NEW LIFE !
MARCH/APRIL 2015
GOT LIFE Show Your Inside Scripture text and setting: 1 John 1:4-7; John 1:1-9; Matthew 5:14-16 God is the Word (John 1:1). He is life and also the light of man (John 1:4) which means that God is the light of man that shineth in darkness that comprehended (understood) it not (John 1:5). It is also said that there was a man sent from God whose name was John (John 1:6). John had come to bear witness of the Light, which is God (John 1:9 and 1 John 1:5) You are to let that which is in you shine (Matt. 5:15) and let it shine before man (Matt. 5:16). When you let the light that is in you shine before man, you are letting people see a new, or different “you”. You can let people see a “new” person first by being buried with Jesus, meaning being baptized in His name (Romans 6:3-4). What a life changing experience! Now your old man is crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be destroyed. Romans 6:4-5 talks about the death, burial and the newness of life. When you are buried with Him through baptism, you will be raised up just as Christ was (Romans 6:4), and be planted
together in the likeness of His death (Romans 6:5). Now your personality should reflect the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). When you let your light shine before men (Matt. 5:16) you encourage other people to want to come to Him, all because your light is reflecting what is inside you….the fruit of the Spirit. This is also a form of witnessing, which Jesus wants (Matt. 28:18-20). There may be times when your light may not shine, and you fall back into sin (Romans 3:23). Just repent and turn from sin/old man (Luke 13:3). The way of the wicked is as darkness, and they know not where they are, so they stumble (Proverbs 4:19). The path of the just is as the shining light (Proverbs 4:18). You must walk in the light (1 John 1:7) so that you can let people see Christ when they see you. A writer of God’s word, who encourages people, Ray Dodd, Jr.
Take A Load Off... Growing up it seemed like adults were always saying, “Life’s too short!” But as a kid it seemed like it was very long for some people. As we get older we see how short life really is. And it’s way too short... It’s too short to always see the world from a negative view point. It’s too short to always be angry. It’s too short to always blame others for life’s outcome. It’s too short not to enjoy a good laugh. It’s too short not to appreciate good company. It’s too short to rush through a meal. It’s too short to not enjoy making new friends. It’s too short to let other’s opinions of you take away your happiness. It’s too short not to try something new. It’s even too short to rush through church service. So take a load off, and learn to enjoy...enjoy life. Don’t let the load cause you to miss out on life. There are flowers waiting for you to enjoy. Don’t wait until you’re dead, when everyone else will enjoy the flowers, to take a load off. Life’s too short. -Pastor Mel
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