John 1:12,13
12 “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”
Matthew 11:28-30
28 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
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1. Open the Door to Jesus and Become God’s Child and Part of God’s Family:
Imagine receiving Christ as Lord of your life, and receiving Jesus as a close friend, entering into a personal relationship guided by His Spirit. It’s here that you trade your sin for His righteousness. It’s here that you will learn to lay down the heavy weight of trying to do everything in your own strength, and to try fixing everything yourself, but rather to trust Him to work on your behalf. Being born-again means that God will transform you from within. (John 1:12-13, Matthew 11:28-29)
2. Abide in Him, Stay Connected, Grow in Your Faith in Christ:
Abiding in Jesus means that because you are a believer, the same spiritual life of Christ flows in you and through you. Abiding in Christ is your active participation in God’s work is your life, where you will yearn to seek to walk the pathways which Jesus taught and outlined in scripture, deepening your understanding, and drawing on His strength to live a life empowered by Christ. (John 15:1-5)
3. Walk the Path He Shows:
Following Jesus requires knowing His heart and His selfless plan for your life. Remember that Christ always has your best interest in His heart. The assurance of your walking with God, is an inner confirmation given to you by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 4:6). Following Christ means asking God to help with your words, actions, and deeds, especially how you treat others.
Synopsis: God is passionate about having a personal connection with you, as well as with everyone He has created. Accepting Jesus’ gift of salvation gives you the new birth of His Holy Spirit living in your life, and allowing you to stay close and follow His path. This journey leads to the lasting joy and peace He desires for you, and will give you a heart for others, to show them and teach them about the love of Jesus.
