Pastor Larry Sundin
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like something new. I mean who doesn’t like that new car smell, or going on a new adventure, or making a new friend. If you’ve ever been in the presence of someone who’s been given a new lease on life, you can’t help but rejoice with them. And if you’ve ever looked into the face of a newborn baby, you can’t help but be hopeful. In fact, there’s a lot of good to be said about the positive qualities of newness. I think that may be why we need this holiday that marks the beginning of each new year. For when we celebrate the New Year dawning, the road marked out before us is full of possibilities, potential, and hope.
In fact, regularly experiencing newness is one of the hallmarks of the Christian faith. When a person first comes to trust in Jesus Christ, God gives them a new spiritual life. God’s Word promises this saying, “anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17. With this new life comes a new relationship with God as your Father. With this new relationship you soon learn how the Father has adopted you into a whole new family who’s there to encourage and support you in this new life. But that’s not all that’s new. God also gives you a new way of living according to His Spirit, a whole new confidence in knowing He is always for you, and whole new hope in knowing He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Essentially, what God does when He gives you this new life, is that He gives you a new beginning: He erases your past mistakes. He clears away your guilt and shame, and He gives you His power to love like He loves. He essentially gives you a do-over. He gives you the opportunity to write a new chapter with your life. That’s the new beginning Jesus offers anyone who is willing to follow Him. And if you’d like to know more about this new beginning, why don’t you join us sometime and see for yourself what Jesus is all about. We’d love to help you along the way. After all, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like something new. So, let me encourage you to start a new journey with us in the New Year as we continue to discover this new kind of life with Jesus. Rock Springs Church gathers for worship every Sunday morning in the Hermosa Ballroom at 9 a.m. We’d love to have you!