We are 100 percent responsible for the pursuit of holiness, but at the same time we are 100 percent dependent upon the Holy Spirit to enable us in that pursuit. The pursuit of holiness is not a pull-yourself-up-by-your-own-bootstraps approach to the Christian life.
Oh, would that my mind could let fall its dead ideas, as the tree does its withered leaves!
Oh, would that my mind could let fall its dead ideas, as the tree does its withered leaves! And without too many regrets, if possible! Those from which the sap has withdrawn. But, good Lord, what beautiful colors!
The first word Jesus used in His earthly ministry was repent. Repent means to change the way you've been conditioned to think, and I believe that is the only way we are going to see the impact of the original concepts and idea of God.
The biblical method of change begins in the heart of man with the Gospel. It transforms the mind of man and gradually works its way out. And it builds a nation from the bottom up.
True atonement isn't the periodic shaving of karmic stubble via confessional; it requires deep, truthful change. It means doing the hardest thing of all: not making the same stupid mistake again.
As with every aspect of our sanctification, the renewal of the mind may be painful and difficult. It requires hard work and discipline, inspired by a sacrificial love for Christ and a burning desire to build up His body, the Church. Developing a Christian worldview means submitting our entire self to God, in an act of devotion and service to Him.
'Accepting the Christ' is merely a shift in self-perception.
Because of Jesus Christ, peace can replace guilt. Healthy relationships can be restored. Addictions can be overcome.
When we enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, something wonderful happens: God begins to change our desires, and we want to be more like Him.
You cannot be in Christ and be indifferent to the sin in your life.
One of our fundamental spiritual problems is this: we want God to do something new while we keep doing the same old thing.
