A Fresh Start for 2025: Embracing New Opportunities in Christ

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, we're reminded of Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!" The New Year offers us a chance to embrace new opportunities, strengthen our faith, and live out our commitment to Christ. In Ephesians 5:15-17, Paul urges us to live wisely, understand God's will, and make the most of every opportunity. This year, let's seize the moment to deepen our relationship with God, heal relationships, and serve others with love and purpose.

First, consider the opportunity to grow closer to God. This isn't about "finding time" but making time for Him. Through intentional time in Scripture, prayer, and worship, we can strengthen our walk with Christ. As we plan for the year ahead, let's commit to prioritizing our relationship with God. Setting aside specific moments to focus on Him helps us stay aligned with His will and equips us for the challenges ahead. Don't let Sunday "sneak up" on you—make time for fellowship and worship with your church community.

Next, 2025 invites us to heal and nurture relationships. 1 John 3:18 reminds us to love not just with words but with actions and truth. Whether it's reconciling with family or showing up for friends in need, let's embody love in tangible ways. Love, as Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13, is patient, kind, and enduring. Healing relationships often requires us to "walk the talk," showing love through simple, consistent acts of care. Perhaps God is calling us this year to repair broken bonds and demonstrate His love through our actions.

Finally, we are called to serve both God and others. Galatians 6:9-10 encourages us to persist in doing good, even when it's hard. Serving isn't about grand gestures but consistent, heartfelt acts that reflect Christ's love. As we press on toward the goal of living Christlike lives, let's focus on Jesus, walk in step with the Spirit, and remain steadfast in our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2 urges us to throw off distractions and fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. By doing so, we're equipped to impact our communities and glorify God in all we do.

This year, let's embrace the opportunities God places before us. Commit to loving Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength—and loving your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:30-31). Together, as a body of believers, we can make 2025 a year of transformation, growth, and service. Let's press on, focus on Christ, and seize the opportunities to make a difference for His kingdom.

From Cradle to Throne: Embracing the Fullness of Christmas

The birth of a baby is always a moment of wonder, innocence, and promise. This universal fascination draws us into the Christmas story, where the arrival of Jesus in a humble stable captivates our hearts. Like any newborn, His small fingers, gentle yawns, and dependence stir emotions of hope and joy. But the marvel of Jesus' birth goes beyond the cradle. The mystery of the infinite God becoming a helpless infant stretches our understanding. While it is comforting to dwell on the innocence of the baby in the manger, the deeper truth calls us to see beyond this tender image to the profound purpose of His life.

Too often, the world prefers the soft appeal of baby Jesus over the transformative reality of Christ as Savior and King. It is easier to celebrate the story of a child born in Bethlehem than to grapple with the God-man who conquered sin and death. The Christmas narrative begins with angels, shepherds, and wise men worshiping a newborn, but it doesn't end there. The child in the cradle grew into the Savior who bore our sins on the cross. To truly celebrate Christmas, we must move beyond admiration for a baby to adoration of the risen Lord.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to mature in our faith. Just as the baby in the manger grew, we too must grow in our understanding and devotion. Christmas invites us to go beyond the decorations and sentimentality to a life of surrender and worship. The church, as the body of Christ, plays a vital role in this growth. Though imperfect, it is through this community of believers that God works to transform us, drawing us closer to His image and empowering us to love and serve one another.

This Advent season, let us not stop at the manger. Instead, let us lift our eyes to the throne, where Christ reigns in glory. May we worship the Savior who left the cradle, endured the cross, and now offers us eternal life. As we celebrate, may our hearts be moved from wonder to worship, from sentiment to surrender, and from admiration to transformation. Jesus, Emmanuel—God with us—is not just a child of promise but the King of kings, deserving of our total devotion and praise.

The Power of Obedience: Lessons from Joseph and Beyond

Obedience is at the heart of a faithful life. As believers, we are called to trust and follow God's commands, even when they don't align with our understanding or plans. Reflecting on Genesis 6:22, the words "Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him" offer a powerful epitaph—a goal for how we might live and be remembered. Just as Noah obeyed God in building the ark, we too face daily choices to obey or disobey. These decisions define our relationship with God and mark the measure of our spiritual success.

