Born Again: Renovation Or New Construction?

Jesus said, "No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" (Jn 03:03). A born again disciple is one that has literally given new life. He or she manages to start again, forgiveness of sins. We become new creatures, old things are passed, the newcomer (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Holy Spirit, the Paraclete promised (comforter, in Greek), who now resides in all of us who are disciples of Christ. We are home. Yes, God ... He who made heaven and earth ... decide to live through those who claim that Jesus is Lord, He can advance His Kingdom through them. Yes, we become their home, but for the Kingdom, not for our own benefit.

WARNING:

Many are under the false impression that, as a disciple of our relationship with God, just makes us "better" people. A kind of "we're in-the-club-and-you-not" syndrome often sets in. WRONG! We are not better people ... We are people NEW! (It was said that some people are more pleasant nature that Christians are, by grace.) We are called "believers". This means that we must believe what Scripture says. I believe that Jesus told us to go more disciples, Matthew 28:18-20. Yes, we are now in God's family, but for a particular purpose.

How can that be? Remember, we are spiritual beings with earthly experience. These bodies will die and our spirit will live forever ... somewhere. Heaven or hell, is our choice. God himself wants to co-work with us to bring others into his kingdom of life. In order that they meet in real life. Often, when someone proudly claims to be a Christian, can not help but wonder if they are alive. Real Life. Jesus said: "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life ...," (Jn 14.6). The question is then, "I have one thing that Jesus?" Let?

Unfortunately, many Christians do not have the impression that we think are better than them. This "holier than thou" perception led them to describe the children of God, as a critic, hypocritical and boring, among other things.

Christ's word is what brings the desired effects in our lives. Too many of us are all aware that, frankly, because our salvation should experience, not only we have not changed one iota, but many of us have done worse things since we have been "saved" we did before! How can it be? Who are we kidding? Many workers altar to the great evangelical crusades can attest to the many re-curring "hello" card received by those who respond to the "altar call." Organizations that maintain a good performance can check the number of "recommitment" to come to the altar of the Year after year, whether to be "saved" (apparently hoping it really "sticks" this time) or because they know in their heart that there is nothing to changed after experiencing what they thought was a life-changing moment one last time.

The problem is at the root. The typical idea of ​​salvation is a sin that you are forgiven, a full guarantee of a palace in heaven sweet, by 'N. Unfortunately, this was not what Jesus taught at all.

Jesus focused on the here 'n now, and how we should live our lives in this new and living way that he introduced. He even modeled for us, set the standard. He taught us to 1) repent and believe the gospel of the kingdom of God, 2) deprive us, 3) take up our cross every day 4) give up everything, and 5) over 30 times mentioned some form of the phrase, "follow me". It is obvious that we make disciples, we must learn that this is to follow the example of Jesus Christ, makes his works and submit to the kingdom of God. Crowds have a warped sense of forgiveness without lifestyle changes ... and call it "grace" ... when in reality he is a disciple to repudiate and praised God.

You can not claim the citizenship of the kingdom of God and the world remains friendly system. If you're trying to do, but claim to be saved, we are betrayed. Satan loves it when we feel secure our salvation, without having to forsake sin and carnality. He loves it even more when we are exacerbated by Lie in the comments pulpits, in Sunday schools, seminaries, and Christian media. We are teaching Infernal eternal security or safety?

Over the years, I have personally prayed with hundreds of people to receive Christ ... Roman Road, Four Spiritual Laws, ABC of salvation, professions of faith. Then one day, I stopped. Today I'm more inclined to "eliminate" that think they want to become a Christian, having to go home and consult with your pillow, counting the cost, and call me when loans. He asked: "What happens if you die on the way home? Should at least pray the prayer of a sinner after all, Romans 10:9-10 says," confess with your mouth "...."

Frankly, God knows their hearts. Not saying the sound. Laryngitis is the person, or in silence, forbidden to go to heaven because they pray a prayer repeated? Human doctrines and traditions of shots. Another sacred cow bites the dust.

For example, I asked a group to which I had been teaching Scripture in the workplace, if everyone saw it as a Christian. All but one, a young Hispanic woman, claimed to be Christian. The next day, while walking to the elevator, the same woman, out of the elevator, grabbed my arm, I turned and said: "Michael, I want to be saved!" Two years later, still in my student e-mail and telephone. People, when the fruit is ready for harvest is almost in our hands. You do not need persuading.

It was the foundation of your mind ready for school? Yes, but she was inspired to attend to studies by the presence of Christians who had observed in the workplace. The next night, Sunday, I met her at work and she followed me in his car to a meeting at his house, where he was affectionately welcomedinto the fold of Christian discipleship others. In particular, the pious women. Incidentally, a few days after this experience, she was in a terrible car accident that almost cost him his life. She almost lost her arm was broken badly. She was well prepared, though. Satan was not happy. The last thing he remembers before the accident? She was talking to his passenger God.

Why not organize a crusade and tell the masses what Jesus told his disciples potential? Imagine hearing the following message on the PA system in a stadium:. "Six times, he warned that the world will hate you Your family and friends will turn against you, he did not come to bring peace but a sword that would have divided the family .. You will suffer persecution. You can die. Now go home and think about giving your life and everything is expensive for you to follow this person called Jesus Christ. "I wonder how would the next night for a crusade?

"And anyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many first shall be last and the last first" ( Matthew 19:29-30).

Generally, we try to attract people to join this institution we call "church" is based on promises of peace, joy, love, unity and prosperity. Try to sell the land for a Sudanese minister whose acid was poured on his hands in front of his congregation, by Muslim soldiers.

Or the people of Pakistan, whose members were physically mutilated by Christian radical Muslims.

Or a Chinese evangelist, who never sleeps more than a couple of nights in the same bed for fear became, even members of the family, and informers penetrating his parish, even if the Americans "buy" the Chinese propaganda that there is religious freedom there.

The common method for western disciple is training new converts to sit down, carrying a Bible, take notes, say "Amen" is indoctrinated with the doctrines of human non-biblical, learn new rituals, the chain of command and be "good" routine ... even the "professional." Man, are we missing the boat!

No, nothing will change a person that the word of God. These are not "bolted" tips to live. They are not warm, fuzzy spiritual "thoughts for the day." Christ's words are the basis ... the only thing our new life can be built. And maintained. Use them. Filter all other courses you've ever heard ... or are about to hear ... Thanks to her words! Even the lessons that come from within the pages of Scripture itself

". Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house upon the rock, the rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against the house yet did not fall, because it was based on the rock "(Matthew 7:24-25)

It is not reasonable to be a Christian (which means, literally, anointed, Junior Jesus), they need to follow the teachings of Christ? For those who wish to live in this new, as new creations, asked (perhaps still does not),

"Why do you say to me: 'Lord, Lord' and not do what I say?"

"If you abide in My word, you are truly my disciples ...," (Jn 8:31,32; 15:07)

"Whoever loves his life loses it and whoever hates his life in this world, to preserve it for eternal life" (Jn 12.25).