“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
2 Corinthians 5:17
In the mysterious workings of our spiritual lives, we know that we did not choose God first, but He chose us (see John 15:16). When we respond to His call on our lives, He enables us to turn away from the old nature and become new creatures in Him. It’s a greater transformation than if we fulfilled a New Year’s resolution or made it through a ten-step program of change.
As church planters, my husband and I saw many people pray to receive Christ. We spent months discipling each one in this new walk of faith, answering questions and grounding them in the Holy Scripture. We witnessed the light of God shining as truth was revealed and darkness would flee.
Paul was a church planter, too. Even when he could not be physically present, he discipled the new believers, often writing from prison. To the church in Ephesus, he explained what had happened to them when by grace they were saved. They were no longer controlled by the cravings of their old nature but were made alive in Christ because of God’s great love (see Ephesians 2:1-10).
As church planters, my husband and I saw many people pray to receive Christ. We spent months discipling each one in this new walk of faith, answering questions and grounding them in the Holy Scripture. We witnessed the light of God shining as truth was revealed and darkness would flee.
Paul was a church planter, too. Even when he could not be physically present, he discipled the new believers, often writing from prison. To the church in Ephesus, he explained what had happened to them when by grace they were saved. They were no longer controlled by the cravings of their old nature but were made alive in Christ because of God’s great love (see Ephesians 2:1-10).
Scripture Focus
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Insight
Sometimes we’re surprised to find our old appetites and attitudes have changed. When “the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Bible In A Year
- Ezekiel 11-12
- Psalm 136
- Ephesians 3-4