💌 Your life is a message, let it reflect Christ. 📲 Share this with someone who needs encouragement to live as a reflection of Jesus. #2Corinthians323 #ReflectChrist #LivingTestimony #BeLikeJesus #FaithInAction #ChristianLiving #WalkWithChrist #ShareYourFaith #GodsGrace #Lordsbook

❤️✝️ I just want to be more like Jesus. Less of me. More of Him. Every single day. 🙌 💬 What's one way you're trying to be more like Jesus? 👉 Follow FoxxFusion Ministries for daily faith, hope, and encouragement! ❤️🔥 #BeLikeJesus #FollowJesus #Faith #Christian #FoxxFusionMinistries

Daily Devotion: Romans 12:2 “Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God — what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.” GNB When you accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour you become a new person. Through Him you receive forgiveness of sins and a renewal of spirit. Everything changes, including your actions, thoughts, hopes and dreams; you’ve been accepted as a child of God. This means that you should no longer dwell on things of this world and focus on that which can uplift and enrich your soul, preparing you for an eternity in the holy presence of the Lord. As mere humans, we often fail at this. We constantly rethink the past, we get anxious because we have not done or said things that we ought to have OR we worry about that which have transpired in our lives. We worry about our mistakes and often we try, by ourselves, to correct it only to make a bigger mess of things. We also concern ourselves with the future and make up tall tales of disastrous events. While we are so worried about everything, the present passes us by and we forget that we’ve already been saved, that we have Someone who will look after us no matter what. We should therefore work harder at trying to change our attitude and fill our souls with hope and faith. Look what Paul said: Ephesians 4:22-24: “So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to – the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on a new self, which is created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.” GNB Philippians 3:13: “…the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead.” GNB Rest assured, though, that because you’ve been saved, God will help you, forgive you for your weaknesses and uplift you in your struggle. He promised us that, if we have be washed in the blood of the Lamb, we will become His family and He will never forsake us. Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.” GNB #Romans12 #DailyDevotion #belikeJesus #faith

Daily Devotion: 1 John 3:18 “My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.” We are being watched, friends and NOT by the CIA. We are being watched by the people of the world. Those who yet have to accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Ask yourself: “What does the world see when they look at me?” With your mouth you confess that you are God’s child, that you have faith, but do your actions support your words? James 1:22: “Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to his word; instead, put it into practice.” It is not enough that you can recite chapter and verse from scripture like the Pharisees of old or that you are seen praying at the drop of a hat. It is not enough that you point out to sinners the things they do wrong according to the Word of God; it is not enough that you talk to others about being saved. Your life must be your silent testimony. People should not wait for you to speak; they must know by sight that you are different. One would do well to remember that the Bible is like an instruction manual on how to live a Christian life. If you are unsure on how to react, take a look in the Book. Are you wondering whether you are living a righteous life? Is your life really following the path God wants you to go? John has the answer: 1 John 3:19-21: “This, then, is how we will know that we belong to the truth; this is how we will be confident in God’s presence. If our conscience condemns us, we know that God is greater than our conscience and that he knows everything. And so, my dear friends, if our conscience does not condemn us, we have courage in God’s presence.” In other words, listen to your heart! You know the difference between right and wrong. Make wise choices, befitting to a person calling him or herself a child of God. #1John3 #Love #Christianconduct #belikeJesus

