Renewed Life

Many church goers would admit that they have heard this verse many times before. In fact, many would even say that they have memorized it and they understand the importance of taking off the old self, the wicked, sinful nature, and putting on the new life of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

And yet, many church goers who claim to obey the Almighty God only put on a few of these qualities. Or even worse, we see those that call themselves Christians not demonstrate any of these qualities. They do not display the fruit of the Holy Spirit listed in Galatians. Why is this? Why are people sitting in our churches claiming to believe in a God that radically changes lives, but they do not actually change? Is this possible?

Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

A believer of Jesus must submit fully to Christ as Lord and come humbly before others as an ambassador of God. A Christian is called to conform to the image of the Creator. The Creator of life. That is God Himself who is the only source of life. All other images, all other idols are an abomination before the True God of the universe.

Here at Grace Church, Nicola gave her life to Christ and we were able to celebrate and rejoice with her new life in Jesus. She is no longer a slave to sin but set free by a God that changes souls. She has now cleansed her home of her past, destroyed the idols that controlled her life and has set a path forward towards Christ alone. Praise the LORD!

Spiritual growth is a journey. It begins with a rejection of the past and a rejection of loving the world and the things of the world. A renewed life reflects God. A renewed soul, filled with His Spirit cannot resist to give God glory for His Majesty and Wonder. A renewed life has sweet fruit that cannot be hidden.

What is holding onto your heart? What is controlling your life?

I believe it is time for us all to clean out our homes, commit to the Lord to crush those idols in our lives and step out in faith to follow Christ wherever He leads.

​- Pastor Brent Smith