The church of Christ on McDermott Road

When Paul wrote this letter, he was in prison. Likely, this was his second Roman imprisonment. He was bound with chains and waiting to be executed. He had every earthly reason to be pessimistic about the future. It would have been easy to believe the Good News would never successfully spread throughout  he world and people would never accept the idea that Jesus is King. However, in spite of his circumstances, Paul was incredibly positive about the future. He knew that he might be bound, but “the word of God is not bound!” Nothing was going to stop God’s plans from succeeding. Are we that confident, as those who are being called to carry on the Christian mission in this place at this time? (Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-13)

As we start a new year and consider all the unknowns that lie ahead, it’s natural to feel afraid or anxious. We might even be tempted to begin the year timidly. However, in 2 Timothy 1 Paul encouraged Timothy to be fearless and faithful, embracing the spirit of love and self-control that has been given to all of us  by Christ. Like Timothy, we need to be reminded of who we are and what we have in Christ. Our Savior, King Jesus, has “abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” What could we accomplish this year—or even this week—if we believed that truth? (Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:3-14)

Peter’s conclusion to his final letter will be our conclusion to a year of thinking about our salvation, purification, sanctification, and justification. God’s mercy and patience—along with his coming judgment—should cause us to ask ourselves, “What sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness?” Are we living the lives we were saved to live? Are we living lives of holiness and godliness? As we wrap up one year and head into the next, let’s reflect soberly on the lives we have been living, are living, and should be living. (Scripture: 2 Peter 3:14-18)

When Jesus was born, “a multitude of the heavenly host” announced the Good News to shepherds, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.” This announcement changed the world. Nothing could ever be the same again. Heaven and earth had come together in a whole new way. The Son of God had become one of us. Of course, there are still things that bother, worry, and stress us, but we must remember to see everything through the lens of the incarnation. (Scripture: Luke 2:8-14)

During the Christmas season it is not uncommon to walk into a store or turn on a movie and hear the Good News about Jesus being proclaimed in song. Everywhere we turn, we hear “tidings of comfort and joy.” What an amazing blessing that is to hear our Savior’s story being sung in the public square! However, for saved people, we should be carrying this Good News of peace to our neighbors, classmates, and co-workers all year round. We were saved to be the messengers, proclaimers, and heralds of this Good News of peace. The peace the whole world is seeking can be found in Christ. We must be faithful in sharing it with the world! (Scripture: Isaiah 52:7-10)

One of the major themes of the Bible is “peace” (shalom). We love the idea of peace and we want peace. However, left to our own devices, we all have a tendency to destroy peace and create chaos and conflict. Thankfully, the work of Jesus brings true peace into the world, a peace that passes understanding. Saved people get to enjoy and experience this peace, but there’s more to it than that. We are not just saved from chaos, but saved for making peace. When the Spirit of God lives in our sanctified bodies, he gives us a peace-making wisdom. (Scripture: James 3:13-18)

Every generation of God’s people has handed the baton of praise to the next. We have picked up the baton from our parents’ and grandparents’ generation. There is an unbroken song of worship and adoration that goes back to the beginning of time. Now, it is our turn to praise God and teach our children to praise him. One reason we have been saved is so that we can spend our lives teaching the next generation how good God is. One of the best things we can do for the next generation is meditate on God’s goodness and share his goodness with them. (Scripture: Psalm 145:1-9)

To “glorify God” or do something “to his glory,” means spreading God’s fame and good reputation in the world. Praise should be evangelistic. Praise should wake people up to the fact that God is better than their idols. We sing and speak about God’s goodness and faithfulness, because the world needs to hear how good God is. One of the best ways to reach your friends and family who don’t believe is refuse to be quiet about the things God has done, is doing, and will do. (Scripture: Psalm 96:1-13)

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16

We praise God in anticipation of his protection and salvation. Because we can look back and see all the great things God has done, we can learn his character and trust his steadfast love. Praise helps bring us peace, because we are exercising our trust and reminding ourselves of what God has done for his people, for his Son, and for us personally. (Scripture: Psalm 71:1-8)