My Inbox of Daily Inspirations: Daily Heartlight -- June 25, 2008

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June 25, 2008

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=========================== TODAY'S ARTICLE ==========================

Becoming a Citizen, by Tim Archer

A friend of mine recently became a citizen of the United States. After
living in this country for a number of years, she decided to become a
citizen. She filled out the necessary forms, took the tests, made the
pledge of loyalty to this country and, of course, paid the required
fees. It's quite a process.

I did the same thing in a much simpler way: I was born a citizen. No
forms (at least not filled out by me!), no tests, no pledge, no fees.
All I did was be born in the right place. My children did me one
better. Not only were they born citizens of the United States, they
were also born Argentine citizens. Two kids, four passports.

They're not the only ones with dual citizenship, however. Even though I
don't have the passport to prove it, I am also a citizen under another
jurisdiction. I'm a citizen of God's kingdom. I'm not a naturalized
citizen; I was born into that kingdom. In fact, there are no
naturalized citizens in God's kingdom.

How do you become a citizen of God's kingdom?

During Jesus' public ministry, a man named Nicodemus came to see him.
While talking with Nicodemus, Jesus told him, "I tell you the truth, no
one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the
Spirit" (John 3:5). It takes a second birth to become a citizen of
God's kingdom, a birth involving water and the Spirit. The apostle Paul
talked about this new birth when he wrote: "We were therefore buried
with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was
raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a
new life" (Romans 6:4). When a believer in Jesus is baptized, he is
buried under the water and comes out with a new life. It's a new birth.
In writing to Titus, Paul called this act "the washing of rebirth and
renewal by the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5). Rebirth... new life... born
again... it's all the same concept.

Years ago I was born into this world, becoming a U.S. citizen. Almost
13 years later, I was born a second time, when I was baptized, becoming
a citizen of God's kingdom. Despite my lack of a passport, my second
citizenship is every bit as real as my first one and much more
important. Long after all passports have turned to dust, I'll still
hold my heavenly citizenship.

If you want to become a citizen of God's kingdom, there are no tests to
take, no forms to complete, no money to pay. There are no naturalized
citizens in God's kingdom. The only way to enter is to be born again,
born of water and the Spirit. If you'd like to know more about this new
birth, write to me at tim@hopeforlife.org or leave a comment on our
blog at hopeforlife.org.

Are you presently experiencing a new life? God's word says, "if anyone
is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has
come!"

This new life is a free gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ. If
you want to know more about this life that only Jesus can give you,
sign up for one of our Bible courses. Wherever you are in life,
whatever you've done, you can begin again.

You may also contact us at info@hopeforlife.org if you have questions
about becoming a new creation.

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(c) 2008 Herald of Truth

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Daily Heartlight -- June 25, 2008