There's a great hope on the horizon. Can you feel it? Can you sense the newness that our God is bringing to our broken world? Not only to our communities, not only on a large scale but within you, too. Isaiah 43:18-19 tells us, "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?"
Jesus' presence on earth was an indication of many things, but perhaps one of the most telling of all is the new kingdom He is building. It's all part of our God's redemptive plan for mankind. Ever since we sinned in the Garden of Eden and distanced ourselves from God, He's been set on reclaiming our earth and setting things right. Light must triumph over darkness, goodness over evil.
Get excited, get hopeful. Here are 3 ways God is making things new in you.
A Call to Action
Throughout the Old Testament, we hear rumblings of Jesus' prophesied presence. The Son of God, our Messiah, has not arrived yet, but He will be coming and soon. His arrival will mark the coming of a new era—one where justice reigns and wrongs will be made right. Jesus will be the new kingdom fulfilled.
"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." ~ Mark 1:15
As Jesus embarks on His ministry, He repeatedly states that the kingdom of God is at hand. It's here, in the flesh. Through His words and deeds, Jesus demonstrates what this new kingdom will entail and how we, as believers, have work to do to further its coming.
What Jesus tells His 12 disciples concerning the Great Commission in Matthew 28 rings true for us, too.
"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." ~ Matthew 28:18-20
We are called to not just enjoy His kingdom, but to share this good news with others, too. It's a call to action—perhaps the greatest we can experience in our lives.
God could have easily decided to do this kingdom work on His own, but in His great mercy and love for us, He has empowered us to become warriors for Christ. We have the opportunity to take part in His redemptive plan to reconcile the world to Himself. What a gift.
Think of how this affects you, specifically. You're no longer simply a man or woman going about their daily lives without a mission to commit to. No, you have been called by Jesus in a very specific, intentional way to be an instrument of hope in your community. You have a new directive, a new mission, a new purpose.
From Apathy to Empathy
Left to our own devices, we are sinful creatures, aren't we? We're selfish, wicked, jealous, self-righteous beings with no real future. Thank goodness Jesus entered the picture and offered forgiveness and repentance!
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17
We're no longer bound by our sin and shame. We don't have to let our impulses rule our lives. Through Jesus, we can be made new.
Once we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior and invite Him into our hearts, the total heart transformation can begin. The Holy Spirit is within us and gives us the heavenly perspective we never had before.
While this is the beginning of something new and exciting, keep in mind that our faith is a journey, not a destination. It's fluid and ever-moving. Yes, we believe in Christ and His plans to redeem humanity, but we're also far from perfect, too. There's a deep inner work being done within us as we go out into the world, share the good news, and grow in our relationship with God.
Within us, God is transforming our hearts to become more and more like His. We were once cold and listless. Now we are passionate and full of empathy for our fellow brothers and sisters. Because of Him, we can grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience…But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!” ~ Ephesians 2:1-4
An Invitation for a Deeper Relationship
In sin, we were isolated—disconnected from God and others. We wandered around in the dark, thoroughly lonely and exhausted from our own efforts of goodness.
Jesus' invitation to join His new kingdom is not just an invitation to join a body of believers (though that is part of it!). It's an invitation to enter into relationship with Him. Yes, He is that accessible to us.
"And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." ~ John 17:3
Equipped with the Holy Spirit, as well as full access to Jesus, you are completely made new. Your whole life has changed. You have changed. Over your lifetime, Jesus will continue to call to you. Will you answer Him? Will you enter into this powerful new relationship that calls you to go deeper?
"Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved." ~ Matthew 9:17
This passage from Jesus is a metaphor for His new kingdom. New wine is put into fresh wineskins. We are made new, as vessels for His good. We can rejoice in blessed truth. God is truly making all things new within us.
Think of the lyrics that correspond with this passage from the Hillsong hit, "New Wine."
In the crushing, in the pressing, you are making new wine.
In the soil I now surrender, you are breaking new ground.
When I trust You I don't need to understand.
Make me whatever You want me to be.
I came here with nothing, but all You have given me.
Jesus bring new wine out of me.
How Will You Share This Good News?
Our greatest hope is that you'll walk away from this post feeling empowered, positive, and a bit more hopeful about your day. You have a glorious calling waiting for you. The kingdom of Heaven is at hand, and God is asking you to take part. This is the greatest adventure of your life. So rejoice in this deep, inner work God is doing within you. It's all part of His plan to bring you closer and closer to Him. Looking to share this good news with others too? Check out our collection of Christian t-shirts that serve as a powerful reminder of Jesus' new kingdom come.