Daily Devotion: 2 John 1:6 "This love I speak of means that we must live in obedience to God's commands. The command, as you have all heard from the beginning, is that you must all live in love." As Christians we often talk about the evil in the world and how people have turned their backs on God. Do you know what they lack mostly? Love, true brotherly love, where kindness and compassion rule. When our lives become self-centered, when we focus on our own prosperity and selfish needs, we do not mind that we hurt others in our ambition to succeed. We lack love. We are not living as Christ commanded us. "Jesus answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and the most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself." Matthew 22:37‭-‬39 Do you see how these two commands go hand in hand? If you do not love God, you will have no love for others. First turn back to God, be filled with the Holy Spirit, THEN you will know to reach out in love to others. We need to remember that if we have no love or compassion for others, we cannot expect it from God. In order to receive His blessings, we need to LIVE OUR LIVES LIKE CHRIST, filled with love for all creation. When was the last time you showed love and kindness to others? Are you as forgiving as you expect your Father to be? #2John1 #loveoneanother #belikeJesus #kindness #compassion

TO BE LIKE JESUS - PART 3B WHY GOD WANTS US TO BE LIKE JESUS (FRUITFULNESS, MULTIPLICATION, AND DOMINION MANDATE) (Google Docs link provided at the end and in the comment for clickable Bible citations to open your Bible App for a fluid study experience) In the previous section we explained that God conforming us to Christ fulfills the original Genesis mandate 👇: Gen 1:26-28 NIV 26 Then God said, “Let Us make mankind in OUR IMAGE, in OUR LIKENESS, so that they may RULE … over all the creatures …” 27 So God created mankind in His own Image… 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be FRUITFUL and INCREASE IN NUMBER; fill the earth and subdue it. RULE … over every living creature …” In that section, we saw how Jesus Christ restored us to the Image of God (Eph 4:12-15, 22-24). Now we’ll explore the final parts of fruitfulness, multiplication, and ruling (dominion). We ended the last post noting Christ’s ultimatum to the unfruitful (John 15:1-6). So what does fruitfulness mean here, and how are we made fruitful through Christ, without Whom we can do NOTHING☝️? In this context, fruitfulness refers to producing God’s righteous virtues. This was God’s expectation for mankind; but after Adam’s fall, humanity tended toward wickedness (Gen 6:5-6, Isaiah 5:1-4, *7*, Luke 6:43-45). In other words, humanity couldn't bear God’s kind of fruit, nor truly meet His righteous standards. Now that we understand the meaning of fruitfulness in this context, we can understand how Christ-likeness makes us fruitful. It is twofold: the Holy Spirit produces the fruit, and we must OBEDIENTLY follow Christ’s commands. Now that we’ve seen the meaning of fruitfulness, we can better understand how Christ-likeness makes us fruitful. Fruitfulness in Christ is twofold: primarily the Holy Spirit produces the fruit, and then secondly, we must OBEDIENTLY follow Christ’s commands. Gal 5:22-23, 25 NIV ²² But THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT is Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. … ²⁵ Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Rom 7:4-6 NIV ⁴ So… you also died to the law through the Body of Christ, that you might belong to Another, to Him Who was raised from the dead, IN ORDER THAT WE MIGHT BEAR FRUIT FOR GOD.⁵ For when we were in the realm of the flesh, … we bore fruit for death. ⁶ But now … we have been released from the law SO THAT WE SERVE IN THE NEW WAY OF THE SPIRIT ... Col 1:9-10 NIV ⁹ … we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will THROUGH all the wisdom and understanding THAT THE SPIRIT GIVES, ¹⁰ so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and PLEASE HIM IN EVERY WAY: BEARING FRUIT IN EVERY GOOD WORK, growing in the knowledge of God, Eph 5:8-10, 17-18 NIV ⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹ (for THE FRUIT OF THE LIGHT consists in ALL goodness, RIGHTEOUSNESS and TRUTH) ¹⁰ and FIND OUT WHAT PLEASES THE