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STARTING OUT ANEW
Another Chance to Begin Again

A Commentary by Constance Vanides

"...His compassions fail not. They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness."

(Lamentations 3:22,23)

"Stop the world, I want to get off!" Have you ever felt this way? Is this your time to start all over again? It was easy to be physically born as a baby. You didn't even ask for that. Others were there to help. You didn't have to do anything except maybe to start breathing, a gift from God to get you going. That physical birth is not enough. There is yet another birth.

"Jesus...said to him (Nicodemus), 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" (John 3:3)

"...'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.'" (John 3:5,6)

To be "born again" spiritually is something else. It requires a little effort. To begin with, it requires desire on your part.

"I'm a good person," I used to say. "I don't lie or cheat. I help people whenever I can. Of what then do I need to confess?" I finally realized my sin was a lifestyle of separation from God. I was depending only on myself and my own abilities to solve the living of life.

"Anothen" is the more accurate Greek word relating to the term "born again." It means "from above", therefore we know it as "born of the Spirit". If one agrees to follow the word of God, rebirth happens when one repents, renounces the past, and verbally accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

"...if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)
Many find it hard to accept the fact they have a need for God. They like their lives the way they are. Others might consider what God is offering, yet are still reluctant to give up comfortable old habits and ways so that God may redirect their lives.

"Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing,..." (Isaiah 43:18,19)

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Being willing to get over old hurdles will bring God's fresh breath, enough to bring you or an acquaintance of yours into new life and the excitement of growing in spiritual dimensions! Today, start out anew. Discover a truly joy-filled year!

If you have a few moments, read "The Deeper Life" in God's Will in Today's World.

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