In just a few days it will be a New Year. January 1st is the start of something new. In fact, every day is a new beginning, an opportunity to make a fresh start.
The Bible speaks much about new things. God does not work in the old; He works in the new. He is in the business of making old lives become brand new again!
New Work “Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19).
New Life “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
New Heart “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26).
New Covenant “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28).
New Mercies “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” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
New Worship “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:3).
New Commandment “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).
New Name “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it” (Revelation 2:17).
New Heavens and New Earth “Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create…” (Isaiah 65:17-18). Note: John saw the fulfillment of this vision in Revelation 21:1.
O, the glory of this wonderful truth! We are brand new in Christ. Sadly, many Christians live in discouragement, defeated by an enemy who taunts them about their past. But the past has been wiped away, never to be brought up again. John reminds us that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9). Jesus does not just cleanse us from some sin, but from all. We become brand new again! And John is not just addressing this to new converts. He is writing to the Church, to seasoned Christians.
This is not a license to sin, but an assurance of forgiveness. Christ not only makes us new creations in Him, He keeps us that way. Live in the newness of life that He has for you!
This Sunday, January 2, we will begin the New Year with praise and worship to Jesus Christ, our King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Please join us at 10:35am in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God).
Note: This Sunday is also Un-Deck the Halls Sunday. For those who can stay after the service that morning, we will put away all the Christmas decorations and then enjoy a delicious prepared lunch together. (Lunch is provided; you do not need to bring anything that day.)
Coming Up: Our next Drive-Through Prayer outreach is Saturday, January 8, from 1-3pm. The annual Week of Prayer (and fasting) will take place January 9-15. The “Joy of Belonging” membership classes happen January 9-30. Whether you are a long-time member or just curious about what membership means, these classes are for you.
Hau’oli Makahiki Hou!
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