2 Cor 5:17-18 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation…

In case you were not aware 2011 is over.  It has passed away and there is no going back.  Yes, there were some horrible things that happened last year, but there were also some great things.  One of those great things was that you made it.  Many people did not, some gave up, some simply gave out and numerous were just not able to hold on.  But you made it and it was only because of God’s precious Grace, given to us in His beautiful Son Jesus.  If you are or would dare to be IN Christ I have a few things to share with you about 2012.
First, IN is the Greek word En, which means to be inside or with, it is a primary preposition denoting (a fixed) position. When we are inside and with Jesus Christ, then we are where He is and are given the authority that He has.  In 2012 you are seated at God’s right hand, in heavenly places (Eph 1:20 & Heb 8:1) and you have been given all authority in the earth (Matt 28:18; 1 Cor 15:24: Titus 2:15).  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ:

1. We Become New: “he is a new creation.”  As we move into 2012, it is important to remember that when we are IN Christ you are a new creation. Kainos is the Greek word for new used in this text meaning recently made, fresh or unused.  Although each of us has a past, we have been made brand new; no damage, no cracks.  While our flesh may look the same (a few cracks here and there), we (our inner man) are made new, because we are IN (inside, with) Christ.  Now because we know we are new, our 2012 will be exciting.
2. The Past is Finished: “old things have passed away.”  Many people will continue to bring up our past, the person we once were and even what we did in 2011.  Just remember, everything that happened has passed away, it is over, has perished and was dealt with by God.  You see everything that is in our past, Jesus bore on His own body when He died on the cross (1 Pet 2:24).  Because of Jesus and His finished work on the Cross, all of our past has passed away, and there is no condemnation for any of it (Rom 8:1).  Going into 2012, remember, the past is finished.
3. The Future is Bright: “all things have become new.”  With all of the old passing away, what will happen in our future?  The Greek word for become means to come into existence, to begin to be, to receive; 2012 will be brand new.  Our Future is new because the Lord has carefully planned it out for us (Jer 29:11) and aspart of that plan God reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ (vs 18) and He has given us the ministry of reconciliation.  Our future is bright because God desires that others see our relationship with Him and He uses us to introduce others to Him.  Get ready to “bling” in 2012, because God plans to put you in the spotlight!!

Conclusions:  The past has faded away and will no longer cause us any harm, there is nothing we can do about it, except allow the Lord to teach and heal us from it.  Go into 2012 knowing that God is going to make it bright, not just for us but for His Glory.  This means His light in us will shine brighter than ever and it will be seen by God’s unmerited favor on our lives.  We will see open doors, new relationships, divine protection and provision, great wisdom and the revelation of God’s love toward each one of us.  I hope you are ready to shine in 2012, BEHOLD all things have become new.