Articles
MAKING CHANGES
MAKING CHANGES. We all have to make changes in our lives. Sometimes they have to be done day by day. When we obey the Gospel of Christ, and become Christians there are important changes that must take place. The "old" way of life has to be put aside and the "new" put on, as the Inspired Writer tells us. That means the ways of sin which were our standard before must be replaced by a new one; the new way of life, following Jesus and His teachings.
"For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed , which amounts to idolatry." (Colossians 3:3-5)
"But now you also, put them all aside; anger wrath malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him,.." (Colossians 3:8-10)
The process of making necessary changes in our lives as Christians is an on going one; as we learn and obey His teachings we have to apply them to our way of life. It takes time and effort to grow in the "knowledge and grace of our Lord". (2 Peter 3:18) Many times we are admonished by the Inspired Writers of the New Testament to make sure we are growing in the right way. (Colossians 3:1,2; Philippians 3:17-20; Philippians 4:9; 1 Corinthians 4:14-16, and many others.)
The Apostle Peter often reminded them (Christians) of their need to maintain and grow in their faith. Even under difficult and trying times.
"Therefore, gird you minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, so not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, 'YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." (1 Peter 1:13-16)
Please note what Peter said in the beginning of his second letter to those Christians, a good lesson for us today:
"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the KNOWLEDGE OF GOD AND OF JESUS OUR LORD; seeing that His divine power has granted to us EVERYTHING PERTAINING TO LIFE AND GODLINESS, through THE TRUE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM WHO CALLED US BY HIS OWN GLORY AND EXCELLENCE." (2 Peter 1:2-3)
I might suggest three ways that will enable each of us to grow in our faith:
1) Attend every service of the local church you are able to -- Worship service, and Bible classes AND PARTICIPATE
2) Read and study your Bible -- at home, and at every opportunity you may have -- (2 Timothy 2:15)
3) Look for opportunities for Bible studies with others -- home studies, or any other ways possible -- preparing and teaching classes helps greatly
One other part of a Christian's growth will obviously take place through a growing prayer life -- take the time to notice the many times Jesus prayed to His Father when on earth. Paul said, "BE IMITATORS OF ME, JUST AS I ALSO AM OF CHIRST." (1 Corinthians 11:1)
Ross
