“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. “ - Galatians 5:24-25 (NIV)
Earlier this week, while scrolling through YouTube videos, I came across an interview with Alice Cooper on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. If you know him, you likely remember the sometimes shocking lyrics and outrageous stage antics from the 1970s and 1980s. In the interview, he talks about waking up one morning vomiting blood, and he realized he couldn’t go on living the rock-and-roll lifestyle. Once a church-going youth and son of a Presbyterian minister, he turned back to Christ, who healed him from his severe alcohol addiction and cocaine habit. Since that time, he has been open to sharing his faith. While still a rocker, he lets the message of salvation influence his music. He’s a rocker for Jesus!
While our salvation stories may not be as dramatic as Cooper's, they are no less remarkable. Whatever our temptations, we have all been saved by God’s amazing grace through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to keep us in step. Doing this means transformation, dying to our old selves, and becoming new creations in Christ.
Also, like Cooper, we should be brave witnesses of our transformation. Our personal stories have the power to influence others. Others need to know we have not always been the people we are today, but thanks to Christ, we have been redeemed, and through our salvation, we have been given new hope. Although Satan still assaults us with passions and desires, the Holy Spirit helps us to overcome them.
Gracious and loving God, we thank You for what You have done for us. Thank you for sending Jesus Christ, who did what we could never do for ourselves. Help us to die to our earthly flesh and passions and seek Your righteousness. Help us to live by the Spirit. God, help us to be courageous witnesses of Your love, sharing our stories of Your amazing grace with those who have never heard. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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