Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr.
Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join James, a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life's biggest questions and helps us find God's solutions to life's struggles. Learn the power of living by God's grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!
Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr.
Discovering My New Identity in Christ: Born Again!
Embark on a transformative journey to uncover the profound implications of being born again through God's eternal Word. Join me, James Long Jr., as we explore how this spiritual rebirth not only offers a fresh start but sets us on an everlasting path filled with peace, hope, and joy. Through personal reflections and scriptural insights, you’ll discover practical steps to embrace your new identity, engage deeply with the Scriptures, and foster a sincere love for others. This episode promises to guide you towards a life marked by love, holiness, and truth, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
As we navigate the miracle of being born again in Christ, we focus on the eternal nature of this transformation and how it contrasts with the fleetingness of human existence. Our discussion centers on 1 Peter 1:23, highlighting how our new spiritual life is rooted in the imperishable seed of God's living Word. I'll also lead a heartfelt prayer for strength and guidance in your spiritual journey and offer resources on my website to support your continuous growth. Together, let's walk confidently in the assurance and joy of our new birth, rooted in God's unchanging Word.
ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE
Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are in search of freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!
Links
Website – https://jameslongjr.org/
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Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/
Apple Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast
Google Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/googlepodcast
New life. It's something everyone desires at some point a fresh start, a second chance, a clean slate. In Christ, that desire is fulfilled in the most profound way possible when we are born again. Our new life is left behind and we're given a new identity. Today's verse reminds us that this new birth is not temporary or fleeting. It's eternal. It is rooted in God's living and abiding word.
Speaker 1:Hello everyone, my name is James Long Jr. I am a pastor, counselor and university professor. Welcome to Lessons for Life, where I help people whose pain from their past or their present is influencing their perspective on life Through teaching them about a person, the Lord Jesus Christ, principles and promises from God's Word and giving them a pathway for change. My goal is to guide you towards peace, hope and joy. In today's lesson, we will be exploring how God's truth can transform your life and how to experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone.
Speaker 1:Well, the passage of scripture for today is found in 1 Peter 1.23. It says this Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God. Here's the devotional thought. The moment that you accepted Jesus Christ, you experienced the miracle of being born again. This is not a physical rebirth, but a spiritual transformation brought about by God's Word and His Holy Spirit. It is an imperishable new beginning that brings eternal life. Peter contrasts this new birth with human birth. Physical life comes from a perishable seed and everything in the world is temporary. But your new spiritual life comes from an imperishable seed the living and enduring Word of God. This new life is eternal. It is not subject to decay or destruction. It cannot be taken away from you. The Word of God, which brought about your new birth, is active and powerful. We see that in Hebrews 4.12. It is through this Word that the Holy Spirit reveals God's grace to us and draws us into salvation in Christ. Because this Word is eternal, the life it imparts is everlasting. Your new life in Christ is secure because it is rooted in the unchanging living word of God.
Speaker 1:As born-again believers, you are no longer enslaved to these things that used to define you. Your old self has passed away and your new self is being shaped by the Spirit through God's word. This transformation enables you to live a life marked by love, holiness and truth, bringing it home. Here are three ways that you can live out this truth that you were born again. Number one embrace your new identity. You are not defined by your past. You are a new creation in Christ, born again by his word. Let go of the old patterns and walk in the newness of life.
Speaker 1:2. Dive into the Word. The same Word that gave you new life continues to shape and strengthen you. Make time each day to read and meditate on the Scriptures, allowing it to renew your mind and transform your heart.
Speaker 1:3. Love Others Deeply. Because you have been born again, you are empowered to love others with a sincere and selfless love. Let the love of Christ flow through you to those around you, especially your brothers and sisters in Christ. Well, let us pray.
Speaker 1:Father, thank you for this incredible gift of new life in Christ. I praise you that I have been born again, not of a perishable seed, but of an imperishable seed through your living word. Help me to walk in the fullness of this new life, leaving behind my old ways and embracing the identity you have given me. Strengthen me through your word each day and empower me to love others, as you have loved me In your son's matchless name, we pray Amen. Have loved me In your son's matchless name. We pray Amen.
Speaker 1:Now, this truth that we are born again is a powerful reminder that our lives are forever shaped and changed into Christ. The old is gone, the new has come. Let's walk in the assurance and the joy of our new birth, rooted in God's living and enduring word. Well, thank you for joining me today. If you found this lesson helpful, I encourage you to explore more resources and support on my website, jameslongjrorg. That's jameslongjrorg. There you can also join our Lessons for Life, monthly membership or our online group coaching program, where you will find powerful coaching videos, a supportive community and step-by-step guidance for lasting transformation. Remember, true change is possible when you walk in God's grace and for His glory. Until next time, may you find peace, hope and joy in Christ alone. Blessings.
