Chosen by Christ: Signs You are a Child of God

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Discover how the life and teachings of Jesus offer timeless guidance for today's challenges. Could understanding his miracles and messages transform your perspective and bring you closer to a profound truth? Join me, Paula, as we explore the divine origin, compassionate nature, and powerful works of Jesus, whose actions and words continue to inspire millions. From his miraculous birth and ministry to his triumphant resurrection, uncover how these events encapsulate the essence of love, forgiveness, and hope that defines our faith.

In this episode of "Living on Purpose in Christ," we delve into the spiritual rebirth that marks our identity as children of God. Learn about the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, who liberates us from sin and enables us to live with newfound confidence and joy. Hear incredible stories of personal transformation and find out how Jesus' promises of peace and purpose provide a solid foundation in our ever-changing world. Whether you're seeking answers, reassurance, or a deeper connection, this journey with Jesus invites you to experience his transformative power today.

Transcript

Paula Behrens: 0:05

Welcome to Living on Purpose in Christ, the podcast dedicated to helping busy Christian women discover simple, effective tools to grow closer to the Lord. Hi, I'm Paula, your host, and today we will be embarking on a journey to explore the life and teachings of Jesus. Whether you're a seeker, skeptic or simply curious, this episode is for you, so grab your favorite beverage and maybe some of that leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Sit back and let's get started. Born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth, Jesus began his public ministry around the age of 30, attracting followers with his teachings and miracles, while facing opposition from religious and political leaders. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke detail his birth to Mary and Joseph, highlighting his divine origin through his miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit. Jesus' teachings emphasize love, forgiveness and the kingdom of God, encapsulated in his command to love God and one's neighbor. And then there were the incredible miracles of Jesus. These acts were more than just supernatural events. They were powerful signs affirming that he was God, the Son born of a virgin who walked this earth as both fully God and fully man, a mystery that continues to escape us. Jesus' miracles, as recorded in the Gospels, serve not only as powerful demonstrations of his divine authority, but also his compassionate nature, encompassing categories such as healing the sick, commanding nature, casting out unclean spirits and even raising the dead. Beyond their immediate impact, these miracles authenticate his message and identity as the Son of God, offering a profound glimpse into the Kingdom of God.

Paula Behrens: 1:58

Central to our faith is the death and resurrection of our Lord. His crucifixion was not the end, though. It was the avenue through which redemption would be offered to all humanity. The resurrection proved his victory over sin and death, offering us hope and assurance of eternal life. Now here's the most important point I want to make. Jesus didn't just live and teach. He came to reconcile us to God. Through his sacrifice, he bridged the gap that sin created between humanity and the divine. In him, believers find forgiveness and a new identity as beloved children of God. And how do we know that we are children of God? Well, it's not at our physical birth, but at our spiritual rebirth that we become children of God. We claim our spiritual identity as God's children when we make the decision to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior of our life. That's when the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in a person's heart. Of this, the Apostle Paul writes you have received a spirit of adoption when we cry Abba, father, it is that very spirit bearing witness, with our own spirit, that we are children of God Romans 8, 15 through 16. And we are called to live in the power of the Holy Spirit, experiencing new life and freedom from the bondage of sin. The resurrection also provides hope and assurance, promising that death is not the end for all who trust in Christ. This hope transforms the way we live our lives today, enabling us to face challenges with confidence and joy.

Paula Behrens: 3:55

Who did Jesus say he was? In his teachings, Jesus made profound claims about his identity son of God, the way, the truth and the life. Now, Jesus did explicitly claim to be the Messiah, the anointed one sent by God to save humanity. In John, chapter 4, verses 25 through 26, jesus reveals his identity as the Messiah Messiah to the Samaritan woman at the well and throughout his ministry he fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, such as his birth in Bethlehem Micah 5.2 prophesied that and his triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey Zechariah 9.9 prophesied that. These claims, along with his miracles and resurrection, support the belief that Jesus is truly God incarnate. Even today, and especially in our fast-paced, ever-changing world, Jesus offers timeless truths and promises peace, purpose and a clear understanding of our place in this world.

Paula Behrens: 5:11

Countless individuals have experienced personal transformation through a relationship with Jesus. Stories of people finding hope, purpose and healing illustrates the transformative power of his message. For example, individuals struggling with addiction have found freedom and new life in Christ. Those who have experienced deep pain and loss have found comfort and hope in his presence. These personal testimonies demonstrate that Jesus continues to impact lives even today, offering a new beginning and a sense of purpose. By following Jesus' example, believers can navigate the complexities of modern life with a clear sense of what is right and what is wrong.

Paula Behrens: 5:56

How can we encounter Jesus personally today? Well, it starts with seeking him in prayer, scripture and through the fellowship with other believers. Personal encounters with Jesus transform lives as we open our hearts to his presence and his love. Prayer is a way to communicate with him, sharing our thoughts, concerns and gratitude. Reading the Bible helps us understand his teachings and grow in our faith. Seeking his guidance means inviting him into our decisions and trusting him to lead us. Building this relationship requires intentionality and commitment, but it leads to a deeper sense of connection and purpose, possibly like none you have ever experienced before.

Paula Behrens: 6:45

Okay, I hope you found today's show thought-provoking and helpful. Thank you for joining us. If you are intrigued and want to dive a little deeper, I invite you to download my comprehensive guide that answers common questions and addresses misconceptions about Jesus. Whether you're from a different religious background, no background at all, or just beginning your exploration, this guide is an invaluable resource. It promises to enrich your understanding and, hopefully, inspire a personal relationship with Jesus. Don't forget to check the description below this show for a link to download your guide. Okay, I am so excited to walk alongside you on your journey of faith. Be blessed and I'll see you next time.