II Corinthians 5:17 ” Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”

The other Sunday I was able to hear a dear friend preach and part of his text came from this Scripture.  He asked if we see Jesus when we look in the mirror…or do we just see our old self.  That’s because, if Christ is dwelling inside us, we should be growing more and more in His image everyday…not remaining stagnant.  He called it a new man season…a time to look at that reflection in the mirror and change what needs changing.  But on the other hand, it’s also very easy to get comfortable and nonchalant with our Christian walk and  lose sight of Jesus in that mirror altogether.

John 8:42 ” Jesus said to them, ‘ If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on My own; but He sent Me.’ “

God sent His only Son to earth in order to save us from  our sins.  Jesus Christ came from God to take our place on that cross.  So if you know God…you love Jesus…and if you love Jesus and accept Him as your Savior, your sins are forgiven…and when your sins are forgiven, you receive eternal life.

Mark 14:18 ” While they were reclining at the table eating, He said, ‘ I tell you the truth, one of you will betray Me – one who is eating with Me.’ “

Unfortunately, Jesus could say this of many of us.  We like to hang out with Jesus, but when the going gets tough,  we break faith.  Fear, embarrassment, not wanting to offend, wishing to be politically correct will all cause us to deny Him to some degree.  When someone questions our religion, or mocks  our Christian walk  we cave and shy away from taking a stand.  Yes, we love to just hang with Jesus…but only when we’re not forced into a difficult situation and have to choose.

In Christ Jesus…You are a citizen of Heaven.

In this upwardly mobile society, we move about a lot.  Sometimes out of necessity, sometimes for pleasure…and there’s times we find ourselves in places that are different, strange, and unlike what we’re accustomed to…and we feel uncomfortable…longing for our home.  As Believers, we’re foreigners  here on Earth…for our citizenship is in Heaven. (Phil. 3:20)  It’s no wonder then that we feel conflicted, uneasy and awkward…we’re just visitors here!

In Christ Jesus…You are more than a conqueror.

” I can’t do it.”  Do you know that’s music to Satan’s ears?  All he has to do is whisper, “You can’t do that.” and we usually cave in.  For doubt is the biggest culprit of our  disobedience to the Lord.  If we could somehow not only realize, but allow the concept to settle deep into our souls, that it’s God doing the work and not us, we would become invincible.  So the next time Satan is spreading doubt, remind him…I can do all things with the help of Christ, for it is the Lord, not me, working out His plan and purpose in my life…so back off Satan, and watch what God and I can do!

In Christ Jesus…You are a new creation in Christ.

In II Corinthians 5:17 it says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”   If Jesus dwells within you, you have been born again…a spiritual rebirth of a brand new person.  But we humans like to return to the comfortable and easy things of the past rather than step forward into activities  that are new, strange…and scary.  As a Believer, you can’t go back to your old person, for he or she  doesn’t exist anymore.  You can only move forward…for the plan and purpose of God is to make you into something you’ve never been before.

In Christ Jesus…You are redeemed and forgiven.

Forgiveness.  For some that’s a hard word to accept.  They feel as if they need to “do” something first in order  to gain God’s pardon.   But to be forgiven by the Lord has nothing to do with us…for it is solely based on God’s unmerited love and mercy… His redemptive power working to heal and make us whole again.