Let’s remember these dates for 2024!

From the Pastor’s Desk (271)

As I spend time hearing from people who claim themselves to be Christians what they think about church, I can’t help but be surprised because they all have their own thoughts and opinions about church and what church ought to be like and doing. What they say about church makes sense from their perspective and conviction. However, it is often wrong because their starting point is wrong. If we want to know what church is and what it must be doing, then we must start by asking questions like, “Who started the church? Whose church is it, and are we building? What does the originator and owner of the church want it to accomplish?” These are very important questions to ask in understanding the nature and purpose of the church.

The Scripture clearly tells us that it is Jesus who began the church, and it belongs to him.

“18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matt. 16:18)

Jesus, the originator and owner of the church, also defined the purpose of his church and that is to save the lost and make them his disciples to restore the world that has been broken by sin.

“19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matt. 28:19-20)

“17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Cor. 5:17)

Furthermore, Jesus, through the Scripture, defined for us the nature of his church. According to Jesus, church is not an organization but an organism. It is his body, his bride, and his military that accomplishes his purpose.

The ownership of the church has been declared. It belongs to Jesus. The purpose of the church has been proclaimed. It is to save the lost and make them Jesus’ disciples to restore the world that has been broken by sin. And the nature of the church has been defined. It is Jesus’ body, bride and military that fulfills nothing but his purpose. Therefore, there is no room for any confusion, negotiation, compromise, debate, or argument when it comes to the ownership, purpose, and nature of the church.

New Life, I want you to clearly know this and fully embrace this. If you do, this church will breathe life into you and give you a deep sense of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. And when you stand before the Lord on that final day, you will not regret as to how you lived your life here on this earth. However, if you don’t clearly know this and fully embrace it, then you will constantly challenge your senior pastor, and your church life will become unhappy and miserable.

Many ministry events will take place in 2024, but these are the dates that I expect 100% participation from New Life because we are the body, bride, and army of Jesus who are on a mission. Write these down on your calendar, and do not replace them with anything that comes on your way later in the year unless it is a life and death situation. Learn to prioritize your life according to God’s will and desire that would bring joy and pleasure to Him. If you live your life this way, things will go well with you.

Let’s not be lame, saying, “Oops, I forgot! I can’t serve. I can’t come.” Let’s be laser-sharp and focused in 2024, and host, serve, show up, and fully participate in everything that we are asked to do. And step back and watch what God will do with our commitment. He will blow us away!

Your pastor,

Eric