NEW THINGS...

Revelation 21:4-5
     Though some things get better over time, like a well broken in pair of boots, most of us like new things from time to time. Manufacturers and salesmen attest to this, for they are at all times cranking out new products for sale.
       At the beginning of a new year, we think "out with the old, in with the new". There are times when we are ready for a change, especially if the old holds memories better left forgotten.  God has a way of making 'all things new', not just concerning the promises for the future as in our text, but in our lives on a daily basis.
        I am acquainted with two sisters whose early lives were spent in an orphanage under less than ideal circumstances. It was crowded, understaffed and generally depressing overall. They lived with the hope that someday they would be adopted, but at the same time feared they would be separated. Thankfully, eventually they were both adopted by an American family. When the process was completed, these girls had new names, new clothes, a new home and a new family...all things were made new and the former things were passed away.
         The Bible teaches that mankind is born spiritually separated from God in a state of sin, into a world that is fallen and therefore corrupt. In this condition, mankind has no hope for reconciliation with God, except in the love of God which He has shown to all through the salvation provided by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. When one places his/her faith in Christ such a one is said to be "born again" and becomes a child of God. We now have a new Father, a new Family, and a new Future.
          The relationship does not end there, for not only does the Bible teach of the New Birth, it also teaches of an Adoption. In Rom 8:15-16 we read, " For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:" KJV Here the Apostle Paul refers to the legal practice of adoption under Roman Law whereby an adopted person received all rights and privileges as one born into a family, but with one great advantage...once adopted, the adopted one could never be renounced, rejected or disowned. The child of God is secure in his relationship in the family of God both by the new birth and by adoption.
           Those little girls mentioned earlier, are today married women with husbands and children of their own. They enjoy newness of life, not because of any merit of their own, but because great love was shown towards them. Likewise, God has shown His great love towards us, not because of who we are, but because of Whose we may become when we receive by faith His offer to become members of His family.

             Charles Austin Miles, resigned his position as a pharmacist and began to write and publish hymns. In 1907, he wrote A NEW NAME WRITTEN DOWN IN GLORY. Take a moment to sing it...and remember, you can have all things made new for you through faith in Jesus Christ.