Power - it is a much sought after resource that people of all generations and nationalities have desired over time. Whether it be power over people, natures, animals, or just the power of a large truck or car engine that will spin the wheels or pull the heaviest load, man has been in pursuit of power since the dawn of time.
I remember years ago, back when I was in high school, a couple of my peers had powerful engines in their vehicles that excelled anything that anyone else had at that time. One young man had about a 1980 short bed Chevy pickup with a 454 in it, and boy, would that truck run! From a dead stop, I have seen him stomp the accelerator to the floor and that truck would sit there and spin in circles until he let off the pedal. Another peer had a '69 mustang with a 351 Cleveland that was about equal to the Chevy truck. What power those vehicles had!
God's Word, the Bible, has a lot to say about power also. In John 1:12, it says: "But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God..." This verse states that the "power" comes from God and that it is a life-changing power that changes one into a son, or daughter, of God. It lets us know that through divine power one can be changed from what he is, to what God wants and designed him or her to be. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creatures, old things are passed away, behold all things are become new." This is the power of regeneration!
It is more than just a passive alteration of one's lifestyle. It is more than just making a "decision" to follow Christ. It is more than just believing in God. It is a radical, powerful, divine transformation that takes place in a persons heart and life that totally changes their thinking and way of life! When they confess and turn from their sins in repentance, and surrender to Christ and commit to following Him in obedience to His Word, they are regenerated or "born again" by the power of God. Matthew 11:12 says that the kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take it by force! This is not at all indicating a Christian be violent, it is talking about the drastic change and radical attitude of serving God! Regeneration is a violent or radical change that takes place at salvation that so changes a person that everything about them is different! They now have a hunger or desire for the things of God and a craving for more of God and His Word. They no longer see things as they once did for their minds have been "regenerated" by the power of the Holy Ghost! (Titus 3:5) They will no doubt lose friends and maybe some family ties! But they will gain the joy, the peace, and the glory which comes from having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ! Heaven will be the fulfillment of regeneration!
Is this too radical for you? Is it too mcuh power for you? Some people don't like to ride in powerful automobiles becasue they don't like a lot of speed. If I have a heart attack or an auto accident and have to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance, I want one that has the power to get me there as quickly as possible! The 454 Chevy would be jsut fine!
As well, I want a powerful salvation that is able to get me where God wants me to be. We all have an appointment with death and we all hav ea God-ordained destiny for our lives here on earth, and the only thinfg that is going to get us to both of them is the power of regeneration! It is God;s way to slavation, to peace, and to eternity with God! Ask Him for it! Seek Him for it! He can and still does change lives through the power of regeneration! You will not be disappointed!
I remember years ago, back when I was in high school, a couple of my peers had powerful engines in their vehicles that excelled anything that anyone else had at that time. One young man had about a 1980 short bed Chevy pickup with a 454 in it, and boy, would that truck run! From a dead stop, I have seen him stomp the accelerator to the floor and that truck would sit there and spin in circles until he let off the pedal. Another peer had a '69 mustang with a 351 Cleveland that was about equal to the Chevy truck. What power those vehicles had!
God's Word, the Bible, has a lot to say about power also. In John 1:12, it says: "But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God..." This verse states that the "power" comes from God and that it is a life-changing power that changes one into a son, or daughter, of God. It lets us know that through divine power one can be changed from what he is, to what God wants and designed him or her to be. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creatures, old things are passed away, behold all things are become new." This is the power of regeneration!
It is more than just a passive alteration of one's lifestyle. It is more than just making a "decision" to follow Christ. It is more than just believing in God. It is a radical, powerful, divine transformation that takes place in a persons heart and life that totally changes their thinking and way of life! When they confess and turn from their sins in repentance, and surrender to Christ and commit to following Him in obedience to His Word, they are regenerated or "born again" by the power of God. Matthew 11:12 says that the kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take it by force! This is not at all indicating a Christian be violent, it is talking about the drastic change and radical attitude of serving God! Regeneration is a violent or radical change that takes place at salvation that so changes a person that everything about them is different! They now have a hunger or desire for the things of God and a craving for more of God and His Word. They no longer see things as they once did for their minds have been "regenerated" by the power of the Holy Ghost! (Titus 3:5) They will no doubt lose friends and maybe some family ties! But they will gain the joy, the peace, and the glory which comes from having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ! Heaven will be the fulfillment of regeneration!
Is this too radical for you? Is it too mcuh power for you? Some people don't like to ride in powerful automobiles becasue they don't like a lot of speed. If I have a heart attack or an auto accident and have to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance, I want one that has the power to get me there as quickly as possible! The 454 Chevy would be jsut fine!
As well, I want a powerful salvation that is able to get me where God wants me to be. We all have an appointment with death and we all hav ea God-ordained destiny for our lives here on earth, and the only thinfg that is going to get us to both of them is the power of regeneration! It is God;s way to slavation, to peace, and to eternity with God! Ask Him for it! Seek Him for it! He can and still does change lives through the power of regeneration! You will not be disappointed!