Tomorrow is a big day in churches all across the nation… It is the first Sunday of the new year. Time to reflect back upon last year and look forward to the days to come. I look forward to this every year.

State of the Church address?

You might be more familiar with the SOTU address. The annual speech delivered by the President of the United States to a joint session of Congress. The purpose of the State of the Union is to give an overview of the country’s current state, some highlights accomplishments over the past year, maybe set forth goals for the coming year, and to inspire/unite by outlining a vision for the future. In many ways, that is what we will strive to do tomorrow at our church as well.

The theme verse of this year’s State of the Church Address is found in Romans 10:14-15. It reflects our ongoing commitment to grow deeper in our relationship with Christ and to broaden our impact on the world.

14 How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. - Romans 10: 14-15 (CSB)

Paul is speaking here about the necessity of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, what we call the Gospel. Although I really like how the CSB translation of the Bible states it, I also really like a paraphrase version that I found:

How can people call for help if they do not know who to trust? How can they know who to trust if they have not heard of the One who can be trusted? How can they hear if nobody tells them? How is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? - Romans 10:14-15 (MSG)

For All Believers, telling the gospel is not a task but a divine privilege. These verses encourage us to value and support those who do “tell” (preach) the gospel. These include pastors and missionaries, but also include EVERYONE else as well.

I want to encourage you to come join us tomorrow at 11am to hear the rest of this message. And I also want to ask you a question of great consequence;

Will you practice intentionality in telling the Gospel in 2025?

God bless you and I hope to see you online or in-person tomorrow,

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