“Alive in Christ” Pt 2:
After the universe, earth, animals, and fish were created, God created the human race. The Bible says that we are created in God’s own image. God patterned humans after himself; male and female he created them” (Gen. 1:25-26). Being created in the image of God I believe includes a physical body complete with a mind, emotions and will.
At birth, we were also given the privilege of choosing the path we wanted to follow in life. We can love and follow God or follow false gods and the desires of our own ways. Eternity awaits each decision. Accepting Christ as Savior assures us of Heaven, rejecting him results in eternal damnation. But we do have a choice.
Many have said, I’ve tried to follow God and his commands, but it’s too difficult. People make resolutions, promises, turn over new leaf’s’, and read self-help books. The truth is, your best efforts aren’t good enough, because you can’t live a Christian life by yourself. Following Jesus is more than keeping the commandments, praying, reading your Bible, attending church, paying your tithe, and being a good person.
The story of the Rich young ruler must be important because it’s told in Matthew 19, Mark 10, and Luke 18. He had wealth, was a moral leader who asks Jesus how to gain eternal life. Although he was doing right things, he could not follow Jesus’s command to sell his possessions and give to the poor. Let’s be clear – there’s nothing wrong with having possessions – UNLESS – possessions have you! Which was the case with this young man.
In John 3 we read of another very good, moral individual who had earned respect from most everyone. He was a scholar and teacher of the Law. His name was Nicodemus and he actually believed in God. In a private meeting Jesus told this “Good” man, “Unless you be born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God” (v 3 NLT).
What does it mean to be “Born again?” Some folks “think” they are a Christian but worry that they are not. Maybe you’re wondering, “How can I know for sure I’m going to Heaven?” Watch for tomorrow’s devotional.
Pastor Carnes
