Tag Archives: Spiritual

Daring Not to Conform to the World

28 Saturday May 2016

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“Truth or Dare?” is a game that many adolescents have played for centuries and continue to play today. Historically, this game is said to have its roots as early as the 1700’s during the era of ancient Greece. Since then, many children and even teens have participated in this game as a way to have fun with their peers.

The object of the game is for one person to ask another to tell an embarrassing truth, or to perform an embarrassing or dangerous dare. More so than not, when a dare is performed it can alter a person’s reputation due to embarrassment or it can prove to be risky in terms of doing something that could have consequences towards one’s health. (e.g. Jumping across a steep canyon)

To dare is to take a chance at ridicule from others because it is out of the norm. However, to conform to the consensus of the majority is to essentially lay down what one believes to be accepted by those going in the same direction. Just as in the game of Truth or Dare, a person is chided into doing something risky. However, the person who is asked, they understand that once they perform the act they are no longer operating in the status quo. Not to do the dare only suggests that they would rather remain in the crowd and settle for taking the easier pathway to avoid public scrutiny should the dare be performed.

The Apostle Paul encourages Christians against the very act of conforming to this world system. In Romans 12 verses 1-2 he says the following:

(NKJV) “I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

First, Paul broaches the subject of holiness in terms of being a living sacrifice unto God. What does it mean to be a living sacrifice? To be a living sacrifice, it means that a person has yielded their life and their lifestyle over to God through Jesus Christ. It is the crucifixion or death of one’s flesh or an end to the ways of sin. Paul makes it clear that a Christian should live in an acceptable way unto God.

We are living in a time that does not regard holiness or being a living sacrifice as a high priority. Rather, the way of the world is to live according to fleshly desires. As a result, anyone who attempts to deviate from what the world culture embraces is daring to be different but is also taking a risk for public ridicule.

The life of a Christian is one that is separated from the desires of this world and cleaves to the truth and holiness of God. Paul further encourages Christians not to be conformed to the world. This means, we who profess to be Christ-followers are not to agree with what the world dictates. The time that we are living in has made it so that there must be a clear stance for God’s truth. There is a clear line between God’s truth and Satan’s deception.

The question is, will you stand firm and be willing to go against the world culture? The destruction of the family unit through “gay marriage” and even the proposal of “gender identity” have become a part of the forefront of the assault on all that God calls Holy. This among other sins in our world have become commonplace, but yet Paul says in Romans 12 not to conform to the world.

The reason is because by conforming to the world you perpetuate the process of sowing to the flesh which reaps corruption according to Galatians 6:8. However, the gift of God is eternal life which means that you and I no longer have to reap corruption and spiritual death. Instead, Paul admonishes us to be renewed in our mind. This means we must have the mind of Jesus Christ and we must accept Him as Lord of our lives.

All around us, the world is continuing to erode both spiritually and socially. The culture has changed so drastically that sinfulness has created an unstable atmosphere that threatens the lives of all who want to live in peace. However, it is the peace of Jesus Christ that will provide safety for all who believe. Following the ways of the world is akin to jumping off of a cliff just because others are doing so.

Many are living in spiritual blindness because they are living without Christ. This is why Jesus said in John 18:12 that He is the light of the world. The world is already a dark place, but with Christ the illumination of one’s spiritual condition becomes apparent. It is at that moment that the recognition of a need for a savior is made evident. At the end of verse 2 in Romans 12, Paul finishes by stating that if you and I live with a renewed mind and do not conform to this world, that we will then prove the perfect and acceptable will of God.

It is not God’s will that you and I perish, but it is His will that we have everlasting life through Christ. The way that we do that is in a relationship with Jesus. We also accomplish this by being a living sacrifice on a daily basis. Holiness is a concept that is not addressed as much as it were in the past. The reason is because the attempt to merge Christianity and worldliness has taken root in the world around us.

