MORNING MANNA 4-2-22
CHRISTIANS ARE CHANGED
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – 2 Cor. 5:17
Thirty years ago, a notorious gangster named Mickey Cohen attended a Christian meeting in Beverly Hills.The meeting was being led by a young evangelist named Billy Graham. Graham was just starting out in evangelism and no one had really heard of him.
Everyone knew about Mickey Cohen. Mickey was attracted to what he heard at the meeting. Afterwards, Billy and some of the others talked to him about salvation, but he made no commitment at that time. A while later a Christian friend read Revelation 3:20 to him – “Behold, I stand at the door….”. The friend then asked Mickey if he wanted this salvation. He said, “Yes, I do.”
The news of his conversion made quite a sensation, and the ministry of Billy Graham became known across the nation. There was only one small problem – nothing in Mickey Cohen’s life changed. When his friend confronted him about it, Mickey complained: “You didn’t tell me I would have to give up my work!”. [Mafia]. “You didn’t tell me I would have to give up my friends!” [gangsters]. Mickey had heard that so-and-so was a Christian athlete, and so-and-so was a Christian actress, so he thought he could be a Christian gangster.
As I read this story I was reminded that sadly, there are many like Cohen. They want to be identified as a Christian, and might even do some things associated with Christianity, but there is no real change in their life. They have no new nature, nor characteristics of a true Christian. What about you? Do you understand that those who trust Christ become “a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new’. ( 2 Cor.5:17)? Christ changes all those who receive Him. Is there any evidence that you have been born again? – Bro. Stone
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
