Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life - and living apart from Him means that we are dead in our sins and trespasses. But if you're born-again, (literally, "born from above) He doesn't promise to make our lives easy. If you are a Christian, the Bible promises trials, temptations,persecutions.. but having the proper understanding of what Christ did for us and how it makes it all worth it, nothing will be able to tear us apart from Him. He promises that His Spirit will live in us and guide us, and that when we die, we will be in heaven with Him. So, the question is: how can one be made right with God and escape the Judgment to come, and gain the blessings of God in Christ?

The Finish Line

Many Christians start their Christian life thinking that "God's going to help me reach my dreams!" Seriously, He's not about our dreams. He's about His own purpose and plans, and He desires that we believers progress to becoming more like Christ with each day of our lives.

Romans 8:29 tell us that "God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters."

Our main goal as Christians isn't to be famous, or rich, or great, although we could be all that. Our first and primary goal is to be like Christ.

Knowing the finish line that we should all aim to hike to, run to, drive to, and walk to, we should be able to determine if we're on the right track. To help you, here are some things you should consider asking yourself.

1. 'How's My Character?'

The first proof of salvation is a changed life (see Ezekiel 36:26; Psalm 51:10; Romans 12:2). When we repent of our sin, we actually say "no" to it and start doing what is right before God. We start to live the life that we are supposed to live – a life for His pleasure. (see Titus 2:11-14)

If our character isn't gradually changed into the character of Christ, then there must be something wrong. We're being transformed from glory to glory, and this transformation happens from the inside to the outside: from the heart and mind, to word and deed. (see 2 Corinthians 3:18; Luke 6:43-45)

2. 'What Fills My Mind Most of, If Not All, the Time?'

Look back to the past few days of your life. What were you thinking about most of the time? Do you think of the truth, what is noble, what is pure, righteous, just (see Philippians 4:8; Galatians 5:22-23)? Or do you think lustful things and other wrong things like you used to before you met Christ? (see Romans 8:5-8; Galatians 5:19-21)

Does your mind dwell on unforgiveness and angry thoughts toward a person? Or do you dwell on God's grace, on how much He loves you and wants you to love others? Do you think of being a blessing to others, or being blessed? Do your mind reflect the mind of Christ? If yes, then good; if not, then you better be doing that.

3. 'What Satisfies Me?'

Paul says he has considered everything he had as rubbish so that he may gain Christ (see Philippians 3:8 ). Have we reached the point of making God our only delight? Or do we still long for earthly, temporal pleasures?

Nothing is wrong with wanting good food, or a nice pair of shoes, or a cozy home. But if these desires overtake our delight in God, that's going to be a problem. We must delight ourselves in the Lord. (see Psalm 37:4)

Lalasticlala

Nice piece.

May God help us all...

Ok.

Op, I'd like you to explain this passage you quoted in your post

Romans 8:29 tell us that "[size=15pt]God knew his people in advance[/size] and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Does it mean God has already chosen His own? Is there freewill?

Thanks.

Say cheez

I pray God help us all to live our lives for Him in Jesus name, amen.

NovusHomo:


Jesus is a lie. If he is the way, let him lead Nigeria out of the present recession.

What can I say.. I pray you feel he is real before the end of this new week..

Nice write-up, God bless you

You just spoke the truth.....

NovusHomo:


Jesus is a lie. If he is the way, let him lead Nigeria out of the present recession.

A fool says in his heart there is no God.

NovusHomo:


Jesus is a lie. If he is the way, let him lead Nigeria out of the present recession.

Homo as ur name said, who the is the truth, U or ur Father?

Good

hemartins:
Op, I'd like you to explain this passage you quoted in your post

Romans 8:29 tell us that "[size=15pt]God knew his people in advance[/size] and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Does it mean God has already chosen His own? Is there freewill?

Thanks.

God, in His infinite foreknowledge, knew that certain persons would submit to be conformed to the image of His Son, and he predestined them for this. But God can as we change His mind towards someone who is predestined for doom.

Note: God is NOT human.

really?

For me I just want to remove immortality from my system. I am actually tired of porn, tired of masturbation, tired of lusting and imagining seeing different sizes and shapes of the female sex organs. I am tired. I am ashamed of my self because I am married with children. why do I still do this? It has brought me to ill luck in my finances, my spiritual goals and living in general. I strive to change and 1 month when remain clean I relapse the next month. Please God please help me. I want to be a better person. I want to be chaste, I want to serve and worship you. please Lord help me. I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

Sweet

Abeg make una talk for this issue on nairaland

https://www.nairaland.com/3500414/been-too-religious

RELEASEUS:
For me I just want to remove immortality from my system. I am actually tired of porn, tired of masturbation, tired of lusting and imagining seeing different sizes and shapes of the female sex organs. I am tired. I am ashamed of my self because I am married with children. why do I still do this? It has brought me to ill luck in my finances, my spiritual goals and living in general. I strive to change and 1 month when remain clean I relapse the next month. Please God please help me. I want to be a better person. I want to be chaste, I want to serve and worship you. please Lord help me. I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

you are married and still masturbating,, take dx

Take heed....God help me through

RELEASEUS:
For me I just want to remove immortality from my system. I am actually tired of porn, tired of masturbation, tired of lusting and imagining seeing different sizes and shapes of the female sex organs. I am tired. I am ashamed of my self because I am married with children. why do I still do this? It has brought me to ill luck in my finances, my spiritual goals and living in general. I strive to change and 1 month when remain clean I relapse the next month. Please God please help me. I want to be a better person. I want to be chaste, I want to serve and worship you. please Lord help me. I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

its quite easy good sir ... focus on God's Love know that at any and every moment even when you're down in the doldrums he's still in love with you. as you do that confess that you are the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS. and see tremendous change .

uhmmm O.p sir we have been made right with God forever,that's why his spirit lives in us and will never leave us our job or duty as believers is to live by faith in the finished works of jesus on the cross ... and to fellowship with him in spirit by Prayer in tongues. "he that prays in tongues speaks not unto men but unto God. so fellowship and focus on righteousness and he will let you know all things that belong to you "For he has given us all things that pertain to life and Godliness

The only to make heaven is to love ur neighbor as your self.

Rely on God's power?
abi make you do what you're doing with all your zeal and you'll get ur desired outcome.

Thank you Op for sharing this, God bless you.

Thanks iliyande.
The Christian race is not an easy one. May God help all of us.

GoggleB:

What can I say.. I pray you feel he is real before the end of this new week..

I have no desire to feel what is not resal.

DjAndroid:


A fool says in his heart there is no God.

Jesus is not GOD.

Nice write up. God bless you and may He help us all to live righteously. Amen