A New Beginning: Run to Jesus First

Summary

On the first Sunday of the new year, this English service centered on one theme: a fresh start that begins and ends with Jesus. From the opening of John's Gospel, the church was reminded that the Word who made all things is the light shining in the darkness, and that 2019 is an invitation to let God renew our strength, faith, ministry, and spirit. Several believers testified along the way - a young man recalling his recent water baptism and the three dates every Christian should remember, and a sister who, after months of illness, came simply to praise God for renewed strength.

The main message warned that we set physical and emotional goals for the new year but quietly neglect our spiritual resolution. Quoting Jesus' words, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," the preachers insisted that it is not our good deeds but knowing Christ personally that brings us to the Father. Works alone never open heaven; only His grace and mercy do, received through a real relationship with Him.

Finally the congregation was urged to clear the heart of what blocks that relationship - selfishness, bitterness, rejection, and evil thoughts - and to be transformed by the renewal of the mind. Like the local Epiphany custom of diving for the cross, we are called to jump in and swim hard toward Christ, not waiting until we feel worthy, because we are made whole only by coming to Him.

Key Points

• A new year is an invitation to let God renew your strength, faith, and ministry.
• Set a spiritual resolution, not only physical and emotional ones.
• It is knowing Jesus, not your good deeds, that brings you to the Father.
• Heaven is opened by God's grace and mercy through relationship, not by works.
• Clear the heart of selfishness, bitterness, rejection, and evil thoughts.
• Don't wait until you feel worthy - take the leap of faith and run to Christ.
• God is raising up a new generation, and every believer has a place and a time to serve.