the opportunity to begin again is both a great blessing and a frightening challenge n it is rare...

The opportunity to begin again is both a great The opportunity to begin again is both a great blessing and a frightening challengeblessing and a frightening challenge

It is rare when you get a chance to start over It is rare when you get a chance to start over in something that matters.in something that matters.



In my golf game I often award myself In my golf game I often award myself “mulligans.”“mulligans.”




There were teachers who gave a test over There were teachers who gave a test over when the class did poorly.when the class did poorly.




There were teachers who gave a test over There were teachers who gave a test over when the class did poorly.when the class did poorly.

I had ball games that were rained out and had I had ball games that were rained out and had to be replayed.to be replayed.


There are things that cannot be changed. There are things that cannot be changed.


There are things that cannot be changed.There are things that cannot be changed. Esau learned this through bitter experience. Esau learned this through bitter experience.

(Heb 12:16-17)(Heb 12:16-17)


Hebrews 12:16-17Hebrews 12:16-17 - - lest there lest there bebe any any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. for one morsel of food sold his birthright. 17 For you know that afterward, when he 17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.with tears.


Starting over will only involve things that Starting over will only involve things that can be changed and things that are under can be changed and things that are under the control of your will!the control of your will!



Sadly, there are Christian parents who look Sadly, there are Christian parents who look back with great regret. (Ex. “The twig has back with great regret. (Ex. “The twig has been bent.”)been bent.”)



Sadly, there are Christian parents who look Sadly, there are Christian parents who look back with great regret. (Ex. “The twig has back with great regret. (Ex. “The twig has been bent.”)been bent.”)

Time can make a huge difference. Will you Time can make a huge difference. Will you carefully consider these things today?carefully consider these things today?

The forgiveness of God is an The forgiveness of God is an opportunity to begin againopportunity to begin again

What God offers us in forgiveness is What God offers us in forgiveness is beyond description! beyond description!


What God offers us in forgiveness is What God offers us in forgiveness is beyond description! beyond description!

We are blind men given sight and prisoners We are blind men given sight and prisoners freed from darkness. freed from darkness. (Isa 42:7)(Isa 42:7)


Isaiah 42:7 (NKJV)Isaiah 42:7 (NKJV) - To open blind eyes, - To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the prison, To bring out prisoners from the prison, Those who sit in darkness from the prison Those who sit in darkness from the prison house.house.


We are given a new life as a child of God. We are given a new life as a child of God. (Rom 6:3-4; 2 Cor 5:17)(Rom 6:3-4; 2 Cor 5:17)


Romans 6:3-4Romans 6:3-4 - Or do you not know that as - Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.walk in newness of life.


2 Corinthians 5:17 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone - Therefore, if anyone isis in Christ, in Christ, he ishe is a new creation; old things a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have have passed away; behold, all things have become new.become new.


We can “start over” at any time. We can “start over” at any time. (Rev 22:17)(Rev 22:17)


Revelation 22:17 (NKJV)Revelation 22:17 (NKJV) - And the Spirit - And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.the water of life freely.


Many find this hard to believe. Many find this hard to believe. (Mt 20:3-16)(Mt 20:3-16)


Matthew 20:3-16 (NKJV) - And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. 5Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise.


6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, £and whatever is right you will receive.’


8 “So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’ 9 And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. 10 But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius.


11 And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, 12 saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ 13 But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?


14 Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”


Remember that our God has emphasized Remember that our God has emphasized this aspect of His nature. this aspect of His nature. (Ex 34:6-7)(Ex 34:6-7)


Exodus 34:6-7Exodus 34:6-7 - And the Lord passed before - And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, 7keeping abounding in goodness and truth, 7keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing transgression and sin, by no means clearing the the guilty,guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”third and the fourth generation.”


The example of Zacchaeus and Jesus. The example of Zacchaeus and Jesus. (Luke 19:1-4)(Luke 19:1-4)


Luke 19:1-4Luke 19:1-4 - Then - Then JesusJesus entered and passed entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there wasthere was a a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.way.


Zacchaeus never expected that this day was Zacchaeus never expected that this day was to be one in which he would “start over”.to be one in which he would “start over”.


Zacchaeus never expected that this day was Zacchaeus never expected that this day was to be one in which he would “start over”.to be one in which he would “start over”.

It probably shocked Zacchaeus that Jesus It probably shocked Zacchaeus that Jesus was even interested in him. was even interested in him. (Luke 19:5-6)(Luke 19:5-6)


Luke 19:5-6Luke 19:5-6 - And when Jesus came to the - And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 So he made haste and came down, and 6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.received Him joyfully.


The world’s thinking about God and sinners The world’s thinking about God and sinners was expressed by the critics of Jesus. was expressed by the critics of Jesus. Maybe ZacchaeusMaybe Zacchaeus had accepted this had accepted this falsehood.falsehood. (Luke 19:7) (Luke 19:7)


Luke 19:7 (NKJV)Luke 19:7 (NKJV) - But when they saw - But when they saw it,it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.”to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.”


