Christ is more than a way to a better life

We are called to be pure, righteous and holy in God's eyes as we are conformed to the image of Jesus.

This isn't something God just does to us. It is a process that God does with our cooperation.

Raising your hand in a church service signifying you now accept Jesus as your savior isn't going to get you off the ground. That is only the start of your new life in Christ.

Mumbling a sentence or two in less than a minute after making a decision for Christ in five minutes or less, is not going to get you the ticket to heaven you are expecting. You have got to change. God needs to work in your heart so that the sins you once loved, you now hate. The God you ignored for years, you now must put first in your life and desire him more and more each day.

You aren't saved by works, but by grace through faith. You receive God through repentance and having faith. Repentance is evidence of our fruit. You must repent and believe. You will show evidence that you have been changed. If there isn't any evidence, you aren't saved.

Jesus Christ is more than a way to have a better life. Christ is your life. If you have a fiery passion for the radiant king of the universe, you will change. You have to walk in the rhythm with the holy spirit and in doing so, you will bring life and peace to yourself and others.

Through sanctification, God will change your life and he will continue to change it as he sets you apart from worldly things. You will not be perfect until the day you pass, but the spirit of God will lead you to be saved. Not saved from sin as you will always sin, but saved from hell, the wrath of God.

Jesus said in the gospel of Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV), "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

In Luke 13:23-24 (NIV) Jesus was asked the question that is on people's minds. The question people do not want to think about, "Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?" He said to them, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to."

We are told in an Old Testament promise from God in Ezekiel 36:27 (NIV), "I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws." We receive grace freely and God's power through his Spirit pushes us to obey God, rather than our carnal nature. In this way we shall reign in life.

There is nothing outside of Christ. He is all we need and all we have. It is all about God. He has given you free will. You can choose him and live forever, or be tormented in hell for eternity.

Your Brother In Christ,

Rick Hawbaker
'Serving A Living God'