New Year Resolution VS repentace for all

Repentance

1. Difference between New Year Resolution and Repentance

2. A New Year’s resolution is a commitment people make at the start of a new year to improve themselves or their lives. What is New Year Resolution?

3. Common Examples: Exercise more. Eat healthier. Spend less money What is New Year Resolution?

4. A New Year’s resolution is often focused on self-improvement and relies on human effort. It’s a goal, not necessarily connected to one’s spiritual life. What is New Year Resolution?

5. Cebuano: Nagaplano ang tawo sa angay niyang buhaton, apan ang Ginoo ang nagapatigayon niana. Proverbs 16:9 "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

6. Repentance is a heartfelt acknowledgment of sin, accompanied by a genuine turning away from it and a turning toward God. It involves sorrow for sin, confession, and a commitment to live according to God’s will. What is Repentance?

7. Focuses on spiritual transformation rather than just behavior. Is empowered by the Holy Spirit, not just human effort. Leads to a closer relationship with God. What is Repentance?

8. Cebuano: “ Busa karon, kinahanglan maghinulsol na kamo ug moduol sa Dios aron pasayloon niya ang inyong mga sala ” Acts 3:19 "Repent, therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out."

9. Comparing New Year’s Resolution and Repentance

10. 1. Pagan Roots Ancient Babylon: The earliest known New Year’s celebrations date back about 4,000 years to Babylon. Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of the year (in March, during the planting season). They would vow to repay debts or return borrowed items, hoping for the gods’ favor. Origins of New Year’s Resolutions

11. Roman Influence: In 46 B.C., Julius Caesar established January 1 as the start of the new year to honor Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions. Romans offered sacrifices to Janus and made promises for good conduct in the coming year.

12. 2. Christian Adaptation By the 18th century, Christians began associating New Year’s resolutions with spiritual goals. For example, John Wesley, founder of Methodism, held “Covenant Renewal Services” on New Year’s Eve, focusing on repentance and commitment to God.

13. While the practice of making New Year’s resolutions has historical ties to pagan traditions, the concept of setting goals for self-improvement or spiritual growth is not inherently unbiblical. What matters is the motivation and the focus of the resolutions: Is It Biblical?

14. The Bible encourages self-reflection and growth: 2 Corinthians 13:5: “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith.” Philippians 3:13-14: “Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal...” Setting goals to glorify God, grow spiritually, or serve others aligns with biblical teaching. Biblical Principles of Self-Improvement

15. James 4:13-15 reminds us to acknowledge God’s will in our plans: “You do not even know what will happen tomorrow… Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”

16. 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

17. A New Year’s resolution is a good habit for improving life on earth. Repentance is a necessary step for eternal life and growing closer to God. We can only truly change when we rely on God, not ourselves. Conclussion: