7 ways we rebuild through Christ
When a person comes to Christ, it’s not just about being forgiven and waiting for heaven. Salvation is an ongoing process of regeneration where a person becomes a new creation, reshaped by the power of the cross. This process involves rebuilding every area of life according to God’s design. Today, we’ll explore seven key areas that are rebuilt in Christ.
1. Our personal life is no longer based on self
We are born in sin and naturally live according to the lusts of the flesh (Ephesians 2:1-3).
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But in Christ, we begin to live a cross-shaped life, learning to deny ourselves and follow Jesus (Mark 8:34-36).
“And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me’” (Mark 8:34-36).
The crucified life is a life where self is no longer at the center — God is. We are called to serve others, rather than live for self-gratification(Galatians 2:19-20).
We actually find our life when we lose it! We discover the best version of ourselves when we die to ourselves and allow Christ to live in us and through us.
2. Our families are shaped according to God’s Word
After coming to Christ, family life should be rebuilt and shaped by Scripture. One way is to disciple our children and teach them about God.
Psalm 78:5-7:
“He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God.”
Furthermore, parents are instructed to raise their children according to the Word of God, ensuring that our homes reflect biblical values and generational faithfulness (2 Timothy 3:15-16).
3. We do business God’s way
The Bible teaches that work is not merely a means to provide for ourselves; it is an act of worship.
Genesis 2:15 illustrates that Adam was called to work even before he had a wife and children. It was an act of worship since, as His image bearer, he imitated the God who worked 6 days before He entered His rest.
“The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”
Like Adam, we work because we are made in the image of a God who worked to create the world. In business, we walk in integrity, treat employees as partners, equip them to flourish in work, and prioritize honoring God. This means creating environments that reflect God’s kingdom values, including allowing people to worship on Sundays.
4. We use our wealth to spread the Kingdom
Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us that God gives us the ability to produce wealth, not just for personal gain, but to advance His Kingdom. As believers, we are called to steward our finances in a way that reflects God’s mission, investing in the expansion of the gospel, meeting needs, and helping to establish justice and mercy on earth.
Money is not evil, but the love of money is evil. Money can also be used to advance the kingdom.
I.E., God was able to use “The Good Samaritan” because he had wealth (Luke 10).
God used Joseph of Arimathea who buried the body of Jesus because he had financial resources.
God used Lydia, who had her own business and started a church because she owned a home and was a business owner (Acts 16).
5. We are called to reflect Christ by serving our communities
Titus 2 and 3 show us that we are not just called to serve within the walls of the church, but to be profitable to all people.
2:7 says “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works …”
2:14 says Jesus purified people “who are zealous for good works.”
3:14 says “let our people learn to devote themselves to good works …”
This means our communities should see the light of Christ through our good works.
History is replete with how Christ’s followers have rebuilt cities and nations and served humanity in a way that forever impacted nations.
Isaiah 61:4 says:
“They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.”
6. The Church is called to reparent and rebuild individuals
Jesus’ invitation to “follow me, and I will make you …” demonstrates the Church’s role in rebuilding lives (Matthew 4:19). Through biblical discipleship, we help people discover their God-given purpose and destiny.
Discipleship is more than instruction; it’s walking with people to see them transformed and equipped to fulfill their calling in Christ.
Jesus didn’t say, “follow me and I will give you a weekly bible study. He gave people the opportunity to do life with Him, which created the environment to make disciples and bring about personal transformation.
7. The Church participates in the renewal of all things in Christ
God called Adam to bring His influence on the whole earth.
Genesis 1:28. God’s ultimate plan with and through the church participating with Jesus is to renew all things through Christ (Ephesians 1:9-11). We are not just waiting for the second coming; we are active participants in the restoration of creation through the gospel. As we live in alignment with God’s kingdom, we anticipate the fulfillment of this promise in the climax of history with a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1-8).
Five practical takeaways
1. Embrace daily denial of self: Evaluate your life and ask where you need to surrender personal desires in favor of following Christ. This is the first step toward living a cross-shaped life.
2. Create a family discipleship plan: Begin setting time aside weekly to disciple your children or encourage your family members in the Word of God. Make your home a center for spiritual growth.
3. Work with integrity and purpose: Consider how your work can reflect God’s glory. Are you treating your employees or coworkers with dignity and empowering them, or are you merely using them to get your work done?
4. Be a faithful steward of wealth: Make a decision to invest in Kingdom causes. Pray about where your resources can make a Gospel-centered impact — supporting missionaries, funding outreach, or caring for the poor.
5. Serve your community: Identify a way to serve your community this week. Whether it’s through volunteering, meeting a need, or simply being present in a meaningful way, show Christ’s love in action.
As we participate in this process of rebuilding, God transforms us, our families, our work, and, ultimately, the world around us. Let us surrender fully to Christ and trust Him to rebuild every aspect of our lives for His glory.
Dr. Joseph Mattera is renowned for addressing current events through the lens of Scripture by applying biblical truths and offering cogent defenses to today's postmodern culture. To order his bestselling books or to join the many thousands who subscribe to his acclaimed newsletter, go to www.josephmattera.org.
