"But go and learn what this means, ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:13).
Jesus very often would challenge the Pharisees and Scribes to understand that He was not interested in sacrifices or the 613 Precepts they tried to live by, (rules of living), but he was interested in having sinners truly find Him through spiritual birth. Similarly, it is not enough for a person to join a church with certain rules to follow, or put your name on official documents. Neither is it necessary for you to dress a certain way or have a certain background to be a Christian. Jesus is interested in your coming to Him as you are.
How do you become a Christian? "And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd." (Matthew 9:36). You become a Christian by recognizing that you are a sinner and repenting by having a simple change of heart. Pray this prayer; Dear Lord Jesus. I recognize that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe that you died on the cross for me. I believe that you rose again and are alive. Right now I receive You as my personal Lord and Savior and accept your free gift of eternal life. Amen
You do not have to follow a set of complicated rules. There is no work you have to perform. There is absolutely nothing required of you except to say to Jesus, you are the Lord of my life. Come and live in me. When you say these words and mean it with all your heart, God changes you immediately. He creates in you a personal spirit, your spirit, a spirit that will never die and will have eternal life with Him.
Proverbs 21 - Teaches us today?
Proverbs 21:3-4 "(3) To do righteousness and justice Is desired by the Lord rather than sacrifice." (4) Haughty eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked, is sin."
Psalm 9:1-2 (Theme: Judge the wicked, Help the helpless) "(1) I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all thy wonders. (2) I will be glad and exult in Thee; I will sing praise to Thy name, O Most High."
Today's question. What's next?
Now that you have become a Christian, you may ask; ‘What's next'? You may say; I do not feel any different. There were no lightening flashes or angels singing. You may still feel like a sinner and indeed, you may even continue to sin. So what must you do?
The answer to this question is important. There are three things you must do. (1) You must study, not simply read the Bible. You see, the spirit that has been created in you is a baby spirit. It needs to grow and mature. It needs spiritual food...God's word. (2) You must worship God. The fourth Commandment is: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." (Exodus 20:8). Worshiping God is not for Him, it is for you. (3) Pray. Not just once in awhile or when things are going badly, but unceasingly.
Do Christians always do these three things? The answer of course is no. But your spiritual growth and the depth of your relationship with God is directly dependent on studying the Bible, worshiping God and praying. "'Assemble the people to Me, that I may let them hear My words so they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.'" (Deuteronomy 4:10).
Dear Holy Spirit, teach us, love us and provide us comfort in Your loving hands as we grow in Christ. Amen.
The Newness Of Life Daily Bible Message is designed for those who like to take a short respite from the day's responsibilities to enjoy the contemplation of God's word. This daily message is based primarily upon the belief that to read some of Proverbs and some of Psalm everyday will provide us with great spiritual growth and development when done consistently with discipline. Phillip Saxton and contibute to Newness Of Life Ministries (NOL) Phillip Saxton, www.NewnessOfLife.com. Phillip can be reached at saxton AT MiTowne dot com
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