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2 Corinthians 5:17 - Conversion is...

2 Corinthians 5:17 - Conversion is... 

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the 
new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 

People who put their faith in Christ are brand-new people 
inwardly. The Holy Spirit gives them new life; they are no longer the 
same. We are not reformed, rehabilitated, or reeducated - we are 
re-created, living in vital union with Christ (Colossians 2:6-7). At 
conversion, we don't merely turn over a new leaf. We begin a new life in a 
relationship with Christ. [One Year NLT SB mod] 

   When you put your trust in Christ to save you, he made you a 
new creation. You look the same on the outside, but on the inside--in 
your heart--you have been transformed. You may say, "I don't feel that 
much different. In fact, I don't even act that much different." You 
may wonder if maybe this new faith "didn't take" somehow, or if you 
missed out on something.  
   You didn't miss anything. Just as a person grows 
physically--growth that is imperceptible from day to day--so it is with spiritual 
growth. You are just now beginning the spiritual growth process. It's 
going to take some time and you may not see big changes on a daily 
basis. But over the course of time, you'll begin to see those 
transformations in your life. Through Bible reading and prayer, you will 
discover some changes God wants you to make or areas of service to which 
he is calling you. As you respond to him, you will get to know him 
better. And you will grow as a result. The desire to respond to God--to 
sense his leading and obey him--is part of the fruit of salvation. [The 
One Year Bible for New Believers] 

   How great is a life in Christ! Our old life has passed away 
and a new life has begun. We're free of regrets, so we can move 
forward from the past into a new future that God has waiting for us. We 
need to reframe our thoughts around this idea of our new identity in 
Christ, that we are new people. 
   Do you experience yourself as a new person, or do old habits 
cling to you? Let the past go. Your new life has begun. In 1 
Thessalonians 1:4, God says you are his chosen one, dearly loved. Do you live 
like a chosen and dearly loved person? Does that fill your mind so 
that it affects your emotions and choices? If not, meditate on 1 
Thessalonians 1:4. Let it sink into your mind right now. You are a new person. 
You belong to Christ; he chose you and dearly loves you. [The Daniel 
Plan 365-Day Devotional] 

ILLUSTRATION

   Every once in a while God gives us the chance to witness a 
miracle! Recently, a leader in Celebrate Recovery shared this miracle 
with me:  
   "A year ago a man walked into my office, broken, at his wit's 
end, with a heart full of despair. He was angry and trying to cope 
with a host of substances and other unhealthy habits that were 
destroying his mind and hardening his heart. He was ready to abandon his 
wife and family. Last night I saw this man again at a Celebrate 
Recovery graduation service.  
   Now, eleven months sober, he is a completely different man. 
   "With tears in his eyes, he accepted his 12-Step chip and 
then expressed his love for his wife who was sitting close by. I was 
humbled as I heard him talk about the restoration that had come to his 
marriage and how his kids are rejoicing and talking about God. He then 
quoted the following Bible passage, changing you to I: 'If I do what is 
right, will not I be accepted? But if I do not do what is right, sin is 
crouching at my door; it desires to have me, but I must master it.' " 
   The man I met a year ago is no more. In his place, a new 
leader has been born. That's what I call a true miracle - the 
transformation of a human life."  
   Dear God of miracles, I stand in awe of what you have done in 
so many lives. My words cannot express your greatness. In Jesus' 
name, Amen. [Celebrate Recovery Daily Devotional by John & Johnny 
Baker re Gen. 4:7] 

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

   I am the risen One who shines upon you always. You worship a 
living Deity, not some idolatrous, man-made image. Your relationship 
with Me is meant to be vibrant and challenging, as I invade more and 
more areas of your life. Do not fear change, for I am making you a 
new creation, with old things passing away and new things 
continually on the horizon. When you cling to old ways and sameness, you 
resist My work within you. I want you to embrace all that I am doing in 
your life, finding your security in Me alone.  
   It is easy to make an idol of routine, finding security 
within the boundaries you build around your life. Although each day 
contains twenty-four hours, every single one presents a unique set of 
circumstances. Don't try to force-fit today into yesterday's mold. Instead, ask 
Me to open your eyes, so you can find all I have prepared for you 
in this precious day of Life. (Mat. 28:5-7; 2 Cor. 5:17) [Jesus 
Calling by Sarah Young] 

ONE LINER

Christianity elevates every human experience into a new 
relationship, designated by the term "in Christ." [SDA Bible Commentary] 

GREAT VIDEO CLIP - ONE OF THE BEST

http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY:

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2008/20080901-1303.html

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2014/20140722-1824.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT:

Importance of Choice: 
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]  

Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782

Musical Devotional On Christian Living: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcotY5K7T0c  

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDY:

Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Discover Bible Studies: http://studies.itiswritten.com/discover/

LINKS FOR PROPHECY SEMINARS:

The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug Batchelor: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK 

Revelation Today by Pastor John Bradshaw: 
https://revelationtoday.com/other-streams/  

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657