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We have been privileged to see the dawning of another new year. There were many in this
world who went into eternity in 2006 and do not have an opportunity to begin a new year.
You and I are fortunate that we can make needed adjustments to our lives and look forward
to future days on this earth. Let us make sure that we do not spurn the opportunity that
the Lord has afforded us.
It is a "new beginning" in the history of the Lord's church. The gospel is God's power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16) and needs to be proclaimed in its simplicity and purity in the world. Each congregation must renew efforts to do what it can "to seek and save" the lost (Luke 19:10). This was the Savior's mission while on earth, and it should be our mission while we are on this earth. The Lord's church is not a social club or a public relations institution. Neither is the church a secular entity dedicated to fulfilling the social needs of man! Let us strive to take advantage of every opportunity that is afforded us to be spiritually uplifting to our brethren as well as those within our community. A congregation cannot afford to gloat over past successes or fret over past failures. It is what we decide to do for the Lord in the coming weeks, months, and years that matter now. The apostle Paul did not dwell on past mistakes and neither should we. Paul admonished, "Brethren, I could not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before. I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:13-14 ASV). Let us not be deterred in being the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" (Matt. 5:13-14). This year can be a "new beginning" for those who need to repent of their sins. The Lord makes it clear that it is "repent or perish" (Luke 13:3). One has not repented of his sin who continues to practice or live in such sin. A decision must be made whether one will serve God or the devil. The Lord said, "No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Matt. 6:24). If you need to make a spiritual adjustment in your life so as to be found "walking in the light" (1 John 1:7) of God's Holy Word, then why not take advantage of this new year to do just that? No person knows just when the hands of time will stand still for him. No man knows when God will decide to send His Son to judge this world (Matt. 24:36). This year can be a "new beginning" if you need to become a child of God. There is much more to consider than just life in this world. The apostle Paul reminds young Timothy that there is "life which is life indeed" [eternal life, KJV] (1 Tim. 6:19). The Master challenges our thinking in asking, "For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? or what shall a man give in exchange for his life" (Matt. 16:26 ASV)? Why continue to postpone what God and His Son plead with you to do? To become a Christian one must hear the Word of God (Rom. 10:17), believe the Word (Heb. 11:6), repent (Luke 13:3), confess the deity of Christ (Rom. 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of sins (cf. Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; Rom. 6:4; Gal. 3:27; 1 Pet. 3:21). The Lord then adds such a person to His church (Acts 2:47). This year can be a "new beginning" as you use your talents and influence for the Master. Those who have exited this life unprepared to meet God would give all they possessed in this life for a "new beginning." You and I are privileged (if need be) to make the most of a "new beginning." Do not let such an opportunity pass you by. Resolve to live in such a manner that Heaven will be your eternal home. |