However, God used the Apostle Paul and others in scripture to give us instructions for Holy living and obedience unto Jesus Christ. Without a standard then we as humans no longer have a measuring tool to discern what is right and wrong. It is dangerous when we as humans create our own standards that are outside of the will of God. In doing so, the erosion of the truth becomes an everyday occurrence which leads to deception. If one becomes deceived then Satan has a stronghold over the very life that God has given to us.

Will you dare to go against the world culture? Or will you follow the crowd toward destruction? Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again so that you and I would not have to pay the penalty for sin. If you don’t know Jesus, you have an opportunity to know Him today. Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and avoid conformity to this world system. The world is growing increasingly wicked day by day. You can avoid spiritual death by accepting the gift of God which is eternal life through Christ.

Behind the Scenes – Discerning What is Happening

15 Thursday Oct 2015

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ID-10066972Stage plays have been a form of entertainment for many years. Actors and actresses have and continue to provide pleasure to the masses throughout various genres of the entertainment business. Those of us who have ever watched a stage performance usually concentrated on what and who was set before us. We see the acting and even the scenery onstage, while at the same time what is behind the stage is hidden from the audience.

In order for each production to be successful, work must be done behind the scenes to ensure that what the audience sees is well worth the money and time spent. It is what occurs behind the scenes that creates a finished product in addition to tying together the act as a whole. The viewer is not concerned with what goes on behind the curtain, however, if one were to take a look it would be a discovery as to how the production was put into place.

We are living in a world in which there are so many things that are occurring daily. Just by turning on your local and even national news station you will see the state of the world that we live in. However, with all of the sociological shifts that are on display, there is also a great deal of activity that is occurring beneath the surface. What you and I see with our natural eyes is just what is set before us. However, there is a spiritual undercurrent to the various issues and activities that plague our global society.

In the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 2, the Apostle Paul is speaking to the church in Corinth. In this chapter, he gets into the subject of wisdom and spiritual discernment. In verses 1-5 of this passage, it is clear that the Apostle Paul is re-visiting the church of Corinth because he says in verse 1, “When I first came to you,”. Paul also says in these first few verses that when he came he did not come with elegant or persuasive speech, but rather he came with plain words.

The Apostle Paul wanted to impress the point that what he said did not come from human wisdom but rather through the revelation and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. In verses 6-7, Paul makes a reference to mature believers when he says that he speaks in wisdom, but not in worldly wisdom. The wisdom he refers to is that of godly wisdom which can only be discerned and grasped by spiritual connection to God.

Paul then makes a distinction between those who are operating by the Holy Spirit and those who are of the world when he says in verse 8: (NLT) “But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord.” The Apostle Paul is saying that those in authority during his time did not understand the things that are only discerned by the Spirit of God. If they had, then they wouldn’t have crucified Jesus Christ. Notice what Paul says in verses 10-12:

(NLT) “But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.”

The great thing about God is that He offers an opportunity for all of humanity to see the world and life through His Spirit. However, the only way that this is possible is if we have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Paul makes it clear that when you are of the world and operating out of the “world’s spirit” then you are not able to spiritually discern. The world’s spirit is essentially the rejection of God’s truth and God’s Spirit. Paul further explains this in verse 14:

(NLT) “But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.”

Those who are not spiritual or those who are not connected to God through Christ cannot receive the truth from God’s Spirit. Discernment or the ability to see what is truly occurring can only be achieved when you and I are in a relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Much of what we see in our world represents what is transpiring behind the scenes.

For example, much of the gun violence we have seen throughout this year in America isn’t just due to mental health issues as many have stated. While mental health may be an issue to a degree, the majority of the cases of violence are based on a spiritual underlining. Satan has used those who are open to his demonic forces to take innocent lives. In order for the issues in our world to be addressed, they must be spiritually discerned and they must be approached from the Biblical and spiritual perspective.

