More about life as children-teens in the church included disagreements and threats to hit each other. We won’t talk about what the fellows did when they left, then returned to choir rehearsal. Time continued to pass and many including me were still babes in Christ. Some drifted away returning later. Now others’ experiences may have been different with the church or no church. But we thank our Father for Jesus. Many could have been like the criminal that hung on the cross next to Jesus. Luke 23:41-43 “And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this Man hath done nothing amiss (wrong). And he said unto Jesus, LORD, remember me when thou come into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise. Paradise is a place of blessing where the righteous go after death. The word paradise is usually used as a synonym for “heaven” (Revelation 2:7).
The penalty for mankind’s sin before the finished work of Jesus on the cross which was death. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our LORD.” Therefore the sinless Lamb, Son of God and Messiah fully paid the penalty of sin and death for you, I and all of mankind. Then the Resurrected Jesus’ victory over the grave. His absolute sovereignty and the power of God Himself for the resurrected believer’s “NEW LIFE EXPERIENCE.”
According to Romans 10:9-10, 13 it starts with a public profession of faith in Christ then baptism, discipleship through church membership, witnessing, prayer and Bible study. Yet public confession maybe delayed for reasons. Confession-profession does not save but, needs to be acknowledge. Just saying what the Bible says. Adding a clarification to ensure believers understand Whom they are giving their heart to. Now the other requisites like discipleship and Bible study seems like a lot. Many times discipleship classes are held during regular church services. Speak to designated persons if bible study or prayer conflicts with work or family matters. Then often times overwhelming emotions and conditions makes it difficult to participate. Remember God knows your hearts.
Question: How does one grow and/or maintain their “NEW LIFE EXPERIENCE?” Offering Key Power Scriptures that supports yours’ and my NEW LIFE EXPERIENCE.
Romans 6:6-23 highlighting verses 6-8. “Knowing this, that our old man (sinful ways) is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth (from now on) we should not serve sin (a choice). For he/she that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ (His death on the cross for our sins), we believe that we shall also live with him (Christ’s power over death-the grave powerless-risen from the dead-Now seated on the Right Hand of God.)
What does Christ do for us daily? Romans 8:34 “Who is he that condemns? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Intercession is the act of Jesus intervenes daily for all believers young to old in Him through prayer to The Father for our needs, protections, divine interventions, continue grace, mercy, forgiveness, blessings and more. The LORD’S expression of His love and compassion for you and me.
What about the power of Christ’s Holy Spirit that lives in us? Upon accepting Christ as our Savior, His Holy Spirit takes up residence-lives in us. Romans 8:9 “But ye are not in the flesh (we are no longer bound to sin), but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. First John 4:13 “Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us. O my God “Much power we have.”
Galatians 5:16 “This I say then, Walk (live) in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. So what is the Spirit of Christ that we should “Walk” in?
Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the-Christ’s Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Christ will help us with our walks of love, joy, peace, patience including all of His good fruitful “Spirit.” We develop more over a period time, some sooner due to God’s grace, mercy, talents-gifts and ministry. A good time to reiterate the importance of church discipleship, Bible study and prayer.
Ephesians 1:3-4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Regardless of past mistakes or poor decisions, you and I are destined and chosen by the LORD, Himself.
Finally let’s talk about grace and mercy. Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace [Jesus], that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Mercy is revealed in the actions that God takes to relieve yours’ and my sufferings, demonstrations of His faithfulness and steadfast love for us. His mercy is also part of Christ’s Spirit of compassion, lovingkindness and love lives in every believer. What is God’s grace? Grace is an essential part of God’s character. Grace is closely related to God’s benevolence (good will), love, and mercy. Grace can be defined as “God’s favor toward the unworthy” or “God’s benevolence on the undeserving.” In His grace, God is willing to forgive us and bless us abundantly, in spite of the fact that we don’t deserve to be treated so well or dealt with so generously. Mercy and grace are unmerited favor from the LORD (GotQuestions.com).
“Keeping it real” most times when we get in our “Feelings” known as the flesh we experience more downs than ups which may relate to family, friends, neighbors, job, church and/or including other life situations. Psalm 34:19 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivers him/her out of them all. So welcome to planet, Earth.
Again recognizing the Father-the Son-the Holy Spirit gives us blessings and assurances of NEW LIFE EXPERIENCE through the death, burial, resurrection, ascension (return to Heaven) and the daily intercession (prayers) to the Father in every believer’s behalf. Finally for every believer in Christ from the youngest babe in Christ to the most season we are encouraged to continue putting to work the power of Christ’s Holy Spirit that dwells in our hearts. Therefore we have the power of the “Spirit” - help from the LORD to love more like Jesus even when don’t feel like it; to have some joy in the midst of sorrow; to have some peace even though the country is in turmoil; patience when feel tired of waiting; kindness when not treated well by others; goodness means righteousness and moral values in action. It’s not what we say, but what we do; faithfulness-LORD we’re not tried yet; gentleness is humility and thankfulness toward God. Nobody like You, LORD. Thankful for the daily and all Your blessings that flows; and self-control LORD. Help me to be slow to anger as well as put a watch over my tongue. Lastly we are most humbly thankful for Your unmerited grace, mercy and favor-NEW LIFE EXPERIENCE through Christ. As always continue blessings, love and peace! Neatbooks4u
