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
In Mt. 11:28-30 Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." This is an open invitation by Jesus to everyone regardless of ethnicity, sex, or social status. Everyone from the CEO of a company to a janitor is offered the opportunity to become a Christian.

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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