Wednesday, April 24

Wouldn’t it be great to start all over again?  As I look back at my life there are several times when I wish I would have known then what I know now.  It would have been nice to have had the zeal of youth with the wisdom of age ... but, alas, I am stuck in the here and now.  Well, not necessary.  You see, there is a way to begin again. 
          When Jesus was visiting with a man named Nicodemus about the kingdom of God, He told him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”, then expounded on it by saying, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3, 5).   From a physical perspective rebirth is an impossibility, but in the spiritual world it is not only possible, it is also required.  But, what does it mean to be reborn – the answer seems to be found in the concepts of “water” and “Spirit”.  The New Testament concept of baptism seems to fit this teaching.  Peter would build on Jesus’ teaching by referring to Noah’s experience then noting, “Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ ...” (I Peter 3:21).  Being baptized demonstrates our willingness to be obedient to God and  our desire to start over with a clean slate. 
          Would you like to begin again?  No, God doesn’t promise to excuse us from all of the consequences of our past actions, but there is a way to get our lives back in order and in a right relationship with Him.
          Think About It!

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