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.

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SIGNIFICANT IMPACT OF THE CHURCH

Matthew 16:18b “…and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” NIV

What makes any congregation impenetrable against the attack of its enemy within and without? I believe that it is by holding on to the promise that we will not be overcome by it. However, we must secure our grounds at all times and guard what has been entrusted to us with extra care and vigilance. In order to do this, the church must contend with sin that continuously assault God’s people through worldly attractions and distractions. Then it is followed by the constant barrage of temptation by Satan with his cunning strategy of stirring up the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. The main reason is this: to cause God’s people to fall away from their faith. It is a two-prong attack to weaken and demolish the believer’s faith.

Thus, turning the tide against Satan’s attack is through strengthening and maintaining a disciplined Christian life that includes a regular bible study, habitual prayer with fasting, fellowship with accountability amongst God’s people, and firm obedience to God’s Word. When these things are closely monitored and adhered to, significant impact is guaranteed in the spiritual realm. But if these things are disregarded, the results will be shipwrecked faith, carnal and worldly lifestyle manifesting inside the church. When this occurs, God’s people and His ministry are totally affected. Thus, significant impact of the church must begin in the spiritual realm first and foremost in pushing Satan’s wiles and plans in order to achieve the intended impact.

In view of this, let me encourage you that although many of our brethren are falling away in our midst; know that there are more believers that are holding on securely in keeping their faith life intact with utmost care and fear of God. There might be stumbling blocks along our way but let us choose to view them as stepping stones instead.  And having this kind of perspective will produce significant impact that we desire.  Therefore, let the church arise and take its place of victory over all the works of the enemy today, tomorrow and until Jesus comes. May we remain faithful until He comes!

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Standing at the Crossroads of Life

Nobody wants to be found standing in any crossroads. It is a place that many seem to detest. Why? Basically, crossroads represents choices that many are difficult to do in any situation. Most of the time, if not all the time, they would rather have someone choose for them or if they can help it, avoid making at all. However, it is not the case. One way or another, we will find ourselves standing in it in seeking the greater things ahead. William James, an American philosopher said, “When you have to make a choice and don't make it, that is in itself a choice.” In addition, we must never forget that Jesus also stood at this crossroad of decision twice and made the right decision twice for our sake (Matthew 4:1-11, when tempted by Satan during His forty days fasting and Matthew 26:36-45, at the Garden of Gethsemane).

In my personal observation, one thing is certain, i.e., crossroads of life can produce the best decision anybody can make especially when God-factor is involved. Unfortunately, there are also decisions that cause many disastrous consequences. No one can ever predict what will happen next except to make it anyway. But one thing is clearly illustrated by the apostle Paul that will make the difference is by choosing to stand on the supernatural perspective when we make any decision, in this spiritual truth I can truly attest: “Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:12,14 ESV)

It is worthwhile to note that the greater things can also be relative based on the person involved: a piece of bread to a hungry child is a greater thing; a family reunited after many years of separation is a greater thing; a fiesta to some family is another greater thing; and there are other settings that can be considered great things also. Most importantly, to a genuine believer of Jesus that stands on the supernatural perspective, these are some of the things that can be considered greater things: to become a recipient of salvation through Jesus’ sacrifice at the cross of Calvary; a direct beneficiary of God’s forgiveness; and a witness of God’s miraculous healing.

Interestingly, this is a year that can be considered a crossroad for all of us to receive the greater things we all desire. The nagging question for many can be this: how can we be guaranteed to receive the greater things in 2014? Allow me to provide you with some principles to align ourselves properly to make the right choices and to become a recipient of the greater things of 2014: First, attain to discern carefully the right choices and to have an expectant heart for the greater things to come even at the worst of times. Romans 8:28 gave us an idea of how God operates in this matter: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Simply put, don’t prejudged things based on personal assessment until God says so. Secondly, go past beyond the circumstance that causes delays and look ahead to what’s more important, i.e., what God is up to with the situation at hand. Lastly, prepare to become a ready vessel for the greater things that are coming as 2 Timothy 2:21 stated, “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”

I believe that the words of Eleanor Roosevelt rings very true in regards to this matter: “One's philosophy is not best expressed in words. It is expressed in the choices one makes. In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.”

