Each year the idea of the New Year brings so much optimism. There is so much hope in the newness of a fresh start. New Year’s Day brings “New Year’s Resolutions” with the hope of making improvements in our life, in our health and in our relationships. However, for many New Year’s Day has become a cliché. The truth is to make lasting changes in our life we must first recognize that there is a problem. We need to be honest and bold to admit and confess those things in our life that we are ashamed of and seek God’s mercy and forgiveness.
This Sunday we are going to be looking at 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 and the truth of God’s Word about real and lasting change; we are new creations. True and lasting change does not come through commendation, but through grace and mercy. When we can admit the problem, our own brokenness, and allow God to work in us and through us, we have hope. We have hope because we have freedom. Freedom from that sin that so easily entangles us. It is in the hope of this freedom that we can disciple others, who may be struggling with similar issues. This is the true transforming power of God’s Word. It is not about us; it is about the one who created and redeemed us.
I look forward to worshipping with you this weekend and may God bless you throughout this week.
Pastor Justin
