Walking With God

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A decision to turn your life over to God is a serious step, it is one worth considering and one worth doing. But, this step is not an easy one for most. The bible says that no man can come to Christ unless the Father draws him (John 6:44) and he will raise him up at the last day. The scripture also says that no man can come to the Father except by Christ (John 14:6) because he is the way, the truth and the life.

Turning to God

There is there no condemnation to them which are in Jesus Christ, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  For they that are after flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  For to carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:1-8).

So if you mind the things of the flesh, this is death. But if you mind the things of the Spirit, this is life and peace. The bible says that any man who worships the Father, must worship him in Spirit and in Truth. (John 4:24)

The Stages of Conversion

You begin the steps of conversion from the moment you first believe and acknowledge that you have sinned and come short of the glory of God.  In talking with the Philippians, Paul noted. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And be found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even to the death of the tree. (Philippians 2:5-8)

Yes, if Christ can humble himself being the Son of God, then who are we?  The bible highlights that we the elect will reign with Him a thousand years ( the "Millennium"), after which the second resurrection will occur. But the Apostle Paul says that we make our calling an election sure. Remember many are call but few are chosen and if we make our calling an election sure, it means that conversion took place. To change from the sinful way to the way of the Lord. This change has to be both in mind and character, the way to Life, means eternal life.

Repentance

Repentance is a change of mind, a vital part of conversion. The book of Romans 6 says What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey is in the lust thereof. (Rom 6:1-2, 12)

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)  When one repents of his sin, he/she is saying to God that they acknowledge that they are in transgression of his laws and is ready and willing to leave that sinful life, seek and live a life of righteousness.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33) Their reader; The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) God is patient with us and wants us to repent, for we were all born and shape in iniquity. The prophet Hosea noted: Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips (Hosea 14:2)

Luke 13:3 - I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye  shall all likewise perish.

Baptism

Baptism is an important act of conversion, so much so that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself got baptized by John The Baptist, not because he had sin and had to repent, but as an example to those who profess to be children of God.

Paul says be ye followers of me as I am also of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 11:1) Here we see that John forbad (to prevent) him saying, comest thou unto me to be baptized while yet I have need to be baptized of thee. Christ responded, Suffer (leave) it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. We then see that after coming out of the water, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Their reader; baptism of itself cannot save you, but as Christ says in the above reading: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteouness. So baptism alone cannot save you but without it you cannot be saved.  We are talking about the walk with God and so there are stages that one must undergo in making his/her calling an election sure.

These includes first: Repentance, Baptism, then the receiving of the Holy Spirit.  After this you will then begin your journey of a spiritual walk with God.

The Holy Spirit

You may have heard of Cornelius as Peter converse with him, the Bible says that the Holy Spirit fell on them as he was speaking. Peter noted: Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 11:16)  Now, what is Peter talking about in his remembrance?  In Acts 1:4-9 Christ had them (the disciples) advising them to tarry (wait) here in Jerusalem yet a little while and they will receive the promise of the Father from on high (the Holy Spirit).

In John 15:26-27, Christ said to them (the disciples); But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto  you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:  And ye shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

Now, let us look at the fulfilment of what Christ said to the disciples.  Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they (the disciples) were in one accord in one place.  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a mighty rushing wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  And they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Friends, the Lord Jesus Christ says that we can do nothing without him and God adds that they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and truth. In 1 Timothy 4:16 highlights: Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself, and them that hear thee.