I started a whimsical painting of lots of different butterflies because they are so beautiful. I used iridescent paints to mimic the wings of the butterfly. As the lights touch it, it changes in color. When I finished, I wondered what to name it. As I looked at the painting, I thought of how a butterfly goes through many stages before turning into the beautiful butterfly we all enjoy. Its old nature must go, so that it can become what it was created to be. Each butterfly is unique and beautiful in its own way, just as people are.
Jesus said, “…except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” -John 3:3. None of us are perfect, nor can we do good works to earn our salvation. The good news is that Jesus already paid the price for us with His own blood when he died in our place on the cross. To be born again into God’s kingdom, we must believe in Jesus, repent and turn away from our sins, confess Him as our Lord, and live the rest of our lives loving God and our neighbor as ourselves.
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek (gentile): for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord (Jesus Christ) shall be saved.
Galatians 5:13 For ye have been called to liberty, brethren; only do not turn liberty into an opportunity to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
