New Beginnings
Preacher: Bishop Paul Rochester, General Secretary of the Free Churches Group
Readings: Joshua 5:9-12; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
New beginnings are a way of life. In a university setting, this is especially true of students as they come and go.
Beginning life at a university can be daunting, especially when moving away from home and leaving behind all its comforts. It also means starting new courses and adapting to a new way of learning.
The Bible speaks of new beginnings. In Joshua 5:9-12, we read about Joshua and the children of Israel entering the Promised Land:
Joshua 5:9-12 (NKJV)
9 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” Therefore the name of the place is called Gilgal to this day.
10 Now the children of Israel camped in Gilgal and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight on the plains of Jericho.
11 And they ate of the produce of the land on the day after the Passover, unleavened bread and parched grain, on the very same day.
12 Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year.
After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, living daily by manna from heaven, things were about to change. They were entering the Promised Land, a place flowing with milk and honey. The old manna ceased because they no longer needed it; they now in a land where they could settle, cultivate, and thrive. At Gilgal, the reproach—the taunts and mockery of Egypt against the Israelites—was rolled away.
New Testament text for this morning:
2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (NKJV)
16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, now we know Him in a new way.
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
The invitation to come to Jesus is the beginning of all beginnings. It completely transforms life.
The Bible speaks of being a new creation, a radical change that brings one into fellowship with God. How wonderful is that? It is truly amazing and something to be joyful about. No longer do we need to struggle on our own; now we can share life with God, who is able to do all things.
Repentance means a change of life. How we see things, how we think, and how we live is transformed. Everything changes when we enter this new life with Jesus. This new beginning is radically different: we become a new creation.
The song Ancient Words reminds of the power of God’s word:
“Holy words long preserved for our walk in this world
They resound with God’s own heart
Oh, let the ancient words impart
Words of life, words of hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, wherever we roam
Ancient words will guide us home
Ancient words, ever true
Changing me and changing you
We have come with open hearts
Oh, let the ancient words impart
Holy words of our faith
Handed down to this age
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh, heed the faithful words of Christ
Holy words long preserved for our walk in this world
They resound with God’s own heart
Oh, let the ancient words impart
The Word of God is powerful and changes lives. Reflecting on the Apostle Paul’s missional work, we see that he traveled to various countries, preaching the word of hope and transforming lives. He relied on preaching the Gospel and had faith in the power of the Word to change lives.
This change is not about arrogance, it is a result of God’s grace. It is not something that can happen by compulsion. Although the Bible instructs us to compel people to come, it cannot be forced. It is a choice. We choose to follow Jesus in response to His love and the gift of His life.
We are made anew and called to learn how to be like Jesus and to share His life. If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. As Christians, we are born into the kingdom of God and must adapt to this new environment. We are starting again to know and learn how to live in the spiritual realm with God.
Nothing you have done or will do equips you for this new life. Only the work of the Holy Spirit in you and obedience to the Word of God can. You must start from the beginning. You may have been insulated from life’s rough knocks, but that doesn’t help.
Scripture says that when we come to Christ, we become new creatures. It is a completely new thing – everyone starts anew. Don’t rely on anything other than the love of Jesus Christ for your self-worth, significance, and approval. Otherwise, you will, at any given moment, place something else above your Saviour.
If we fail to believe Him as our Saviour in the face of life’s challenges, how do we live them out? Not by might or by power, but by the Spirit of God. We must remain constantly focused on the fact that we are loved by Jesus.
This new beginning enables us to face all challenges, joyful ones and painful ones alike, because we share them with God. When there seems to be no hope, He gives hope.
The children of Israel would have been both hopeful and daunted by the new beginning as they entered the Promised Land. After being fed for 40 years by manna from heaven, that manna ceased.
This new relationship opens up untold opportunities. You will find a friend in Jesus unlike any other. He is perfect in love, righteousness, wisdom, and knowledge. In fact, He is perfect in every way and commits Himself to us. What a friend!
We used to sing the following:
I have found a friend in Jesus
He’s ev’rything to me,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;
The Lily of the Valley—in Him alone I see
All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.
In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay,
He tells me every care on Him to roll;
He’s the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star,
He’s the greatest of ten thousand to my soul.
One of the hardest things to do in life is to give ourselves in relationships. Jesus doesn’t want words or platitudes about how good He is. He wants you. He wants us to give ourselves completely to Him, just as He has committed Himself to us.
I finish by reminding everyone that we must come to God by faith.
Hebrews 11:6
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for anyone who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.