FROM THE PULPIT: HAPPY NEW YEAR! -- WHAT'S NEW?

What's' new? The new year is fast approaching. We'll soon inaugurate a new president and Congress, governor, and other officials.

In each of our lives, we experience new things -- a new child or in-law, a new car or new home, a new job, a new relationship, new things for Christmas, etc. At St. John's, we are readying for our Walk through the New Testament, and other ongoing activities to help us in our life with Christ.

Let us refer to the Bible to remind ourselves for what is new for us who are "in Christ."

1) the Lord's "compassions." (mercies, acts of kindness and grace) "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." (Lam.3:22-23)

2) our spirits, ourselves. "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new is come. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, that in Him, we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Cor.5:17,21)

3) forgiveness in the blood of Jesus Christ. "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." (Lk.22:20)

4) our way of life. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34)

5) heaven. "He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making every thing new!'" (Rev.21:5)

We have the hope of heaven and a better way of life now, in Jesus Christ. What greater gifts could we receive? Let us rejoice and give thanks! Happy New Year -- every day!