“How long have you been a Christian?”
“Since 2000” I replied. “What about you?”
“I been a Christian all my life. Both my mom and dad were Baptists so I was raised Christian.”
Curious, I asked “When were you saved?”
“I guess when I was two or three, I don’t really remember.”
How can someone get saved at two or three years old? I don’t understand the concept of “Christian lifers” who claim they have been Christian their entire lives. This is not only confusing to me and other Christians but clearly goes against the word of God.
The bible tells us for someone to become a disciple of Jesus Christ, one has to be “born again”.
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)
We were all “someone” before accepting Jesus as Lord and savior. For many of us, our pre-Christian lives have changes dramatically. For some, life continues in a similar fashion yet feels different considering the new found conviction brought on by a closer relationship with Christ.
Some were cripples, through Christ they got up and walked. Some were healed of leprosy, others were blind but now they can see. Some were dead but now they live. Most were lost, now they are found. No one who believes can be the same before and after Christ.
Who were you before you accepted Christ? The apostle Matthew was a tax collector. I was an internet gaming marketing director. My wife Elizabeth was and continues to be a health and fitness professional. After being born again, Matthew quit his job yet continued to manage finances for the early Christian church. I also quit my job and directed my internet marketing savvy toward more honorable avenues.
Though Elizabeth continues to help people through exercise and sensible nutrition she is now more conscious of her surroundings and the message she puts out through her choices of clothes, body language and more importantly, the words that come from her mouth. She is well aware that Christians are not only to talk the talk but also walk the walk.
“Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” (Matthew 19:21)
In this verse, Jesus tells a wealthy young man from Judea that to follow Him, he would have to sell everything he owns to store up treasures in heaven. Talk about a change! A person cannot be the same before and after being saved. If there is no change in a person’s life, there is no spirit, no light.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
Just as light and darkness cannot coexist, neither can God and Satan. The bible tells us we can only serve one God, either we are of Him or we are of the world.
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)
Do not be fooled, only a few will be among the chosen ones. God warns us in Matthew’s gospel saying “Many are called but few are chosen“. Then again through the apostle John in this verse:
“For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17)
An important word in this verse is “might”, a modal verb indicating the possibility that something will happen in the future. God speaks through John using “might” rather than “will” for a reason.
As Christians the important questions one must answer are: Are you born again? If so, when and where were you saved from the eternal lake of fire? And, what has changed in your life since you were born again?
Write down the answers to these questions so you are ready to give your testimony when God calls you to minister to others. Without a testimony or at least answers to the questions above, you are in danger of becoming lost sheep wondering a dangerous field where a hungry wolf roams driven by evil.
If you do not have a testimony but are interested in writing one, I invite you to contact us so we can provide you the tools you will need to complete this critical task.
Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for this day and for all that surrounds us
We praise you father for all that came, all that is, and that will be,
Lord we ask you to inspire us to continue seeking your ways
As we battle temptation brought on by evil.
Lord we thank you for looking after us, our friends and families
And guiding our footsteps each and every day,
Leading us to be more like you
Spreading grace throughout the world through our testimonies.
We pray you will continue to bless our lives
Like only you can Lord,
And we ask that you shine your light bright
Upon us until your return.
Thank you lord father for your ever growing splendor.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
