Tuesday, January 04, 2011

New You in the New Year

A New Year offers new opportunities. Advertisers for exercise equipment and diet plans talk about a "new you" in the New Year.
As believers, we know that the "new you" comes about by being born again (John 3:3) through faith in Jesus Christ. Scripture says, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, HCSB)
Physical exercise is good, but spiritual exercise is the best way to get a "new you" in the New Year (see 1 Timothy 4:8). Some key spiritual exercises include: developing a daily Bible reading habit, daily prayer time, consistent stewardship of your treasure, time and talents, finding a way to serve others in Jesus' name, and sharing your faith with others.
This year, I am challenging our entire congregation to memorize 12 Foundational Truths. These are 12 scripture passages that teach essential truths of our faith; one for each month. Throughout the month, we will repeat that passage in every worship service. In January, the foundational truth is that God is Creator: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1).
Copies of the 12 Foundational Truths are available at First Baptist Church of Rincon, and on our website by clicking on the Earth logo at the bottom of the page at www.fbcrincon.com.
The Bible says, "Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15, HCSB). My prayer is that by the end of 2011, everybody in our church will be able to give the reason for these 12 truths by quoting the scriptures we have memorized.
Will you join me in this spiritual exercise this year?

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