As we approach Easter, let’s review our core beliefs.
Two beliefs change the way we live:
1. What we believe about God
2. How we define ourselves.
Paul wrote in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” That means, if you want to change your life, you have to change the way you think. Motivational speakers have preached that truth ever since.
First, what do you believe about God? Scripture states: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9 NIV).
Receiving Christ as Lord and Savior is a simple process that solves complex issues. It’s like the simplicity of flipping a light switch that has complexity behind it to bring the light.
The complexity of salvation is how Jesus gave His life for us as a ransom, and paid the price for our sin. Having lived a perfect life, his death and resurrection unlocked freedom. And now, the Spirit of Christ who raised Him from the dead is living in you.
“He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you” (Romans 8:11).
By your act of faith to receive Christ, you now have the Holy Spirit that gives you a new nature. You are a new creation. You are alive in God because of being dead in sin.
From here on, you're not walking the negative path, not seeking the desires of your heart. You are following Jesus.
Speak over yourself, “The Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in me.” When you speak out loud over your life, you are speaking under the same anointing of the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.
So, what do you really believe about yourself?
Scripture states: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he's a new creation. Old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
This is one of the most powerful words from the Lord, for you and me. If you are in Christ, you're a new creation.
-
God has made you new. The old things that defined you in your past life have been taken away. You are a new you.
-
You were once separated from God, attracted to the enemy, but now you are a clean, made new, walking tall son of Almighty God.
-
You were once a sinner without hope, but you are righteous and living in the victory of Christ.
-
You are brand new, because through Jesus, your sin has been paid for. You have been restored to live in Christ and enjoy friendship with God. This is a new day.
-
You're righteous and living in the victory of Christ.
The beauty of following Jesus Christ is that you can declare, “I am no longer defined by my past. I'm not even defined by today. I am defined by the Spirit of Christ living in me, and now my future is in Christ.”
That's what hope is.
Don’t let the distractions of this world dissuade you from your identity and your definition that you are… a man of God.
Go out and live as a new creation of Christ. Let that be your identity today.