Joseph's role in the Christmas story provides a profound example of obedience in the face of uncertainty. When the angel of the Lord commanded him to take Mary as his wife, despite her miraculous pregnancy, Joseph obeyed. Later, when circumstances led them to a stable in Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus, Joseph's obedience continued. It's easy to imagine his doubts and questions—"Is this really God's plan?" Yet Joseph stayed faithful, trusting that God's ways, though unconventional, were perfect. His obedience, even when the path seemed nonsensical, became a critical part of God's redemptive story.

This theme of obedience runs throughout Scripture, from Noah to Moses to Joseph, and beyond. Obedience doesn't always make sense in the moment, but it aligns us with God's will, anchoring us in His greater purpose. Mary's words at the wedding in Cana, "Do whatever he tells you," echo across time, challenging us to set aside arguments, excuses, and rationalizations. What would change in our lives if we resolved to obey God without hesitation? Such commitment would transform us, drawing us closer to Him and allowing His power to work fully in our lives.

Obeying God often requires us to go against worldly norms or personal inclinations. Yet, as Matthew 7:24 reminds us, "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." True wisdom lies in obedience. Joseph's life, though largely quiet in the biblical narrative, teaches us that impactful faithfulness often happens in the unseen moments of obedience. Like him, we might not understand every detail, but we are assured of God's presence—His promise to walk with us through every step.

Today, the question remains: Will we be obedient like Joseph? Will we trust God's voice over our doubts? A life of obedience not only strengthens our faith but leaves a legacy for others to follow. Imagine being remembered for doing everything exactly as God commanded. Let's resolve to live in such a way that our lives bear the testimony of unwavering trust and obedience to our extraordinary God.

Following the Call of Christ

The call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ is more than a historical tradition or a church agenda; it is a personal invitation from God Himself. It is rooted in our origin, stretching back to the very first humans in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve were called to a life of holiness, to steward God's creation, and to love God and each other wholeheartedly. While they initially lived this call, sin entered the picture through their disobedience, forever altering humanity's path. Yet, even then, God did not abandon His creation. He pursued Adam, Eve, and every generation since with grace and mercy.

God's relentless call is not rooted in human merit but in His unending compassion. Throughout history, He has reached out to flawed people, such as Abraham, who left everything to follow God, and Matthew, the despised tax collector who became a disciple. Each heard and responded to the simple yet profound call: "Follow Me." This call, echoed through the ages, is as relevant today as ever. It reminds us that our background, past sins, or present circumstances do not disqualify us from God's love or His purpose. When we hear Christ say, "Follow Me," we are invited into a transformative journey marked by faith, trust, and obedience.

Following Jesus means stepping into a life led by the Spirit. It is not a path of guaranteed comfort or clear answers but a walk of faith. God's Spirit guides, empowers, and shapes us, making the impossible possible. As the apostle Paul said, we are made alive in Christ and called to walk in the works He has prepared for us. This journey transforms us from fearful, limited people into courageous witnesses of God's love and power, capable of bringing light to darkness and hope to despair.

Ultimately, our call is not just about our personal transformation but also about being vessels of God's grace to others. We are called to say "Yes" to Jesus, allowing His Spirit to lead and transform us daily. In doing so, we become the salt and light our world desperately needs, sharing the good news that Jesus can break every chain, deliver from all bondage, and set the captives free. Will we answer His call with faith, trust, and a willing heart? The journey begins with a simple, powerful "Yes."

A Heart of Gratitude: Reflecting on Thanksgiving and Praise

The Bible invites us to "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise" (Psalm 100:4). As we approach Thanksgiving, this verse reminds us of the importance of a grateful heart. Gathering with loved ones to celebrate the season, we often focus on the abundance of food and the joy of togetherness. Yet, as believers, our thanksgiving should also extend beyond the physical blessings to a deep appreciation for God's unfailing love and grace in every season of life.

