New Beginnings in CHRIST

New Year's Eve Resolutions:  Stats

2023 - poll taken in 2022 - found 37% of Americans said they had a goal or resolution for 2023.

87% said they were VERY or somewhat likely to keep it through the year.

Top 3 Resolutions for 2023: 
   #1  exercise more
  #2  eat healthier
  #3  lose weight

Success rate  (for all years ... estimated by the polls ..)
   23% quit, abandon their resolutions by the end of the 1st week!
   43% quit, abandon by the end of January
   only 9% who make resolutions complete them for 1 year!

The 2nd. Friday in January has been (unofficially) declared "National Quitters Day"!!
(polls vary but have similar findings)

Contrast:  most common New Year's Resolution for 2023 1) exercise, 2) eat healthy  3) lose weight.

For 2024 - #1 = SAVE MORE MONEY!!!  (or Spend Less)

On one hand, the Bible doesn't (directly) address New Years Resolutions
However, IT HAS A LOT to say about NEW BEGINNINGS!!

So.... New beginnings in Christ

Summary verse = 2 Cor. 5:17

On one hand, not everything has changed (I still look the same!)
However, much has changed ... IS Changed ... Will change

So... revisit what Christ has done, IS doing, will do...
should .. (1)  Inform us
             (2)  Remind us
            (3)  increase our Resolve - thankful and resolute in following Him

#1.  In Christ you have a New Beginning - fresh start - John 3:1-7  "new birth, 2nd. birth, spiritual birth"
With the new birth comes ... (1) forgiveness (from sins of rebellion!)  (rebellion like the sin of witchcraft)
                                           (2)  Cleansing  (Lev. 16 - example:  2 goats)
                                          (3)  reconciliation = NOW in proper relationship with God!   example:  Bridge
Summary verse - Rom. 8:1

#2.  In Christ you have a new status - new standing with God, new position, title, descriptive name, label, designation
       A.  "Child of God" John 1:11-12
       B.  "Saint"   as adjective = Holy Spirit, Holy vessels, Holy Temple, etc.  But as a noun, in reference to People = Saint(s)

Contrast Positional sainthood with Practical sainthood - 1 Cor. 1:2  (Holy ones)

#3.  In Christ you receive a new heart  ie:  new desires, affections, new mind, worldview,
Prophesied 500 years BC  Ezek. 36:26-27  (Jer. 31)

Problem!!!  On one hand, new inner being!!  However, old man dies hard!
Hence, Rom. 7,  Rom. 6:11-14

#4.  In Christ you have a new Master
Jesus = Savior AND Lord!!!   Boss, director, *LIFE COACH*

The Christian life more than accepting, adhering to written rules. 
Christian life = response to LIVING LORD!!
So, on one hand, should study, accept, apply His rules  (Word)
     However, should look to Him for specific directions

Following Rules = easier than following the Ruler!!  (Rules = impersonal.  Ruler = personal!!)

new heart plus new master means...
#5. In Christ you should have a new lifestyle!!
Visibly, measurably, noticeably DIFFERENT!!   "fruits"

On one hand, God makes great changes in you.
However, you must put forth effort!  Example = Paul - "Put off/ Put on"

Example:  Eph. 4:1 (hinge verse) - chapters 1 to 3 = what He's Done
                                                    chapters 4 to 6 = How You should Respond (practical application)

#6.  In Christ you have New Hope = expectation, anticipation of good things  1 Pet. 1:3
("living hope" hard to define, but very descriptive)  not man made
Confident expectation for ... (A)   this life  (1)  His presence, concern assistance
                                                       and   (2) richer, fuler, more blessed life

                                           (B)  next life - Rev. 21:3-5
(In light of what He has done, these are Reasonable Expectations!!)

#7.  In Christ you ahve a new (extended) family.  The church, the body, many brothers and sisters
So, regardless of language, race, culture, style of worship ... there is a 'Same-ness'  (BOND)

*Not all family members are equally friendly, supportive, sympathetic, helpful, accepting, loving, etc.
BUT ... "blood is thicker that water"  AND it is HIS blood that binds us!!

Summary:  You should Resolve to Know, Grow, and Show!!

Know what He's done, is doing, will do
Grow in you Faith; in your confidence
Show appreciation ... with and through lifestyle, service

If have never received Christ?  Consider Starting New Year with Him.
Already in Christ?  Consider intensifying your Resolve!  

Any Resolution to do better = good thing
But this Resolution ... will make a huge difference!!!

Closing Scripture = Phil. 3:12-15