new |njuː| adjective 1 produced, introduced, or discovered recently or now for the first time; not existing before: she was made new.
Do you ever just want a fresh start? A new life? A second chance to go back and right your wrongs, or make better decisions?
I think the answer to those questions (if we’re all being honest with ourselves), is a definite yes. As flawed humans, we will all eventually make mistakes that will cause us to want a do-over in life (maybe even daily.. *grin*). Mothers of toddlers will certainly understand that!
But the truth of life is that we don’t get to go back and re-do horrible days or bad decisions. We just have to learn to move forward, to learn from our mistakes, and to try to be better. But is that really all?
Thankfully, as Christians, we have an even greater hope. A hope for new life through the resurrection of Jesus! When we decide to surrender our lives to Jesus, the Bible tells us that we have NEW LIFE through HIM.
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The Old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
I am a living testimony of how God can change a person from the inside out. Sometimes, I look back at my old life and don’t even feel like I’m the same person anymore. God’s love has completely changed who I am. His love has made me NEW, and makes me new each day!
“Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:23
When I decided I wanted to change my life, and seriously pursue a relationship with Christ–I decided to get baptized. I was dedicated as a baby in the Catholic church, and then again as an adult at my home church, The Potter’s House.
Then, in March 2013, Field and I took a trip to Israel with a team from Trinity Church in Cedar Hill and decided to be baptized together in the Jordan River (the same place where Jesus is said to be baptized!). This was such a special and significant moment in our relationship and marriage. We had both been baptized individually, but deciding to dedicate our marriage to the Lord together–in such a special location–was one of the most incredible moments of our lives.
“..and this water symbolises baptism that now saves you also–not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 3:21
The Bible doesn’t specify the need to be baptized more than once in your life, nor does it imply that baptism is necessary for salvation. However, the Bible is clear that baptism is a symbolic decision and an outward declaration that you are serious about your relationship with Jesus.
A true life of following Jesus is a daily process. A decision to put God first, and to trust Him with every part of your life. Following Jesus is a putting one foot in front of the other, falling down and getting back up kind of lifestyle. This is not a religion for the “perfect”, but one for the “person”.
Jesus came to give us NEW LIFE. An abundant life. A blessed life. A life free of sin and despair. Our hope and salvation are found in Him. I pray you will find peace in this truth today!
“But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us new life when he raised Christ from the dead (for it is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!).” Ephesians 2:4-5
If you or someone you know would like to get baptized and begin a new life, I would love to invite you to the next Plunge Party at Trinity Church in Cedar Hill, Texas. This is a special event they have several times a year where our Pastors baptize individuals, couples and families. Contact Trinity Church at info@trinitychurch.org for more information about baptism or other questions you might have.
Be blessed!
XO-
Sabrina
