(by pastor Norman)
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13; NKJV). As we truly believe in God and make Him the Lord and master of our lives our spirits are made new and God receives us as His children (Rom 10:9-10, John 3:3-8). God’s amazing love enables us to become children of God (1 John 3:11). The apostle Paul emphasizes that we all became God’s children by faith in Christ (Gal 3:26) and the Holy Spirit living in us assures our spirit that we are God’s children (Rom 8:16). The faith Paul speaks of has to be like that pure uncluttered faith of a small child (Mark 10:13-16). As His children, we are heirs of all God has for us and most especially eternal life; however, we will also face persecution as Jesus did on this earth (Rom 8:17). If we are truly sons of God this relationship should surely affect the way we live. Our lives should be led by the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:14), we should love our brothers and sisters and walk in righteousness (1 John 3:10). Righteousness is right standing with God, a heart attitude to walk in the will of God. We should, “desire the pure milk of the word” (1 Peter 2:2a; NKJV) so we can grow to be more and more like Jesus. Isn’t it amazing that God said, “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters” (2 Cor 6:18a; NKJV)? Let’s walk as children of God.