Work in Process

This is our first newsletter, not only for a new year, but also for a new decade. It is amazing how many times the word “new” appears in the Bible especially in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Jesus called people to hear good news, to receive new life, and to be made new creations. This emphasis or newness was not just part of His earthly ministry, it continues to be what the Lord is doing. In Revelation 21:5, the apostle John wrote that He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” The one who sits on the throne is Jesus.

Perhaps the most important thing for us to remember as we face a new year and a new decade is that the new thing God is doing happens in the context of our relationship with Him. The Christian life is not a set of rules and regulations. It is a relationship with Jesus that involves a process. We are all in a process. One of my favorite scripture verses is Philippians 1:6. In the New Living Translation it says “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” That gives me a great deal of hope! It tells me I am a work in process. God started the process and He will finish it! My part is to be willing to be molded into the image of Jesus Christ. If you know me at all, then you will agree that it will take a lifetime and all eternity for me to be molded into anything that vaguely resembles the image of Jesus. I am trying to learn to be surrendered to God’s process. I will say that I am more convinced than ever that any attempt to reduce the Christian life to a set of rules negates the work of God, short-circuits the process, and stifles our growth in God’s Kingdom.

Just as each of us is a work in process so is our church. Let’s continue to pray that God will guide our steps!

Yours for the Kingdom,
David