Becoming like Christ is evidenced by whole hearted obedience (life of Abraham)

 I've been thinking about Abrahams's faith journey this week. How he arrived at the moment of sacrificing his only son. The significance of  Abraham's life is shown in the references found in the New Testament. Particularly, Hebrews.

In our leader's meeting, we've been talking about evidence of becoming like Christ, another way of saying "sanctification." As a group we heard several ideas and this idea of maturing in faith has been of interest to me over the years. My favorite verses show steps I can take in the process, but seeing the evidence is more like seeing how effortless God's grace is in our lives. It's the good news of Jesus that leads to better relationships and power. The more we practice spiritual disciplines the more we hear, see, and understand - drawing us nearer to God moment by moment. Our soul and flesh want more of Him (Psalm 84:2). We move from values to virtues.

A mature Christian has embraced Jesus' mission statement: Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

 - This is God's doing and desire for us. To turn a divided heart of stone into a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 11:19), to give us life abundantly (John 10;10). It's not about a dead person's legacy, rather an eternal's persons place in God's kingdom. 

• And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. - Matthew 3:9
• ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” - Matthew 22:32

 - Law of the harvest takes time and care (Gospel "Kingdom of heaven" Mustard seed faith when grown Mat 13:31; Mark 4:30; Luke 13:19)

 - Spiritual fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), water/plant but God makes it grow (1 Cor 3:6)

 - Same Spirit many gifts (Eph 4:4,7-16, 1 Cor 12:4), Spirit points to Christ reminds us of Jesus

What evidence do you have you are BECOMING more like Christ?

 - My desires are to follow Christ and I have joy in fellowship with him and others. My life is moving from values (head knowledge) to virtues (character traits). God's promises are true in my life.

How can you tell when others are BECOMING more like Christ?

 - When frustrated or upset, they come around to God's word for truth and inspiration. God's peace is upon them and they bring peace to others. When sharing God's word they gentle and humble - winning the person, not the argument.