Licking Christian Church

The beginning of the year often brings new beginnings. Some times it’s resolutions. Sometimes it’s something bad that one quits or good that one starts doing. Sometimes, it’s just a change, something to break up the routine and add some new excitement to life.

As we think of new beginnings, one can’t help but think that the Christian life is one of new beginnings. Some Scripture references help us focus in on this.

Jesus likened becoming saved to being born again. We leave behind the old, lost, sinful life and embrace Him as our Lord and Savior. In John 3.3-5 we read: 3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” 4 “How can a man be born when his is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the spirit.” The Holy Spirit makes us new as we are washed in the blood of Jesus and rise with Jesus from the watery grave of baptism to live the new life. Romans 6.4 tells us: “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

In the second chapter of Acts, as Peter preached the Gospel for the first time after Jesus ascended back to heaven, the people were convicted of their sin and their involvement in Jesus’ crucifixion. When they interrupted Peter’s sermon to ask what they should do, Peter pointed them to a new beginning a new way of life coupled with baptism that Jesus had referenced in John 3.5. Acts 2.38 tells us: Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes, as Christians we mess up and need a fresh start again. This was true of a man named Simon in the 8 th chapter of Acts. He had messed up by trying to buy miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit. That probably won’t be our problem, but something else may well be and we need the same advice Peter told him in order to have a fresh start in life. In Acts 8.22, we read, Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For us who are already in Christ, repentance and prayer, confessing our sins to God and asking forgiveness, leads to a fresh start. In I John 1.9 we see, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all sin.”

Do you need a fresh start? Do you need to obey the Gospel and become saved? If so, there’s further information on our Path to Salvation page on this web site. Contact us if we can assist you by answering your questions or by baptizing you and welcoming you to our church family. Are you already a Christian but have messed up? Don’t despair. God specializes in fresh starts. Come back to Him in repentance and prayer. Make this new year your time to get a fresh start in life.