The Greatest News ever past, present and future. 2021
Hello Church,
Today is a new day and a new year. As we look back in the rear view mirror of 2020, it certainly was not an easy year, we hear and have said “glad that year is over!” When you look back from your perspective of faith in Christ however was it really a bad year? Without a doubt we have seen tragedy, violence, suffering and loss of friends and loved ones. But look deeper inside and ask yourself from a faith in Christ lens. Can we ever have a bad day or year with our Lord?
Certainly we cannot blame Him for our perception of things, though many do lay blame at His feet. Romans 9:14? The rhetorical questions are asked and answered is asked “So what are we going to say? Isn't this unfair on God's part? Absolutely not!” (Reference; See Isaiah 29:16, Isaiah 64:8,Romans 9:14-24) We however cannot as believers. What we must remember is, that Covid-19, cancer, and the worst enemy of all sin and death, is a result of living in a fallen world. We know from Gods Word, that the consequences and wages of sin is death (Romans 8:2) The curse of sin was a result of mankind’s rebellion and disobedience to God ( Genesis 3:17) So Stay with me there is greatest good news ahead.
So last year was a tough year no doubt. But did God provide? Did God bless? Did God ever leave or forsake? The answer to all three is no. You may hear that “the darkest days are still ahead.” That is just not true for those who are in Christ! For the best is yet to come. The brightest days are before us!
Good News ----- Good News--Alert---Good News Alert--- Good News Alert! Greatest news of all Alert for 2021
In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation (sacrifice) for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Did you hear that! God paid the penalty for sin that we deserved. If you believe and receive and abide in Christ Jesus you have forgiveness of sin, fulness of joy, hope everlasting and eternal life! How can we ever have a bad day or year in Christ then ever?
Your salvation is the most amazing gift ever. It is something to rejoice in. Your circumstances can never steal that from you.
Like Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 who had a physical issue that he called a thorn in his side. He rejoiced in that weakness because as he said “Christ power is made perfect in weakness” That is to say no matter what we always have Christ in us and for us, so who can be against us? Church yes we will have trials and tribulations in this world but Jesus says “take heart I have overcome the World!” John 16:32-33
Let me leave you with this word for the Lord Himself from Isaiah 43:18-19
Thus says the Lord! “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
What is he saying to you today. Don’t look back on the past. Look ahead and look to Jesus your Savior! Keep your eyes firmly on Him
Do not dwell in the past but live for Christ now and forever more. Think about a vast wilderness and how easily we can get lost in it. But The Lord He is your guide. His Word is your light and your lamp. You will never get lost in the Wilderness with the Lord who is with you.
Consider the desert, sand, scorching heat, no water, no life. Yet God himself makes a river flow through it. That is Christ Jesus. Jesus is your river in this world. You will never thirst in Him. You will be satisfied with fullness of Joy. For he is your Shepherd. You shall not be in want. He leads you to green pastures and beside still waters. He restores your soul He leads you on paths of righteousness for His name sake. even though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death. His Rod and staff they comfort you. (remember shadows cannot harm you.) He anoints your head with oil. (Healer and forgiver of sin) in the presence of your enemies (sin and death our greatest enemy)
Your cup overflows ( in Christ with great joy) goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life. (God himself) and you shall dwell in His house forever! Psalm 23
2021 may not be easy or what we expect but it certainly will not be a bad year if your focus is always on Jesus and His will and His Word!
Join us in person or online this year as we start a new book in God’s Holy, inerrant and true word Galatians
May God bless you and keep you,
Pastor Gary
Tamworth Congregational Church
www.tamworthchurch.org
603-455-6845
“waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” Titus 2:3