Many within our world are seeing things on the surface, but only through the Holy Spirit can we accurately discern what is truly happening. The tragedies that we see in our world are not just cases of random violence. Much of the issues in our world are entrenched and based in sin and rebellion against God. Politicians are in a quandary as to how to rectify spiritual issues. One cannot address what is spiritual unless they are following Jesus Christ and they are under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

Paul says in verse 15:

(NLT) “Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others.”

We who are truly in Christ and operating in the Holy Spirit’s power, we are able to see beyond what is on the surface. Just like an on-stage production there are mechanisms and activities that are happening behind the scenes. Such occurrences dictate what occurs on stage. In our world, many who are blinded by sin are unable to see what is truly happening.

The person who is worldly and in their sin cannot discern between right and wrong. They are not able to see the reasons our world is operating the way it is. Why is it that year after year, our world leaders are unable to come up with seemingly ‘common sense solutions’? Why is it that violence around the world is not addressed even with various changes in the law?

The answer to such questions is only spiritually discerned. The Holy Spirit reveals to those who are in Christ what is truly happening in our world. However, in order to receive the revelation, we must listen to God and also use His Word as a filter to help us as we travel through this world. Spiritual discernment is only available to those in Christ, but the key is that the invitation to salvation is open to all of humanity.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord & Savior, then you are not able to spiritually discern. You may have questions as to why the world continues to change and grow worse. The only way to get the answer is by accepting Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and by repenting of your sins. Believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord, and allow Him to transform your mind and your heart. Once that takes place, your perspective will change and what you see on the surface will only be a product of what you see behind the scenes.

What are You Hungry and Thirsty For?

25 Tuesday Aug 2015

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Spiritual

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ID-10036906All of us have experienced what it is like to be hungry or thirsty. For example, you may find yourself in a hurry to quench your thirst or satisfy your hunger to the point that you would settle for fast food. Or, you may decide to purchase a snack from a vending machine or a local convenience store. You may even take the time to consume a meal that you yourself have decided to cook. Regardless of what you decide to do, the goal is to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger. To be thirsty and or hungry is to experience a normal bodily function which stems from our body telling us that we need to be nourished.

It is important to note that your livelihood and health are dependent upon the type of diet that you have. If you are constantly consuming food that is unhealthy, then your body will pay a price long-term. If you are eating healthy foods, then your body will benefit from the proper nutrition. The key is that our body requires not only food and water so that we can survive, but we must maintain a healthy and balanced diet to enhance the life that we have.

Spiritually speaking, we are all hungry and thirsty for something.  Whether we are seeking to fulfill the desires of our fleshly nature or we are seeking to please God through having an intimate relationship with Him through Christ. We are all hungering and thirsting for something. In the book of Matthew Chapter 5, Jesus is speaking to His Disciples as He gives what is known as the ‘Sermon on the Mount.’ Throughout this sermon, Jesus gives God’s truth through various principles designed to be for instruction regarding how to live.

In verses 3-10, Jesus gives what are known as ‘The Beatitudes.’ These are essentially blessings that come to those who exhibit certain traits or actions that line up with one’s commitment unto God.  Jesus says in verses 3-5:

(NKJV) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.”

Verse 6:

(NKJV) “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.”

Verse 6 will be the focal verse for this post in order to extract the meaning of hungering and thirsting. In this particular verse, Jesus says that the person who hungers and thirsts for righteousness shall be filled. Another translation says it this way:

(NLV) “Those who are hungry and thirsty to be right with God are happy because they will be filled.”

What this scripture means is that anyone who is hungry and thirsty to be in the right position with God shall be filled. This word ‘filled’ also means to be satisfied. Basically, when you and I are seeking after the righteousness of God then we will find ourselves satisfied rather than longing to be filled by what the world has to give. What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness?

When it comes to seeking God it means to seek God for His Holy presence with the intent to grow closer to Him and to become more like Him. It means that you are also aware of what God loves and what God hates. To hunger and thirst after righteousness is to seek after the things of God which means to live in holiness, to love God and others around you, to live in peace, to have joy and ultimately pointing the lost to Jesus Christ. It also means to abhor the very appearance of sinfulness.

When you and I are hungry or thirsty, we begin to seek or search for various methods to satisfy our desire. Verse 6 says that when we seek after righteousness or to be in the right position with God then we will be filled. To be filled is to be satisfied. The fact is that only a relationship with God through Jesus Christ will bring ultimate satisfaction. The reason is because you and I were created to worship God and to know Him in intimacy.

If you look at the world around us, there are constant examples of those who are seeking worldly pleasures that equate to brokenness. Many celebrities have wasted their lives achieving fame, money and self-gratification only to find emptiness. That is because the pleasures of sin were never meant to satisfy our soul. When God created you and I, He created us to love Him and to be loved by Him. The longing desire to know God is within our soul.  Some call it a ‘God-shaped hole’ which is a deep and unfillable hole that can only be filled by the presence of God.

Many are seeking after what this world has to offer. Whether it be the latest gadget, the newest fashion craze, or the abundance of money in your bank account, it is all vanity and it fades. Fulfillment only comes when your life is connected to God through Christ. He gives you purpose and a sense of being. When you are living for God’s righteousness and seeking to please Him, then you will be filled or satisfied.

You can think about the same concept of what occurs when you eat unhealthy food in the spiritual sense. Basically, when we are hungering and thirsting to fulfill our sinful desires we are sowing to the flesh. Galatians 6:8 says,

(ESV) “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” 

If you are sowing to your flesh or actively participating in unrepentant sin then your flesh will reap corruption which means destruction. Basically, when you choose to have an unhealthy diet your body can no longer function normally. Spiritually speaking, you are operating out of a spiritual death when you are living in sin. The alternative is the eternal life and fulfillment that comes when we sow to the Spirit or seek after God’s righteousness.

The fact is that all of us are engaging in the seeking of either God’s righteousness or our sinful nature. You and I were born into sin which means that the desire to sin is innate within us. However, the remedy is Jesus Christ. We must submit ourselves unto Christ if we are going to break free from the chains of sin. Once Christ has been accepted as your Personal Lord & Savior, you must constantly subject yourself unto the power of the Holy Spirit which means seeking God daily through prayer, worship, and reading God’s Word.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ in the pardon of your sin, you can start a relationship with Christ by confessing your sin and believing in your heart that Jesus is Lord. We all experience hunger and thirst in the spiritual sense, but the question is, ‘What are you hungry and thirsty for?’ If you are hungry and thirsty for the pleasures of the flesh and you are fulfilling those desires then you are contributing to your own spiritual death. However, when you hunger and thirst after God’s righteousness you shall be fulfilled and have eternal life.

Spiritual Blindness – Visually Impaired Without Christ

08 Monday Jun 2015

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Imagine that you are blindfolded while attempting to get from point a to point b. All you see is darkness while you hear the sound of movement around you. You find it difficult to navigate to your destination as your eyes are impaired by the blindfold. It becomes a struggle just to find your way as you stagger from one place to the next. Then you realize just how dangerous it is to venture out into the world while blindfolded. So, you decide to take the blindfold off, and you realize that your vision is no longer impaired.  Now, you have the eyesight to see where you are and where you are going.  You are no longer stopped by the blindfold nor are you staggering, but you have a clear direction.

Spiritual blindness is akin to wearing a blindfold – it is the unawareness and impairment that is caused by the very sin that exists within our lives.  The timeless hymn “Amazing Grace” contains the following words which have become a staple in the lives of many Christians:

“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.”

This age-old hymn was written by a clergyman by the name of John Newton. It was first published in 1779 and has become a song that epitomizes the very essence of salvation and coming to the knowledge of God’s love. The words to take note of are “Was blind, but now I see.” The writer of the hymn wanted to put an emphasis on the notion that once those who were in sin experienced salvation, it became the same as one’s eyes being opened from blindness.

