Under new ownership

Dr. Terry Cheek

By now probably everyone knows the BRCN is under new ownership. Doug and Barbara Harrell have been such a blessing to the communities and churches in the Blue Ridge Mountains and foothills. Words cannot begin to express the gratitude we have for their faithful and generous work pursuing the Great Commission. Quoting from Barbara’s email “As we all know, there is a time and a season for all things, and the season in our lives is changing at this point in time.” As I thought about this statement I reflected on my own life and ministry, how God has moved me and positioned me to assume roles I have never dreamed of. I have not had the privilege of meeting Brian Barrier but I’m certain of one thing God has placed and positioned him and his family for His work through the BRCN. For few moments this month lets think about being under new ownership.

That phrase causes me to immediately think business. But if I really allow it to sink into my heart it takes me to salvation. Just finishing with Resurrection Sunday (Easter) our hearts should be overflowing with the thought of salvation. Being saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ is nothing more than putting our soul under new ownership.

For those who may not understand what I’m talking about sit down and let me tell you a story about your life. Using Gods word to tell the story lets begin with Romans 5:12 KJV Wherefore, as by one-man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. This one man was Adam. When he and Eve disobeyed God and ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil they established what is known as the sin nature. That sin nature is passed to every male and female that has or ever will be born. The result of Sin is death notice with me Romans 3:23 KJV For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. All, that means everyone who has been or will be born, even you and I. We also have seen that sin brings about death, not just physical death but spiritual death as well. Friend you don’t want to experience spiritual death. There is a better way. Instead of allowing sin to remain in ownership of your life why not come to Jesus. That’s right Jesus wants to take over ownership of your physical and spiritual life. Making a change of ownership requires us to be born again. In Johns Gospel Jesus is talking to a man named Nicodemas about being born again this is part of that conversation. Joh 3:5 KJV 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. Jesus wants you to be born again. Jesus wants you to be under new ownership, His ownership. Friend if your reading this and you do not remember a time when you ask Jesus to forgive your sin, save your soul and take ownership of your life, will you do so today.

Allowing new ownership of your life makes room for so many new and wonderful opportunities. All the shame and guilt previously done will be gone. Paul reminds us in 2Corinthians 5:17 KJV Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. This is a wonderful feeling. I know from experience. If you have questions or just need help getting through the transition of new ownership drop me an email, I will be happy to show you from Gods word how Jesus can make the transition happen. Until next month may God keep you firmly in His grip.

Terry is the Executive Director and broadcaster of The Inspiring Word media ministry

You can contact Terry by email at [email protected]