In the Beginning

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.”  John 1:1

The first words of the book of John echo the first words of Genesis, “In the beginning …” As we begin a New Year, it is a good time to consider new beginnings.

John 1 begins, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”  Jesus is the Eternal Word of God.  Jesus has always existed with God the Father in perfect communion.  Jesus is the One who made all things and is Light, and that Light will not be overcome.

A few verses later, John continues, “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.  He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.  He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”  Jesus came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  Yet to ALL who did receive him (that can include you and me!), to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

Having a relationship with Jesus – receiving Him and believing in His Name – allows us to become children of God.  It allows us to be born again!  This is the most important and most significant new beginning that anyone can ever experience.  Are you born again?  Are you a child of God?  If you are not sure or you would like to know more about how to have a relationship with Jesus, please contact us.  We would love to have the opportunity to share with you.

For those of you who are already a child of God, how will you make 2022 a new beginning in your relationship with Jesus?  Will you join many of us who are reading through the New Testament this year?  Will you connect in a discipleship group to be encouraged and to encourage others to follow Jesus more closely this year?  Contact us to find out more!

As the New Year begins, let us all remember and praise the One who gives us the right to become children of God!