Gtcotr/ws010709
Life is more than a one step process however, one step is essential … the first step!
Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (NKJV)
For just a moment imagine with me how marvelous it is to witness the birth of a new baby. This new creature is born into a world quite different from all they have previously known. And, although they are basically equipped to handle this new world, it will take some time, growth and maturity before they can manage life all on their own.
This is the picture God paints for us when He describes the miracle of salvation. Becoming a Believer and accepting Jesus of Nazareth as the Son of God, Messiah, Lord and Savior is likened in the scriptures to being Born Again.
In the third chapter, the Gospel of John records how Jesus told Nicodemus that in order to see the Kingdom of God, he must be born again. Jesus went on to clarify that this new birth is not of a natural means but rather a person is born of the Spirit … a Spiritual New Birth, if you will.
The Bible goes on to confirm in very definite terms that once a person is Born Again by the Spirit of God, they become a New Creature in Christ and enter into a brand new life. Just like a baby born into this natural world, each new spiritual baby is equipped to handle their new world only it will take some time, growth and maturity before they can manage it on their own.
Nonetheless, each Believer is a New Creation in a new world with new benefits, new rules, new dangers and new opportunities. Imagine how important it is for each newborn to be under the constant nurture and care of someone who already knows what this new life is all about.
Life is more than a one step process however, one step is essential to all life … that first step … the new birth.
Once a person is Born Again it is necessary to the continued health, well-being and development of each individual that they grow.
Psychologists and Sociologists have long considered just how people come to be who and how they are. Those who have studied in these fields will recognize that the question centers around two thoughts: Innate verses Tabula Rasa.
Innate refers to those things which are resident within a person at birth that act on that person throughout life to make them think a certain way, hold a certain perspective or act and react to life’s stimulations. Basically, is a person’s character and confidence pre-determined by the life qualities and finite schematics which were genetically inscribed before birth? Or, are we each born with a blank slate, (Tabula Rasa), upon which the experiences of life write the fortune and fate of our character and considerations?
Well, as you can imagine, it is a little of both. The Born Again experience is much the same. At the New Birth, the Word of God which has already been written in our heart and mind by the Spirit is brought to life. Our spiritual genetics come into play as we are no longer simply mortal man searching for answers and hiding from God. Rather we are Children of the Most High Creator of the Universe, sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father.
Each person possesses a New Birth nature, different from the old nature of our natural existence. However, the new realities of this God-like nature will be mixed with new life experiences, then tested, tried and proven, as we grow and mature into Spiritual Adulthood. In order to continue learning and growing on a healthy course, we must receive the nurture and admonitions of those God has given to guide, guard and protect us.
It should be no surprise that God desires all of His children to grow up happy, healthy and able to handle spiritual life.
This growth is a process of transformation experiences. Little by little, brick by brick, block by block a house or a life is built. It takes time and effort to build a life or a house strong enough to withstand the elements of this world. How can we begin building, keep building and know we are building our life the way God wants? How can we grow up to please Him? How can we become more like Daddy?
Psalms 68:6 God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.
First, we are all Born Again into a family. Family is a necessity for developing a healthy spiritual life! The Church is God’s family in the earth and we each have been given a home in which to grow up.
Much of the growth and maturing of a Believer is accomplished through the simple processes of life as we interact with our family.
Next, each Believer has a personal responsibility to take advantage of their individual opportunities to grow and become more like their Heavenly Father. This is done on purpose as we submit and commit ourselves to God’s lesson plans for life. These lesson plans are found in His Word.
Romans 12 NKJV
1 ¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
This coming year you will have many opportunities to grow spiritually.
One such opportunity begins next Wednesday evening as we embark on a Spiritual Fitness Course which is entitled, Ten Weeks To A New You.
Each week for ten weeks we are going to challenge ourselves to become more like Christ by taking a close look at life through the scriptures. These ten Wednesdays will be fun and exciting times together as we get the chance to take inventory and change key elements of our life which will no doubt lead us to greater maturity and success in our spiritual life.
So let me encourage you to set this time aside and get your new year off to a great start. You can become spiritually fit and spiritually stronger than you ever imagined. I promise, this will work for you if you will only work it. Join our spiritual fitness class and begin 10 weeks to a new you.
See you here!
