Do you believe IN Jesus Christ and who the Bible says He is? Do you believe LIKE Jesus? Are these one and the same question? Recently I heard Steve Backlund say, "There is a difference between believing in Jesus and believing like Jesus."
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" (Rom 12.2).
To be renewed in mind, the mind must undergo a change through the work and power of the Holy Spirit. To renew your mind speaks of the mind being made new in nature. In other words, our understanding of life is radically changed, and we begin the process of seeing life from a heavenly, rather than an earthly perspective.
In the beginning of our walk with God we believe IN Christ, but it takes time for our minds to be renewed, so that we begin to think LIKE Christ. Jesus makes an interesting statement in the Gospel of John …
"So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (Jn 8.31-32).
As we read and meditate on the Word of God we are exposing ourselves to truth. Truth will lead us to not only believe IN Jesus, but to believe LIKE Jesus. As we take truth and begin to declare it over our lives, it changes what we believe. Ultimately it will change the course of our lives. Everyday we are exposed to lies about the reality of life, God, and who we are as believers. As we declare the Word of God over our lives, we replace the lies that we hear everyday with truth and our minds are renewed.
As Aaron Heinly said in a sermon recently, "Take God's Word and offer it back to Him with thanksgiving."
As we continue in God's Word and our mind is renewed, it opens up for us unlimited possibilities. As we continue in God's Word and hide it in our hearts, it sets us up for encounters with God and unlimited living.
As you have read and studied God's Word, how has it changed your thinking and understanding about life, God, and who you are as a person?
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