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Begin the new year with Christ’s presence

Pastor James S. Lindgren

First Evangelical

Lutheran Church

Iron Mountain

Galatians 2:19 “For through the law I died to the law so that I might life for God.”

As we begin this New Year, what place does Jesus have in your life and mine? Are we living a life of faith and confidence in Jesus? Are we trusting His forgiveness, love, grace and mercy? Do we know His presence and provision in our lives daily?

Paul tells us that he has “through the law died to the law.” The law kills. Those who seek to be righteous through the observance of the law or obedience to the law will fail for the law proves we are sinners and condemned under the law. The law is powerless to save us. The law requires the punishment of an eternity in hell. Paul is saying that his striving with the law to save himself or earn his way to heaven is over because he knows it cannot be done. The law is no longer his hope.

Paul has instead put his hope in Jesus and the salvation that He has won for us through His death and resurrection. Hear is forgiveness and life. Here is mercy, love and grace. Here is found peace, Joy and hope. This is how Paul can live for God. In Jesus, sins are removed, relationship restored, and life can be lived with the purpose that God gives to us in Jesus. We are to live for the praise of His glory and grace. We are to proclaim Jesus and His salvation to all the world. We are to live our faith in Jesus.

Now that is hope for a new year. That is the promise of Christ’s presence, provision, blessing and direction for us in this New Year that God has given to us.

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