Conversion

A Spiritual Birth Metaphor

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.  2 Corinthians 4:16

Metaphors help us better understand complex ideas. Jesus used them along with parables and open-end questions to make us think deeper unto a subject.

Take for example the new birth of a Christ-follower. What if we compare our walk with God with the entire human pregnancy process?

As humans, we are spiritual beings encased in a body governed by a soul. As believers, are we not being nourished through the umbilical cord of faith by the Holy Spirit?

Jesus stated to Nicodemus that us humans need to be born again by the Spirit (Jn. 3:3). The Spirit gives life (Jn. 6:63). As our human spirit is impregnated by the Holy Spirit, the new life begins. Physically, science breaks the pregnancy growth process into stages. The initial stage is called zygote. Then the baby-to-be progresses as an embryo, fetus, and finally, baby.

In many ways, these stages outline the process of the new birth. It begins with the acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior. Then the inception by the Holy Spirit. From there, we are fed by the Church through the acquisition of Godly knowledge – HIS Word. We learn to live under the authority of HIS Kingdom. As we put into practice HIS ways, the Holy Spirit renews our heart and mind. Over time, our attitude and viewpoint develops more Christlike. Our willpower and character follow suit. This practice forms the inner person. Upon our death, our spirit is then birth into a new dimension unto the arms of Jesus.

Like all metaphors, there are limits. But it does make one stop and think. As we age, we admit the outer body is decaying. Yet the inner person becomes more noticeable. We look back and realize how life is a growing process preparing one for eternity. Like the child in the womb of their mother, we don’t compare ourselves with other unborn children. We wait for our new birth. Meanwhile, we are being nourished. We are being cared for. We are being prepared for a heavenly experience.

As parents, we accept responsibility to protect and give birth to a healthy child. Don’t you think God places the same emphasis on the Church (you & me) to birth a healthy child into HIS family? Just another thought to think about as God does HIS work in you and me.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Jesus Is Lord

Dr. Mike Jesus Christ , ,
“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” Acts 2:36 ESV.

 

surrender 6

How do you know whether or not you are a Christian? Is it because someone told you that you are? Is it because you do everything that the good Book says too? Or is it because you know you have surrendered to King Jesus proven by the spiritual fruit in your life? Paul writes that no one is capable of saying from the heart that “Jesus is Lord” unless they are being led by the Spirit of God. How about you?

Have you acknowledge Lord Jesus as Boss in your life? Does He have last say in every area of your life? Or are you simply giving him lip service? Or are you like many who simply give him one hour per week and the remaining time is yours to rule?

These are tough questions. If we are honest with each other, we will acknowledge that he rules certain parts of our personal domain, but there are other parts that we still struggle with. He may be Lord of my values, principles, and goals, but is He also Lord of my ambitions, business affairs, and entertainment choices?

Some people falsely think that if they totally surrender to Lord Jesus, that they will end up as a missionary in Timbuktu. That they will have to sell everything and give it to the poor. That they will never marry or raise a family. Or…the list is endless.

The truth of the matter is when one surrenders to Lord Jesus and places their trust in Him, real life only then begins. God knows our strengths and weaknesses. He made us for a purpose. We may think we know what that purpose is. However, he knows how our purpose aligns with his Kingdom plan. Typically, many see our purpose solely as an economic, valueless piece of machinery in this world’s system. We don’t have a clue where and how we fit into His invisible Church unless He reveals it to us. Yet many of us are afraid to trust Him. We want his favor but are challenged by his requirements.

Total surrender to the King means we give up any “rights” we think we possess. Those rights of course only are made available because of Him. However, we rarely think from an eternal perspective. Our mind generally struggles to understand earthly advice. When we come to the place in our life where we can acknowledge Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, then we have come to the place where earthly matter meets eternal bliss. The result is an intimate relationship with our elder Brother, Savior, and King. So don’t be afraid to surrender your hope, dreams, and allegiance to Lord Jesus. In hindsight, it will be one of the best decisions you will ever make. Your only regret will be that you had done it sooner.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Director & Founder
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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