Empowered by God
You’ve been permanently purified and empowered by God himself. The message of Jesus to the religious person is straightforward: it’s not about what you do, but what He does. He has taken up residence within you, and in time, you can confidently declare with Paul, “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
Learning to Walk
Why do you stumble so often after your spiritual rebirth? Did you expect to walk perfectly from the start? When you were born, did you emerge from the womb with the ability to walk? Of course not. You stumbled and fell as you learned to take your first steps. Should we expect anything different from our spiritual journey? Yet, when we stumble, we often question our salvation.
A New Power Within
But God has done something remarkable. He has deposited a Christ-like seed within you, which will grow and transform you. Sin may still be present in your life, but it no longer has power over you. Temptation will come, but it will not master you. This brings incredible hope! Within you lies a budding power, waiting to be trusted.
A Heart Transplant
Imagine having a heart condition that restricts your activities. Then, one day, you receive a heart transplant. After recovery, you’re faced with the same flight of stairs you once avoided. By habit, you might head for the elevator, but then you remember – you have a new heart! Within you dwells a new power. Do you live like the old person or the new? You have a choice to make.
Trusting the New Power
Choosing to rely on your old habits doesn’t negate the presence of your new heart. It simply means you haven’t learned to trust your new power. It takes time, but eventually, you must try those stairs. You must experiment with the new you. If you don’t, you’ll run out of steam.
Free from Religious Rule Keeping
Religious rule keeping can be exhausting. There’s always another class to attend, another Sabbath to obey, another Ramadan to observe. But Christ gifts you with a finished work. He fulfilled the law for you. Say goodbye to the burden of religion and hello to peace. You climb the stairs not by your strength, but His.
God’s Promise
God pledges to help those who stop trying to help themselves. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). God will change you from the inside out. Trust Him!
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