A New Year in Christ: Beyond Resolutions

“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”— Philippians 2:13

They always start with the best of intentions. New Year resolutions, that is. This year is the year when I’ll actually eat healthy, exercise, lose weight, take a class, read more, watch less tv, be kinder, gentler, really buckle down on the job, spend less, and start saving money. Oh, and read the Bible too.

Every January, countless people set resolutions, hoping to make a fresh start or improve some area of their life. Yet statistics tell us that most of our resolutions will fail before the first month is over.Why? Because resolutions rely on human strength and will power, both of which are flawed and limited.

For Christians, this cycle of making and breaking resolutions points us to an important truth: real, lasting change is not something we can achieve on our own. It comes only through God’s work in us. Unlike the world’s self-improvement projects, God doesn’t demand that we clean ourselves up before coming to Him. Instead, He makes us new through Christ. This renewal isn’t a temporary effort but a lifelong transformation. Through our baptism, we were washed clean and made new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). Every day, God’s mercies are new (Lamentations 3:22–23), and through His grace, we are empowered to live lives that glorify Him—not by our strength, but by His.

The world’s resolutions often aim at fixing superficial problems. Yet as sinners, our deepest need is reconciliation with God. No resolution can fix our brokenness or bridge the gap between us and our Creator. Only Jesus can do that. His perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection have already accomplished what we could never achieve: eternal salvation.

Looking Ahead in 2025

This year, our congregation will continue to focus on Worship, Bible study and fellowship. Along with these spiritual priorities, we are also continuing to plan how we can serve our members and their families in a practical way through the potential addition of a columbarium. A columbarium provides a dignified, sacred space for the remains of loved ones, offering comfort and connection to those who have gone before us in faith. It reflects the Christian hope of resurrection and the promise that God will one day make all things new (Revelation 21:5). This project was conditionally approved at the last Congregational Assembly. If ten niches are sold by the Congregational Assembly in February, it will move ahead. If you are interested in purchasing a niche, please do so soon. You can see me for the details. I also welcome your prayers and support as we look how to best serve our church family in the coming year.

So, instead of resolutions rooted in our own efforts, let’s begin 2025 by:

Relying on God’s Strength: Trust that He will work through you to accomplish His purposes.
Daily Repentance and Renewal: Rest in the assurance of His forgiveness and love.
Serving Others in His Name: Share His love through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or invitations to worship.

Let’s join together in worship, fellowship, and service this January as we start the year not with resolutions but with the certainty of God’s promises, rejoicing together in the One who truly makes all things new—our Savior, Jesus Christ.

In Christ,

Pastor Al

Our mission: “Bringing People to Christ by Bringing Christ to People”