Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt
Personally knowing Jesus Christ, which begins when you make the choice and decision to ask and receive Him into your heart as Lord and Savior, is the greatest decision a person can make in their life. Likewise, He’s the greatest gift given to any individual on the earth at any time. This decision and action instantly initiates a miracle— the reconciliation of God and man in forgiveness and relationship. All our sins are washed away. The separation sin created between God and man is bridged through the forgiveness give by Jesus. We become reunited to God through the sacrifice that Jesus paid upon the cross for our sins. 
This is the real beginning of life for a person. The apostle Paul said it like this: Hi (1 Tim 6:19 NIV) Physical life begins at conception, but real life—being born again—God giving birth to our relationship with Him—never really comes to anyone until they come to receive the gift of Jesus Christ as Savior.
Jesus was revealing this truth to the religious ruler Nicodemus. His heart was open and he was seeking to understand. We see Jesus teaching him in John 3:1-10 (NIV) “Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.” In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things?”
When a person receives Jesus, a miracle happens. Their sins are washed away and the Holy Spirit comes to live in their heart. There is a new birth—a birth of their spirit, and their life with God begins spiritually. The Holy Spirit comes to live within them. He opens their eyes so that they may begin to see the world through God’s eyes. Jesus describes it like this: John 14:17 (NLT) “He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it isn’t looking for Him and doesn’t recognize Him. But you know Him, because He lives with you now…and will be in you.”
The Apostle Paul also wrote about it this 2 Corinthians 5:17-18.17 TLB “When someone becomes a Christian, He becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun! All these new things are from God who brought us back to Himself through what Christ Jesus did. And God has given us the privilege of urging everyone to come into His favor and be reconciled to Him.” 
From that very first instant of spiritual birth as a new Christian, we are given a life-long assignment that changes the course of our life. God privileges us with the significant honor of helping others come to know Jesus. “And God has given us the task (the mission) of reconciling people to Him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. This is the wonderful message He has given us to tell others.” (2 Cor. 5:19 NLT)
From that first moment of this new spiritual life in Christ, our life takes on new significance and purpose. One receives the most important purpose given mankind—reaching people—anyone who will listen with the message and touch of God’s love and forgiveness. We help them come to really know what this present life on earth here is truly about: an operation rescue—sharing the love of Jesus to redeem mankind.
There is nothing more important to God than this. There is nothing any human being could ever give to another that is equal to this gift. This gift of coming to know and receive Jesus will last through all eternity! And because of this realization, never give up serving God and reaching others with His love. Ask God to stir you and help you help others know Jesus. He’ll use the gifting created within you from birth. He’ll use His kindness with you. And He’ll use His compassion within you to guide you in the ways you bring Jesus to others! And you’ll find there is nothing more gratifying in this life! It is “…taking hold of the life that truly is life.” It’s giving Jesus and eternity in Heaven to the world around you! Praise God!
In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt
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I don’t know who you are reading or why you don’t think the teachings of the church isn’t teaching repentance. Of course repentance is taught with Salvation. But if you are a Christian, then you understand that your Christianity began the moment you asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins and to be your personal Lord and Savior. As you saw the heart of the criminal and his words to Jesus on the cross, Jesus said to him, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.” His remorse and his acknowledgement of who Jesus was, provided his salvation. As Christians, we become saved and our righteousness if of Him. But there is also the righteousness of our lifestyle that will be a life-long process of change and repentance as are lives are transformed to His Word and as we are shaped from glory to glory into the image of Him. That righteousness if of our mind and emotions. Whenever we sin, we repent and we change. But this does not give Salvation. This cleanses the soul – your mind and emotions. Your salvation was by grace as you repented and received Him as Savior.
Thank you for your response. I’m not sure if your “if you are a Christian” response is a question or a statement but if it is a question? Yes as I stated before I am a Christian and one who believes in the risen Messiah. Secondly my question comes from reading your article and many sermons I have heard. Your writing “Life’s True Purpose is God’s Mission for You” beautifully mentions acceptance but I didn’t see anything on repentance so I thought would ask? Maybe I have misunderstood your writing and it’s purpose. Please understand that I am not setting out to attack your point “as I am being lead to feel right now with your comment “I don’t know who you are”” but I am simply asking a question and have make an observant statement based on my experience as one who has heard many messages over the past 20 years by different Pastors in different churches as I traveled with the music ministry. Pastor Burt, if I have offended you in some why with my comment please accept my apologies and feel free to remove my thread from public view. I have just been taught if you don’t ask others who have more knowledge than you about something you want to know more about, than who do you ask? Respectfully, Gregory
Thank you Gregory, My question, “If you are a Christian” wasn’t meant to be critical. As you know, many people think they are a Christian because they’ve been raised within a religious setting. I don’t assume but didn’t mean to offend you or make you feel defensive. I have written literally hundreds of posts with the conversation of the need of repentance. Because one cannot understand spiritual truths until they have the Holy Spirit and because no one has the Holy Spirit until they receive Jesus, then even though they do repent upon salvation, they truly don’t have a full revelation of repentance until after they receive Jesus and the Holy Spirit brings insight to what it is. So repentance is one thing before accepting Jesus and something greater after – and part of the Christian life ongoing because we will continue to repent, change, and grow in Christ until His return. Be blessed Gregory! We are good and I believe like-minded in our faith! God bless you richly!
Thank you Pastor Burt for your clarity. I wish more Pastors in the body of Christ / Messiah would make it as clear. I follow you on twitter and have for over a year. I have truly been blessed by your post and know they have been a blessing to others. Please continue to share the Truth of the Word of Elohim as I know it is a rich blessing to a dying world. May the YHVH continue to bless you and your family.