Killing the Old Man, Becoming the New Man

Those who are Christs crucify the flesh with its passions and desires.  Dying daily- it is something we are called to do.  We are called to take up our cross and follow Him- to deny the world.  My favorite altar song says, “though none go with me, I still will follow”, and “the world behind me, the cross before me”.  Can you sing that song to God?  The old man likes to hang on, and when the fire of God comes in your life- the old man doesn’t like it.  The apostle Paul said, “who shall deliver me from this body of death?  I thank God- through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Life in Christ isn’t always easy.  Through many trials and tribulations we shall enter the kingdom of God.  Jesus said that we shall enter through the narrow gate, for difficult is the way that leads to life and there are few who find it.  But, we are not without hope.  For God has sent the Helper- the Holy Spirit through Christ Jesus.  He doesn’t expect us to do this on our own- we can’t.  That’s why Christ died for us; to help us please God.  He does promise us that He will be with us through our trials.  Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but God shall deliver him out of them all.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.  Many people fall away from God when they start going through trials or persecution.  All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.  For His sake we are killed all day long.  The cross is painful at times, but God’s grace is sufficient for us.  We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.  God causes us always to triumph through Christ Jesus.  We are accountable to the word we know.  Pray for God to help you.  Pray for God to keep you in His hand.  He surely wants to.  And He surely will if you endure to the end.  Christ said, “blessed is he who endures till the end, for he shall be saved.”  Don’t be afraid, only believe.