Chosen Generation: New Life
If you go to Community Family Church or worship with us online, or if you receive our magazine The Kentucky Voice, then you probably know my family is growing. Just in the past year, Isaac and Havana were born. God has blessed me with nine grandchildren now! Being a grandpa brings me so much joy. Holding those babies for the first time always ignites some things in my spirit. It’s also only a few days until spring, and with the crazy weather we’ve had, daffodils are blooming and trees are blossoming. Spring and grandbabies always bring thoughts of new life, renewal and purpose for me.
The themes of new life and birth are main components in the Bible. God breathed the breath of life into Adam, the only creation made in His image. He also created Eve from Adam. He then told them to be fruitful and multiply. God also told Noah and his family to be fruitful and multiply after they had been spared from the flood. We see so many of the pivotal people in history who carried the mantle of the Lord, from birth to physical death in scripture. Birth is the way our God came into this world to walk and dwell with us as Christ.
One of the most profound statements from Jesus is when He told Nicodemus that in order to be saved, we must be born again. Not only are we born once into this world, but Jesus says a second birth is necessary to even see the kingdom of God. Someone who has not been born “of the Spirit” is blind to His truth. They are controlled by their natural mind. Romans 8:7 says it’s not even possible for the carnal mind to submit to God’s law, because it is the enemy of God!
Many people think of God as just religion. Religion can teach us things about God. It can create ritualistic habits in us. Religion can even require involvement in serving others. Consequently, this creates a sense of purpose and (self) righteousness. But religion without spiritual rebirth is an empty, desperate, man-made attempt at connection to a higher power.
The only acceptable religion to God comes from the Holy Spirit moving your heart and mind to please the Father. At the moment a person surrenders their will to God’s will, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in the soul & begins to remove the scales of blindness from the eyes. This is what Jesus was talking about to Nicodemus.
The more you love God, the more you want to help others and show them His love. He stirs you to read His Word and pray. He guides you into fellowship with other believers who walk alongside you in this life’s trials and joys. As you begin to notice the flowers starting to bloom and the baby animals if you’re driving through the country this spring, remember that Jesus is renewing life within your spirit every day. Let that encourage you, so that you can encourage others!
God bless you and remember; we’re always saving you a seat at Community Family Church!
Pastor Tom
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