In 2 Corinthians 4:4, Paul further points to the element of spiritual blindness when he says the following:

(NIV) “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 

Who is the “god of this age”?  Ephesians 2:2 refers to as some translations have put it, “the prince of the air.”  The prince of the air is satan – he is the ruler of darkness which means that he has a certain amount of influence in the Earth. The Apostle Paul mentions in this passage that satan or the “god of this age” has the ability to blind those who are unbelievers. In, 2 Corinthians 4, Paul is speaking to Christians and giving words of encouragement.

In doing so, Paul gives a contrast of those who are spiritually blinded by satan, and the light that can be seen which is the gospel of Jesus Christ. When it comes to spiritual blindness, there is an unawareness and even a deception that comes at the hand of satan.  There are many examples that we can see today, in which various forms of deception have been used to blind the masses.

For example, the media continues its daily onslaught of accepting sinful behavior and projecting that acceptance onto its viewers and listeners.  Now, homosexuality, drug use, sexual promiscuity, and even transgender living has become culturally acceptable. Anyone who dares to speak out against such behavior is labeled as a religious heretic. However, the truth of God’s word remains which states that the wages of sin is death according to Romans 6:23.  However, the other half of that scripture says that the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.

The unfortunate part about spiritual blindness is that when one is in their sin, they are unable to see the damage that their disobedience and sinfulness causes.  Daily, satan uses multiple means to fleece the majority through social media, television and radio broadcasts, and even print media.  As a result, there is a generation of individuals that are raised not to have a reverence for the things of God or Holy living.  However, what God promises is to illuminate the eyes of the spiritually blinded through Jesus Christ only if the choice is made to repent and surrender one’s life.

Satan doesn’t want those in darkness to come to the exposure of God’s marvelous light.  He understands that if we as humans ever become free from sin, then we are no longer bound to the power that sin exerts against us. Essentially, those who are spiritually blind, they are separated from knowing who God is through Jesus Christ.  We are not able to know the creator in His fullness if we are blinded by our sin. 1 Corinthians 2:14 says that the person without the Spirit of God, cannot understand the things of the Spirit. Basically, those who are in their sin and refuse to yield to Jesus Christ, they are unable to receive spiritual sight.

However, once you and I have been washed by the blood of Jesus Christ and have accepted His sacrifice, we become new creatures.  Our spiritual eyes are then made to be clear with vision. Millions of people are walking in spiritual blindness every day.  There continues to be an assault on Holy living, the principles and standards of God, and anyone who stands true to the allegiance of Jesus Christ.

The times that we are living in are indeed critical.  It is becoming increasingly difficult to live in a society that promotes a godless lifestyle while those who are in Christ stand for God’s righteousness unashamedly.  The truth is, as decades pass it will only become more challenging. However, the hope that humanity has is in Jesus Christ.  The great thing about God is that He gives everyone an opportunity to be released from their spiritual blindness.

Just as a person who is blindfolded has an opportunity to be released from the blindfold, every human being that is willing can also see clearly.  It is spiritual blindness and sinful living that keeps humanity locked in a state of unawareness and confusion. So much damage is caused against those who are blind and those who are being led by the blind. Every day, governments are lying and deceiving their citizenry because the politicians themselves are spiritually blind.  Many who are unaware follow their words and accept the laws that are put into place.

More and more, we are being prodded to give up the very principles that God has instituted for the sake of humanity and for His glory.  Yet, there must be a generation that will rise and proclaim that Jesus cures spiritual blindness and that He is the answer. If you haven’t accepted Christ as your savior, you have an opportunity to be set free from your blindness.  Then and only then will you be aware of satan your enemy, and you will be able to lead others to Christ.  Receive your spiritual sight by accepting Christ and you will see how God will lead you.

