Abiding in the Lord Jesus - Being a Christian Part 3 - The Journey of Faith Continues

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As I look back over the years and wonder about my growth in faith, there is so much to think about. One starts to wonder when the true conversion was. However, lately in the last couple of years, I have been thinking that rather than questioning conversion, it may be more appropriate to consider it sanctification. 

I know my heart is turned towards God, in faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Messiah. That I know. We Christians are guilty of saying that if someone is truly born again, they wouldn't behave in such a way, yet we are guilty of thinking such evil thoughts, and our tongues can be very sharp. Who is the guilty one? We are all so guilty. However, Jesus has saved us from the penalty of sin that corrupts.

The Word tells us that friendship with the world is enmity with God, and not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. I think living such a life is the only way to stay true to the king, and to do that we need the help of the Holy Spirit.

To live a renewed life and have a renewed mind, we must be in the Word of God, the Bible, daily. It is the only way. I genuinely don't think it is possible to live a life the way God wants us to without it. (There may be extreme exceptions.) Reading the Word keeps us close to God. Reading the Bible out loud is powerful, and we know It has the power to change lives, and that of our own. 

Reading the Bible helps us to remember His story, which is where we get the word history. It's historical, it's poetic, it's prophetic, it's current, it's inerrant, and it's alive. 

It helps us to understand Jesus. We are going through a season at the moment where we are reading only the words in red. It's a lovely thing to do. Jesus was very clear, there is only one way to the Father, through abiding in Jesus himself. What do you think he meant? I believe it means to live and breathe His words, love God with all your heart, mind and strength - having no other Gods before Him, and to love others as yourself. Saying it isn't enough though, and I'm saying that to myself as I say it to you. And I am against performance, I am for truth. There is a biblical way to live out our lives for Jesus, from a pure and sincere heart, with a genuine love for others, at the cost of our own desires. Yes, we need God's help, and He does help us. 

The power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, leading us through sanctification, is the greatest blessing on earth because if we are indeed being sanctified, we are being saved. We may endure the greatest traumas and sufferings, and yet it is the greatest privilege a person can know. I am not going to say any of this is easy, but I will tell you some things get easier, and God can give joy for things, like reading His word. He can give you joy to be with His people, going to church. He can give you joy to learn more about Him and make friends with His children. 

In fact, I don't think there is anything on this earth more important to be, and to know, is that you can be a loved child of the Most High God; I don't think there is a greater joy than knowing this.

Leave everything else behind, turn away from the godless life, or godless parts of your life, and follow Jesus.



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