New Life In Christ

Weekly Digest Inspirational Articles

New Life In Christ - Bliss & Fire Network Weekly Digest - Success Scripture July 14, 2009

Posted: Jul 14, 07:28 AM | Author:

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17.

EXPLORATION

Being born again is an inward experience that manifests itself in what the individual does physically on the outside which shows that a definite change has taken place in his life.

The Bible says: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17. What shows that a person is born again is not the fact that he prays, reads the bible, preaches the gospel or goes to church, though these things are good, it is the quality of his day to day living.

The Bible says: "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." - Matthew 7:20.

INSPIRATION

Here are six main areas of a person's life which reveal whether he is still having the nature of sin or the holiness of a converted soul:

1. THE WAY HE TALKS

The Bible says: "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain." - James 1:26

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." - Ephesians 4:29

(Ephesians 5:3-4, Matthew 12:36)

"For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:" -1 Peter 3:10

2. HOW HE RELATES TO OTHER PEOPLE

God expects us to follow peace with all men. (Hebrews 12:14) The Bible says: "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." - Romans 12:17-21 (Luke 6:30-38)

3. DESIRES OF HIS HEART

The Bible says: "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:" - Proverbs 23:7a

"A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things." - Matthew 12:35

And Paul says: "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." - Colossians 3:2

"...whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." - Philippians 4:8 (Mark 7:21-23, Hebrews 9:14

"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." - Matthew 5:6

4. THE WAY HE OR SHE DRESSES

Our mode of dressing speaks a lot of the condition of our mind. Glorify God with your body.

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;" - 1 Timothy 2:9-10

"The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God." - Deuteronomy 22:5 (1 Peter 3:1-6, Isaiah 3:6-24, Exodus 20:26)

5. HIS REACTION TO ADVERSE CONDITIONS

Jesus said "blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." - Matthew 5:10-12 (2 Timothy 3:12, John 16:2, 2 Timothy 1:7, Phil. 4:6)

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." - James 1:12

THE COMPANY HE KEEPS

As the saying goes: "Show me your friend and I will tell you who you are"

A friend to a thief is most likely to be a thief because birds of the same feather flock together. The Bible says: "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." - 1 Corinthians 15:33 (2 Corinthians 6:17)

"If so be that ye have heard him and have been taught by him, as the truth is Jesus, that ye put off concerning the former conversation - the OLD MAN which is corrupt according to deceitful lusts. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind and that ye put on the NEW MAN which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." Ephesians 4:21-24.

Here is a sketchy contrast between the old man and the new man that will help you assess your spiritual condition:

THE CHARACTER OF THE OLD MAN

He is wicked and hates others
He bears grudge and does not forgive
He is easily provoked
He is always worried and anxious.
He rejoices when others fail or in trouble
He despises others even elders and those in authority.
He is proud, puffed up and stubborn
He is covetous, greedy and selfish
He is full of fear and suspicion
He loves worldly people and pleasure
Does not regard God or God's work
He forbids the fellowship of Christians
He is full of lusts and corrupt imagination
He is an inventor of evil things etc.

THE CHARACTER OF THE NEW MAN

He is kind and loves others
Forgives when offended by others
Cannot be provoked because he is dead to sin.
He is patient and trusts in God
Generous & desires the good of others
He honors elders and those in authority
He is humble, gentle and meek
Contented and willing to share
Has no fear of man but the fear of God
He shuns sin, worldly pleasure but desires holiness
He loves God's word, his work & people
Loves the fellowship of the brethren
He is pure at heart and spiritually minded
He follows peace with all men

This week: beloved, by comparing our characters with the above listed characteristics we determine which way to go to get closer to GOD. We pray and repent of our old ways and ask God to lead us in HIS way by accepting Jesus and totally surrendering to HIS Holy Spirit. God wants to establish you, bless you, and increase in your life. But we all have to let go it "SELF" that we might gain HIM (Jesus Christ). Amen!

Remember: the Bible says: "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" - 2 Corinthians 13:5

We love you!

We are praying for you,

It's our JOY to see you blessed!

Bliss & Fire Network Team.

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