"As for you, you were DEAD in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of WRATH. BUT because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ EVEN when we were DEAD in transgressions-- it is by GRACE you have been saved."
~Ephesians 2:1-5 NIV~
Well, it is now officially 2016. A new year, a "fresh start" in the eyes of many. For myself and many of my friends, 2016 carries a completely different meaning; 2016 is the year of many "lasts" as well as many "firsts." However, as Christians, we have nothing to fear for the Lord has great and mighty plans for our lives- plans far greater than any we could ever create on our own.
As I said earlier, many associate a new year with new beginnings, whether it is a fresh start to pursue goals, rekindle relationships, whatever it may be. Why do we not associate each day with a new beginning? As the Word says in Lamentations 3:23, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are NEW EVERY MORNING; great is your faithfulness!" There is never a day that passes where God withholds His abundant mercy. As the passage from Ephesians clearly explains, God made us alive with Christ even while we were consumed with and indulging continuously in our fleshly passions. His grace saves us each and every day of our existence once we place our faith in Him!
It is truly amazing to serve such a wonderful God. Just think: He CHOSE to send His only Son for you and I. Why do we hesitate to worship, to stand in awe, of our Savior? Why do we get calloused so easily to His awe-inspiring majesty? Our society is desperately searching for fulfillment, and we have the answer in His Word. Why are we not steadily proclaiming the good news?
We have what so many are looking for, yet we keep silent. As Romans 10:14 states, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" There are so many celebrities that think that gaining riches, owning fancy gadgets, or increasing their fame will fulfill their deepest desires. Once they reach the height of their career, however, often they find that this is not the case.
This is the same fallacy that many in our society put their hope in today. Why do we stand back and allow them to continue to indulge in this temporary worldly life?
This year, may we be believers who step out of our "comfort zone" daily and proclaim his mercy to the ends of the earth. Our world is longing for hope in a time of utter uncertainty. May we continue to remember that we were, like many, also searching for this same hope when we were dead in our transgressions; oh what joy it is to know that we are made ALIVE eternally by His mercies!
On the other hand, if you have not personally experienced the Lord's gracious mercies, won't you come to know Him? He loves you dearly- so dearly that He sent His Son to die for you over 2,000 years ago. He longs to make you Alive in Him; He longs for you to awaken from your slumber in this world to His marvelous glory! Today is the day where you can be truly new- new in Christ! New in abundant life!
As I said earlier, many associate a new year with new beginnings, whether it is a fresh start to pursue goals, rekindle relationships, whatever it may be. Why do we not associate each day with a new beginning? As the Word says in Lamentations 3:23, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are NEW EVERY MORNING; great is your faithfulness!" There is never a day that passes where God withholds His abundant mercy. As the passage from Ephesians clearly explains, God made us alive with Christ even while we were consumed with and indulging continuously in our fleshly passions. His grace saves us each and every day of our existence once we place our faith in Him!
It is truly amazing to serve such a wonderful God. Just think: He CHOSE to send His only Son for you and I. Why do we hesitate to worship, to stand in awe, of our Savior? Why do we get calloused so easily to His awe-inspiring majesty? Our society is desperately searching for fulfillment, and we have the answer in His Word. Why are we not steadily proclaiming the good news?
We have what so many are looking for, yet we keep silent. As Romans 10:14 states, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" There are so many celebrities that think that gaining riches, owning fancy gadgets, or increasing their fame will fulfill their deepest desires. Once they reach the height of their career, however, often they find that this is not the case.
This is the same fallacy that many in our society put their hope in today. Why do we stand back and allow them to continue to indulge in this temporary worldly life?
This year, may we be believers who step out of our "comfort zone" daily and proclaim his mercy to the ends of the earth. Our world is longing for hope in a time of utter uncertainty. May we continue to remember that we were, like many, also searching for this same hope when we were dead in our transgressions; oh what joy it is to know that we are made ALIVE eternally by His mercies!
On the other hand, if you have not personally experienced the Lord's gracious mercies, won't you come to know Him? He loves you dearly- so dearly that He sent His Son to die for you over 2,000 years ago. He longs to make you Alive in Him; He longs for you to awaken from your slumber in this world to His marvelous glory! Today is the day where you can be truly new- new in Christ! New in abundant life!
~Alive: Northpoint Christian School Class of 2016~
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