God’s way to start over always involves God’s way to start over always involves repentance. repentance. (Luke 19:8)(Luke 19:8)


Luke 19:8 (NKJV)Luke 19:8 (NKJV) - Then Zacchaeus stood - Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”accusation, I restore fourfold.”


When God offers you a chance to start over, When God offers you a chance to start over, you can do it!you can do it!


When God offers you a chance to start over, When God offers you a chance to start over, you can do it!you can do it!

Still, the call of repentance causes most to Still, the call of repentance causes most to turn away.turn away.


Do you really trust God? Do you really trust God?


Do you really trust God? Do you really trust God? Jesus wants you to know that He is seeing Jesus wants you to know that He is seeing

you as well! you as well! (Luke 19:9-10)(Luke 19:9-10)


Luke 19:9-10 (NKJV)Luke 19:9-10 (NKJV) - And Jesus said to - And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”to save that which was lost.”


Some possible excuses Satan would offer Some possible excuses Satan would offer Zacchaeus.Zacchaeus.


Some possible excuses Satan would offer Some possible excuses Satan would offer Zacchaeus.Zacchaeus.

““I am too evil.” “I just can not live the I am too evil.” “I just can not live the Christian life.” “I have gone too far into Christian life.” “I have gone too far into sin.”sin.”

Christians have opportunities to begin againChristians have opportunities to begin again

We can start well but drift to a point where We can start well but drift to a point where we must “start over.”we must “start over.”


We can start well but drift to a point where We can start well but drift to a point where we must “start over.”we must “start over.”

The church at Ephesus had a great start but The church at Ephesus had a great start but they lost something essential. they lost something essential. (Rev 2:2-5)(Rev 2:2-5)


Revelation 2:2-5 (NKJV)Revelation 2:2-5 (NKJV) - “I know your - “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. sake and have not become weary.


Nevertheless I have Nevertheless I have thisthis against you, that against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you lampstand from its place—unless you repent.repent.


In many ways this kind of “starting over” In many ways this kind of “starting over” can be more difficult than becoming a can be more difficult than becoming a Christian. (Ex. How many fallen Christians Christian. (Ex. How many fallen Christians in Charlottesville?)in Charlottesville?)


You must renew your conscience, You must renew your conscience, overcome pride, and have the courage to overcome pride, and have the courage to change if you are to start over. (Ex. change if you are to start over. (Ex. Eldership that cannot admit mistakes)Eldership that cannot admit mistakes)


You must renew your conscience, You must renew your conscience, overcome pride, and have the courage to overcome pride, and have the courage to change if you are to start over. (Ex. change if you are to start over. (Ex. Eldership that cannot admit mistakes)Eldership that cannot admit mistakes)

It takes a great faith to leave the familiar!It takes a great faith to leave the familiar!


Israel left Egypt, but most of them had no Israel left Egypt, but most of them had no faith. faith. (Heb 4:1-2)(Heb 4:1-2)


Hebrews 4:1-2Hebrews 4:1-2 - Therefore, since a promise - Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard with faith in those who heard it.it.


Look at the trivial things they complained Look at the trivial things they complained about! about! (Num 11:4-6)(Num 11:4-6)


Numbers 11:4-6 (NKJV)Numbers 11:4-6 (NKJV) - Now the mixed - Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: “Who will give us meat to wept again and said: “Who will give us meat to eat? 5 We remember the fish which we ate eat? 5 We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; 6 but now our leeks, the onions, and the garlic; 6 but now our whole being whole being isis dried up; dried up; there isthere is nothing at all nothing at all except this manna except this manna beforebefore our eyes!” our eyes!”


Most Christians who will be lost will let Most Christians who will be lost will let things like this defeat them.things like this defeat them.



Where are you right now? What is holding Where are you right now? What is holding you back from fully serving the Lord?you back from fully serving the Lord?



Where are you right now? What is holding Where are you right now? What is holding you back from fully serving the Lord?you back from fully serving the Lord?

Just as He did with the rich young ruler, Just as He did with the rich young ruler, Jesus right now sees your heart and knows Jesus right now sees your heart and knows the things you must let go of. Will You? the things you must let go of. Will You? (Mk 10:21-22)(Mk 10:21-22)


Mark 10:21-22 (NKJV)Mark 10:21-22 (NKJV) - Then Jesus, - Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” 22 But take up the cross, and follow Me.” 22 But he was sad at this word, and went away he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.sorrowful, for he had great possessions.


Ultimately you must be converted again. Ultimately you must be converted again. This happened to Peter: “when once you This happened to Peter: “when once you have turned again” (NASV) have turned again” (NASV) (Lk 22:31-32)(Lk 22:31-32)


Luke 22:31-32 (NKJV)Luke 22:31-32 (NKJV) - And the Lord - And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift asked for you, that he may sift youyou as as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to have returned to Me,Me, strengthen your strengthen your brethren.”brethren.”


