In the Methodist Hymnal, there is a hymn No. 383, "This Is a Day of New Beginnings." The words are beautiful and the meaning is extra special.
In the last couple of weeks, the gospel readings and the message dealt with that same subject, new beginnings. Jesus Christ started his mission and ministry in this world so that each of us could spend eternity in the next, the Kingdom of Heaven. He called regular people to his side and spent many days teaching, preaching and healing to demonstrate to each of us the love of the Father. Our Father in heaven loves each human being in this world.
Jesus gave us a path to walk as Christians and promised that if we stayed the course and walked the path we were given, it would become easier to do each and every day. We were given the Holy Spirit to help us to accomplish those goals and we then become those who would light that same path for others to follow. It will happen if we believe in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and in what was taught and what was promised
If we don't know who we are, we'll never know how we ought to live.
God's promise is true: "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
If you have given your life to Christ, you are a new creation -- whether you feel like it or not. In the midst of life's problems and heartaches, never forget: This life is temporary. One day all our burdens will be cast aside, and we will be with Christ forever.
Editor's note: The Rev. Dr. Scott Stewart is the pastor of Pea Ridge United Methodist Church and Brightwater Methodist Church. The opinions expressed are those of the writer. He can be contacted at [email protected] or 479-659-9519.
Religion on 01/30/2019