The Children of God

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.

John 3:5

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.

Romans 8:16

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

1 John 2:3-5

A message from Brother Mike Dike

Who are the children of GOD?

Am I a child of GOD because I am a creation of GOD? (Genesis 1:27) 
Am I a child of GOD because of the name that I bear, e.g. James or Peter or Mary or Rhoda? 
Am I a child of GOD because I go to a place of worship and belong to a denomination? 
Am I a child of GOD because I am a pastor or preacher or prophet or general overseer? 
Am I a child of GOD because I sing in the local church choir, or am an usher or a Sunday school teacher or church secretary? 
Am I child of GOD because I speak in tongues, prophesy, perform miracles, etc.? 
Am I child of GOD because I am a moralist?
Many of the above attributes and other similar attributes are good qualities, but none of these is adequate to qualify anyone as a child of GOD.   
You may perform miracles, do many wonders and prophesy but still not be a child of GOD. Simon mesmerised the people of Samaria with his sorcery and was regarded by the Samaritans as “the great one – the power of GOD” (Acts 8:9-10); but he was far from the kingdom of GOD (Acts 8:18-23).  The young lady who spoke of Paul and Silas as “the servants of the most high GOD, which shew unto us the way of salvation” was correct in her prophecy but was not a child of GOD.  She was speaking via a spirit of divination (Acts 16:16-18).   
 
A true child of GOD

Children of GOD are those who are born-again: those born of the Spirit and are indwelt by the HOLY SPIRIT (John 3:5; Romans 8:9, 14, 16). 
Children of GOD are citizens of GOD’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13; Philippians 3:20) and therefore obey the laws of the kingdom of God (John 8:31-32; 1 John 2:3-5). 
Due to their being children of the kingdom, the children of GOD will not love the world nor will they align with its lifestyles (Matthew 6:24; James 4:4; 1 John 5:15-17; John 15:18-20; Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18). 
Children of GOD are spiritually minded and mind the things of the Spirit (Romans 8:5-10; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Galatians 5:25).   
 
Conclusion

Those who are children of GOD are those who are born-again and live in accordance with GOD's word and submit to the HOLY SPIRIT's leading (Romans 8:14). They live consciously in GOD's holy presence: trusting Him for grace to overcome the desires of the flesh in order to accomplish GOD's will in their lives (Titus 2:11-14)

It is impossible to live in accordance with the sinful nature and at the same time live in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17; 1 John 1:5-7) 

If anyone fails to resist, by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT, his or her sinful desires, but on the contrary yields to the sinful nature, then this person makes himself or herself an enemy of GOD (James 4:4; Romans 8:7-8). Such persons should expect both spiritual and eternal death (Romans 6:23; Romans 2:5-10).

My brothers and my sisters, think about all you have read in this message.  Let us examine ourselves and see whether we are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). GOD’s door into His Kingdom is open to all who will accept His invitation of salvation (John 3:16; Revelation 3:20).  Unto those who open their hearts to receive JESUS CHRIST as LORD and Saviour, He grants rest, peace and eternal life (Matthew 11:28-30; John 3:18; John 5:24).  
 
GOD bless you.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:1-2

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Titus 2:11-14