In the Flesh?

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”(John 3:6 ESV)

When I read this passage from John, I think about two things. First, flesh is flesh; the world is flesh, and flesh leads many astray. The things most of us desire are of the world. Yet John wrote the words of Christ who said, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”(John 17:15-16 ESV).

Second, I hear many people say things like, I have been a Christian all my life. I have been a Christian for as long as I can remember. My parents were Christians, and I was raised in a Christian home, so I am a Christian. For one to be a Christian, there must be a supernatural change. The change is slight; for others, it is radical. When you meet Jesus Christ under whatever circumstances, He changes you. The Spirit replaces our old heart of stone with a new heart of flesh, and you will desire nothing more than to serve Him.

Christians pray; it is our way of communicating with God. We pray and not just over food. We also display works of faith. Not works for salvation, but works resulting from salvation. Our salvation is not of works so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2). We cannot earn our salvation. James, Jesus’ brother, wrote that faith without works is dead. Works of faith do not mean works bring faith, but just the opposite. Faith in Christ brings work of glorification.

If you believe you are a Christian yet do not pray more than for your food, or you have not changed your behavior since “becoming” a Christian, please speak to someone mature in faith. Seek your pastor or minister of the church you attend. Are you not participating in worship? Another concern. Seek guidance; the last thing any Christian wants is for another person to end up in hell because they did not have a biblical understanding of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. We at InMessiah.com are also here to help guide you.

Peace and Grace!