Let's talk about what has changed as a result of your acceptance of Jesus as your Savior and Lord.

There are many new and substantial changes that have already transpired as a result of your decision. Have you ever heard of a man in the bible named Nicodemus? He was one of the influential leaders of his day. He left his home one night to find this man named Jesus he had heard so much about because he wanted to ask him a few questions. The story goes like this, Nicodemus approaches Jesus and says to him that he knows Jesus must be from God because of all the amazing works and miracles Jesus had done. Jesus answers Nicodemus by saying,” …unless you have been born again you are not going to be able to see or understand the things that concern the Kingdom of God.” Nicodemus wonders at this answer, and asks Jesus, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter his mother's womb a second time…?” Jesus looks at Nicodemus and tells him, “That which is born of flesh is flesh and that which is born of the spirit is spirit.”

You see Nicodemus was having trouble understanding Jesus for the simple reason that he had not yet chosen to believe in Jesus as Savior or Lord. He was still of the flesh, not of the Spirit. He was not born again. Consequently, just as Jesus had said, Nicodemus was not able to understand the things that concern the Kingdom of God.

You are born again into the spiritual family of God!

You, unlike Nicodemus in the above scripture, have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. When you confessed to believing in Jesus, some amazing things took place. One of these is that you were born for a second time. No not into another earthly family but into the family of God and He is your new spirit(ual) Father.

Some of you may be wondering what that means, and how does it apply to you. That is a terrific question! What it means is that as a new son or daughter in a new family, you have an unbelievable new family heritage which is full of magnificent benefits and rewards. It's true! I'm sure that you sensed the precious moment when your sins were forgiven, and that tender warmth in your being when Jesus came into your heart to live with you. These things are to be evidence that you are a part of the family of God.

The benefits and rewards of Sonship.

Did you ever wish you were the one who invented the light bulb or found Solomon's mine, or perhaps discovered the cure for cancer? All of these events would be pretty amazing, but they all pale in comparison to the discovery you have encountered in Jesus. The discovery of Sonship. What is it? That my friend is the road of discovery you have just embarked on. Paul, one of the fellows in the New Testament, calls this journey a race. A race to where? It is much more than just a place or a finish line you are now headed toward, this race is a journey worthy of all creation. The race is to know Him, the King, your Father and to take all that He gives you along the way. Eternal life, peace, provision for your needs, discipline in hard times, victory in all your battles, health in all your sicknesses, forgiveness for all your mistakes, rewards of good things for your years in the race, comfort in adversity, help in your weakness, strength for your journey, delights for your searching. Psalms 103 describes some of these things. Psalms 91 tells you of some of the many promises He has given to you.

Getting to know your father in heaven.

Sonship and life in the Kingdom is not resting on your laurels, eating grapes, and being fanned by beautiful people there to indulge your every craving. It's much more exciting and rewarding than that. It is to be a son (or daughter) who truly knows their Father. A baby doesn't know his father, he just recognizes his face. A child has come to be acquainted with his father and his love and care. A son knows who his father is, and seeks with all that is within him to be like his father.

The first heritage or inheritance you have received is eternal life. Jesus in the book of John chapter 17 verse 3 says this,” And this is eternal life, that they may know Him, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom God has sent.” There's a verse in the New Testament that says,” You must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” You must begin to see and to know your new Father. Get acquainted intimately with Him. Find out what your new family is about. What is the height and breadth of His love and His provision He has given for you to reach out and take hold of.

Learn on this journey to ask questions. Talk to and communicate with your Father in heaven. Grab all you can -- use it for food and encouragement. Delight in the heritage you have freely come into and be bold in conquering all things that may stand as obstacles to knowing your Father more. Be strong, be courageous, and be assured that He is always watching over His children. And you are now one of His children.

You started on this journey, this race as Paul called it, when you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Know that He is able to keep you on it. All you need to do is love Him, trust Him, and do everything you can to know Him.