Moving Forward While Remembering

by Lisa Coleman

How many New Years have you had? Are you a big advocate of New Year’s Resolutions? The New Year often brings up questions about who we are and where we are going. We contemplate the changes we plan to implement.

We also look back. As I examine the past year, I consider my reactions to all that happened over the course of the year. Did I respond to personal, political, or economic challenges as a Christ-follower or as one who is without hope? Are my choices and subsequent actions reflecting or refuting the faith I long to embrace? In Christ, I am dead to sin, but sin hasn’t died to me. Sin continues in force in its attempt to dominate the life and conduct of the believer.

I have recently been studying the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). These 15 songs were likely sung by pilgrim bands as they made their way up to the three great festivals of the Jewish year. As they were getting closer to their destination, their hearts and minds were growing closer to God through their praise and worship. What changes do I aspire to that will move my mind up towards my God?

When I reflect on last year and consider this year, my hope is that I would once again remember my true identity. God will draw near those who desire to be near Him. I am reminded that I am still a new creature in Christ Jesus this new year as I have been each year since I died to my old self and began my life in Him.

In Romans chapter 6, Paul discusses death to sin and life to Christ. Our new identity is with Christ rather than with Adam. One of the best ways to start this new year is to remember who (and whose) we are. Who do you want to be? This is a new year – let us live the life Jesus died to give us! Please join the discussion this Sunday in class or on Zoom.

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You can download the Bible study materials for this session for your personal use and watch the Zoom video of the in-class session by following the links below:

PowerPoint Slides
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Video

Follow this link to find other studies in this series: TRANSFORMED: Knowing & Doing God’s Will.