An old bank building stands on a corner in East Texas between the cities of Greenville and Sulphur Springs. At one time, it anchored a block of businesses, from a treat shop to an automotive repair facility. Now, the bank stands alone, its elegant windows reflecting the traffic from an era that has passed it by.
The old bank hasn’t been forgotten. Rather, it’s now a two-story loft, still boasting its elaborate tin ceilings, but with a modern kitchen tucked into one end.
The bank has been made new, given fresh life. Yet, to drive by is to see the broken cornices telling of a century of existence. Only when we step inside do see the mastery that’s given the structure new life.
That’s exactly what Jesus does for us.
2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
1 John 5:20 gives us hope:
“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”
Romans 6:3 bonds us with Christ:
“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?”
Acts 4:12 discounts false teachers:
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
John 1:14 validates our trust in Christ:
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
1 John 2:2 guarantees that his grace is for everyone:
“He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”
Matthew 28:18-20 is the truth and the foundation of everything we believe:
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ ”
We might be the last Christian standing, but God sees our renewal as a thing of beauty. He doesn’t look at our broken floorboards and leaking plumbing. It’s the majesty of our old tin ceilings and elegant windows that draws him to us. He sees our possibilities, and we are given a brand new life when we walk with him.
When our life is in Jesus, our beauty will stand the test of time.
Copyright © 2016 MyChurchNotes.net
Originally Published 4-19-16 in Hope