Turning Japanese
Romans 8:11 God raised Jesus from death. And if God’s Spirit lives in you, he will also give life to your bodies that die. Yes, God is the one who raised Christ from death, and he will raise you to life through his Spirit living in you.
So might I ask you … what does it mean to be a ‘born again’ Christian? In fact, how do you know if you are or not? Those are good questions … because frankly, many of those who call themselves ‘Christians’ don’t know.
Years ago I met an American called Tim. He’s slightly rounded, vertically challenged, with greying hair and a beard. In fact, to look at him, he may as well have “American Tourist” stamped across his forehead.
But for the last almost four decades, he’s been living in Japan and when you get to know him, you discover that on the inside … really, he’s Japanese. He thinks and acts very much as though he was born there, even though he doesn’t look it on the outside.
And you know why I think that is? Because in his heart, he’s he loves the people – he’s committed to Japan, so he’s become one of them.
Someone asked me recently, “What does it mean to be a ‘born again’ Christian?” Well, I think it’s a lot like Tim and the Japanese thing.
When you accept Jesus into your heart, it’s a decision and a commitment to put Him first.
If you look at me, on the outside, I may still have “Australian Tourist” stamped on my forehead. But if you get to know me, on the inside I’m a new man because when I made that commitment the very Spirit of God took up residence in my heart.
Romans 8:11 God raised Jesus from death. And if God’s Spirit lives in you, he will also give life to your bodies that die. Yes, God is the one who raised Christ from death, and he will raise you to life through his Spirit living in you.
Belonging to Jesus means living a completely new life, a completely transformed life, from the inside out. That’s what it means to be “born again”.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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