LORD. … ¹⁷ … UNDERSTAND WHAT THE LORD’S WILL IS. ¹⁸ Do NOT get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT, So the Genesis mandate of FRUITFULNESS is fulfilled ONLY through the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:5-9), Whom we receive as we OBEDIENTLY submit to Christ (Acts 5:32, John 16:13-15, Matt 28:19-20). How about multiplying? Did Jesus give a new mandate like the one in Genesis? Spiritually speaking, yes. This is captured in the Great Commission. I'll explain shortly. God originally wanted mankind's multiplication through marriage to produce Godly offspring (Mal 2:15 AMPC). But due to Adam’s fall, all his descendants were born into sin (Psa 51:5, Rom 5:19). However, Jesus Christ came and made it possible for people to be born again by the Spirit (John 3:3-8). This rebirth produced children of God, thus restoring God’s intention of having Godly offspring. After enabling the new birth, Jesus commanded ALL His followers to bring others into this new birth—this is the Great Commission (Matt 28:19-20). By this Commission of making OBEDIENT disciples TO Christ, we fulfill the original multiplication mandate. And Christ did not omit the final part of the Genesis mandate: i.e. ruling. Those who choose to belong to Him will reign with Him forever (2 Tim 2:12, Rev 5:10, 22:5). If you think about it, the End of Days would actually mark the true beginning; God would finally have what He intended from creation. At that time He will make a new Heaven and Earth (Rev 21:1-7); we will bear Christ’s Glorified Body (1 John 3:2, Phil 3:20-21, 1 Cor 15:44, 49-53); we will be fully righteous and fruitful with no devil to deceive us (Rev 20:10); and God will reap full multiplication from the one “Seed,” Jesus (John 12:23-24, 32, Rev 5:9). And we will reign with Him forever. This wraps up the series. Hope you were blessed. Feel free to remark or ask questions in the comment section. And again, please get the Free book “Early Steps in Christianity”, which covers this and much more in eight chapters of Biblically grounded teachings. Thanks for the privilege of your time. God bless and Shalom! For the Full Series: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/TO_BE_LIKE_JESUS_FULL_SERIES/ The Current Post (3B): https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Part_3B/ ⏮️For Part 3A: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Part_3A/ ⏮️For Part One: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Part_One/ For the Free PDF of "Early Steps in Christianity" (E.S.C): https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity For Paperback or Hardcover copies: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N For the Free PDF of "The Biblical Festivals of God" (TBFG): https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod For Paperback copies: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J Follow-up Post to the book, TBFG: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/BIBLICAL_CIPHERS_AND_CODES-FULL_SERIES/ I'd like to also encourage you to go through the following resources: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ORIGINS_OF_EASTER/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_PASSOVER_LAMB-FULL_SERIES/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/HOW_CAN_JESUS_PAY_FOR_THE_SINS_OF_OTHERS/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_OLD_TESTAMENT_IS_THE_SHADOW_OF_THE_NEW_COVENANT/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/What_Paul_Meant_by-The_Law_of_Sin_and_Death-Rom_7and8/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/The_Premise_of_Christianity/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Jesus_The_Redeemer/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Building_on_Legacy/ #BeLikeJesus #Christlikeness #ObedienceToGod #WalkInTheSpirit #YieldToTheSpirit #SpiritLedLife #Fruitfulness #GreatCommission #KingdomDominion #BibleStudyWithDanielOlatunji #FreeBooks #EarlyStepsInChristianity #TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod #God #Jesus #JesusChrist #HolySpirit #Theology #TheBible #Scripture #BiblicalTruth #ChristianTeaching #ChristianApologetics #SoundDoctrine #KingdomOfGod #Gospel #FaithInJesus #Salvation #EternalLife

