2 Corinthians 5:17 - Conversion is...
2 Corinthians 5:17 - Conversion is...
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the
new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
People who put their faith in Christ are brand-new people
inwardly. The Holy Spirit gives them new life; they are no longer the
same. We are not reformed, rehabilitated, or reeducated - we are
re-created, living in vital union with Christ (Colossians 2:6-7). At
conversion, we don't merely turn over a new leaf. We begin a new life in a
relationship with Christ. [One Year NLT SB mod]
When you put your trust in Christ to save you, he made you a
new creation. You look the same on the outside, but on the inside--in
your heart--you have been transformed. You may say, "I don't feel that
much different. In fact, I don't even act that much different." You
may wonder if maybe this new faith "didn't take" somehow, or if you
missed out on something.
You didn't miss anything. Just as a person grows
physically--growth that is imperceptible from day to day--so it is with spiritual
growth. You are just now beginning the spiritual growth process. It's
going to take some time and you may not see big changes on a daily
basis. But over the course of time, you'll begin to see those
transformations in your life. Through Bible reading and prayer, you will
discover some changes God wants you to make or areas of service to which
he is calling you. As you respond to him, you will get to know him
better. And you will grow as a result. The desire to respond to God--to
sense his leading and obey him--is part of the fruit of salvation. [The
One Year Bible for New Believers]
How great is a life in Christ! Our old life has passed away
and a new life has begun. We're free of regrets, so we can move
forward from the past into a new future that God has waiting for us. We
need to reframe our thoughts around this idea of our new identity in
Christ, that we are new people.
Do you experience yourself as a new person, or do old habits
cling to you? Let the past go. Your new life has begun. In 1
Thessalonians 1:4, God says you are his chosen one, dearly loved. Do you live
like a chosen and dearly loved person? Does that fill your mind so
that it affects your emotions and choices? If not, meditate on 1
Thessalonians 1:4. Let it sink into your mind right now. You are a new person.
You belong to Christ; he chose you and dearly loves you. [The Daniel
Plan 365-Day Devotional]
ILLUSTRATION
Every once in a while God gives us the chance to witness a
miracle! Recently, a leader in Celebrate Recovery shared this miracle
with me:
"A year ago a man walked into my office, broken, at his wit's
end, with a heart full of despair. He was angry and trying to cope
with a host of substances and other unhealthy habits that were
destroying his mind and hardening his heart. He was ready to abandon his
wife and family. Last night I saw this man again at a Celebrate
Recovery graduation service.
Now, eleven months sober, he is a completely different man.
"With tears in his eyes, he accepted his 12-Step chip and
then expressed his love for his wife who was sitting close by. I was
humbled as I heard him talk about the restoration that had come to his
marriage and how his kids are rejoicing and talking about God. He then
quoted the following Bible passage, changing you to I: 'If I do what is
right, will not I be accepted? But if I do not do what is right, sin is
crouching at my door; it desires to have me, but I must master it.' "
The man I met a year ago is no more. In his place, a new
leader has been born. That's what I call a true miracle - the
transformation of a human life."
Dear God of miracles, I stand in awe of what you have done in
so many lives. My words cannot express your greatness. In Jesus'
name, Amen. [Celebrate Recovery Daily Devotional by John & Johnny
Baker re Gen. 4:7]
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
I am the risen One who shines upon you always. You worship a
living Deity, not some idolatrous, man-made image. Your relationship
with Me is meant to be vibrant and challenging, as I invade more and
more areas of your life. Do not fear change, for I am making you a
new creation, with old things passing away and new things
continually on the horizon. When you cling to old ways and sameness, you
resist My work within you. I want you to embrace all that I am doing in
your life, finding your security in Me alone.
It is easy to make an idol of routine, finding security
within the boundaries you build around your life. Although each day
contains twenty-four hours, every single one presents a unique set of
circumstances. Don't try to force-fit today into yesterday's mold. Instead, ask
Me to open your eyes, so you can find all I have prepared for you
in this precious day of Life. (Mat. 28:5-7; 2 Cor. 5:17) [Jesus
Calling by Sarah Young]
ONE LINER
Christianity elevates every human experience into a new
relationship, designated by the term "in Christ." [SDA Bible Commentary]
GREAT VIDEO CLIP - ONE OF THE BEST
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY:
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2008/20080901-1303.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2014/20140722-1824.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT:
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782
Musical Devotional On Christian Living:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcotY5K7T0c
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDY:
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Discover Bible Studies: http://studies.itiswritten.com/discover/
LINKS FOR PROPHECY SEMINARS:
The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug Batchelor:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK
Revelation Today by Pastor John Bradshaw:
https://revelationtoday.com/other-streams/
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