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What’s Ahead for 2014…

The past year was filled with many varied circumstances that may or may not be expected again in 2014. However, one thing is clear, what God has started in our lives will never be affected no matter what the situation. The Scripture is clear that new things from God comes every morning, as stated in Lamentation 3:22 “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Thus keep in mind that God’s new things are daily not annually and this is what makes our Christian life exciting, as years come and go.

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With God on our side, we can be assured that our journey will be filled with guaranteed success and overwhelming victory. But the key to attaining this status is to be consistently observing with God’s view on the horizon. I believe that He intends to release many answers to His promises that we all hold onto. Never let go of this thought even when things around us are rough and tough. Keep moving ahead towards the greater things of God.

I firmly believe that 2014 bears many important milestones for every God’s people, including JRAM churches and congregations, that are on the verge of fulfillment. The apostle James provided specific instructions, as to how to live our life with this confidence: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:5-8).

What should we do to ensure that 2014 would be fortified to become an exciting year? Then, let’s take heed to what the book of Proverbs says: “Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble” (Proverbs 16:3-4). Decide to do this as the first act and priority of every believer in Christ. Most importantly, God honors those that honor Him. Therefore, let us aim to honor God in 2014 and He will honor all our work, labor, and everything that concerns us. I’m excited, are you?! that concerns us. I’m excited, are you?

Finding Satisfaction

Dr. Hans Selye researched and popularized a tiny membrane in the back of our head known as the RAS: Reticular Activating System. Your RAS has a primary function: it moves you in the direction of your dominant thought at that moment. We naturally act on what fills our minds. When we become preoccupied with a thought, eventually we want to act on it. This is what many are trying to do in their lifetime…find satisfaction. You will notice that people are leaning towards this direction. When they change job, buy clothes, new cars and many others…the main idea of it all is to satisfy what is missing and what they do not have. Especially when one compares what they have and what others have, that’s when the spirit of dissatisfaction begins to manifest strongly. The urges within become a nagging feeling that needs to be satisfied. However, to others it became the dominant thought and course of action. Thus, all energy and attention are fully utilized in obtaining the desires and its wants both positively and negatively.

Former CBS anchor, Dan Rather, found himself unprepared for a television interview with Mother Teresa. Ron Mehl described the encounter this way: "All of Dan's standard approaches were inadequate. And the little nun from Calcutta didn't seem inclined to make his task easier. "When you pray," asked Dan, "what do you say to God?" "I don't say anything," she replied. "I listen." Dan tried another tack. "Well, okay...when God speaks to you, then, what does He say?" "He doesn't say anything. He listens." Dan looked bewildered. For an instant, he didn't know what to say. "And if you don't understand that," Mother Teresa added, "I can't explain it to you."

You may find yourself bewildered like Dan Rather with that kind of response. It might seem odd yet Mother Theresa found her satisfaction in the area of praying this way. It is not about the words you say or how many words you’ve said but the fact that there is a feeling of satisfaction in what you do. You see, to find satisfaction in life, stop looking at others and begin to see what God has given you at the moment. Never measure what you are and what you have with others. That’s where we miss the whole point of life and living. It is not about competing with your neighbor or anyone else for that neither matters in making them the measurement of what you need to attain. Here’s the botomline: God did not make us to compete with others but to find satisfaction only from Him.

The apostle Paul gave us a very important lesson on this subject. Read carefully what he has written to the church in Philippi as stated in Philippians 4:11-13, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (NIV) Being content and satisfied must be learned. It must be acquired by discipline and focused. In Paul’s case, it is through Jesus that gave him strength to be content in whatsoever circumstances whether good or bad. The situation at hand does not dictate the satisfaction and contentment but the knowledge that one needs to be content regardless of the situation is vital.

Moreover, consider what he has taught his disciple Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:6-10, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (NIV)

This is an important principle to be contemplated daily and should remind us of our mortality. Remember that life is too short to be spent in pursuing the things that we cannot achieve in this lifetime though how hard we may try. Look around you and see how much we have already…family, friends, shelter, food, employment, clothing, money (though not plenty!) and many others. Jesus gave a stern warning in Luke 12:15, ‘Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."’ (NIV)

How true! What we have is not our life but they are part of our life. Therefore, begin to evaluate your life’s satisfaction. Where is it now? Have you found it or still looking for it? Try Jesus as Paul did. You might find it only in Him and through Him.

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