TO BE LIKE JESUS - PART 3A WHY GOD WANTS US TO BE LIKE JESUS - (THE RESTORATION OF OUR IMAGE) (Google Docs link provided at the end and in the comment for clickable Bible citations to open your Bible App for a fluid study experience) Because of the scope of this subject, this section is in two parts (A & B). You may download the free book attached to this series for deeper explanations. In this concluding part, we’ll explore WHY God wants us to be like Jesus (Rom 8:29). In simple terms, being conformed to Christ is the only way God fulfills His purpose for creation in Genesis 1. God created all things for His pleasure, and His purpose must stand (Rev 4:11 KJV, Eph 1:5,9,11, Psa 135:6, Isaiah 46:10). Of all mankind, Jesus alone fully pleased Him (Matt 3:17, 17:5, Isaiah 42:1, John 5:30, 8:29), therefore God desires us to be like Him. Below is the Genesis mandate—the definition and purpose of mankind: Gen 1:26-28 NIV 26 Then God said, “Let Us make mankind in OUR IMAGE, in OUR LIKENESS, so that they may RULE … over all the creatures …” 27 So God created mankind in His own Image… 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be FRUITFUL and INCREASE IN NUMBER; fill the earth and subdue it. RULE … over every living creature …” Thus mankind was made in God’s Image, to be fruitful, multiply, and rule. But man sinned by obeying the devil (Gen 2:16-17, 3:1-7). Since one’s a servant of the one they obey (Rom 6:16-18), mankind effectively joined the devil’s rebellion submitting to his will ([Rom 3:23, 6:20, John 8:34, Eph 2:1-3, Titus 3:3], 2 Tim 2:26); thus adopting the sin nature that originated with Satan (John 8:42-44, 1 John 3:8-10). Adam and Eve passed this corrupted image to humanity (Gen 5:1-3, Rom 5:12, 18-19). Hence, humanity no longer reflected God’s PERFECT Image (Rom 3:23). This is the first point of deviation from the Genesis mandate. The sin nature makes perfection impossible (Rom 7:22-25). Therefore God sent His Son, Who took on the SAME weak flesh (Rom 8:3, Heb 2:14-15, 17, Phil 2:5-8); but by the Spirit’s enablement, and a surrendered will, He lived PERFECTLY without sin ([John 3:34, Heb 9:14], Heb 4:15), thus proving that Man can once again reflect God's PERFECT nature (Matt 5:48, Heb 10:14, 2 Cor 3:18, [1 John 2:6, 2 Tim 2:19]). We have no excuse, Jesus Christ was FULLY like us, and God was with Him as He is with us (John 8:29, Heb 13:5, John 14:16-18 NKJV). God's help does not totally eliminate pain, hardships, or temptation ([John 16:33, 1 Cor 15:10, 2 Cor 12:9-10], 1 Cor 10:12-13); neither does it override our will (Psa 19:13, Heb 10:26-27). Similarly, Jesus Christ had freewill (John 10:18), He faced EVERY hardship we do, and despite that chose to OBEY God. Hunger didn’t make Him sell His Birthright (Heb 12:16; Matt 4:2-4); neither did ego (1 Sam 15:22-30; Phil 2:5-11); nor shame and betrayal make Him turn against us (Rom 11:2-4, Jer 12:3-6, 18:18-23; Luke 22:31-34, 23:34, Heb 12:24). He fully experienced our pains, so we have no excuse (1 John 3:3). And if we fall short, we must simply repent and not make excuses to remain in sin (1 John 2:1-2). Jesus was fully Man (Heb 2:17), and fully Divine, but on incarnation He laid aside His Divinity (John 17:5, Phil 2:6-8). While on earth, He became fully Divine due to the Holy Spirit (Matt 3:16, John 3:34, Col 1:19). He had to be fully Human, otherwise He couldn't be tempted as we are, because God cannot be tempted (Heb 4:15, James 1:13). He overcame temptation by the Spirit, and by surrendering His will to fulfill ALL that the Holy Spirit caused the prophets to write concerning Him (Matt 26:39, 5:17, 2 Peter 1:20-21). In other words, He kept in step with the Spirit (Gal 5:24-25). Jesus took our image so that we may take His through the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:9-10, 2 Peter 1:3-4). He identified with us as “the Son of Man” (Luke 5:20-24, Heb 2:11, 14-17); and now calls us to take His Image (1 Cor 15:45-50), through a surrendered life to the Holy Spirit. And because of that we can become "Children of God" (John 1:12, Rom 8:16, 1 John 3:1). Bearing His Image restores the Genesis mandate, for Jesus is God’s express Image (Col 1:15, John 14:9), and through Him we put on God’s likeness (*Eph 4:12-15, 22-24*). Only through Christ do we become children of God and gain access to dwell with Him (John 1:12, 14:1-6). Understand that God can hear and speak with anyone or any spirit, good or bad (Num 22:9-12, Judges 