For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:3–4 (NKJV) Ephesians 2:8 can’t make it any clearer. It says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God (NKJV). It’s through Jesus, not our own strength, that we’ve been saved. And He also gives us the power and ability to change and grow. We’ve been on a series …
Being First, Doing Second
Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24 (NKJV) Are you so results-oriented that all you think about is doing? Wanting to get a lot done isn’t a bad thing. But, if all you’re worried about is what you’re doing for God, you might miss the main thing. You might get a lot done, but this Christian walk is about more than doing. Your destiny is not all about what God has for you to do. Your destiny is to become like Jesus in how you live your life and in what you believe. And, as you focus on this, don’t worry! God will have things for you to do! The truth is I never …
You Are Predestined
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29 (NKJV) Romans 8:29 says that those whom God foreknew (which is everyone), He also predestined. What does it mean to be predestined? It means God had a plan for you ahead of time. And what is the plan? It is to be conformed to the image of His Son. This verse doesn’t say that God predestined a particular function or position for you. What you have been predestined to be is like Jesus. Now, let’s make something clear. You received the spirit and nature of Christ into your spirit the moment you gave your life to Him. You’re …
Key #4: Be like Jesus
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) Your destiny is not determined by what you desire to do; but in the choices you make. We’ve been on a series discussing keys to walking in the authority you have in Christ. Here’s a major key. You need to realize that your number one goal is to progressively become more like Jesus in your thoughts, beliefs and actions. This reminds me of a mistake many new Christians make. When they first hear teaching about how God …
Just keep going!
And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? 1 Kings 18:21 (NKJV) When a shuttle is launched into space, it makes thousands of course corrections on the way to its destination. We need to be more like that: unafraid to make a few mistakes on this road called life. Indecision can be paralyzing. When you falter between two decisions, it drains you of hope and causes you to miss opportunities. You’re better o to pick a direction and then redirect as needed. As we talked about yesterday, o en a wrong decision is better than no decision at all. Now, I’m not talking about making poor moral decisions. But o en we have to choose between …