Welcome back to part 4 of a 5 part series on Discovering Who You Are and What You Are Made For.
I cannot believe we are already nearing the end of this series.
I’ve learned a lot about my identity these last few weeks and I hope you have too.
In part 4, I’m going to talk to you about how you are a new person in Christ.
You may have a past full of regret, but you are a new person .
Don’t forget, that you can go to my homepage(http://mirandarejoice.com) and search for the other 4 parts to catch up.
From Murderer to Minister
I’m going to talk to you about one story in particular even though there are lots of stories in the Bible.
I’m going to share with you the story of a man named Saul.
For the sake of time, I’m going to paraphrase the story but you can read about it (here).
Saul had spoken to the king and convinced him he should be allowed to kill all Christians.
On his way to kill the Christians who had gathered in the temple, the Lord caused a bright light to shine around Saul and blind him.
It knocked him to the ground and God asked: “why are you persecuting me”?
He then told Saul to go into the city and wait until he was told what to do.
For 3 days Saul sat in blindness praying to God.
In the midst of praying, God caused Saul to see a vision of a man named Ananias putting his hands on him and causing him to regain his sight.
With great hesitation (because he was sure Saul would kill him for being a Christian) Ananias went and laid hands on Saul and Saul regained his sight
The Beginning of a Ministry
After regaining his sight Saul went to be baptized
(water baptism is so important. If you have questions about it, don’t hesitate to shoot me a message).
After his baptism, Saul began to preach the gospel in the local churches.
Everyone that heard Saul preach couldn’t believe it.
They began to talk to each other asking if he was indeed the man who had threatened to kill them for following Christ.
The same man who threatened to murder them was now preaching to them.
Religious leaders wanted to kill Saul because he was such an effective minister.
In spite of this, Saul (also called Paul) continued to go about preaching the gospel to all who would listen.
A New You
The power of God made Paul a new person and it can do the same for you.
That being said, just because you are a new person does not mean that no one will remember your past.
Individuals continued to fear Paul and question whether he was really a new person for quite some time.
Once Paul continued to minister, the people who doubted him began to see the difference the Lord had made in his life.
Even though some people might try to bring up your past, continue to show them the love of Christ.
Eventually, they will have to believe that you are a new person.
Not only are you a new person in actions, but the Bible also says that you have been given a new name.
Those who go to heaven will be given a white stone with a name on it and only the person given the stone and God will know the meaning of the name (Revelation 2:17)
Once accepting the gift of salvation, you are a new person with a new name.
Conclusion
Once you believe that God is your savior and accept him into your heart, he will work to change you from who you once were into a new person.
Rest assured, God will not stop until he has completed the work that he started in you (see Philippians 1:6).
Don’t allow the devil to convince you that you are the same person, do not believe the lie he feeds you that you aren’t ever going to be able to change.
As you are in the process of changing, submit to God, and follow his lead.
Show God’s love to all you come in contact.
Always be a witness to the powerful work God can do when you will let him.
Love this so much! I am so grateful to Jesus for all He has done for me. I am a new person in Him no matter what the world says. Beautiful post. TY sweet sister …
Yes, you are! Thank you for taking the time to comment on this post ❤️