The opportunities and challenges of a new year

 As we approach a new year many of us wonder what it will bring. This past year has brought increased inflation, a growing divide between Americans, a new strain of Covid, a Federal government with some of the lowest approval ratings in modern times, new threats coming from Russia and China, a rising distrust of the media and our political leaders, and a rejection of the church and traditional biblical teachings from many Americans. Since no one has a crystal ball or is able to predict with any certainty of what the future holds, I guess we'll have to wait and see what transpires in the coming year. But, there are some things we can know with certainty.

First, God is already there. While we may not understand why He allows some things to happen, we can be certain that nothing that will occur will catch Him by surprise. He remains the omnipotent, omniscience God. Whatever the future holds, we can trust Him. Our God is sovereign over all.

The second thing we can know with certainty is that the church has a role to play in the events that will take place. Our role is to continue to speak God's truth to a world that wants to reject that truth. Our role is to offer hope to a world that will find hope in no other place. Our role is to invite people to become part of God's family. Our message may not be a popular one in the time in which we live, but we are called to faithfully proclaim it regardless of its popularity.

A third thing we can be assured of is that people are going to be looking for something to believe in as this world continues to implode all around us. This is the opportunity. As we are inundated with lies from the media and our political leaders, people are going to be seeking truth. As some churches abandon the biblical teachings of Scriptures, people are going to want to hear a clear message of hope and salvation. This is not a time to be timid. God has called the church to such as time as this, a time to speak boldly about the the Kingdom of God and to invite people to enter that Kingdom.

I am not a prophet, but I can see people growing weary of the pain and confusion of living in a world that offers them no real hope of a better life. The church has been given such a message to proclaim. We sometimes hear that the time of the church has ended. Don't you believe it! Our time is now! This is the time for the church to step up and be the church God has called it to be. Many are ready to hear a clear message of salvation. Preach it! Let 2022 be a year when many will come to Christ through the faithful ministry of your church.