The big idea
There are times in everyone’s life where we long for a fresh start, a do-over, a clean slate. The problem is we feel like we are a product of our past and we are unable to make positive changes.
The Bible says that we are Born Again into a Living Hope, that with God a fresh start is always possible.
Key Scriptures
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3
Next Steps
- Recognise the need for Spiritual renewal
Being born again is the chance for a brand new start, not just once, but each and every day, each and every moment. It doesn’t change what has happened in the past, it might not even change your current circumstances but it will change your life because you will see life differently.
Seeing your life with God’s eyes, with spiritual eyes gives you a different perspective on your troubles.
- Allow it to change how you live.
When you wake up tomorrow you have a fresh start. Did the thing that happen yesterday go away? No. The bank balance is still zero, the kids are still wild, the job still sucks, but the way you react to them can be different.
Whenever you are faced with something you have done wrong, you have sinned, you have stuffed up, your conscience is nagging and saying “that wasn’t the right thing to do” you have a choice in that moment to wallow or give that moment to Jesus and ask him to help you live differently. To look to him for healing and for help in the midst of your troubles.
- Show others the resurrected Jesus with your life.
You can react the way Jesus reacts. With forgiveness, with grace, with love. When you forgive others, when you show them unmerited favour, when you choose to love them instead of hating them it changes your relationship with them.
It doesn’t always bring reconciliation but when you live in forgiveness it opens up the possibility of change. It creates living hope for the future.