Greetings Willowdale Family,
As we progress through our Evangelistic Series, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our presenters. They have shared powerful and inspiring messages from the Lord—messages that transform our hearts and minds, drawing us closer to God. Our health messages have also emphasized the importance of disease prevention and highlighted how we should care for our bodies.
On Sabbath, Pastor DeSilva will preach on the topic, “New Start.” Life frequently offers moments when we yearn to start anew—to turn the page and welcome a fresh chapter brimming with hope, faith, and a sense of divine purpose. You and I know that embarking on a new beginning is not just a human endeavour to alter our path but a spiritual transformation fueled by God’s grace. It invites us to experience renewal through Christ, aligning our lives with God’s will. The theme of new beginnings is woven throughout Scripture. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we read, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Similarly, Isaiah 43:18–19 encourages us, “Do not remember the former things… Behold, I will do a new thing.” For believers, the journey of starting anew commences at the cross, where forgiveness and cleansing are offered.
Before the renewal process, an essential component involves self-examination and a profound conviction facilitated by the Holy Spirit. The individual must recognize their authentic spiritual state in the absence of Christ. This concept is vividly illustrated in Psalm 51, where confession and repentance are delineated as foundational steps towards transformation. Repentance transcends mere remorse; it encompasses a fundamental shift away from sinful behaviour and a deliberate orientation towards God. Human effort alone cannot bring forth new life. A fresh beginning necessitates faith in Christ’s righteousness rather than reliance on one’s own works. As Ellen G. White expresses in Steps to Christ, “The warfare against self is the greatest battle ever fought. The surrender of all to the will of God demands a struggle; yet the soul must submit to God before it can be renewed in holiness.”
Therefore, a genuine new start involves living according to God’s commandments. Obeying the commandments allows us to reconnect with our Creator and find renewal in His presence. Prayer and Bible study practices constitute essential spiritual disciplines that facilitate personal renewal. Through these avenues, we receive divine strength, wisdom, and guidance. Engaging in daily communion with God is a transformative process, reshaping the mind and character in alignment with the likeness of Christ. Additionally, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the journey of renewal. He convicts, cleanses, and empowers believers to lead victorious lives. In John 3:5–8, Jesus refers to being “born of the Spirit.” This spiritual rebirth allows us to embrace a new way of living, cultivating the fruits of love, peace, and self-control as described in Galatians 5:22–23.
Fellowship within the Willowdale Church family is vital as it fosters encouragement, accountability, and mutual support. The church operates as a familial unit, facilitating a collaborative environment where individuals engage in collective growth, nurture each other’s faith journeys, and share testimonies that bear witness to God’s transformative grace. This communal aspect underscores the importance of shared experiences in spiritual renewal, positioning the church as an essential component in the development of our faith journey.
Inviting Christ to transform our hearts is to embark on a new beginning. It involves setting aside the past and embracing a future guided by divine grace. As the apostle Paul wrote, “Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal…” (Philippians 3:13-14). A new beginning is not merely a behaviour change; it signifies a rebirth in Christ—a continual spiritual renewal journey leading to eternal life.
Happy Sabbath, Willowdale Family!
Dr. Pastor Evadne Henry
Reference
- Ellen G. White, “Steps to Christ”