There are not too many spring flowers this year because it has been so dry, but there are a few and they are so beautiful. It is such a change from the winter. Seeing the beauty of the flowers and the trees as they are trying to put on leaves reminds me of the hope we have in Christ. We recently celebrated the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ Jesus but we do not talk much about the new life that He has provided for us. His death was on our behalf, (1 John 3:16) and His sinless life and innocent blood was the only thing that could pay for our, (my) sin, (Romans 5:8-11). It was not just His death but also His resurrection and the hope of the new life that goes with it that makes it so wonderful (John 10:10). That new life begins when we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior (1John 5:11, 12). Just as those spring flowers have new life and new beauty, every one that has received Christ has a new life (John 11:25, 26). We may not be able to see it on the outside but there is new life on the inside. To receive Christ as Lord and Savior we must humble ourselves and acknowledge, (confess, 1John 1:9) our sin and ask Him, (put our faith and trust in Him) or call upon Him to give us the new life. See you in Church next Sunday.