Christian Living

---

Have You Truly Been Re-Born Again?
© 2007

by

Stephen A. Peterson


Gina Petrocelli had gone to church all of her life. At 19, she taught a religious education class to elementary school aged children and was an officer in her church’s youth ministry. She was active in the Shawnee community as a Jaycee, Candy Striper and became the youngest person ever elected to the city commission. By age 25, Gina married a loving man who was a very successful businessman with who she eventually had three bright, attractive children. They lived in a four bedroom ranch style house in one of the most beautiful and picturesque areas of Shawnee, Oklahoma; drove a mew car every year and went on vacations somewhere in the world each winter. Everything was just about perfect as far as Gina was concerned.

Then five days before Thanksgiving, Gina’s husband involved in an automobile accident and instantly killed. Gina was shattered. Even after nearly four years, Gina was still unable to overcome her grief for her husband. She went to church less frequently, quit most of her volunteer work in the Shawnee community and stayed at home a great deal of the time asking God why He took her wonderful husband and father.

On a bright, sunny autumn afternoon, her pastor called and after hearing about her depressed state asked her what might appear to be a strange question.

“Have you been born again, Gina?”

“Why do you ask such a question? I’ve gone to church all of my life. I’ve prayed every single day,” she responded. “My mother, my father, my sisters, my brother…”

“But really, Gina, have you truly been born again? Have you really accepted Christ and turned your life and difficulties completely and totally over to Him as you implied you do?” Once she thought about it, she was not sure.

Opening his black leather Bible, the priest turned its pages to Nicodemus’ encounter with Jesus. When he finished his reading, he prayed for Gina, her children and for her well-being. Then Gina prayed and asked Christ to come into her life and forgive her of the sin of not trust Him. From that day forward, Gina’s life took on new meaning and excitement! She dealt with her grief, rejoined the human race and the life of the living.

“Being born again…” for many Christians regardless of their denominational affiliation are asking this question in light of society’s heavy emphasis on material things. If you know and have experienced re-birth in Christ, then you have a great opportunity to help other to become a new person in Him as well as view themselves and the world in a new, exciting way! If you are not sure or have any doubts whatsoever, this very day, this very moment would be the time to ask Christ to take over the management and problems of your life. A starting point would be saying a prayer along these lines:

Almighty God and Father, I believe with my whole mind You sent Your
Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem me from every sin I have ever
committed. I acknowledge my sins and ask forgiveness for them. I
accept Him as my Lord and Savior this day and forever. Amen.

And as a reminder of your re-birth and commitment, you might confidently say with every chance available to you:

God is with me. God is in me. God be with me always.

This is a prayer that consumes roughly twenty (20) seconds.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE