Today is the first day of the New Year.  Psychologically, we are hoping that we can achieve great things this year.  Spiritually, God also promises to give us grace to succeed in the New Year because of, as He promises in His Word that is totally infallible and inerrant, “the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lam 3:22-23).  Hence, this year can be a great year if you walk close to your Saviour.  There are several things that you should pursue.

Leading 3 Friends and Relatives to Christ

For the past two years, we have been working towards the church theme “Leading 3 Relatives and Friends to Christ.”  This theme will also be the church theme for this New Year 2012 and this is also the final year.  Of course, that certainly does not mean that we will stop pursuing this goal after this year.  In fact it should be a life time goal for every Christian.  But what if this year is not only the last year (at least for now) that the church will have as its theme but is also the last year for you to “lead 3 friends and relatives to Christ?”  This happens when you die or when the person you want to reach out to dies.

I do not mean to paint dark clouds over your skies but I just wish to underscore that bringing lost souls to the Lord is an urgent responsibility.  I am not saying that you must hence “force” the gospel on your unbelieving loved ones without being sensitive to their feelings.  What I mean is that you must do something fast that will help you bring the gospel and Christ’s salvation to them.  It is important to pray for them every day because only the Holy Spirit can soften their hearts.

Another critical avenue is to arrange with me for them to attend the Basic Bible Class.  In this short course of 5 lessons, they will be able to understand the fundamentals of the Christian faith that will lead them to Christ.  Invite them for church service where they get to enjoy God’s presence, hear His life giving word and be comforted by Christian love.

Others

The apostle Paul exhorts us not be like “infants [who] are tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming” (Eph 4:14).   These deceitful teachings include erroneous doctrines which sound like Christian truths but which lead people to eternal destruction.  They include also the values of the world that emphasize wealth, materialism and vain self glory.  I urge you to resolve this year to attend Sunday Worship Service, Adult Sunday School and Fellowship faithfully.  The activities planned will be food for your soul and strength and wisdom for your life journey.

It is my desire for every person who attends this church to faithfully attend Sunday Worship Service and the Adult Sunday School.  God has given you 168 hours a week and I think your Lord and Saviour, who died to save you, is not asking too much of you to just set aside 8:45am-1:15pm (4 hours and 30 minutes) every Sunday for Him.  Actually, it is for your sake that you may grow to become a person mature in Christ, able to live a life that is full and meaningful.  “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled” (Matt 5:6).  Seek after spiritual life fervently—you will be richly rewarded.  Blessed New Year.