Well, we’re already into this New Year going about our Father’s business following Jesus’ example. His mission was to seek and save the lost. Of course we cannot save anyone. Only God can save. But we can seek those who are lost in sin to teach them God’s plan of salvation. It is our privilege and duty to share the gospel of Christ, God plan of salvation with all who will hear. Paul wrote concerning the power of God to salvation in Romans 1:16-17.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

Our renovation continues. Have you seen all the changes? We’re getting ever closer to moving back into our newly updated offices, classrooms, restrooms, meeting rooms, and fellowship hall. Thank you for your patience and your generosity toward this major project. God has blessed us and will continue to fulfill His promises toward us in this New Year. May we fulfill our promises to Him and to one another! Remember what Jesus said in Luke 6:38:

“Give, and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Have you ever been to a restaurant to eat and found that your experience was somewhat less than what you expected? Maybe the floor was dirty, or the waitress was unfriendly, or the food was cold or tasted funny. You determined not to go back to that restaurant again. Then later as you drove past the restaurant you noticed a sign on the door that said, “Under New Management.” You then decided to give the place another chance and found the reverse of your first experience. The place was clean. The staff was friendly and helpful. The food was delicious and just right. What made the difference? New Management!

The same it true with becoming a Christian. Before we became a Christian sin and Satan “managed” our lives. The happiness we thought we felt faded fast. Sadness, pain, loneliness, and trouble seemed to surround us as soon as we stopped to think or rest. The nights were often long and lonely. Then we heard about Jesus, maybe from our parents, a friend, or someone at work or school. After a few questions and answers from the Bible we made the decision to believe in Him as the Son of God. We repented of our sins (Acts 2:38), confessed His name (Acts 8:36-37), and were baptized into Him (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13). He added us to His church (Acts 2:47). We welcomed a new manager (Matthew 7:21, 24-27). It is true. Everyone has problems. Sinners have problems. Christians have problems too. Just like Jesus said, “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). The rains descend, the floods come, and the winds blow in every life whether a person hears the word of God and does it or whether a person hears the word of God and rejects it (Matthew 7:24-27). The difference shows itself before, during, and after the storm. In Christ we have faith, hope, and confidence before the storms of life. In Christ we have strength and endurance during the storms. In Christ we have knowledge, wisdom, and humility after the storms.

Are you tired of the old manager (sin, selfishness, the past, things, money, worldliness, sinful habits, helplessness, pills, drink, food, etc.) in your life promising and promising and never keeping those promises? Come to Jesus!