Judah

Water baptism, that outward expression of an inward change. Water Baptism and repentence from "dead works". Who wouldn't want the "old ways and lifestyles" devastated? Clearly I was not living up to the mark GOD had called me to. My full potential. No noticeable treasure in the earthen clay vessel. Didn't even know I was dead and needed to be revived and regenerated, not rehabilitated. "Repent!" When you put "re" in front of a word, it means to put back to its original intent. To re-pent, to live in the high place GOD had intended us to dwell with HIM. Pent-house living, if you will. We need reformation, regeneration, a metamorphosing. The old has to pass away and behold all things are new. I did not necessarily see myself as "new". The HOLY SPIRIT wrapped me like a quilt on a cold morning, overwhelming me to life. Being overwhelmed, overcome, overpowered, covered completely, submerged by the HOLY SPIRIT. The Super/Supra-natural(above the natural)lifestyle. Power to live the new and Holy lifestyle. Holy being the operative word. HE tells us to be holy because HE is holy. Empowered to live, loving and lovingly. The HOLY SPIRIT regenerates, revives us to life, producing fruit in keeping with repentence. To be, being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT. Fill my cup LORD, fill me up and make me whole.

Describing the behavior of a Christ follower who is identifying more with the wisdom of the world than with the wisdom of their heavenly home shows that they have forgotten who they really are and what they are really about. The elect, exiles, "resident alien" as Dr. Wilson used. A believer who has lost focus on becoming "CHRISTlike" in word and action and purpose. I remember the feeling of separateness, a disconnect. Thankfully there was enough of the word the HOLY SPIRIT used to draw me to remember I am not a citizen of this world. Sometimes I imagine stronger methods are needed to bring us to our senses.