Born Again?

[Elijah2]

It is said that a born-again Christian is a person who:

1. Has acknowledged their sinful nature.

2. Has acknowledged that our Lord Jesus Christ is the one-and-only in their life, and the only way to forgiveness of their sins and love.

3. Has personally professed that our Lord Jesus Christ is their Saviour, Lord, and Master.

4. Seeks to follow our Lord Jesus Christ in all ways of His teaching for their lives.

5. Has given Him total Lordship over their lives, and now live for Him only, and not for themself.

As look back on my own life, the many times that I have missed the boat, because of much false doctrine and beliefs that are flowing around the foyer of the Body of Christ.

We are NOT born-again Christians, or Christians just because we were born into a Christian family line.

We are NOT Christians just because we have been baptised.

We are NOT Christians because we are a member of a certain church or religion, and go to church on Sunday.

We are Christians because we are mature enough, to realise, and to understand what it is to be a Christian, and what it takes to be one. Christ-centredness is the answer.

We also need to realise that our Lord Jesus Christ loves us. Many may say so, but do they really believe it?

God's Love Is Revealed in the Bible: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV)

We need to understand and realise that God loves us; He wants to bless our lives, and to make it full and complete. He wants to give us a life, which will last forever, even after we experience physical death.

Yes, we are sinful: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23 NIV)

Many seem to make that good old remark, “I'm only human, and nobody is perfect.” Yes, I guess the Bible verse says basically the same thing that: we are all sinners; and we all do things that we know are wrong. And I guess that's why we feel estranged from God, because He is holy and good, and we are not. But, shouldn’t we strive to overcome our humanism, and strive to be more perfect than what we are?
We all know that sin has a penalty: “For the wages of sin is death.” (Rom. 6:23 NIV)

Just as criminals must pay the penalty for their crimes, sinners must pay the penalty for their sins. If we continue to sin, and make the same mistakes without really trying, then we will pay the penalty of spiritual death. We will not only die physically, but we will also be separated from our holy God, our Lord Jesus Christ, for all eternity. The Bible teaches that those who choose to remain separated from God, our Lord Jesus Christ, will spend eternity in a place called hell.

We should also remember that we do not lead others to fall to the same sin.

We know that our Lord Jesus Christ has paid our penalty: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8 NIV)

The Bible teaches us that our Lord Jesus Christ is the sinless Son of God and He has paid the penalty for all our sins. Many of us may think that we have to lead a good life, and do good deeds before our Almighty God will love us. But the Bible says that our Lord Jesus Christ loved us enough to die for us, even when we were rebelling against Him.

We know that Salvation is a free “Gift”: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Eph. 2:8-9 NIV)

The word “grace” means “undeserved favour”, and we need to realise that God is offering us something we could never provide for ourself, such as forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Yes, God's gift to us is free. We do not have to work for a gift, and all we have to do is joyfully receive it, believe with all our heart that our Lord Jesus Christ died for us.
Yes, we know that our Lord Jesus Christ is at our “Heart's Door”: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.” (Rev. 3:20 NIV)

Our Lord Jesus Christ wants to have a personal relationship with us. Can you picture it, our Lord Jesus Christ standing there at the door of your heart (the door of your emotions, intellect and will)? He is standing there right now; He is waiting for you to receive Him into your heart and life right now. Have you invited Him into your heart, please invite Him in.

We must receive Him: “Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12 NIV)

When we receive our Lord Jesus Christ into our heart we become a child of God, and have the privilege of talking to Him in prayer at any time about anything. The Christian life is a personal relationship with our Almighty God through our Lord Jesus Christ. And best of all, it is a relationship that will last for all eternity.

Have you really given your life to our Lord Jesus Christ?

 

[LittleRedRose]

I gave my life to Jesus Christ. I had a close and personal relationship with Him. But then during this time when I am depressed I only think about myself and how I must change and how I know that God can only change me... Do I need to give my life to Him again? Is my will strong enough to think about Him in all I do and 24/7 to know to please Him better then myself-to know His will?

 

[wonderwaleye]

Dear Elijah2


I would like to add to this post if I may.


You are NOT ANOINTED with the HOLY SPIRIT( BORN AGAIN, SAVED ) because some pastor or priest says you are.


You do NOT AUTOMATICLY receive the HOLY SPIRIT because of some Church ceremony.


You will not be ANOINTED until you fully UNDERSTAND your commitment.


When the HOLY SPIRIT descends upon you there will be NO mistaking IT. It is GOD'S special GIFT and It doesn't sneak in during your sleep so you are not aware of IT.


Many folks, especially young folks say and believe they are SAVED yet they fail to know what IT really means. This is a real concern as then they fail to do what MUST be done to be ANOINTED.


Folks need to realize that this GIFT is only given to those that have tasted life and are mature enough in their faith. GOD searches you heart and KNOWS when you are ready.


GOD HELP US TO REMEMBER:





X Even though you can't see him, GOD is there!!! O
( click on the x and drag to the O ) ( then see who is with you ) steven

 

[Elijah2]

I gave my life to Jesus Christ. I had a close and personal relationship with Him. But then during this time when I am depressed I only think about myself and how I must change and how I know that God can only change me... Do I need to give my life to Him again? Is my will strong enough to think about Him in all I do and 24/7 to know to please Him better then myself-to know His will?

