By Pastor William Y. K. Brown Ph.D
(Resident Pastor)
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Osu-Bethel.
Tel: 0244165628/0243310773.
wykbrown@gmail.com
MONDAY
THEME: NEW YEAR, NEW CREATION
SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
REFLECTIONS:
The meaning and purpose of life become clearer when Christ comes into a person’s life. Right on point, Jesus announced in John 10:10, “. . . I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Abundant life from Christ is the mission to pursue this year. In 2 Corinthians 5:14, we read, “For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died.” Our advantage and privilege are that Christ died for all. His sacrifice meets all the requirements for our justification and restoration. The favor God has bestowed on us releases us from bondage and sets us on justice, freedom, and eternal mercy.
As we proceed in Christ, we will discover He intends to help us pursue character refinement. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” In God’s plan, transformational change and the adoption of Christlike character is a goal we must reach. Having granted us an opportunity to enter the new year, His undiminishing desire for us is to remain pure, without blemish, and be clothed with the righteousness of Christ. His character must be ours to fit us for His eternal kingdom. The change must be manifest, experiential, visible, and affective. Christ is willing to make us new creatures in all aspects of life – physical, mental, emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual.
Christ makes us aware that all the pursuits of life will mean nothing without eternal life. Eternal life, however, is the reward of abiding and walking with Him who is the source of life (John 11:25; 14:6). Titus 2:14 records, “Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” Reserved for special and exceptional works. Set apart for the glory of God. Inspired by His life, a changed person will desire to espouse the love that is in Christ. His sacrifice takes us from a position of lawlessness to a pedestal of righteous living, right thinking, and acting right. The most significant day in a person’s life is when they have a U-turn. It brings calmness, peace, guiltlessness, confidence, and reconciliation with God.
This year, beloved, aim at becoming like Christ. It is possible through Him who has loved us and paid the penalty for our sins. Paul presented a vivid description of the metamorphosis that should take place this year in our individual lives – 2 Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” If you desire, the Holy Spirit will help you acquire a character fit for heaven. If you allow it, the Spirit of truth will help you attain Christlikeness, your eternal passport. Make sure your passport is intact for this heavenward journey.
MY SONG OF COMMITMENT
SDAH 308 – “Wholly Thine”
LET US PRAY
– Praise and thank God for taking us through the first week of the new year; thank God for His grace; pray to make being like Christ your goal for this year;
– Pray for family and Church members to bear fruit in Christ; pray for at least five people you want God to save this year;
– Pray for a new mindset of dedication and commitment for workers, employers, investors, and civil servants;
– Pray for nation leaders to be God-fearing, nation-builders, and visionary; pray for people in need, sick, and mourning.
