Good morning and welcome in everybody. Today, we are going to take a look at a passage of scripture, but before we do that, I wanted to tell you a little story.
When I was in high school, one of my fellow students would occasionally give me a ride back home after classes let out for the day. After hearing the final bell, I would run down to my locker and fill up my backpack with whatever I needed for the weekend. He normally parked a few blocks away, but I would eventually find his old Blazer, and hop into the passenger seat. After driving through town for a few minutes, we would accelerate onto the highway, and begin the long drive home. Eventually, he would flip a small switch on his dash. Curiously, I asked him what it was, and he told me that when he drove on the highway, he could switch from gasoline to propane, in order to save some money on fuel.
This reminds me of the Christian Life.
Conversion has been defined by many sources, as the process of changing or causing something to change from one form or function into another. My classmate had converted his bronco to run on propane. Likewise, we must be converted from a sinner into a Saint, transforming the engine of our hearts to run on a completely different fuel source. We must run on the power of the Holy Spirit, by flipping the switch from the spirit of man, to the Spirit of God.
Matthew 18 ¹ At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? ² And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, ³ And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Sometimes a small aircraft can be converted into a float plane. Rather than using normal landing gear, they will attach pontoons instead, which results in the airplane being able to operate in a completely different environment. We too must go through a complete change if we desire to walk in Paradise. Heaven is a place that is reserved for the pure in heart, which is why we must prepare ourselves right now by converting to the truth, and departing sinful living.
“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19
Like flipping a switch, our minds need to change. Ideas and attitudes that have been formed by living in the world must be completely renounced, because only then can we prove the sincerity of our love for God.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2
In order to acquire a degree in a particular field of study, you will need to obtain the knowledge of the skills, so that you can eventually obtain the specific job that you desire. The same is true for anyone who wants to become a saint of God. We must understand what God expects of us in order to become pleasing unto Him. We must be filled with the knowledge of His purpose and direction for our lives. People use maps all the time so they can find out which way to go in this world. We must use the Divine map of God’s Word, to guide us each day on the path to eternal life. To live the lives that God expects of us, we must continually grow in Spiritual knowledge, which is found throughout the teachings of Holy Scripture.
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18
In order to be transformed into a Saint, you will first have to change your mind about the way that you are living your life. If you can’t change your mind, you are never going to change anything at all! If you can’t change your attitude, you will never submit to the will of God. Genuine repentance is having a change of heart, and recognizing the error of your way, insomuch that it results in becoming something different than you were in the past. Like throwing away an old work shirt and putting on a new one, we must rid ourselves of the old sinner that we once were, and put on the new man in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 4 ²² That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
²³ And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; ²⁴ And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
The only way to become like the Lord Jesus, is by learning about what Jesus is really like, and His qualities are revealed to us through the teachings of sacred scripture. Only when we learn about Him, can we become like Him, and eventually transformed into His image.
Colossians 3 ⁹ Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; ¹⁰ And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
To be converted requires humility, a quality that many people simply don’t possess. People become so set in their ways or their own religious beliefs that they will absolutely refuse to accept the teachings of Scripture. But those who are contentious with scriptural truth will only find themselves fighting against God. Without repentance and submission to His will, they will eventually inherit His wrath.
Romans 2 ⁵ But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; ⁶ Who will render to every man according to his deeds: ⁷ To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: ⁸ But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath….
To be converted, one must have an attitude adjustment, and turn away from things that are displeasing to God. One must humbly accept the error of their way if they are ever going to correct themselves and walk on the narrow path of Christ.
James 4 ⁷ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. ⁹ Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. ¹⁰ Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Our own salvation depends on becoming a new creature in Christ.
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” Galatians 6:15
Conversion is about making the decision in your life to reject what you once were, in order to become what God wants you to be. Each of our hearts have been fueled by the temptations of this world, but now we must be transformed to run on the power of the Holy Spirit. Although that old bronco was originally made to run on gas, my classmate could change over from one fuel source to another, and all that was required was finally making up his mind, and….
……. Flipping the Switch
Let’s think about these things for right now. We can be found on your web browser by searching, tlkjbc where you can find our diaries distributed through various platforms. We are not associated, nor affiliated with any other religious groups. You can get our entire podcast feeds directly, along with transcripts at tlkjbc.com or I suppose that you could find us somewhere up here, in the Great Northern Minnesota woods. Peace to you all, and Lord willing, we will talk with you some more tomorrow. Till then, bye bye everybody.❤️
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