Old and New

Depending on our age we have different perspectives about what is “old” and what is “new.”  When we were young, old things seemed irrelevant, outdated, and invaluable. As we matured, older things appeared meaningful, were accepted as antiques to enjoy, and were items to be conserved and cherished.

Actions, attitudes, and physical things from the past may be old but they are good and should be valued. For example, wisdom comes from those who are older. “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” (Job 12:12). Good things that are old need to be valued. “Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you” (Deuteronomy 32:7).

Jewish religious leaders enjoyed their old oral traditions, so they added others to the written law. Of course, it is not surprising that the religious leaders wanted to keep these traditions because they had great meaning for them. However, when Jesus came on the scene, he brought something new – a personal relationship with God. That meant that certain old traditions should be set aside because the new had come and it was much better.

The new is exactly what Jesus came to offer including a new life. “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). In addition, freedom in Christ was now possible. “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin” (Romans 6:6).

The Apostle Paul pointed to the new when he identified a lifestyle with Christ. The new begins with being “in Christ.” He said, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here” (2 Corinthians 5:17). With faith and trust in Christ we can enjoy a new life through the power that God gives us. That means that we can do away with the old self and become a new and different person in all that we think and do. It is time that we become “new” in Christ because it will make a tremendous difference in the way we live. With a personal relationship with God through faith and trust in Jesus Christ we can become involved in a companionship that empowers us to live for God by the power of God’s Spirit.

Beginning Anew

New Year’s Day provides the opportunity to begin anew.  Some people make New Year’s resolutions.  These are good, but many people find that those resolutions soon fall by the wayside.  With unfulfilled resolutions there is usually a sense of defeat and maybe even a little sadness. In this New Year let’s make our lives count in an even more significant way.  So you may ask, “how can I make my life count in a significant way?”  Consider the following suggestions:

1)    Make sure your life points to God.  This is the challenge the Apostle Paul made when he said, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31). Sharing good words and actions that are pleasing to God will put us on track for being a difference maker.

2)    Aim for godliness.  When keeping God central in our mind, we will grow spiritually and be an encouragement to others. The Apostle Paul tells us, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6). Speech most effectively expresses what is inside a person and when that speech mirrors God’s character, positive change can be effective.

3)    Live to draw people to God.  When we live as a reflection of God’s light and show concern by loving people, they will be able to see the glory of Christ in us and be drawn to Him.  The Bible tells us, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).  The ultimate goal is not to accomplish good deeds, but to help people take one step closer to the Lord.

Use this New Year as an opportunity to begin anew.  Make it your goal to focus on thinking, speaking, and acting in accordance with God’s name, and constantly letting the indwelling Christ be reflected to those around you.  The Bible reminds us, “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (II Corinthians 5:17, NLT).

What God is Doing that is New

I am always amazed when I consider information in the Bible which explains God’s desire to do something new for us, with us, or through us.  For example:

• God wants us to have “new life” (Romans 6:4).
• When we die to our sins we can “serve in the new way of the Spirit” (Romans 7:6).
• Communion is a reminder of a “new covenant” in His blood (I Corinthians 11:25)
• In Christ we are a “new creation” (II Corinthians 5:17).
• In Christ we are to “put on the new self” (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10).
• Christ is “the mediator of a new covenant” between God and man (Hebrews 9:15).
• We can come boldly before God in prayer because of the “new and living way opened for us” through what Jesus did on the cross (Hebrews 10:20).
• Through Christ we have “new birth” (I Peter 1:3).
• When speaking about Israel, God said, “See 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).

Let me ask, what new thing is God doing in your life?  What do you sense is the “new thing” that God is doing in your church?  What new thing is God doing in your family?  What praise is on your lips to God for the new thing that He is doing for you, for your church or for your family?  Maybe, if we take time to carefully look at and acknowledge the things that God is doing in our lives, each of us can say that he will 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” (Isaiah 40:3). That would be a wonderful testimony of God’s grace and a great encouragement to others around us.

Beginning Anew

Each year, New Year’s Day brings with it the opportunity to begin anew.  Some people make resolutions but find that those resolutions soon fall by the wayside.  When that happens there is a sense of defeat and maybe even a little sadness. However, the New Year is a new opportunity for us to make our lives count.  So even though we are already into the new year it would be appropriate to ask the question, “how can I make my life count during this new year?"  Here are three suggestions:

1)    Make sure that everything you do points to God.  This is the challenge in the Bible that the Apostle Paul suggests when he says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31).  Our emphasis should be on God and the things we do should be pleasing to Him.

2)    Focus on godly thoughts, words and actions.  This should be a driving force in our lives every day.  God should be central in our minds but also in our words and the actions we take.  The Apostle Paul also said, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6). Speech most effectively expresses what is inside the believer. Our speech should mirror God’s character and conduct through love, patience and sacrifice.

3)    Live so people will be drawn to God.  When we live as a reflection of God’s light and concern ourselves with loving people, they will be able to see the glory of Christ in us and be drawn to God.  The Bible tells us, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).  The ultimate goal is not just good deeds, but to help people be attracted to our Lord.

Even though we are into the month of January it is not too late to use this New Year as an opportunity to begin anew.  Focus on thinking, speaking and acting in accordance with God’s name, and constantly let the indwelling Christ be reflected to those around you.

