A New Creation

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV)

From https://jmichaelrios.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/butterflylifecycle.gif

In Second Corinthians 5:17 we read about how we are a new creation in Christ and how old things are gone and all things are new…this is never more apparent than in the days and weeks surrounding Easter and particularly more so on Easter Day. Jesus transforms the whole of creation. Jesus transforms people!

From http://www.idio.net/sites/default/files/u19/newcreation-handsplant-logo.jpg

As winter turns into spring, we can vividly see new life emerging from last fall’s dead foliage—a visual reminder of what happens in our lives when we surrender them to Jesus Christ, asking Him to forgive our sins and dwell in our heart. In the whole of creation, if we have eyes to see, new growth springs to life, growing, changing, and developing before our very eyes. An example of this transformation is seen the process of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly (see photo above). It is a process—a slow process—the end results are beautiful and worth the work and wait.

From https://movingnc.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/daffodils_in_snow.jpg

The musical Godspell brings this concept to life, along with several additional themes from the New Testament (with a heavy 1960s-1970s feel). Early in the musical, the cast members paint each other’s faces (clowning)—demonstrating how we can be fools for Christ (1 Corinthians 4:10 read here), as well as how people become a new creation in Christ, this is shown when they remove the robe covering their clothing. Eventually, they start dancing to the upbeat music that has been playing softly in the background—slowly increasing in volume. All of this shows the changes that occur inwardly (and outwardly) in the new believer, as well as how the things of God seem foolish to men (1 Corinthians 2:6-16—particularly verse 14 read here). 

From http://christianitymalaysia.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/jesus_new_robe_man.jpg

The old has gone and the new has come! How amazing is this thought?! God makes us new, if we allow Him to; we are transformed (a transformation that continues until our death) through God’s work within us—into the person God has ordained us to be from the very beginning. As we let God work on us—not fighting that work (it can be painful at times!)—we will find that God will lead us places we never dreamed we would go; asking us to do things we never dreamed we would or could do. Life with God can be a great adventure! Hold on tight!

From http://christianstt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/New-creation-in-Christ.jpg

In what ways did you change when you invited Jesus into your heart? What changes are you sensing the Lord is still calling you to make in your life?

What changes have you seen in others who have invited Jesus into their heart and life? 

For those of you who have Jesus Christ as Savior, what is your testimony?

Spend some time reflecting on these changes this week.  

Please join with me in prayer:

Lord and Savior, thank You for making all things new. We marvel at and praise You for the new creatures we have become in You. We celebrate new Christians who are transformed through accepting Your amazing gift of salvation. We continue to pray for the salvation of those who don’t yet have a saving relationship with Jesus that they would come to see their need and ask Jesus into their heart and life— forgiving their sins — making them a new creation in Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

P.S. To my readers, it came to my attention that those of you who read my blog through email didn’t get the full post, titled Salvation. To read the full post please click here Salvation. Should this happen in the future, please click on the title in the email to be directed to the blog post. Thank you!