Something that is really great about celebrating Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ, is that we have hope of starting over. The message of the gospel is that we can hit the start over button and do things differently.
This week we are going to be looking at different people in the bible who, through Jesus were able to start their life over.
Let's start with the apostle Paul. Paul was committed to Judiasm. He was committed to the Law. As the early church began to form, Paul naturally was opposed to it and became a violent aggressor against it. Having people killed and having people thrown into prison were just a few of the violent actions he had taken against the church.
On his way to Damascus to arrest more of those who were following Jesus Christ, something happened that changed his life forever.
Read about it in Acts 9:1-31 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+9%3A1-31&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
"He is my chosen instrument." God said this about Paul. His name was actually Saul but it was changed to Paul. Acts 13:9 is the verse that signifies the change of name..."Then Saul, who was also called Paul..." Many believe this name change is because of the change in Paul's life. Others believe it was to protect his life from those who were trying to kill Saul. Regardless, his life was different because of Jesus.
God can give anyone an opportunity to start over. The past is the past. It can't be changed but our present can. That is God's gift to you.
This Christmas season, remember that God gives the gift of a new beginning. Is there anyone that you know that might need an opportunity to start over with God? Talk to them about it. Now is the time. Is there someone you need to show love to and/or forgive? Now is the time to start over.
As you close: Pray for those who are distant from Jesus. Pray for those who have never surrendered their life to Him.
God Bless!
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