7:13-15, Job 1:6-7); but only His Children have access to dwell in His Home eternally (John 14:1-3). The devil and everyone else who holds to the image of the sin nature have alternative accommodation in the eternal lake of fire (Rev 20:10, 14-15). God has chosen you to dwell with Him (John 3:16-18, 1 Tim 2:1-6); now the choice is yours (Deut 30:19-20, Josh 24:15). Accepting this invitation requires coming through Christ and allowing the Spirit to purge the sin nature; otherwise, one risks being cast out (Matt 22:9-14). God can easily graft you in, but if you refuse FRUITFULNESS, He can just as easily remove you (John 15:1-6, Rom 11:17-24, Heb 10:26-31). We’ll explore fruitfulness and the rest of the Genesis mandate in Part 3B. Thanks for the privilege of your time. God bless and Shalom! Link to Full Series: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Full_Series/ Link for current post (3A): https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Part_3A/ For Part 3B: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Part_3B/ For the Free PDF of "Early Steps in Christianity" (E.S.C): https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity For Paperback or Hardcover copies: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N For the Free PDF of "The Biblical Festivals of God" (TBFG): https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod For Paperback copies: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J I'd like to also encourage you to go through the following resources: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ORIGINS_OF_EASTER/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_PASSOVER_LAMB-FULL_SERIES/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/HOW_CAN_JESUS_PAY_FOR_THE_SINS_OF_OTHERS/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/BIBLICAL_CIPHERS_AND_CODES-FULL_SERIES/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_OLD_TESTAMENT_IS_THE_SHADOW_OF_THE_NEW_COVENANT/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/What_Paul_Meant_by-The_Law_of_Sin_and_Death-Rom_7and8/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/The_Premise_of_Christianity/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Jesus_The_Redeemer/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Building_on_Legacy/ #BeLikeJesus #ImitateChrist #Christlikeness #ObedienceToGod #WalkInTheSpirit #SpiritLedLife #YieldToTheSpirit #TransformationInChrist #ConformToChrist #ChristianDiscipleship #SpiritualGrowth #BibleStudyWithDanielOlatunji #FreeBooks #EarlyStepsInChristianity #TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod #God #Jesus #JesusChrist #HolySpirit #TheLivingWord #Theology #TheBible #Scripture #BiblicalTruth #ChristianTeaching #ChristianApologetics #SoundDoctrine #KingdomOfGod #Gospel #FaithInJesus #Salvation #EternalLife

TO BE LIKE JESUS - PART TWO HOW TO BE LIKE JESUS (Google Docs link provided at the end and in the comment for clickable Bible citations to open your Bible App for a fluid study experience) In the previous part, we established the call to Christ-likeness (Rom 8:29). This part shows “how”, and the next part “why”, God is conforming us to His Son, Jesus Christ. The “how” is actually very simple, and this is a very critical aspect of Christianity. God makes us like Jesus Christ by giving us the Holy Spirit (Gal 4:6). The Holy Spirit is the distinguishing factor between a believer and an unbeliever (Rom 8:9, 14-16, [John 1:12-13, 3:5-6]), and it is through Him that we've been invited to participate in the Divine nature (2 Peter 1:3-4). So in every regard, there is ONLY ONE WAY to be like Jesus Christ, and that is by the help of the Holy Spirit. Hence, becoming like Jesus Christ is NOT like a To-do checklist; it begins and ends with the Holy Spirit. I mean even “self-control” is produced by the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23); on our own, we can't truly control ourselves, nor please God, even if we wanted to (Rom 7:15, 19, 8:6-8). In fact, we can do absolutely NOTHING meaningful without Christ and His Spirit (John 15:4-5, Matt 19:26). Even our salvation did NOT ORIGINATE from our choice, but rather as a consequence of the Choice that God made beforehand (Rom 8:29-30, 5:8-10, John 15:16, 6:44, 65). So also our ability to love is as a result of God pouring His Love into