“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5: 17
The year of 2018 is the year of a new beginning. The year of new beginning means CHANGE. It is true that it is difficult to change from old to new when we are already used to the things of old. Actually, a change is a shaping process.
What does it mean by new creation? When we become a new creation, we can no longer possess our old characteristics – which what we call the works of the flesh. Galatians 5:19-21, “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Don’t say “Jealousy? Not a problem. Anger? Not a problem! Drunkenness? Just a little!” If we keep doing it, be careful! God’s Word in Galatians 5 clearly says that we cannot inherit the kingdom of God! When we become born again, we enter the next step – which is the process of holiness that is continuously done by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.
The year of new beginning means SEPARATION. The book Genesis says that on the first day, in the beginning, God separated light from darkness. Why? Because God sees that light is good. Entering 2018, there will be a separation of those who live in the light from those who live in darkness. Revelation 22:11-12, “He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” How about our lives? At this time, where are we? Those who are already walking in the light, don’t go to the dark side but let your light shine even more. Malachi 3:18 “Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.”
The year of new beginning means SOMETHING NEW. Isaiah 43:18-19, “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” At that time, it is impossible to make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. But, for God nothing is impossible; and this is said with a miracle.
Let us step into 2018 with assurance because God is doing something new in our lives – His miracle. And He will continue to change our lives as we become new creation that is more holy and that shine the light of Jesus in this world. God bless.
Source: Sermon of Pst. Niko Njotorahardjo, Article from GBI Gatot Subroto, Jakarta