I'm reading a book called “A Normal Christian Life” by Watchman Nee. This book is a study, by Watchman Nee, on the book of Romans and there's a important point I'd like to share with you. And I'm only on page 45. This is a really good book and I'm really excited to see what's next.
To begin with, I want to talk about who we are, as opposed to what we do.
We are sinners because we are “in Adam.” We are his descendants. Adam sinned and so our nature, our fallen nature, is sinful. We are not sinners because we sin, we sin because we are sinners. When Adam chose to follow his own will, when he chose to do what satan said, instead of what God said, he sinned. Because we were born in Adam, in his lineage, we were born into his sin. When Adam sinned, we all sinned with him. So, we are sinners from birth, not by anything we did, but by what Adam did. We are his descendants, so our heritage is sin.
Romans 5:19 For as by one man's (Adam) disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of One (Christ) shall many be made righteous. KJV (emphasis added)
Father, forgive us for we know not what we do. So, we are born sinners, what can we do about this?
Well, our Father, has already taken care of this. Jesus, being obedient to His Father's Will, sacrificed His Life, taking our sins to the cross. And, on the third day was raised by God, His Father, our Father. So, if you are saved, you died with Jesus on the cross and you were raised with Him on the third day. Jesus was speaking about this when He said in
Matthew 16:24, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. KJV
I believe this is what salvation is, but to continue in Christ we must do this everyday. This is what the Bible says, and the Bible is the Word of God written to us. Also, Jesus is our example, so everything He did, we should do.
So, we are now “in Jesus”. We are His descendants. This means everything He did or went through, we did or went through with Him. Here's the thing, reading the Words and getting excited isn't enough. We've got to start doing what we're told. The main thing Jesus preaches during His 3 1/2 years of ministry, is to seek first the Kingdom of God. This seems like a tall order, but it can be done, if we ask God for direction and guidance and follow His Lead. We can do all things by the power of Christ Who strengthens us.
Do you believe;
In God?
That the Bible is the Word of God spoken to us by His Holy prophets?
That Jesus His Son or do you believe He's just a prophet or neither?
That the Holy Spirit is an active Part of the Trinity?
That the Gifts of the Spirit are real and for today?
In the fivefold ministry and that they are for today? (Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers)
That the baptism in the Holy Spirit is real, or do you believe it was just for the people in Bible times or is that for now, too?
If you believe in God and you believe the Bible is His Word, how can you only believe in part of the Bible?
If you only believe in part of the Bible, God's Word, does that make you half of a Christian? Does this mean only half of you will be saved? Will only half of you go to Heaven? How do you choose which parts of the Bible are true and which are false? Wouldn't that be man's religion instead of God's Truth?
If you read the Bible, you can see where everything that has happened and is happening now was prophesied by Jesus and the prophets of God. God actually said He wouldn't do anything without telling us through His holy prophets. But, if you don't believe He talks to us, then you don't believe the Bible, His Word.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. KJV
God bless
servant21
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