Stepping Stones: Born Again: Vibrant Growth or Stunted?

Transformational Thought

Several little babies have come into our life that past year, and while females and proud parents gush about how pretty, perfect, innocent, and sweet these newborns are, I really don’t get all the fuss about their “goodness.” You see, Scripture repeatedly tells us that we are born with a sinful nature, inherently unholy, and lost.

To experience deep and lasting love and life, we must face the truth about this standing before God. It is this sin problem that keeps us from life…life as intended for us by God. 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 from that core sin nature.

But thankfully, God provided a wonderful solution. We 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 Hallelujah! You have eternal victory over the sin nature that resides in all of us. But it gets 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 with ongoing sinning even though we are a new creation. The reason is because we didn’t get a brain transplant when we were born again. Our baggage weighs on us.

Satan is not going down without a fight. He will deceive us into thinking we aren’t really victorious over our sinful ways, and will try to tempt, trap, attack and even have us doubt our eternal security. Regardless of Satan’s attempts, we have the power and resources to be victorious in this life, but we have to trust and use these spiritual resources, the Armor of God, God has given us to defend against Satan and skillfully counterattack.

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, the birthday that counts. 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 merits. 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 spiritual 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 say - 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