Spring is the season of new life. I love seeing the trees and shrubs that looked lifeless for several months come alive with new life and color. Spring is a wonderful season of abundant life. Every Spring season we celebrate the reason why every Christian is invited into abundant life and that is the defeat of death through the resurrection of Jesus. There is more proof of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection than anyone else that has ever lived. There is more documentation and proof of his resurrection. Over 500 people saw him after His resurrection and He lived openly amongst the people for 40 days before His ascension. What happened 2000 years ago applies to you today. Whether you receive it or not, the fact of the matter is that the resurrection of Jesus has a profound impact on your life.
Just like Spring, Easter brings to you and me the promise of new life and a new beginning. No matter where you are or what you have done, the beauty of the resurrection gives you a new start. The truth is that you can have a new beginning. Paul was a ruthless hitman that made home invasions and murder his modus operandi. In one moment of time on the road to Damascus, he had an encounter with the resurrected Jesus, and all things became new. This man later penned the truths to a young and growing church in Corinth, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (1 Corinthians 5:17).
The Bible says that if we recognize our need for Christ and accept Him, we get a new beginning. Two things happen according to Paul: The old is gone. Whoever you are and whatever you are facing, the guilt depression addiction mistakes shame…they are gone. In fact, Colossians 2:14 tells us that Jesus, “cancelled the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” It is finished. It is completed, done, over, and paid for.
All things become new. This is a supernatural spontaneous act that happens when you give your life to Jesus.
- You get a new identity. Immediately you are adopted into the family of God. God becomes your Father. He will be there for you, never give up on you, walk with you.
- You get to become part of the family of God. You become part of the community and do life together. You no longer have to live lonely and by yourself.
- He gives you a new nature. You are transformed like a caterpillar into a butterfly. The Lord gives you a desire to do things that are better.
- You are given new power. You may have tried so hard before salvation to defeat things but now the Lord gives you supernatural assistance. Gives us the “immeasurable greatness of His power, according to the working of His great might” (Ephesians 1:19). This is the most incredible power to help you overcome addictions and secret besetting sins.
- He gives you a new peace. When Jesus comes, He brings peace that surpasses all understanding that displaces fear, worry, and anxiety. He changes your perspective on circumstances and brings wholeness.
- The Lord brings you new understanding. He gives you spiritual wisdom and insight. You may ask the Lord, “What should I do with this situation?” Engage with God and He will help you.
- He gives you a new purpose. Do you know why you exist on earth today? Many people in America don’t know why they exist and are just going through the motions. It is an amazing privilege to walk with God and know He has plans for you. He created you perfectly in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13) and has plans prosper you and not harm you, plants to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). There is no greater feeling than living in God’s great design for you.
- He gives you a new future. If anyone is in Christ, the past is gone and the new has come. When you make the decision to place your trust in Him and have relationship with Him, you immediately become new. Not only do you have a place in heaven but you have abundant life…life to the full (John 10:10.
Jesus made it so simple. He just wanted us to understand the four things to take us from where we are at to a relationship with Him. Acknowledge the fact that you fall short. We have all sinned. Made mistakes and have problems/issues. Be true to yourself and own the fact you fall short. Believe the fact that Jesus went to the cross and died for you and me. Tell the Lord that you need Him in your life and need His forgiveness. Ask Jesus to come and live in my heart to become your Lord and Savior. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (1 Corinthians 5:17).