Thursday, March 20, 2014

Experiencing New Life in Christ

Christianity is about experiencing anew life with Christ, thus, Christians must live with a pressing
priority to ensure that all aspects of our lives will be drawn from a right Christian status and then everything else follows rightfully. 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 clearly describes what it means to be a Christian: For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Here’s what we need to apply daily: our new life in Christ is an ongoing, daily process of examination, decision and confirmation of our relationship with Jesus, as Lord and Saviour.

First, a new life that is devoted to Christ is a life fully devoted to Christ by reciprocating His love for us. Thus, let us not say one thing and act another way by living according to the world’s standard, thus making our profession of faith worthless. Next, a new life that is experiencing renewal will act upon new set of godly principles, by new rules, with new ends, and in new company of people. Consequently, the life is created anew; the heart is not merely set right, but a new heart is given him. Overall, a Christian is the new workmanship of God, created in Christ Jesus to do God’s purposes. (Ephesians 2:10)

Somebody said, “A new day signifies a new beginning; don't sit there and let that opportunity pass you by. Accept each new day and make it better than yesterday. Because yesterday doesn't matter as much as today does. Focus on the day ahead and make it a day to remember not a day to regret.” What does the world needs to see in every Christian believer of Christ?  We need to exhibit three specific things: a) changed character and conduct towards our view of God; b) changed character and conduct towards our view of others; and c) changed character and conduct towards our view of ourselves. Billy Graham, a renowned evangelist explains it simply, Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion - it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.”  Here’s an interesting comparison that Ian L. Wilson shared in this story that clearly described about the new life in Christ: London businessman Lindsay Clegg told the story of a warehouse property he was selling. The building had been empty for months and needed repairs. Vandals had damaged the doors, smashed the windows, and strewn trash around the interior. As he showed a prospective buyer the property, Clegg took pains to say that he would replace the broken windows, bring in a crew to correct any structural damage, and clean out the garbage. "Forget about the repairs," the buyer said. "When I buy this place, I'm going to build something completely different. I don't want the building; I want the site."

After all is said and done, compared with the renovation God has in mind, our efforts to improve our own lives are as trivial as sweeping a warehouse slated for the wrecking ball. When we become God's, the old life is over (2 Cor. 5:17, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.). He makes all things new. All he wants is the site and the permission to build. The only question that remains is this: Would we allow God to have His way in our lives to do a rebuilding and not just a renovation? If we can do it ourselves, we will not need Him but because we need Him, it is very important to make an immediate decision that will change our life forever. It is definitely in our hands to do so and I encourage you to make it happen. Jesus made a decision to come for our sake, and in the same way, we need to make our decision to come to Him as well. Try it and you will never be the same again.


Let’s talk again!