Saturday, August 6, 2011

Are You or Aren't You?

 With the world spinning around as fast as it does, it makes me wonder, "How long do we have?". No one but God can answer that question correctly so we should simply do what Jesus asked us to do, keep spreading the "Good News". The good news is the Gospel of Christ, that thru faith in Him we can be forgiven of our sins, and have eternal life. And that eternal life begins the moment we accept Christ into our hearts.
 At that same moment we are "born from above" or born again and receive the Holy Spirit into our hearts. It is this moment, act, gift from God that determines where we will spend eternity. Jesus told us that unless we are born from above we will not inherit the Kingdom of God. That's quite a statement!! Without this rebirth we cannot, will not, be part of the Kingdom of God. So it is the basis of being a Christian, being born again, that determines our future.
 I meet and know many people who say they are Christian, but are they born again? We are told not to judge others so I have to look at their "fruit" to see if they are truly born again. Do they live a life of a born again Christian or do they still follow the world? So rather that just not know, I've decided to do the simple thing and just ask them.

Are you born again?

 It is a direct question and if they are born again it should not be offensive to them. They most likely will be pleased that I cared enough to ask. But if they are offended I can assume that they are not born again and need to lovingly show them the way to God's plan of salvation.
 Many people older than myself equate being "born again" with some sort of hippie movement from the 70's. And that's OK. It tells me at least they have heard of what Chuck Smith and Calvary Chapel were doing at that time, (and continue to do today) and are aware that it has something to do with Jesus. But to explain to them the true meaning of being born again can be a tough process. Many in that generation were baptised as baby's and have a false sense of salvation, And are quite insulted to be told that they are not saved. Jesus said that the truth IS offensive so at that point I know I am on the right track. But with patience and time and prayer I can plant a seed, water that seed or just take part in someone elses work and do my part to help in the harvest.

 So what about you, Are you Born Again?

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