This change is so great that Jesus describes This change is so great that Jesus describes Himself as being on the outside looking in. Himself as being on the outside looking in. (Rev 3:20)(Rev 3:20)


Revelation 3:20 (NKJV)Revelation 3:20 (NKJV) - Behold, I stand - Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.him and dine with him, and he with Me.

The difference between beginning The difference between beginning again and duplicating sinagain and duplicating sin

Some people start over with some regret, Some people start over with some regret, temporary change but no change of heart. temporary change but no change of heart. (2 Cor 7:9)(2 Cor 7:9)


2 Corinthians 7:9 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 7:9 (NKJV) - Now I rejoice, - Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing.might suffer loss from us in nothing.


When you are locked in worldly sorrow, When you are locked in worldly sorrow, you are not ready to really change! you are not ready to really change!



You may have some pain, but you repeat You may have some pain, but you repeat the same plans! (Ex. Woman who found her the same plans! (Ex. Woman who found her husband had cheated and was an alcoholic)husband had cheated and was an alcoholic)



You may have some pain, but you repeat You may have some pain, but you repeat the same plans! (Ex. Woman who found her the same plans! (Ex. Woman who found her husband had cheated and was an alcoholic) husband had cheated and was an alcoholic)

A change brought by faith will take A change brought by faith will take enormous “risks.”enormous “risks.”


Those at Ephesus who wished to repent of Those at Ephesus who wished to repent of belief in Magic did not sell their books at a belief in Magic did not sell their books at a yard sale. yard sale. (Acts 19:18-20)(Acts 19:18-20)


Acts 19:18-20 (NKJV)Acts 19:18-20 (NKJV) - And many who had - And many who had believed came confessing and telling their believed came confessing and telling their deeds. 19 Also, many of those who had deeds. 19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together practiced magic brought their books together and burned and burned themthem in the sight of all. And they in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and counted up the value of them, and itit totaled totaled fifty thousand fifty thousand piecespieces of silver. 20 So the word of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.


We have those in churches that give advice We have those in churches that give advice that do not understand the nature of a real that do not understand the nature of a real faith. (Ex. “You do not have to give.”)faith. (Ex. “You do not have to give.”)



Others will be affected by your decision.Others will be affected by your decision.



Others will be affected by your decision.Others will be affected by your decision. What if Zacchaeus decided that following What if Zacchaeus decided that following

the Lord would be too much of a financial the Lord would be too much of a financial sacrifice?sacrifice?


We have those in churches that give advice that We have those in churches that give advice that do not understand the nature of a real faith. (Ex. do not understand the nature of a real faith. (Ex. “You do not have to give.”)“You do not have to give.”)

Others will be affected by your decision.Others will be affected by your decision. What if Zacchaeus decided that following the What if Zacchaeus decided that following the

Lord would be too much of a financial sacrifice?Lord would be too much of a financial sacrifice? His friends and especially his family would likely His friends and especially his family would likely

never know the Lord.never know the Lord.


““All that is necessary for the triumph of evil All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” - Edmund is that good men do nothing.” - Edmund BurkeBurke



These principles can be applied to other These principles can be applied to other Christian duties as well.Christian duties as well.



These principles can be applied to other These principles can be applied to other Christian duties as well.Christian duties as well.

Our relationship with our mate. Our relationship with our mate. (Ephesians 5:25-30) (Ephesians 5:25-30)


Ephesians 5:25-30 (NKJV) - Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.


28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.


Our efforts to grow as a Christian. Our efforts to grow as a Christian. (Philippians 1:9) (Philippians 1:9)


Philippians 1:9 (NKJV) - And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,


Our work in reaching the lost. Our work in reaching the lost. (Luke 19:10; Matthew 28:19-20) (Luke 19:10; Matthew 28:19-20)


Luke 19:10 (NKJV) - for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”


Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV) - Go £therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.


Our attitude towards other Christians. Our attitude towards other Christians. (Ephesians 4:31-32)(Ephesians 4:31-32)


Ephesians 4:31-32 (NKJV) - Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.


You will never regret beginning again.You will never regret beginning again.


You will never regret beginning again.You will never regret beginning again. After meeting with Jesus he lived a After meeting with Jesus he lived a

victorious life. victorious life. (Jn 21:15-19)(Jn 21:15-19)


John 21:15-19 (NKJV) - So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”


16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”


17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.


18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”


John 21:15-19 (NKJV)John 21:15-19 (NKJV) - So when they had eaten - So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, sonson of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, said to him again a second time, “Simon, sonson of of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”“Tend My sheep.”


17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, sonson of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. “Feed My sheep.


18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry gird you and carry youyou where you do not where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”


Do you hear the knock?Do you hear the knock?

the opportunity to begin again is both a great blessing and a frightening challenge n it is rare...

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