Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Devotional: In every church, we are all people who can be changed by the grace of Jesus in our lives. We can and are continually being made new. That’s called sanctification. It’s the ongoing work of Christ in our lives to make us holy; that is, to conform us to His image.
But there are also people who are not in the church who desperately need to experience being changed by the grace of Jesus in their lives. Who do you know that falls in that category? Who can you be praying for that they might recognize they are in need? And that they might find some people in the church that care (namely you), and you might help them find strength in Jesus? All so they can be changed by His grace. And then they become the church.
That’s the redemptive work of Jesus in this world. That’s the hope we carry as the church – Jesus, the hope of the world.
Friend, we don’t go to church, we ARE the church. We are people saved by His grace, people in need, people who care, people who love those who are hurting and in need of healing. People who are being made new and who help others become new creations in Christ.
Reflect:
- Who is one person you know who needs to be made new by the grace of Jesus in their life? Commit to praying for them daily and to act on every opportunity you may have to be the church and meet their need, extending God’s love to them in tangible ways.