Born Again – A Spiritual Rebirth

11 Monday May 2015

Posted by in Christian, Christianity, God, Inspiration, Jesus Christ, Life, Spiritual

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When a mother conceives and eventually gives birth, the child that is released from the Mother’s womb experiences life in this world for the first time. However, it isn’t just an ordinary life, but it is a life that is brand new.  Each child that is born comes into the world as a new participant in many of the options that life has made available.  The birth of a child is a joyous moment for many because it represents a new beginning.

However, in addition to a physical birth that you and I have experienced when we were born, there is a birthing experience that takes place in the spiritual sense.  This is called, being “born again.”  What does mean to be born again mean? In John chapter 3, Jesus is speaking to a Pharisee by the name of Nicodemus.  Jesus has a dialog with Nicodemus in which He teaches him the concept of “being born again.” 

John 3: 1-6 says:

“Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, You must be born again.”

In this passage, Nicodemus pondered the very idea of being born again.  It was a concept that he did not understand, but Jesus makes it clear that a human cannot be reborn in the physical sense.  To be born again means to experience a spiritual rebirth. He goes on to use the phrase “being born of the water and the spirit”. Before examining what being born again means, we must first understand a key point which ties into the need for salvation or a spiritual rebirth.

When Adam & Even sinned in the Garden of Eden, their actions produced the element of sin and sinful nature.  After the fall of man in Genesis 1, sin was not only introduced into the world, but every human became a by-product of the original action of sin. Psalm 51:5 says, “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me” The songwriter David, says in this verse that he is born into sin and he was shaped in iniquity.  Even in Psalm 58:3, David says that the wicked are born “estranged” from the womb, or born from their mother’s womb.  He also says in the verse, that they go astray after birth, speaking lies.  This is because of the sinful nature that resides within us.  We are all born into sin because of the original disobedience of Adam & Eve.

With sin being our original state after birth, there is then a need for salvation or as Jesus said, “being born again”.  The spiritual re-birthing according to Jesus requires that we be born of water and the spirit.  What does He mean? First, water in this context means the “washing by God’s word.” In Ephesians 5: 25-26, the Apostle Paul is giving instructions to husbands concerning their wives.

He says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,”  When Paul says, the phrase, “Washing with the water through the word” he is referring to the cleansing power of God’s word.  God’s word is powerful and has the ability to cleanse us through conviction and even instruction.  The Bible provides each believer and even nonbeliever with an opportunity to receive healing, direction, and a better way of living.  It is through the institution of God’s word into our lives, that we are able to avoid the sin that separates us from God.

Secondly, Jesus says to Nicodemus that we must be born of the Spirit.  Being born of the Spirit involves accepting Christ as Lord and Savior.  This then allows the Holy Spirit to take residence in our lives, which means that upon salvation we are then born of the Spirit.

Titus 3: 3-7 says,

“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”

The Apostle Paul gives descriptions in this scripture of what behaviors and sinful activity he himself and others he was speaking to, exhibited before receiving Christ.  Basically, if you are not in Christ, then you are subject to your sinful nature.  However, after you receive Christ as your savior, you are then reborn in the Spirit which is through the residence of the Holy Spirit. Essentially, to be reborn there must be a conversion from death which is from your sinful nature to life which is through Christ and the Holy Spirit.

So, Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross gives every person an opportunity to be reborn spiritually.  While you and I are born into this world through the flesh, we can be reborn in the Spirit because as Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Spirit gives birth to the Spirit”. This means, you can be reborn through the Holy Spirit once you accept Christ. The great thing about being reborn is that you are no longer a slave to your sin.  2 Corinthians 5:17 says that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature.  This means, that your sin, and the burden of the guilt that you carry is no more.

All of us have an opportunity to be born again which means that through Christ we can be made new.  As long as we remain in our sinful nature, then we will produce the fruit of which we were born which is corruption.  However, once we have accepted Christ and are living life by the Spirit, then our behaviors and our heart begins to change.  The best way to live and to have a life that is full of abundance is to do so after being born again. It is a life that brings joy, satisfaction, and ultimately you are no longer bound to the sin that you were born into.