“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” - 2 Cor 5:17 (NIV).
Who is a believer these days has become a matter of huge debate! Once a time calling oneself a believer made some people hesitate because of the sacrifices it came with. Believers would publicly reject their old sinful life to embrace a new more austere way of life. It was a challenge calling oneself a believer and it made many people think twice before announcing so.
In one nation a certain President says he is a believer. Proof! He has done many good things for believers. Further, he insists believers owe him much.
So, is there a standard for being a believer in Christ? Of course there is. “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved “(Romans 10:10). A believer has to make a profession of faith for Christ. But it does not stop there. What of his new life in Christ?
There was once a gentleman who used to curse like a sailor. At the very slight provocation and, sometimes even without, he would get going with four letter adjectives. How he would then enjoy the effect of his colorful language. But once he came to Christ his language changed. Or at least gradually. There were other areas he struggled with but everyone could see the process of change taking in his life.
The question of who is a believer should not be an issue of much debate as it has become. Believers live changed lives and people around recognize the difference. If a country says it is being led by believers, one has only to see the behaviors of its leaders. Anyone can claim to be a believer, yes, but the Lord said it all “You will know them by their fruits” (Mathew 7:16).
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, during these last days when almost everyone is calling them yours I pray to know what it means to take up the cross and pass on that truth to those who seek to worship you in truth!
Related upcoming events
-
16/05/2024 - 17/05/2024 All day“But you will not go out in haste, nor will you go out as fugitives; For the Lord will go before you, And the Lord God of Israel will be your rear guard” (Isaiah 52:12)
When everyone of us is setting out for any journey usually there are certain items we first check we have tucked in our travelling bags before heading. If it is out of country of course a passport is a must. There are many countries where you will not be allowed in without a yellow fever certificate. During the corona virus pandemic a negative PCR test became mandatory before jumping on to a plane.
Aside from travel documents, what else? A long time ago when Isaac came of age his father Abraham wished him to marry from his people whom they had left far behind. So he called out one of his able servants to go back to his people and get Isaac a wife. Of course this servant got out the camels he needed and all the things important for the journey. Once he got to the town of Nahor which was his destination, this servant who remains unnamed, did something remarkable and memorable.
“Then he prayed, “Lord, you are the God of my master Abraham. Make me successful today. Be kind to my master Abraham” ( Gen 24:12). The servant asked God for a sign to help him know if he was in the right place. “Before he had finished praying Rebekah came out...Then the man bowed down and worshipped the Lord...The Lord has led me on this journey." (Genesis 24: 15- 27). Eventually he returned with Rebekah after explaining to her family his mission, who blessed her to go. “Our sister, may you increase to thousands upon thousands, may your offspring possess the cities of their enemies” ( Gen 24:60).
Everyone of us is on a journey. Some near; others, quite a bit far. But each day we set out on a journey may we be inspired by this unnamed servant, who recognized the most important document one needs for in a journey is prayer.
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray in the loving name of Jesus that as I set out on the journey of life, you bless me as you did to Abraham’s servant, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
