New Birth, New Beginnings, and Resurrection

​Yesterday, as I was on my way out the door, I noticed some little, green Daffodil sprouts coming up through the rocks on the sunny side of our house. It was a pleasant and hopeful reminder that despite what the forecast says, Spring is on the way! The Farmer’s Almanac website writes, 

​“Because it is one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, daffodils are seen as a representation of rebirth and new beginnings. They are also thought to represent inspiration, forgiveness, and creativity.”

​I like this first flower even more after reading that! Each year, the dawning of spring is a vivid reminder of Christian truths about new birth, new beginnings, and resurrection.

​Jesus said,

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God”

​(John 3:3). If you don’t mind me being personal for a moment, I am so incredibly thankful for the new birth in Christ. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit in my life, restoring an empty, broken and confused man such as myself. When we come to faith in Jesus, the Spirit of God comes to live in us, sealing us as God’s own adopted children, guaranteeing us a future inheritance (Rom. 8:16; Gal. 4:4-7; Eph. 1:13-14; Titus 3:4-7). He also gives us the power to walk with Jesus and serve Him (Gal. 5:16-25). Have you experienced that new birth in Christ? Have you been born again by placing your faith in Christ alone? Do you love God? Have His peace in your heart? Love His people? Hunger and thirst for righteousness? Desire to serve Him and share the life-changing news of the gospel with others? These are just a few signs that you may have been born twice! One physically, one spiritually.
​

While we are thankful for the new, secure birth in Christ, we should also be thankful for the new beginnings available for us in Christ. Even though we are children of God, we still sin, and when we do, we do not need to get saved all over again. Remember, we are His children forever. However, because of our sins, our relationship isn’t where it should be and we need to be reconciled to Him, having our sins forgiven so that our sweet fellowship—that oneness—can be restored. Our relationship with Him is restored when, in prayer, we confess our sins to Him. 1 John 1:9 says, 

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just
​to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

What a wonderful promise from our Heavenly Father! It’s worth memorizing, that verse.
 
One time I was having a spiritual conversation with one of my children at bedtime. We were just discussing matters of the gospel when they said, “Dad, I’m not going to sin tomorrow.” While I was genuinely pleased to hear that, I replied, “That’s a good attitude to have. It’s a good desire. But we sin every day in word, thought, or deed. We need His forgiveness daily, moment by moment.” How wonderful to know that God considers even sinners like us as His children (Rom. 4:5). He always loves us and when we do wrong, He is waiting for us to come and sit on His lap and fess up to what we already know He knows. He is waiting to extend forgiveness daily as needed. We can confess our sins, thank Him for His forgiveness, and continue to walk with Him in a new beginning.
 
Finally, spring reminds us of the hope of the resurrection--life springing up from the dead. Jesus rose from the grave and the Bible says we will too (Rom. 8:12-25; 1 Cor. 15). When we see Him, we will be like Him (1 John 3:1-2). What a breath of fresh air it will be when that special day dawns and the morning star arises in our hearts, and we receive resurrected, glorified bodies like our Savior (2 Pet. 1:19)! Let's give our attention to His Word until that day comes.
 
 
In Christ with you,
 
 
Pastor Justin