In good times and bad, we are called to praise God. This truth is echoed in Matt Redman's song, Blessed Be Your Name, which declares God's worthiness of praise whether we stand in a "land that is plentiful" or walk through the "desert place." Similarly, Job exemplifies unwavering worship even amid immense loss, proclaiming, "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21). Such faith challenges us to praise God not only when life is smooth but also when it's marked with suffering.

True thanksgiving and praise often begin with a deliberate choice. It's easy to give thanks when blessings are evident, but what about when struggles arise? Gratitude during hardship shifts our focus from our circumstances to God's character. As Paul exhorts in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." This perspective transforms our worship from being dependent on what God gives to being rooted in who God is—a faithful, loving, and sovereign Savior.

As we reflect this Thanksgiving, let us take time to truly praise God. Like the Samaritan leper in Luke 17:11-19, who returned to thank Jesus after being healed, may we pause to acknowledge God's goodness in our lives. Whether with exuberant shouts of joy or quiet whispers of gratitude, let us echo the words of the hymn, "Blessed be the name of the Lord." By turning every blessing back into praise, we align our hearts with the ultimate truth: our God is worthy of all glory, honor, and thanks—no matter the season.

A Pastor's Role in the Church in an Election Season

In an age where churches often face immense political pressure, the pastor's role is to remain steadfast in their identity as ambassadors for Christ, guiding their congregations with spiritual integrity rather than political bias. The message is clear: a shepherd must be committed to preaching biblical truth about sin, compassion, and salvation.  We remind the congregation of the ultimate source of authority and truth — the unchanging Word of God, and not to engage in partisan politics from the pulpit.

The pastor's message emphasizes that faithfulness to God's Word, rather than any political allegiance, must be the defining characteristic of Christian ministry. Though pressures are high, especially during election seasons, he believes that the role of a pastor is to shepherd God's flock and stay rooted in Scripture. In this light, the act of voting is seen not as a display of political favoritism but as a stewardship responsibility for believers to uphold their values in society.

A key reminder from this message is that true and lasting change comes not from political conviction but from personal conversion to Christ. Ecclesiastes 8 highlights the need for God's wisdom, encouraging believers to reflect, respect governing authorities, and recognize that even in tumultuous times, God's sovereignty reigns supreme. The pastor underscores that while Christians should participate responsibly in civic duties, our ultimate hope and trust must rest in God's eternal kingdom.

Finally, the pastor calls for unity and love within the body of Christ, transcending divisive political affiliations. He should challenge the congregation to pursue gospel conversations over political ones and to engage others with grace. By keeping the Great Commandment and the Great Commission at the heart of their actions, believers can bring light and hope to a world that desperately needs it.

Thoughts from Sunday'a message on our Articles of Faith

In this blog post on the 16 Articles of Faith, we reflect on the Nazarene beliefs around the Resurrection, Judgment, and Destiny, drawing from Revelation 20:11-15. Over the past weeks, we have explored fundamental Christian doctrines—from the Trinity to salvation, grace, and the Church—each building toward a comprehensive understanding of faith in Christ. While some of the theological language may have been challenging, the series served as a reminder that we are part of a larger body in Christ, united by shared beliefs.

The 16th Article addresses the realities of resurrection and judgment. Scripture tells us that both the righteous and unrighteous will be raised from the dead, to stand before God for judgment according to their deeds. This teaching may feel countercultural in a world that values tolerance and relativism, yet the Bible speaks clearly about a final judgment, where eternal life awaits those who follow Christ, and eternal separation for the unrepentant. This is not about spreading fear, but about underscoring the importance of genuine faith—a faith that transforms both heart and actions, reflecting God's love and grace in our lives.

Our hope rests in the resurrection. As Paul notes, without Christ's resurrection, our faith would be futile. But because Christ triumphed over death, we too can look forward to eternal life with Him. This victory over death is central to our faith, a promise that we will one day gather with believers from all backgrounds, unified in Christ. This hope calls us to live each day with purpose and conviction, knowing that our faith in action bears witness to God's grace. In the end, we will be known not by our denominations but as redeemed people, forever alive in Him.