In The Beginning

              Reading John 1:1-10 quoted below, the verses begin with “In the beginning…”  We know that John being led by God is speaking of a “beginning” that was before the “beginning” of any sign of our universe, our world, and our lives.  It is the beginning before time, a beginning, which to our finite minds is incomprehensible.  It tells us “The Word,” [The Preincarnate Jesus] was there.

              As we start a new beginning, (a New Year and the “beginning” of a New Decade,) I want us to reflect on another “beginning.”  I think we ought to consider our new birth beginning, the time God instilled into our hearts a new thought and a new song.   On that day you became a new creature.

2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

As Christian’s, you and I became “new” when we accepted Jesus the Christ as our personal Saviour.  In our reflection, we as individuals need to look at what we as Christians have done in His name.

John 14:15   If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Our Salvation should reflect our love for Jesus.  In that love lies “our work.”  Our love for Jesus should be demonstrated by a work of service, a work within “our new beginning.” 

              If you cannot say, “Lord, I have done good works for you,” then purpose in your heart to proceed with a new “beginning” in this New Year and this New Decade to follow and keep His commandments.

              Be the best you can be, and know within your heart that you are a servant of God.  Do all you can this New Year; but also in this decade, and the next decades.

Bro. John R. E Chastain

John 1:1-10  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  (2)  The same was in the beginning with God.  (3)  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  (4)  In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  (5)  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.  (6)  There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.  (7)  The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.  (8)  He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.  (9)  That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.  (10)  He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.