Recognizing your need for God!

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3

This is about the disparity between those who desperately need Jesus and those who believe they can lead a morally acceptable life on their own.

Jesus spoke this beatitude first in the Sermon on the Mount. 

Jesus came to save those who are hopelessly lost and know they unable to live a life pleasing to God. Jesus delighted in ministering to prostitutes, adulterers, corrupt tax collectors. 

The first step to becoming a Christ follower is to understand the inadequacy of your inner condition. 

You were born with a disposition to live for self and defy God. You can never get right with God. You are estranged from the kingdom of Heaven.

God is holy and will not accept you in your natural condition. You are contaminated with sin.

You cannot overcome this estrangement by doing good works, adhering to a set of laws, or through religion. 

You have to be transformed into a new creature in Christ Jesus. There is no other way.

This happens when you make a heartfelt decision to live for Jesus above all else. 

Jesus gives you the gift of salvation and the ability to live with Him forever. This is a life changing event and you will never be the same.

Jesus baptizes you with water and the Holy Spirit and you are transformed into a new identity. You belong to Jesus and inherit all of His promises. 

God seals you with the Holy Spirit. He is the life of Christ and your direct link to God.

You now have the capability to live a life pleasing to God. Jesus becomes your best friend and teaches you the values of God.

The transaction with Jesus is made by faith with those who fail God often and are living in spiritual poverty.