|
The freedom which comes from being forgiven is wonderful. (See BUILDING A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD), but it doesn’t stop there… because what I really need to be at rest in my body, soul and spirit, is a brand-new me!
Jesus' death didn’t only deal with my shortfall, it dealt with me. I do wrong because there is something inside of me that is wrong. I think we can all identify with the words of the apostle Paul:
I want to do what is right, but I can’t.
I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. [Romans 7:18,19 NLT] 
|
God knows that if left to my own devices I will continue to fail, so when Jesus died, He not only took my sins and failures upon Himself, He took the very essence of me (and you) as well. My human propensity to sin was put to death with Him.
But even that isn’t the end of the story…
Paul writes:
But even that isn’t the end of the story…
Paul writes:
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave Himself for me.
[Galatians 2:20]
The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave Himself for me.
[Galatians 2:20]
In the film The Chronicles of Narnia**, Aslan the good Lion King, sacrificed his life for a young boy who had betrayed his friends and family to their enemy, the wicked White Witch. We join the story where his two young friends are mourning his death...
This is an allegory about Jesus who was sacrificed in our place, to enable us to be reconciled to God. But like Aslan, He didn't stay dead. The Bible teaches that He rose again from the dead, and is still alive.
You can read the story here:
You can read the story here:
|
Watchman Nee*, a well-known Chinese Christian writer, used the illustration of a ticket placed in a book: whether you send the book across the country, put it in a dark cellar, or take to the top of the highest skyscraper, the ticket goes too. Wherever the book is, the ticket is as well. This is what it means to be ‘in Christ’. So as the ‘ticket in the book’, when Jesus died, the old me died too. But in the same way, when Jesus rose from the dead... |
By trusting in Jesus' death to deal with my sins, and His resurrection to give me new life, I can begin again. This is the real source of internal peace. www.rhythmsofgraceuk.org/a-brand-new-life.html Click to Tweet |
And that’s how we get a brand-new start. Not only has God wiped the slate clean of our shortfall, He has made us brand-new people. You are a new creation. This is what being ‘born again’ means.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!
[2 Corinthians 5:17]
[2 Corinthians 5:17]
And, what’s more…
When you were ‘born again’, you were born into a different kingdom—you are now a citizen of the Kingdom of God.
When you were ‘born again’, you were born into a different kingdom—you are now a citizen of the Kingdom of God.
For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves.
[Colossians 1:13]
[Colossians 1:13]
By trusting in Jesus' death to deal with my sins, and His resurrection to give me new life, I can begin again. This is the real source of internal peace.
IF YOU NEED A BRAND-NEW START TODAY...
*RHYTHMS OF GRACE
HEAR & RESPOND to the voice of God
Make sure you have taken the steps described here (click on the picture):
Make sure you have taken the steps described here (click on the picture):
Click on the picture
|
5 STEPS TO RESTORE MY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD |
RECEIVE His wonderful provision
Then thank God in your own words, that you are a new creation, the old has gone and the new has come. This is the beginning of the rest of your life!
GET IN THE FLOW of His Spirit
If you took these steps long ago, turn your heart towards the Lord who has saved you, and let your praises flow…
*For more information on how the term ‘rhythms of grace’ is used on this website, please see the INTRODUCTION TO RHYTHMS OF GRACE: A JOURNEY INTO REST AND PEACE.
Then thank God in your own words, that you are a new creation, the old has gone and the new has come. This is the beginning of the rest of your life!
GET IN THE FLOW of His Spirit
If you took these steps long ago, turn your heart towards the Lord who has saved you, and let your praises flow…
*For more information on how the term ‘rhythms of grace’ is used on this website, please see the INTRODUCTION TO RHYTHMS OF GRACE: A JOURNEY INTO REST AND PEACE.
RESOURCES
Print out God’s truth to declare over yourself:
|
|
The full story of Aslan's triumph can be found in the film 'The Chronicles of Narnia'**.
Alternatively, the book from which it was taken, 'The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe' by C S Lewis*, is a treasure trove of Christian teaching. Although written for children, I often read and enjoy the Narnia series for myself.
|
|
|
These resources can be bought from Amazon** by clicking on the covers.
WASH THE PAST AWAY: THE GRACE OF BAPTISM
The next journey marker...
Click on the picture
|
[* 'The Normal Christian Life' Watchman Nee]
[Please see 'A Note on Resources' on the HOME PAGE.]
[Please see 'A Note on Resources' on the HOME PAGE.]
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
the new creation has come:
the old has gone, the new is here!
[2 Corinthians 5:17]
RHYTHMS OF GRACE: A JOURNEY INTO REST
[Photo credit: Chris (swan & cygnets) @ Unsplash, with thanks]