Scripture: Ezekiel 11:19; John 3:1-21
“And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them an heart of flesh.” Man was born in sin. A change is needed to clean man of the unrighteousness that separates him from God Almighty. This incredible change begins when man receives a heart transplant.
A heart transplant is required to rid us of the behaviors that separate us from God. The bible gives many refences to the heart of man. It is not the organ heart which transports blood and oxygen. It is the spiritual heart. The spiritual heart holds our emotions and the things that we view as important or not important. When we sin it is becomes the thought is conceived by way of lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life. This is accepted or kept and it is held in the heart. Actions are the response of what is in the heart.
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” A heart transplant takes place when one is born again. Nicodemus and Jesus had a very insightful discussion about being born again. Born again means to repent of sin and to believe and accept a new life in Christ. The heart of sin is replaced with a new heart that holds the faith of Jesus Christ. In Christ only, there is the gift of salvation.
Being born again and a heart transplant are directly related. This only happens when one accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. There is a will to repent and conversion follows. Confession and forgiveness of sins is made to God. Conversion occurs when we change or eliminate the behavior(sin) that is contrary to his will by his grace. We cannot save ourselves. We need Jesus.
Once we are saved, we are still prone to yield to temptation. This is why feet washing service is so important to ministries. It reminds us of our need to be clean. It cleanses the dust that accumulates in the spiritual heart. The responses to daily problems can lead to unpleasant feelings. Christ gives us his cleansing power and his help to take away those unpleasant behaviors or thoughts that are not conducive to a man of God. Thank God, all is not lost.
The life of David teaches to seek God for a clean heart in all diligence. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” It is when our heart is aligned with the will of God, we can worship and offer sacrifices of righteousness to our God.
Listen to this sermon in its entirety is available on our Facebook Page and YouTube Channel. May God bless you.
From the Path of Righteousness Church in Christ.
Comments