PROFESSOR OR POSSESSOR?

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

            One meaning of “to profess” is to declare in words only, while “to possess” means to own.  It’s the difference between head knowledge and heart experience.  Which are you – one who knows but does not believe, or one who believes and knows Jesus is your Lord?

Suppose you have just been to the doctor for an appointment.  He diagnoses your problem and orders medication.  You know he has the skill and training to do this.  You know what he orders is the answer.  It is not until you believe you need it, that it is for you, and you take it that it will work.

It is the same with salvation.  You may know Jesus came to be the Savior of the world (profess) but not until you accept the payment for your personal sins and trust in that sacrifice for salvation will you be a believer (possess). (John 3:36).  It is by grace you are saved through faith – a gift of God.  (Ephesians 2:8).  He makes you a member of God’s family (John 1:12).  What a wonderful, safe place to be!

The Holy Spirit ushers you into a new life.  2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “the old life is gone!  A new life burgeons!  All this comes from God who settled the relationship between us and him” (The Message).  It’s not reforming a sinner; He makes all things new.  HE gives you a new will, new affections, new purposes.  Do others see you as just professing – all talk; or as possessing – a walk that matches the talk? Rev. John Hibbard  serves on the Board of America’s Keswick and teaches each Sunday at the Colony of Mercy Chapel

Team YOU: Psalm 79-80; Proverbs 10; Romans 11:1-8

Motivations: Many refuse to accept the reality of a personal God because they are unwilling to submit to His authority. Kurt Bruner

Practice to Remember: Level 1:Philippians 3:7-8; Level 2: Philippians 2:25-30

Powered Up:  Certain things can only be dealt with by ignoring them; if you face them you increase their power. It is absurd to say, Pray about them; when once a thing is seen to be wrong, don’t pray about it, it fixes the mind on it; never for a second brood on it, destroy it by neglect. Oswald Chambers