Peter is trying to compare the actions of these two animals with how easy it is to backslide as a new Christian. Old habits are very hard to break…especially when we keep the same old friends and hang out at the same places that got us into trouble in the first place. When we’re stressed or pressured, we tend to automatically seek out what is comfortable and familiar…whether it’s the best thing for us or not. And falling back on old ways is always a dangerous and tricky thing…for we can so easily get sucked back in and entangled. For it tells us in Galatians 4:9, ” But now that you know God – or rather are known by God – how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?” As a new Christian, it must be then a conscious decision and determination to walk away and break off old ties…no matter how hard it may seem.
Tag: new Christian
Psalm 38:19-20 ” Many are those who are my vigorous enemies; those who hate me without reason are numerous. Those who repay my good with evil and slander me when I pursue what is good.”
To quote I John 3:13, “Don’t be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.” And we shouldn’t as evil abounds in the world and the boundaries between right and wrong become blurred. We shouldn’t be surprised when our Christian walk is met with opposition…or we are attacked for trying to do what’s right…or we are accused of not being “politically correct and inclusive” in our thinking. Those who repay evil for good will always be around, so don’t be surprised…for it’s your reaction to hatred that really counts. Jesus encountered many haters and those who disagreed with Him…but Jesus chose to never be disagreeable or nasty back.
Matthew 3:6 ” Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.”
Baptism…just as during the time of John the Baptist, is a public action, for an internal, personal decision for Christ. It symbolizes the spiritual cleansing through the forgiveness of sins to those who repent and believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Baptism is part of the Great Commission that Jesus gave us in Matthew 28:18, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” As a new Christian, you don’t have to be perfect before you can be baptized…you don’t have to have it “all together” and cleaned up prior either. Baptism is a public “Just as I am” coming to Jesus moment.
Colossians 2:12 ” …having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, Who raised Him from the dead.”
The act of water baptism is full of symbolism and meaning. For those watching, it’s a public declaration of the person’s inner decision. For the person being baptized, it’s a time of newness of soul and spirit. In Romans 6:4 it says, ” We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Therefore, within the action of water baptism, our old self dies, and our new self emerges out of the water.
Isaiah 9:6 ” For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Jesus the Messiah has come to earth for you and me this Christmas Day. He offers mercy and love, peace and comfort, salvation and eternal life in place of the pain, loss, and hopelessness that may be in your life today. Allow Him to come into your life and change you from the inside out…taking all the negatives and transforming them into hope for the future. A Blessed Christmas to all of you!
Romans 14:1 ” Accept him whose faith is weak without passing judgment on disputable matters.”
Have consideration for the new Christian. Their belief in Jesus is brand new…their spiritual journey with Him just beginning. So when things arise…things that are questionable in conduct and controversial within the body of Believers, the Lord wants us not to judge…but rather, those who are spiritually strong should come along side and bear with the failings of the weak.( Romans 15:1) For only God can judge…only He can convict the conscience. And besides, you too were once a brand new baby Christian.
Safetypinlove 