OTHERWISE ENGAGED

"We have already begun dying to the things of this environment"

It's interesting that the New Testament’s description of following Christ often stresses the term born-again, and a lifestyle that is clearly no longer associated with this world! A reasonable question might be: If we're no longer of this species, and we're not particularly adapted to this environment, then why are we still here?? The same could be asked of the Savior, Who CHOSE to leave the glory of Heaven, and submit Himself to the horribly corrupt realm of His fallen creation, only to be rejected and killed! It's not popular to talk about, but the comparisons and similarities are remarkable.

Once we are called, and chosen to follow the Master's invitation, we are instructed to choose to willingly die to the things of this existence (as He did). We then receive Him, His Spirit, and dedicate our remaining days to drawing others to hear, and respond to the Call, as we did. The noble, legitimate dreams, and plans we once pursued of security, career, even of family, have now been unreservedly relinquished to the will of our new Master! All of this is contrary to man's way of thinking, and that is the Point!

This wonderful New Existence we've been granted, not only brings much suffering and rejection while here on earth but promises that many will even be privileged to die for the Truth, even as our LORD did! But it's a worthy exchange. We have already begun dying to the things of this environment that we might more effectively maneuver as New Creations. We are set apart, and Spirit-filled to display the sacrificial Love of God in our day-to-day new lives.

Indeed, the Chosen are accounted as sheep for the slaughter! Come! Join us! The benefits of the Family of God are literally, “out of this world!”

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As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

~Romans 8:36-37 KJV

As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

~John 17:18 KJV

Wherefore Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch not the unclean thing; And I will receive you,

~2 Corinthians 6:17 KJV

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

~Mark 16:15 KJV

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

~John 3:3 KJV

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

~2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV