Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Birth Marks

Do you have a birth mark? I have one on the outside of my right knee. I have no idea what it is for or how I even got one. I suppose most people that have them are in the same boat with me. Years ago we were talking about birthmarks with the girls. I don't really remember if Marily or Hilary have one, that is not important. I remember Ana looking all over her little five year old body looking for her birthmark. Her beautiful chocolate skin didn't help in her search. After a few minutes Donna provided the best answer. She said, "Ana, your birthmark is right here in my heart".

I use that as an illustration for this thought. What are the birthmarks of an authentic Christian life? Jesus told Nicodemus that new life in Christ is like being, Born Again. So if that is true then there ought to be some evidences in those who make that claim. You may have some come to mind. I want to suggest that the very first mark must be the mark of Pentecost.

Pentecost came as the Power of God, to the people of God, to accomplish the Purpose of God. It is through Pentecost that His children have the inner witness of adoption. The Spirit of God bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. There may be other birthmarks, and there should be. Our lives should show the marks of love, devotion, kindness, the fruit of the spirit. Yet, the mark of Pentecost, a new life in Christ, must be the first.

Tedd Galloway is the pastor of West Adrian Community Church and the author of, A Mother's Heart Moved the Hand of God. You can find him on Facebook and Twitter.

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