us by His Spirit (1 John 4:10,19, Rom 5:5). Everything that is good traces its origin to God, not us (James 1:17, Rom 7:18). Therefore, the journey to Christ-likeness depends primarily on the Holy Spirit. This is why Paul rebuked the Galatians for beginning in the Spirit but trying to continue by the flesh (Gal 3:1-5). Christ is formed in us only as we remain Spirit-led (Gal 4:19, Rom 8:9-10, 14). Naturally, we are like everyone else—born in the same weak flesh that is inclined to sin. Again, what sets the believer apart is the new birth by the Spirit (John 1:11–13, 3:3–6). This rebirth makes us akin to Jesus Christ, and children of God (Titus 3:5). The Spiritual work of rebirth and sanctification is both instant and ongoing, touching the various aspects of our being. Our spirit and soul reap the instantaneous benefits of the rebirth, thus granting us immediate access to the Father in Heaven (Eph 2:6, Rom 8:16, 3 John 1:2 NKJV). However, our flesh and sinful desires are progressively sanctified by the Holy Spirit, weaning us from the patterns of the world to which we were accustomed (Rom 12:2, 2 Thess 2:13). It is in this sanctification process that there is a struggle and the tendency to retrogress to the ways of the flesh (Gal 5:16-18, 1 Peter 2:11). In the process of sanctification our assignment is twofold: SUBMIT to the Holy Spirit, and RESIST the evil desires of the flesh (Gal 5:24-25). It is when we do these that the Holy Spirit has the freedom to do the real work of transformation within us (Phil 2:13). In this path of SUBMISSION, OBEDIENCE, and SACRIFICE of self-will is where true holiness resides. The problem is that most of us have had a skewed perspective on “holiness” often focused on outward appearances. Holiness is essential, after all without holiness no one would see God (Heb 12:14). Hence God gave us His Son and HOLY Spirit to truly make us holy (John 17:17-19, Heb 2:11, 10:10, 14). The Holy Spirit is the administrator of the sanctification process, practically teaching and guiding us to be Christ-like (John 14:26, [14:6, 16:12-14], 1 John 2:27). Holiness isn't about rule-keeping, but rather about Spirit-following (Rom 8:14, Gal 5:18). This is why Jesus and John the Baptist could look different outwardly, yet we can all agree that both of them were righteous and holy (Matt 11:18-19, Rom 14:4). So holiness is NOT based on appearances. To be “holy” is to be “set apart”, and ideally this is something God has to do. For instance, once the Tabernacle or Temple and their elements were made holy by God, they could no longer be treated as ordinary, like during the construction phase when the workers could freely touch and interact with them (2 Sam 6:6-7, 1 Sam 6:19-20, Dan 5:22-30). In the same way, we can ONLY be truly MADE Holy by Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit (Heb 10:10, 14). And our actions and lifestyle can truly be seen as holy if they have been inspired by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:74-75, Acts 17:24-25, John 4:24, Col 1:9-12). So the key to being Christ-like is NOT in some roadmap of rules, but rather in HUMBLE SURRENDER to the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 3:3). We may not understand all the steps that the Holy Spirit would lead us through, some being rather uncomfortable and painful (Luke 4:1-2, 14), but the result would make us more like Jesus and pleasing to the Father. Hope this blessed you, and I hope you stick around for part 3. Feel free to leave a remark or question in the comment section. And if you haven't done so already, please 🙏 download the Free book “Early Steps in Christianity”, Link below 👇. Thanks for the privilege of your time. God bless and Shalom! For the Full Series: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/TO_BE_LIKE_JESUS_FULL_SERIES/ The Current Part (2): https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Part_Two/ For Part 3A ⏭️: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Part_3A/ ⏮️For Part One: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Part_One/ For the Free PDF of "Early Steps in Christianity" (E.S.C): https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity For Paperback or Hardcover copies: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N For the Free PDF of "The Biblical Festivals of