Renewal

By Beth Fore

“But when the kindness and love
of God our Savior appeared, he
saved us, not because of righteous
things we had done, but because
of his mercy.  He saved us through
the washing of rebirth and renewal by
the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out
on us generously through Jesus Christ
our Savior, so that, having been justified
by his grace, we might become heirs
having the hope of eternal life.”

(Titus 3:4-7 NIV)

Renewal

The pear trees are beginning to bloom,
adorned in colorful pinks and white.
Azaleas dressed in beautiful frocks,
majestically clothed in the morning’s light.

The blades of grass are raising their heads,
and trees are budding in shades of green.
Flowers are rising from their sleepy graves,
and the beauty of Your work can be seen.

Flocks of migrating birds fly in formation,
and I hear the mockingbirds sing.
The sky is clear blue and the air is crisp,
as renewal of the earth You bring.

Spring brings new birth and regeneration
to the wondrous things in Your creation.
Easter beckons and renews my soul
through Christ’s death and resurrection.

Lord, Your Holy Spirit renews me,
and through truth unveils my face.
You transform me into Your image
with Your increasing glory and grace.

Father, please renew my inner self,
and let me share in Nature’s beauty.
Sanctify me, make me pure and holy,
so that Your beauty will be seen in me.

written by Beth Fore

*God created the seasons, and we enjoy the renewal of many plants and the birth of many animals during the spring season.  Spring is a time of new life and of renewing life:  the beautiful colors, sounds, aromas, and new creations delight us.

“Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him.  As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”  (Hosea 6:3 NIV)

God has created the different seasons for us.  What a blessing it is to see the spring flowers come to life, after many months of lying dormant in the earth!  What a blessing it is to watch a bird nesting on her eggs in spring, waiting for her new chicks to hatch!  There is a warming of the earth, and the temperature rises.  We can shed our coats and wear light, comfortable clothing.  Many people choose this season to get married — a new beginning of a new stage in life.  Spring signifies a new beginning, a new opportunity to get things right.

*Jesus saved his children through the washing of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit.

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit . . . “  (Titus3:4-6 NIV)

The only way that you and I can be saved is through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins.  Adam sinned.  Mankind was cursed because of it.  A perfect sacrifice had to be offered so that God could forgive man and make him righteous and new through thee washing of rebirth and the renewal of the Holy Spirit.

So, “…we are buried with him by baptism into death:  that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

(Romans 6:4 NIV). We become dead to our self when we are buried in baptism and we are raised from that death, just as Jesus was raised, and we are new people who are pure and righteous in the eyes of God.  The Holy Spirit comes to live in our hearts, and He changes us and renews us into the likeness of Jesus Christ, our Savior.  This renewal gives us new life, joy, peace, love, and hope!

Applications

1. Discuss some of the things that begin new life in the season of spring.
2. What kinds of feelings do you have when the last winter storm is over and spring is in the air?
3. How did you feel when you decided to give your life to Christ and you were baptized into his name?
4. We can renew ourselves each day with a more committed love to God.  What are some things we can do to accomplish this daily growth?
5. How would you describe to a non-Christian what it means to you that God has forgiven your sins and He has placed his Holy Spirit in your spirit to guide you, to protect you, to comfort you, to help you discern truth, and all the other wonderful things He does to mature you as a Christian?

If you want to learn more about what it means to be a Christian or to become a Christian, click this link: https://woww.newlifebehavior.org/what-it-means-to-follow-jesus-how-to-become-a-christian/ If you have questions, please send us an email at nlbiministry@gmail.com.