I Was Born This Way

by Beth Jones | Uncategorized

“So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’”
(John 3:7, NLT)

Ever heard yourself or someone else say, “I can’t help it, I was born this way!”? Or, “Well, I was born this way – so, that’s just the way I am!” Usually, comments like these are in reference to areas of weakness in our lives, unflattering behavior or ungodly lifestyle choices we are making. Often, it’s an excuse we use so we don’t have to change or be held accountable.
 
The “I was born this way” excuse can be used for a multitude of things – anger issues, laziness, generational welfare, sexual preference, failure complex, insecurity, addictions, lack of discipline – you name it.
 
If there were no remedy for the “I was born this way” mindset – we’d just have to excuse people who claim it and say, “Oh well, so sorry for you! Do the best you can; may the Lord take a liking to you. Have a nice life.”
 
But, the good news is that God has provided a dramatic solution for the “I was born this way” dilemma. In fact, the root of the “I was born this way” syndrome was so deep it needed a radical fix. God gave us the dramatic, radical solution we needed when Jesus said, “You must be born again!”
 
The solution to the “I was born this way” excuse is to be “born again!”
 
When we are born again – everything changes! When we believe on and receive Jesus Christ, we are born again and go through a complete transformation. We become a new creature in Christ. Now, when we say, “I was born this way,” it has an entirely different meaning. What we are saying when Jesus is in our lives is this: “I was born-again this way,” and that means the old is gone and new has come! That means I am learning how to tap into the new person I have become in Christ.

The joy of the Lord has been deposited into my spiritual DNA. I am born again with a godly work ethic; I have the fruit of the Spirit of self-discipline; I have been set free from all oppression; I am created in the image of God as distinctly male or female; seeds of greatness, destiny and purpose fill my soul and I am empowered by God to be and to do all that He has called me to be and do!
 
Yes, indeed I WAS born this way – born-again – to be more than a conqueror through Christ and an overcomer in all things through my faith!
 
Prayer: Father, I am so thankful that I don’t have to lean on the excuse that ‘I was born this way’ – but instead I have the power of ‘I was born-again this way’ and therefore everything has been made new! You are the Author and the Finisher of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Beth Jones Ministries
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As a young couple, fresh out of Bible School with Two daughters and a third child on the way, Jeff and Beth Jones felt God's call to pioneer Valley Family Church in 1991 with a vision to make an eternal difference in Southwest Michigan. As a husband and wife team, they have always led together as visionary pastors and have shared the pulpit as Bible teachers. They are passionate about building the local church in greater Kalamazoo and the global church around the world.

Their message has always been focused on the basics of the Bible and has remained consistent since VFC's beginning. Throughout VFC's history, the goal of their teaching has been to help people live an abundant life through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and through faith in God's Word. In short, it's our mission statement: we exist to help people become devoted followers of Jesus who get the Bible basics, live the life and do the stuff.

Jeff and Beth have four kids and four grandchildren. Meghan is married to Brodie Hock. Annie is married to Zack Spangler. Luke is married to Kelsey Jones. Eric is married to Alexa Jones. All of their kids and in-laws have served with them in the church for many years and each sense their own unique calling to ministry.

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