born again.

Satan, however, is not going down without a fight. He will deceive you into thinking you aren’t victorious over your sinful ways, and will try to tempt, trap, attack and even have you doubt your eternal security. You have the power and resources to be victorious in this life, but you have to trust and use these spiritual resources, the Armor of God.

Today, if you do not already know Jesus Christ in this intimate way, say the prayer below. For every human who invites Jesus into her or his heart…it is the moment when real life begins. If you have already accepted His death to pay the penalty for your sin, and committed your life to Christ, ask yourself what you’re being tricked into trusting instead of God and His promises. That is what keeps you from truly being victorious in this life on earth. WITHIN REACH will help you apply Jesus’ victory to your daily walk. Your decision, choose well.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I admit that I am a sinner and that I need You. Please forgive my sins. There is no way I can live right or have any hope for eternal life on my own. I have been trying to do it all alone and I am tired. I believe that Jesus is Your only Son and that You sent Him to die in my place and set me free from sin. Let my life begin at this very moment. Thank You, Father, for accepting Jesus’ death to pay for my sins. I pray in the name of my personal savior, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!

The Truth
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Romans 3:23

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1,2