Hi LRR,

Well at times I'm not sure. But, when that doubt creeps in mainly from old-age more than anything, I find it hard at times to keep myself going.

But, something inside of me pulls me back, knowing that I would NEVER go back to where I was before I knew HIM.

When, you can only think of HIM, our Lord Jesus Christ, and scramble back over those obstacles that the enemy puts in your path, then you know that you are still born again.

But, every so oftern I rededicate myself to HIM and HIS Kingdom by repeating the Prayer of Faith. Pray the following prayer:

My Confession of Faith and My Position in Christ
(to be prayed out aloud)

Heavenly Father, I come to You through our Lord Jesus Christ, and I acknowledge that You are the only one true and living God who exists as our Heavenly Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. I recognise that our Lord Christ Jesus as Your Precious Son, the Living God, and the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us.

My Lord Jesus Christ, you are worthy to receive glory, honour and power for You have created all things and in You, all things have their being.

Heavenly Father, You have proved Your love for me by sending your Son to die for me. When I accepted You, our Lord Jesus Christ, as my Saviour, I was saved by Your grace. This is Your gift from You to me, and not the result of any “good works” on my part.

I acknowledge that all my sins are forgiven through our Lord Jesus Christ. All charges that were against me were nailed to the Cross and have been cancelled; therefore, our enemy, Satan, has nothing with which to accuse me of.

You redeemed me from the kingdom of darkness, translating me to Your Kingdom. I am now made right with You, Heavenly Father, through Your Precious Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who I can do all things.

When I was saved, your Holy Spirit came to live within me, and I am now conformed to the image of Your Precious Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

My Lord Jesus Christ, You came to: heal the broken-hearted; set the captives free who were bound by sin, psychic or occultic or witchcraft powers.

I declare that it is God's truths that will set me free, and You have all authority in heaven and on earth. You have conquered and disarmed all evil principalities and powers. You made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the Cross.

Now I am seated with You in heavenly places. In You I have authority over Satan and all his demons. I stand strong in You, my Lord Jesus Christ, and I resist Satan and all his evil schemes. I am covered and protected by Your precious Blood. Your spiritual weapons are mighty to tear down all strongholds of the enemy in my life.

I bind and rebuke all evil spirits and powers of darkness that would seek to interfere in my life and those around me, in Jesus’ Name.

I renounce all counterfeit gifts and works of Satan in my life, in Jesus’ Name.

I take my position in our Lord Jesus Christ and declare that You are my God, my Lord of Lords, my King of Kings, my Saviour, and my Master.

I look only to You as my deliverer and healer. You know all my special needs and concerns. I claim Your word which says, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” I call upon You now, Lord Jesus Christ, to set me free, in Jesus name.

My Lord Jesus Christ, You are my armour.

You are my salvation.

You are my hope (1 Thess 5:8).

You are my righteousness.

You are my peace.

You are my truth.

You are the source of my faith, because Your Word keeps me faithful and steadfast.

You are my very life, and I stand this day in total protection from every attack of the enemy.

In You I am strong, I am more than a conqueror and an overcomer.

Satan, you have no legal right to touch my life because I am redeemed by the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:7), and sin is not the master of my life (Rom. 6:14).

I am free from sin (Rom. 6:7).

Sickness and infirmities leave my body now, for by the stripes of our Lord Jesus Christ I am healed (1 Pet. 2:24). (AMEN)

 

[Elijah2]

Hi WW, nice addition to those thoughts. Bless you mate.

 

[JacobsDream]

Thread closed for review.

 

[JacobsDream]

Thread moved and reopened with redirect link in Christian Advice.

 

[plmarquette]

Fellowship ... avoid " capitol letters ... yelling at folks "
...for it is written , soft words , turn away anger

Evidence ... James chapter 2 , not denominations , not names , not events ... what are you personnaly doing with the Gift that God has placed within you ?

James says that your faith , should birth a work or works , outside of the church house ... James says if you have no work , your faith is invalid , like the pharisees ... see Matthew 10.38-42 ^ 25.32-42 works of giving and alms ...

 

[Romanseight2005]

Dear Elijah2


I would like to add to this post if I may.


You are NOT ANOINTED with the HOLY SPIRIT( BORN AGAIN, SAVED ) because some pastor or priest says you are.


You do NOT AUTOMATICLY receive the HOLY SPIRIT because of some Church ceremony.


You will not be ANOINTED until you fully UNDERSTAND your commitment.


When the HOLY SPIRIT descends upon you there will be NO mistaking IT. It is GOD'S special GIFT and It doesn't sneak in during your sleep so you are not aware of IT.


Many folks, especially young folks say and believe they are SAVED yet they fail to know what IT really means. This is a real concern as then they fail to do what MUST be done to be ANOINTED.


Folks need to realize that this GIFT is only given to those that have tasted life and are mature enough in their faith. GOD searches you heart and KNOWS when you are ready.


GOD HELP US TO REMEMBER:





X Even though you can't see him, GOD is there!!! O
( click on the x and drag to the O ) ( then see who is with you ) steven

Understanding only comes from the Holy Spirit.

Acts 10:34-11:1
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all
37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

KJV

These people couldn't have been mature in the Lord.

 

[holo]

There's only one way to be born again, and that's by... well, being born again. It's not something you do. You don't become your father's son by acknowledging him as this or given him "lordship" over that or seek to follow him here or there. You're born again because God killed the old you and made a new and better man.