God" (TBFG): https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod For Paperback copies: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J Follow-up Post to the book, TBFG: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/BIBLICAL_CIPHERS_AND_CODES-FULL_SERIES/ I'd like to also encourage you to go through the following resources: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ORIGINS_OF_EASTER/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_PASSOVER_LAMB-FULL_SERIES/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/HOW_CAN_JESUS_PAY_FOR_THE_SINS_OF_OTHERS/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_OLD_TESTAMENT_IS_THE_SHADOW_OF_THE_NEW_COVENANT/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/What_Paul_Meant_by-The_Law_of_Sin_and_Death-Rom_7and8/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/The_Premise_of_Christianity/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Jesus_The_Redeemer/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Building_on_Legacy/ #BeLikeJesus #Christlikeness #FollowChrist #ImitateChrist #WalkLikeJesus #ChristianLiving #HolyLiving #Sanctification #SpiritualGrowth #Discipleship #Transformation #RenewYourMind #DieToSelf #BibleStudyWithDanielOlatunji #FreeBooks #EarlyStepsInChristianity #TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod #God #Jesus #JesusChrist #HolySpirit #TheLivingWord #Theology #TheBible #Scripture #BiblicalTruth #ChristianTeaching #ChristianApologetics #SoundDoctrine #KingdomOfGod #Gospel #FaithInJesus #Salvation #EternalLife

TO BE LIKE JESUS CHRIST - PART ONE WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CHRISTIAN (Google Docs link provided at the end and in the comment for clickable Bible citations to open your Bible app for a fluid study experience) Simply put, Christianity is a call to be like Jesus Christ in every way. I mean it is even in the title “Christian”, which literally means “follower of Christ”. We'll expound further to highlight how and why God wants us to be like Jesus Christ, but for now we'll focus on establishing the fact that the call to Christianity is to be like Jesus Christ in every way. Let's begin with the following Passage: Romans 8:29 NIV @29 For those God foreknew He also predestined TO BE CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON, that He might be the Firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines the intransitive verb “Conform” as: 1: to be similar or identical 2a: to be obedient or compliant So God’s goal for every believer is really simple, He wants to make us like His Son, Jesus Christ. Paul highlighted this same objective in his lamentation over the Galatian church: Galatians 4:19 NIV @19 My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth UNTIL CHRIST IS FORMED IN YOU, So conformity to Jesus Christ is the end goal for every Christian. It is a lifelong pursuit, and we must not settle for anything less (Phil 3:8-14). Indeed, we will fall short and stumble A LOT in this quest to be like Christ (Psa 37:23-24, Prov 24:16, [1 John 1:9, 2:1-2]); but we must never be discouraged, complacent, or somehow reduce the standard to accommodate our shortfalls. God is Holy, and He has called (invited) us to fellowship with Him in Holiness (1 Peter 1:14-16, Heb 12:14-15). Do not be intimidated by this, we'll discuss more on it in part two of this series. So instead of being discouraged when we fall short, we should rather tap into the empowering supply of Grace to keep pressing for the mark that Jesus Christ has called us to (Titus 2:11-14): Hebrews 4:16 NIV @16 Let us then approach GOD’S THRONE OF GRACE with confidence, so that we may RECEIVE MERCY and FIND GRACE TO HELP US IN OUR TIME OF NEED. So what does “Conformity” to Jesus Christ mean? Applying the dictionary definition of the word, it means we're to be “similar”, “identical”, “obedient”, and “compliant” in the very same way that Jesus Christ was while He was on earth. Again, for now, don't worry about the “how?”