You can check out the things, which are stated on this page, in the Bible itself, by going to Bible Search. You can search about 60 different Bibles at that site. We strongly recommend that you select the New King James Version. We believe that the NKJV is the most accurate of the popular, easy to read, Bibles.
Muslims and Jews think they know what Christians are like. They don't! There are two basic kinds of Christians,- the professing Christians and the true Christians.
Here are some of the things that the Bible says about true Christians:
" Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; Old things have passed away; Behold, all things have become new. "
2 Corinthians 5:17" Jesus ... said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born from above ( again ) he cannot see the kingdom of God. "
John 3:3
Why am I saying born from above ? Because that is what it says in the Greek ! The word, which is translated as " again " in most popular Bibles, is ανωθεν. Nearly all the Greek dictionaries and interlinears tell us that this word means not again, but " from above ".
" Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born from above ( again )' The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit. "
John 3:5-8Some people believe that being " born of water " means being baptized, but if you look closely at all that Jesus said, in John chapter 3, you find that being " born of water " is simply being born, as human beings are normally born, from a water environment,- the " bag of water " in their mother's womb. Jesus contrasts that natural birth, with the spiritual birth, that only God can provide.
You will note that the word " saved " is not used in this discussion. If you go to Romans 13:11, you will learn that no one is saved until they die, or are judged. Salvation comes at the end of our lives ( if we are going to be saved ) not at the beginning. The beginning is repenting, believing, and being born from above.
The following scripture verses will help you determine if you are a professing Christian, or a true Christian. Are these verses describing what you were, or what you still are?
" Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you.
But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. "
1 Corinthians 6:9-11A professing Christian is no different from anyone else. Churches are full of professing christians. The Crusaders were professing christians.
A true Christian is different from other people. A true Christian is a newly created being. Non Christians don't understand this. Real Christians are people, who have been changed by God from the inside out,- given new hearts, and new human spirits. Yes, they look the same as other people, but their hearts and spirits have been changed by God. ( See Jeremiah 31:31-34 and elsewhere. ) Once changed by God, they have different goals and desires.
To demonstrate this inner change, a person is commanded to be baptized by immersion in water. Baptism doesn't change the person. The act of baptism doesn't make a person born from above. Baptism is a dramatization of the death, burial, and resurrection of the old self. That is why it is so essential, that a new convert be baptized by immersion. As the new convert comes up out of the water, it is a picture of him ( or her ) arising from the dead, to walk in the newness of their life.
This description of conversion is consistent with the Old Testament teaching about the New Covenant. ( New Testament ) You can find it in Jeremiah 31:31-33, Ezekiel 11:19, and elsewhere. Only God can bring about this change in the inner person. Attempts to bring about this change by human means, human acts, church ceremonies, etc. are futile. They often create an impression that people have been converted, when in fact, their hearts, and spirits, are still unchanged. Their desires are still evil, and they give Christianity a bad name.
People are not born from above, or converted, by good works, which they have done. The Bible says that all our righteousness is as filthy rags, and that all of us have sinned. So much for the view, often held by those in law enforcement, that there are " good people " and " bad people ". All people have sinned. All police officers have sinned. All lawyers, and judges, and politicians, and members of the clergy have sinned. True Christians leave their sinful past behind, and always attempt to do what is right in the eyes of God. The Bible also says in Titus 3:5
" not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. "
Good works are not what makes us born from above. Good works are a testimony to others ( and ourselves ) that something has happened within us to make us a new kind of person. When people are not living Godly lifestyles, it is a strong indication that no matter what they profess to be, they are still pagans, and living in sin.
So, you ask, how can a person be born from above, changed, converted, or whatever name you want to give it? First, you need to recognize the hopelessness of the condition you are in. You may have gone to church every time the doors were open, gone through all the ceremonies, and joined the church. But, if God hasn't changed you, you are still just as lost as the worst person on earth. If you have tried to reform yourself and " live a better life " you know that that doesn't work. You need help that only God can provide.
To get God to change you, you need to go to Him in prayer. He is waiting eagerly to hear from you. Talking to God, when you are alone, is best. Don't let anyone tell you that you aren't good enough to talk to God. God wants to hear from you,- just as you are! That way it is just you and Him.
That way there is no pressure from a public invitation in a church, or your relatives, or your friends, or anyone else. That way, there is no distraction. God knows every sin that you have ever committed, and that He is the only one who can help you. He loves you, but He doesn't love your sin. He wants you to turn away from you life of sin, and let Him change you. That is called repentance. That is why He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for your sins on that cross, many years ago.After you have asked God to change your heart, and you know that you have changed, it is important to tell others what God has done for you. Jesus said, " ...whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. "( Matthew 10:32-33 )
God is waiting for you. He wants to give you two gifts. First of all, He wants to give you a new spiritual life. His Son, Jesus Christ died for you on the cross many years ago, otherwise, this would be impossible. That is why we say that Jesus is our Savior. Second, He wants to baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and give you the power to live your new life, and to be a witness for Him. You can't be a silent Christian. You must not be ashamed of what God has done for you.
If we can help, e-mail us, or visit us.
Our Sunday morning services are being held at the Mexico Beach Civic Center. In accordance with federal laws, we have permission to use this beautiful, heated and air conditioned, facility on Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM central time. The Mexico Beach Civic Center is at 105 N. 31st Street. It is the white building with the dark green roof, which is just behind that new Mexico Beach restaurant, Mango Marley's. It is behind Parker Realty, and is on the northeast side of Rte 98. It is about 7/10 mile south of the Mexico Beach Welcome Center. For a map showing the Mexico Beach Civic Center, click here:
Map of Civic Center Area Have a wonderful week. May God bless you, and your family!
Would you like to know more about the return of Jesus Christ?
Check out this site: Jesus Is Coming Soon!
