Genesis 1: 1-26
As we begin the New Year we will witness history being made in our government and many other history making events will occur with less notoriety and many of us will make New Year’s resolutions. As we begin the New Year, let us reflect on the events that occurred in our scripture verses and remember who created and sustains all creations, and then recognized that our creator is worthy of our renewed commitment to Him and His moral laws.
What are some of the ways we can renew our commitment to the Lord? We can renew our commitment to the Lord by (a) being a follower of Christ, (b) being an ambassador for the Lord, (c) obeying the great commission as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 making other disciples, and (d) letting our light shine in a sin darken world so men will see Christ magnified our daily lives.
Let us look at our renewed commitment to God from a grace perspective and what “GRACE” has wrought in our lives. If we gave a definition of grace it would be humanity’s “unearned favor” from God. Let’s look at some scriptures that tells why God is worthy of our renewed commitment. Is it because of His grace? Romans 11:6 tell us that we are saved by God’s grace not our works. In 1 Peter 4:10 we are saved by God’s grace (paraphrased), and then in 1 John 1:9 can be interpreted to say that it was God’s grace to send His Son Jesus Christ into the world to die for our sins. In Ephesians 1:3-5 we have further authentication that it was by God’s grace that He chose us and by doing so we have a mission, which is to point others to Christ. By accepting His Son Jesus Christ believers become part of God’s election. Let’s look at election from a cruise ship analogy; many of us have taken a cruise where there is only one captain, crew, and then passengers; while on the ship we have everything we need to make our journey delightful. In our spiritual election (accepting Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour) Christ is the captain, the church is the ship and believers are the passengers and crew. While on this ship, God by His grace provides everything we need (2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Philippians 4:19), and our final destination is heaven where there will be a never ending praise and worship service. Get on board!
God in His infinite wisdom, while giving grace, He gave each of us spiritual gifts to edify His body (Romans 12:6-8) and to serve Him (Galatians 1:1-6). Finally, if we experience suffering we can endure with God’s grace as recorded in 2 Corinthians 12:8-9. It matters not if our suffering is in serving the Lord or in our secular lives, we know for certain God’s “grace is sufficient” (v 9).
In closing, let’s begin anew in Christ in the New Year. Happy New Year!
Author’s contact:
Email:white3285@sbcglobal.net, wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Blog: http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
Website: www.goodshepherdwritingandpublsihing.com
No comments:
Post a Comment