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Sunday, April 24, 2016

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Fifth Sunday of Easter


Acts 14:21-27
Revelation 21:1-5
Psalm 145:8-13
John 13:31-35

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know new or no new

"I give you a new commandment." —John 13:34

The Lord makes all things new (Rv 21:5). We will see "new heavens and a new earth" (Rv 21:1). We will see "a new Jerusalem" (Rv 21:2). The Lord makes all things new through us, especially as we obey the new commandment of love (Jn 13:34). "This means that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old order has passed away; now all is new!" (2 Cor 5:17) The Holy Spirit is renewing "the face of the earth" (Ps 104:30). "All that matters is that one is created anew" (Gal 6:15).

Although the Lord is making all things new, we often prefer the old to the new (see Lk 5:39). In our selfishness, we value the comfort of the old life more highly than the sacrifices, sufferings, and love in the new life. We must change our minds, repent, and deny ourselves (see Lk 9:23), or we will reject the new, insist on continuing the old life of selfishness and sin, and go to the same old hell.

Jesus says: "See, I make all things new!" (Rv 21:5) Do you see? Are you new? Choose new!

Prayer:  Father, answer the prayers of parents as they pray for their children to repent of acting as if the same old sinful ways were new.

Promise:  "They gave their disciples reassurances, and encouraged them to persevere in the faith with this instruction: 'We must undergo many trials if we are to enter into the reign of God.' " —Acts 14:22

Praise:  "The heavens declare the glory of God" (Ps 19:2). All glory, honor, and power to our God, the Almighty, Omnipotent Lord of heaven and earth. Alleluia!

Reference:  (For a related teaching on Living in Reality order, view, or download our leaflet or order, listen to, or download our series starting with CD 38-1 or DVD 38-CH.1 at presentationministries.com or order our audio tape series starting with AV 38-1 or video V-38.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 6, 2015

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