If we wish to reach those outside the church, we must be willing to set aside some of our own preferences. We must develop the attitudes Paul speaks of in order to reach the unity that is Christ, and live our lives worthy of the calling God has given us.

It is not just about believing something in an abstract way but becoming that which you believe and God says He has done for you and desires for you, it means that you experience a change in every area of your life. Being a Christian is more than just believing in a set of teachings. It is more than attending church or being a moral person.

God's revealed mystery was that once He put an end to sin by Christ's death on the cross, He would establish a new chosen people, a royal priesthood, a new living temple and a spiritual body called THE CHURCH. Through which He would bestow the responsibility of carrying His message of salvation to the ends of the earth. This new creation is composed of believers from every tongue, tribe and nation.

Our lives are not meant to be isolated. What does it mean to go from being an outsider to being part of God's family. Where do we go from being strangers to God's kingdom to having rights and status as citizens. God's work of giving us a NEW life not only makes us a new person, but also makes us part of a new family.

God's grace has been extended to us through only one means: the cross. Jesus is God's only means of forgiveness and redemption. People want to approach God on his terms, but that will never happen. The cross is God's cure for the cancer of sin and Christ is the only means to have a relationship with God.

Paul's prayer for the Ephesians was that they would truly know and believe these things: that the eyes of their hearts would be enlightened, that they would truly know the hope they have in Christ, the riches and glory of their inheritance, and the power that is theirs in Christ: power over death, over every enemy in heaven and on earth, this power being manifest in the church of Christ even now.

God has already given us everything we needed, need and will ever need, in spiritual and physical life. It all began in heaven, and it all depends and is in Christ. Before the world was created, God had already chosen you and me. God in His love and divine grace chose us to be rescued and to bless us with these spiritual blessings.

God has already given us everything we needed, need, and will ever need in spiritual and physical life. It all began, all depends, and is in Christ. Before the world was created, God had already chosen you and me. God in his love and divine grace chose us to be rescued and to bless us with these spiritual blessings.

This new year begins with putting aside everything that you know is holding you back spiritually, so that you can lead the Christian life the way God wants you to. Otherwise you will end up in December 2022 the same way or worse than you are today. Don't let the things of this world drag you down. Don't look at other people, don't get discouraged, just keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and RUN the race He has set before you until the day you meet Him.

Listen in to hear Pastor Josh Steckel’s message on Psalm 33.