New Year, New You
Introduction
As December comes to a close, we always reminisce about the previous 12 months and look ahead to the dawning of a brand-new year! In addition, this time around, we look to a new decade beginning (technically it would start in 2021, but you can’t convince anyone of it).
New Years mean a new beginning and an opportunity to change something about who you are or, maybe, what you are.
Resolutions and Other Lies
Every year we make the same resolutions: I’m going on
a diet, I’m going to travel more, I will be more outgoing. And yet, just a few
days later, we come to the realization that we were rash in our decisions and
immediately fall back into routine. The diet is ruined by that extra piece of
pie, traveling is out because of a dwindling bank account, being outgoing means
having to go outside where *gasp* other people are.
Instead of changing the physical aspect of your
person, why not try the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspect?
Utilize your brain a little more by reading books, or listening to
podcasts, instead of watching television or listening to music.
Keep your emotions in check by counting to ten before
reacting to anything negative. Strive to see the positive more in other people.
Become more active in your local congregation; asking questions in
class, requesting an outline of the sermon, or suggesting a song to sing during
the service.
To those who are not Christians, now would be the time
to change your life for the better by walking with God. Regardless of what
people might have told you in the past, the bible was written for everyone to
know of God’s love and truth.
The Invitation of Jesus
Paul confirms this in Titus 2:11, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has
appeared to all men” God does not show partiality towards any one race.
He convinced Peter of that in Acts 10 with the conversion of Cornelius; a
gentile. In verses 34 and 35 Peter said, “In
truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever
fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.”
While he spoke, the Holy Spirit
fell upon Cornelius and his household as a sign to the Jews that the gentiles
would also be accepted. Peter spoke of this in verses 47 and 48, “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be
baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" And he
commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to
stay a few days.
What Must I do to be Saved?
On three different occasions this
question was asked (Acts 2:37; 16:30; 22:10). The answer is always the same and
it is the steps to becoming a Christian:
1.
Hear and Believe the gospel (Rom. 10:17; Jn.
8:24)
2.
Confess your faith in Christ (Mt. 10:22; Rom.
10:9-10)
3.
Repent of your sins (Lk. 13:3; 5; Acts 17:30)
4.
Be baptized for the remission of sins (Mk.
16:15-16; Acts 2:38)
5.
Live your life faithfully; unto death (Rom.
12:1-2; Rev. 2:10)
You can
begin the New Year by become a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17); casting off the old
man of sin and putting on the new man (Col. 3:9-10).
Conclusion
Make this the year you decide to obey the gospel and live your
life for Christ. If there’s anything I can do to help in your journey to
becoming a Christian, feel free to contact me through this blog.
To those of us who are already Christians, reflect on the past
year and see what you can do to mature as a child of God (2 Pet. 3:18; Heb.
5:14). Even if you’ve been a Christian for decades, there’s always ways to
improve who you are.
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