Changing Lives Again

In a previous post, I said that God is in the business of changing lives. When we humble ourselves and admit that we have sinned against a holy and righteous God (Rom. 3.23, Rom. 6.23), that we have a terrible destination awaiting us and ask Jesus to be Lord of our lives, we are changed (2 Cor. 5.17). When you are born again, it is instantaneous. No rituals, no magisterium, no earning it or keeping it by our own works. It is by faith alone (Eph. 2.8-9). Jesus paid our penalty on the cross (Gal. 2.20), and we have to receive him as our savior.

That is the short version. We are sinners until we become God's property and he changes us. Yes, we are changed instantly, but the process of growing in Christ is lifelong because we do not become perfect instantly.

But God continues to work in our lives. He does not solve all our problems (Jesus is not a cosmic bandage), but he is with us during them. Nobody has to be alone anymore.

In that other post, you saw John Schlitt's testimony of how he was a singer in the band Head East. He was such a junkie, that he was kicked out of the band and almost lost his marriage. After he gave his life to Jesus, things turned around for him. In fact, he was done with music. God had other plans, and he became the lead singer for the Christian rock band Petra.

Christians are the ones doing the "heavy lifting" when there are disasters (atheists have nothing to offer, and are doing nothing but criticizing Christians, and the cults of false "Christians" are not exactly doing much, either). Here is an example of what God's people are doing:

Haiti’s earthquake triggered a wave of international relief. More than 230,000 people died in the Jan. 12 quake. A million were left homeless. But thousands were spared because brave Christians ventured into the disaster zone to bring food, medicine and clothing, and to rebuild orphanages, clinics, churches and schools. Many relief agencies and churches are still working there to transform the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Compassion is alive and well.

Let's face it, people do not do things for other people on their own. At least, not large-scale and for extended periods of time. It's not natural. So, when the supernatural happens and God directs people's lives, good things happen.

In his broadcast "Let My People Think", Apologist Ravi Zacharias told an interesting story that happened in Colombia. I hope you can spare just over four minutes and hear it (original source here):

God can change your life as well, if you'll let him. All you have to do is repent of your sins, receive Jesus as the Lord of your life by faith alone and let God lead you. You can become a new person.