Those who choose to Accept Christ Become a Part of His Family

Those who choose to Accept Christ Become a Part of His Family (John 1:12-13):

We have in these two verses a very amazing truth, which is great news when we stop to think about it.  Christ has not only come to show us the light, but to also invite us to become a part of God’s family.  In verse twelve we are told those “who did receive Christ and believed in His name” we need to Examine what John is saying here.   There are lots of people who say they believe in Christ but does that mean they saved?  Only if they have given their allegiance to Christ, John says it is more than just believing in Christ.  Before you become a part of the family you have to give your allegiance to Christ, you accept the fact that Christ is God.   We must give our lives to Christ, not just a part of our lives but give it all.  Then we become a part of Gods family.

What does being a part of Gods family mean for me (Galatians 3:24-4:6)?

       If we become a part of Gods family what does that mean for us? Paul told the Galatians that it was through the law that guided the Jews to God before Christ, after Christ it was through our faith in Christ that saves us.  Which means that we are to be obedient to Christ’s teaching?  Notice how Paul emphasizes that we were once slaves to sin, but now we are children on God, our freedom was paid for on the cross.  But that also means we are no longer truly a part of this world, when we become children of God we no longer can truly claim this earth as our home.  In fact we are warned about it Christ tells us in, Matt 10:22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake Matt 24:9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake Mark 13:13 And you will be hated by all men for My name’s sake Luke 21:17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake.  But we have a great promise of everlasting life and not everlasting death.

      How is this all Possible (Titus 3:4-8).

      When we look at this we wonder how is this possible, how can we be born into Gods family, as John says it is not a physical birth but it is through the will of God.  God allows us to be reborn through the Holy Spirit. It is through the Holy Spirit coming and renewing our hearts and minds.  When we give our lives over the Christ we are allowing the Spirit of God to come into our bodies it is through His spirit that the washing of regeneration and renewing  of our lives begin.  As we grow closer to God in our relationship we begin to love Him more. I like how Francis Chan describes in his book Crazy Love about the transformation we go through. “Most Christians have been taught in church or by their parents to set aside a daily time for prayer and Scripture reading. It's what we are supposed to do, and so for a long time it's what I valiantly attempted. When I didn't, I felt guilty. Over time I realized that when we love God, we naturally run to Him frequently and zealously. Jesus didn't command that we have regular time with Him each day. Rather, He tells us to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your mind." He called this the "first and greates commandment"(Matt 22:37-38). The results are intimate prayer adn study of His Word. Our motivation changes from guilt to love. This is how God longs for us to respond to His extravagant, unending love: not with cursory quite time plagued by guilt, but with true love expressed through our lives."