From the Guttermost to the Uttermost

A “Born Again” experience is a total transformation of the person. Christianity is not a profession but a possession. Our church world is full of people that are religious but have never been “Born Again.” It was the Son of God that stated without question about being “Born Again.” “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:5-6). Why are most preachers simply asking people to “accept Him,” but are not putting them on their knees to pray and repent until there is a supernatural work of the Holy Ghost in their heart? It is empty religion until you are a new creature in Christ. This is why the church is full of people that call themselves, “Saved Sinners.” They are still sinners and actually think they are saved. Apostle Paul is the great example of what being “Born Again” is all about. He was named Saul of Tarsus and he was a wicked man. His last effort in wickedness was the destroying of the church in Jerusalem. The Bible says, “As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison” (Acts 8:3). On his way to Damascus, he was fully prepared to put men and women in bondage to be brought to trial and probably death in Jerusalem. But, the Lord appeared on the turnpike to this city in Syria and Saul saw the light. That’s what the Holy Ghost wants to do for you. The new man was named Paul instead of Saul and became one of God’s greatest preachers.

6 thoughts on “From the Guttermost to the Uttermost”

  1. RJ

    good stuff! Amen! and regarding the “saved sinners” term: I have never liked that one either! I was once at a prophecy conference where a gal smiled ear to ear while using that term; however it seemed she was implying that it was “all right” to live just any errant way a person chose to; that was certainly how it sounded anyway.

    And I’m on board with you about how pastors/preachers (erroneously) tell people to merely “accept Christ” as well. This is certainly a huge symptom of these end days.

  2. Sheree D. Price

    Dear Pastor Chambers,
    It was 36 years ago yesterday, March 10, 1975
    that I saw the exceeding sinfulness of my sins. It
    was as if I were completely blind and bound to the
    truths of the Gospel, even tho I was a young
    Baptist girl, attending church and thinking I was
    okay and going to heaven when I died. But, Praise
    God, the Holy Ghost brought great conviction to my
    heart, allowing me to fall to my knees, literally,
    crying out to God, “what must I do to be saved?”

    I realized thru testimony of my sister, who was mean as a
    snake, that she got saved, and really, really changed
    and I wanted what she had. The Holy Ghost, the fire of
    God, burned in her soul. I knew beyond a shawdow of
    a doubt, that what Jesus did at the Cross, how He
    suffered and bled and was tortured and beaten beyond
    recognition, how He was forsaken in a moment in time by His
    Holy Father God… so that I could gave eternal
    life, and have all my sins forgiven and never, ever
    be forsaken…that He did it all for me, I cried and cried
    and pled for forgiveness!!! On my knees that day and night
    Jesus made all things new in me! I became a new
    creature, old things had passed away and all things
    became new!!! I couldn’t get enough of His Word,and
    when I read the story of Nicodemus and Jesus, John
    ch 3, when Jesus said “you must be born again!” Bless
    His Holy Name, I knew that I was!!!

    Hallelujah to the Lamb of God who takes away the sins
    of the world. So my real birthday was yesterday and I
    just had to comment and say God continue to bless
    you Pastor, keep doing your awesome ministry for our King!!!!

    Yours in Christ, Sheree Price

  3. Ed Wood

    Hello Pastor Joseph.

    It is my observation that people can have different experiences after their conversion. With some, like Paul, the change is instantaneous. For others, like myself, it is very much a gradual “work in progress.” I say this because I knew and accepted with a certainty the reality of God and Jesus when I was only six, messed up big time along the way, but I’m getting there. For example, I no longer drink, smoke cigarettes (or anything else!!), have lost the desire to “get even” with someone who has done me wrong, but I sure have a long way to go still.

    But whatever that case, the Bible is clear that no one is ever sin-free in this life (1 John 1:8-10). I suppose the big difference between a saved and unsaved person is that the former hates it when he or she sins and repents, while the latter either doesn’t care or else actively embraces it. I believe it is the presence of the Holy Spirit within us that gives a saved person this conviction when they sin.

  4. Mark Steiner

    Remember this also – Christ came to save not righteous, but sinners. Paul said he was chief of sinners. If he is chief, then I am chief of staff. Praise God for saving such a lowly sinner as me – awaiting my transformation in the air when Jesus comes!

  5. Jim S

    Dear Pastor Chambers: One weekend while in college, I saw the movie entitled “The Greatest Story Ever Told.” While watching the movie, I treasured the message of Christ and thought, “Oh, how I would like to have lived then and been one of his disciples.”

    Within three years of the movie, I had developed an intense interest in the things of God. Although He was leading me to salvation, I did not know nor could have ever thought it to be true based on my behavior. Although lost, God was at work in my life revealing truth to me about my lost condition and need for the Savior. Someone was praying for me, I am sure.

    Christ in His grace and mercy led me to salvation. Like the Tax Collector in Luke 18:13, God opened my eyes to see my sin and His sacrifice for that sin on the cross. I was heart broken, grieved, and humbled by the picture of it all. I prayed to receive Christ and went on to experience a changed life. Although I fell from time-to-time, the Holy Spirit was faithful to pick me up to stand and move forward in Christ. God does not give up on those who belong to Him.

    Jesus Christ is my life. I live in His presence moment-by-moment, ever aware of His nearness. My greatest desire is to know and love Him more each day. My greatest need is to walk with the touch of His hand. He is my first love, now and forevermore!