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December 31, 2008
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=========================== TODAY'S ARTICLE ==========================
Happy New Life, by Tim Archer
People like new things. If you don't believe me, look at the
advertising around you. New product. New formula. New look. New smell.
New taste. New and improved. Brand spanking new.
People love the smell of a new car. Most of us don't even know what
that smell is. Some scientists say the chemicals that cause that smell
are potentially harmful to us! Still we like to enjoy that aroma that
says "New!" to our senses. People like it so much, in fact, that you
can buy bottles of "New Car Smell" to spray in your not-so-new car,
just so your nose can be deceived.
For some reason, we tend to like new years as well. There is a promise
of a fresh beginning. We have a clean slate just waiting for us to
reach out and make our mark. Or so it seems. At some point, however, we
come to realize that turning a page on a calendar doesn't really change
our lives. The problems that were there the year before don't magically
disappear when the clock strikes 12 midnight on New Year's Eve. It's a
new year, but it's the same old us, living the same old lives.
I want a new start. I don't want "New Life Smell" sprayed on my old
life; I want a real new beginning. And I know where to find it. The
apostle Paul wrote: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new
creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (2
Corinthians 5:17). In another letter, he told the Christians in Rome:
"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order
that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the
Father, we too may live a new life" (Romans 6:4). God doesn't merely
spray a new smell on an old life. He lets us be born again, giving us a
completely new life. The old has passed away; the new has come.
Only God can make things new
Those of us who are already in Christ can also get that new beginning.
The apostle John wrote: "If we walk in the light, as he is in the
light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his
Son, purifies us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). Jesus purifies me, wipes
the slate clean, forgives my sin and lets me start all over.
Continually. As long as I stay in contact with him.
This is the time of year when people wish one another a happy new year.
Instead of that, I'd like to wish you a happy new life, new life in
Christ. If you're not sure how to find that new life, write to me at
tim@hopeforlife.org or leave a comment on our blog at
www.hopeforlife.org. Let's celebrate together a happy new life!
(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing,
retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article.
Contact us at info@hopeforlife.org)
Are you presently experiencing a new life? God's word says, "if anyone
is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has
come!"
This new life is a free gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ. If
you want to know more about this life that only Jesus can give you,
sign up for one of our Bible courses. Wherever you are in life,
whatever you've done, you can begin again.
You may also contact us at info@hopeforlife.org if you have questions
about becoming a new creation.
---------
(c) 2008 Herald of Truth
RELATED LINKS:
* Life's Undo Button
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200703/20070314_undobutton.html
* Invited into the Family
http://www.hopeforlife.org/blog/entry.asp?ENTRY_ID=10
* Changing The Past
http://www.hopeforlife.org/blog/entry.asp?ENTRY_ID=26
* HopeForLife
http://www.hopeforlife.org
This article can be found on the web at:
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200812/20081231_newlife.html
=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================
WOMEN OF FAITH CHRISTMAS, by Women of Faith
Enjoy stirring renditions of Christmas favorites, from the folks you
brought you the popular Women of Faith conferences!
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?260
Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
each purchase you make, you're helping to support Heartlight's
ministry. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!
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