. I'd like us to see from Scripture how we've been made “similar” or “identical” to Christ in nature, and then subsequently we'll look at how we're expected to be like Him in character, i.e. obedience. John stated that in this world we are like Jesus, meaning we share the very same essence and nature (1 John 4:17). So just as He was baptized in the Holy Spirit (Matt 3:16, John 3:34), so are we (Acts 2:4). Note that it is the very SAME Holy Spirit and His power that Jesus had, that we've also been given (Gal 4:6-7, Eph 1:19-20, 2 Peter 1:3-4). This technically means that we possess the same ability to do all the miracles He did, and even more (John 14:12, Mark 11:22-25). Jesus Christ NEVER limited His disciples in terms of ability. He expected them to be able to do everything that He did. If they fell short, it wasn't for lack of ability, but inadequacy in their faith capacity (Matt 8:26), or unconformity to His practices of consecration, for instance fasting and praying (Mark 2:18-20, 9:28-29 NKJV). If for any reason the things that Scripture says concerning us are not a reflection of your life, it would be more prudent to self-examine if there are aspects in your life that are not in conformity to Jesus Christ and Scripture (2 Cor 13:5, James 1:22, Luke 6:46-49), than to blame God (Prov 19:3). So, just as Jesus was sent into the world, so also have we been sent (John 20:21). Just as He is the Light of the world (John 8:12), so also have we been made light to the world (Matt 5:14-16). We reflect His Light that has come to shine within us (2 Cor 3:18, 4:3-4,6). And just as Christ is a Priest (Heb 5:5-6), so are we (Rev 5:10 NKJV, 1 Peter 2:5,9). There are a number of other mirrored identifiers that we share with Jesus, like even laying down our lives (1 John 3:16), and such, but let's move on to character-wise. Jesus Christ exemplified HUMILITY and OBEDIENCE (Heb 5:7-9), and we're called to learn these traits from Him (Matt 11:29, Phil 2:5-11). Jesus Christ was obedient to the Tee in executing the will of God on earth, doing only what pleased the Father (John 8:28-29). In like manner, we are to do the same ([1 Peter 4:11, Matt 10:19-20, Jer 1:9, Isaiah 59:21], Eph 5:10,17). Obedience is an expression of Love. So just as Christ loved and obeyed the Father (John 15:10), so also are we called to obedience (John 14:15, 2 John 1:6, 1 John 5:3, Rom 1:5, 6:16-18, 2 Cor 9:13, Acts 26:19-20). So in every regard, we are to be like Jesus. But the question now is how? Stick around for part two for the answer. If you haven't already done so, please 🙏 download the Free book “Early Steps in Christianity”, link below 👇. Thanks for the privilege of your time. God bless and Shalom! For the Full Series: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/TO_BE_LIKE_JESUS_FULL_SERIES/ For Current Part: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Part_One/ For Part Two ⏭️: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Part_Two/ For the Free PDF of "Early Steps in Christianity" (E.S.C): https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity For Paperback or Hardcover copies: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N For the Free PDF of "The Biblical Festivals of God" (TBFG): https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod For Paperback copies: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J Follow-up Post to the book, TBFG: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/BIBLICAL_CIPHERS_AND_CODES-FULL_SERIES/ I'd like to also encourage you to go through the following resources: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ORIGINS_OF_EASTER/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_PASSOVER_LAMB-FULL_SERIES/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/HOW_CAN_JESUS_PAY_FOR_THE_SINS_OF_OTHERS/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_OLD_TESTAMENT_IS_THE_SHADOW_OF_THE_NEW_COVENANT/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/WHAT_PAUL_MEANT_BY-THE_LAW_OF_SIN_AND_DEATH-ROM_7AND8/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/The_Premise_of_Christianity/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Jesus_The_Redeemer/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Building_on_Legacy/ #God #Jesus #JesusChrist #HolySpirit #TheLivingWord #Theology #BibleStudyWithDanielOlatunji #TheBible #Scripture #BiblicalTruth #ChristianTeaching #ChristianApologetics #SoundDoctrine #KingdomOfGod #Gospel #FaithInJesus #Salvation #EternalLife #Christlikeness #BeLikeJesus #SpiritualGrowth #Holiness #Sanctification #WalkInTheSpirit #LedByTheSpirit #DieToSelf #FreeBooks #EarlyStepsInChristianity #TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod