New Creations

New Creations

Bible: 2 Corinthians 5 : 14

Reading

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone,

the new is here! (V.17).

(PHILIPPIANS 3:12).

Joanna Flanders-Thomas shared the message of Jesus in South Africa’s most violent prison. Joanna started visiting prisoners every day, bringing them a simple gospel message of forgiveness and new life with God. She earned their trust, got them to talk about their abusive childhoods, and showed them that God could help them handle and overcome their issues. The year before her visits began, the prison had nearly three hundred acts of violence against prisoners and guards; the next year there were just two. We’re told, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!” (2 CORINTHIANS 5:17). While we may not always see that newness as dramatically as that prison, the gospel’s power to completely transform us is the greatest hope-providing force in the universe. New creations; brand new people! What an amazing thought! The death of Jesus launches us on a journey of becoming like Him—a journey that will be complete when we see Him face to face in total perfection (SEE 1 JOHN 3:1-3). As Christians we celebrate our life as new, forgiven people. Yet we must never lose sight of what that cost Jesus. His death and resurrection bring us life. “Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in [sin]—it is by grace you have been saved” (EPHESIANS 2:4-5).

BELONGING TO JESUS BRINGS REAL CHANGE
IN WHO WE ARE AND HOW WE LIVE.

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries