2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

There were times in my life when I said "I wish I could start all over, just put all this mess behind me and get a brand new start at life". Well, on March 14, 1980, that happened. I was born again. The above verse tells what takes place when one accepts Jesus Christ as their own personal savior. You immediately become a new creature in Christ Jesus. All the old ways and desires lose their appeal, and you literally start life all over with a new outlook and a new hope. You still look the same, sound the same, wear the same clothes, live in the same house and drive the same car, but you are not the same person on the inside. Salvation always starts on the inside and works its way out. Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Rom 10:10 For the the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. That's why the Bible says in Phi 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. You cannot work something out that you do not have. Here's a case in point; Jam 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Jam 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works; shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Jam 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. Jam 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Jam 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. These verses solidly prove that you do not work to get salvation, but you work because you have salvation, and works are therefore a demonstration of your faith. Jesus said in Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Mat 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. Mat 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Mat 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. The fruit you produce identifies you as a good tree or a corrupt tree. You can start all over as the old year ends and the new year begins by giving your heart to Jesus Christ. He will make you a new person and help you live a life that will please him and benefit you. HAPPY NEW YEAR.