 

A Better Idea

Over the years the Ford Motor Company, which was founded in 1903, has had a succession of slogans to entice people to look at and purchase their products.  In the late 1960s one of the slogans was “Ford has a better idea.”  Ford felt that people were looking for a better idea in transportation, so this slogan would appeal to them.

Although that slogan is not used today, many people are looking for products and services that are new or better.  If there is something new it must be better so that is exactly what they want.  If something can improve their lives they are all for it.  Whatever is new and improved is attractive, so people jump at the idea and want to have it for themselves. Since the latest I-Phone must be better, it becomes a must have.  When new cars roll off the assembly line in the fall people purchase one whether they need one or not. The "better" might turn out to be a new adventure, new excitement, or even a new marriage.

In Boston, a well-known businessman once said to Mark Twain, “Before I die, I plan to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  I will climb Mount Sinai and read the 10 Commandments aloud at the top.”  Twain turned to him and replied, “I have a better idea – why don’t you stay in Boston and keep the commandments.”  There is a huge problem when people constantly look for a better idea or something new.  The problem is that they usually look for it in the wrong place.  People usually look at things which are physical or temporal.  Temporal things just will not last.  Instead, people ought to look for that which is eternal.  Eternal things will endure, will not rust, will not corrode, and will not fade away.  

In the Bible, the Apostle Paul identified a new and a better idea.  He said, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (II Corinthians 5:17).  Why is it that he suggests that to be “in Christ” is a better idea?  It is better because when individuals enter a relationship with Christ they become part of a vital life-sharing union.  Franklin Graham once said, “Satisfying our desires cannot fill the spiritual longing in the heart.”  That is why we need a better idea - one that is spiritual.  That is why we need God.  People might say “I do not just want something better, I want something that is the best – the best that money can buy.  They want the better idea because that will set them apart from everyone else, give them satisfaction, and put them on top.

The Apostle John tells us why God is better.  John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  Even though the Bible tells us that “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), God has taken the initiative to provide a wonderful gift for us.  Romans 6:23 tells us this gift is “Eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” So, God is not only a better idea – but He is the absolute best idea.

Here is a challenge: Turn to God today, believe in Christ, put your trust in Him and receive Him into your life.  John 1:12 says, “To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”  Why not participate with God today and take advantage of His better idea? 

New and Old

How often have you heard the phrase “out with the old – in with the new”?  We so easily assume that the old is outdated and the new is much better.  For some things, that may be true.  For example, I would not want to bring back the old way of writing a letter – either by hand or with a typewriter.  The computer, with all its capabilities, will do just fine; thank you.  However, some old things are extremely valuable.  People expend time and energy and even lots of money to become the owner of a relic.  Scripture reminds us of the importance of the new.  Jesus said,  “No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old” (Luke 5:36).

The Apostle Paul reminds us that when a person comes to Christ he or she is made new –“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (II Corinthians 5:17).  He also reminds us to “Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;  to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). 

On the other hand, the Scriptures are very old but they are extremely valuable.  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3:16-17).   About God’s Word, the psalmist said, “They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:10-11).

We have entered the New Year so let’s make sure we “put off” or do away with only the old that does harm.  However, let’s also make sure that we “put on” that which edifies and builds us, and others up.

 

Entering the Unknown - The New Year

We are already two weeks into the New Year of 2013 and we still do not know a lot of things about it.  What joys will be ours?  What difficulties will we experience?  How will we respond to the positives and the negatives?  Many years ago, king Jehoshaphat of Israel faced an army that was huge and powerful and about to anannihilate them.  In prayer, he came before God and said,   ”We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us.  We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” (II Chronicles 20:12).  What great advice and a wonderful example he gave for us to follow.  When the unknown is before us – whatever that may be – we should keep our eyes on God.  Here are a few reasons why we should keep our eyes on God.

1)    God is more powerful than any situation we may face.  “Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you” (Psalm 66:4).

2)    God is always ready to answer us and show us what we do not know.  “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).

3)    God wants us to come into His presence at any time—even when we are weak and weighed down with concerns.  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

So, how are you doing at facing the unknown in 2013?  Are you Unsure?  Tense?  Concerned?  Fearful?  Doubtful?  Discouraged?  Perplexed?  When faced with some of these feelings, try the Jehoshaphat solution.  Keep your eyes on God and commit yourself to trust Him.  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Old and New

How often have you heard the phrase “out with the old; in with the new”?  We so easily assume that the old is outdated and the new is much better.  For some things, that may be true.  For example, I would not want to bring back the old way of writing a letter – either by hand or with a typewriter.  The computer, with all its capabilities, will do just fine; thank you.  However, some old things are extremely valuable.  People expend time and energy and even lots of money to become the owner of a relic.

Regarding the new, Jesus reminds us, “No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old” (Luke 5:36).  The Scriptures tell us that when a person puts his or her faith in Christ he or she becomes new.  It says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (II Corinthians 5:17).  We are also reminded to “Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;  to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).

The Scriptures in the Old and New Testaments are old but they are extremely valuable.  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3:16-17).  About God’s Word, the psalmist said, “They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.   By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:10-11).

As we come to the end of the old year and enter the new, let’s make sure we “put off” or do away with only the old that does harm.  But let’s also make sure that we “put on” that which edifies and builds us, and others up.