We give all the praise and glory to our Father in heaven. He sacrificed His one and only son, just so we can be saved from death. We died with Christ and lived again with Him. We are no longer our old self, our sinful past and life is in the depth of the sea (Micah 7:19). We are now new creations, thanks to Jesus! When He was on the cross. He was thinking of us. That shows how much He has loved us and He still does! Now we can live our lives for Jesus and to glorify His holy name.
... Read moreIt’s truly incredible to know that God isn't just a figure from history, but He is actively working in our lives right now! That feeling of 'God is still working' is so real when you tune into His presence. I used to wonder, like many, 'what is God's purpose for man?' And through my journey, I've come to understand it’s deeply connected to living out the new life we've received in Christ. We often think of God being in heaven, and while He is, His spirit is also intimately connected to us on Earth.
This journey isn't always easy, and sometimes it feels like we're called to make big sacrifices. I remember grappling with verses like Mark 8:34-38, where Jesus talks about taking up your cross and following Him. At first, it sounded daunting. But as I prayed and reflected, I realized it's not about suffering for suffering's sake, but about letting go of our old, self-centered desires to fully embrace God's path. It's about 'losing your life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it,' meaning finding true fulfillment in surrendering to His will. This deeper 'mark 8:34-38 meaning' truly transformed my understanding of discipleship.
This call to devotion really resonated with the message in Romans 12:1-2, which urges us to 'present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.' It's about a complete transformation, being 'transformed by the renewing of our minds.' For me, this means constantly re-evaluating my thoughts and actions, aligning them with God’s love and purpose. It’s not a one-time event, but a daily choice to dedicate myself to Him, trusting that 'my God is alive' and guiding me.
When our minds are renewed, our perspective shifts. We start to see opportunities to 'do good to all men,' not out of obligation, but out of a heart filled with God's love. It's about reflecting His light in our interactions, offering kindness, forgiveness, and support to those around us, just as He has done for us. It’s a practical application of our faith, showing the world that 'God is alive' through our actions.
The foundation for all this new living, as the original article beautifully points out, is our union with Christ. Romans 6:5 powerfully states that 'if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.' This verse truly encapsulates the hope we have. It’s not just about overcoming sin, but about being raised to a brand new existence, one filled with purpose and eternal connection to God. Knowing this helps me understand that 'my God is alive' not just in heaven, but actively within me, empowering me to live a life that glorifies Him. So, to those who wonder if 'God stays in heaven' or if He is 'still working,' I can share from my heart that He is very much present and active. He offers a profound purpose, a renewed mind, and the power to live a life that truly makes a difference. It’s a continuous journey of faith, letting His love guide every step.