The New Year

What does a new year mean? 

It could mean 365 days of life and happiness. But the Bible warns: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1).

2013 could mean 52 weeks of prosperity and health.

But James cautions: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:13-14).

Two people die each second. That’s the equivalent of a city of 150,600 people who disappear into eternity every twenty-four hours! Without Christ they will enter Hell, forever lost. This is why Jesus said, “The fields are white unto harvest” (John 4:35).

A new year, therefore, is a period unknown, a highway as yet untraveled. Only God knows what the 365 days of 2013 hold. Someone reading these lines will have 2013 carved on their tombstone. For others, the new year will mean the beginnings of careers, the adventures of marriage or the responsibilities of parenting.

What will 2013 mean for you? It means 52 opportunities to invite someone to attend a Sunday morning worship service with you here at IBC. It means 365 opportunities to spend your day denying yourself and taking up your cross to follow Christ (Luke 9:23).

2013 means countless opportunities to tell others the Gospel of Christ! And countless opportunities to sacrificially serve Christ right here at Immanuel Baptist Church.

There are people, young and old, right here in Hamilton, OH, who need Jesus.

2013 is your opportunity to show them Jesus!

May you have a Happy and Holy New Year to the Glory and Praise of our God and Savior!