From the Pastor

 

 

January, 2012

 

Dear Church Family,

Happy New Year Church Family:

 

This time of year is all about new beginnings. We can look at this past year, but we must not live in it. Rather, we must leave it behind and reach toward the New Year that lies ahead.

 

So, what lies ahead for here at First Baptist Church? I think this might be a good time to restate my vision for our church:

VISION

Our Vision is to bring glory to God by serving Him, and becoming fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. We are to do that by:

Touch every person in Tolland with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the world beyond.

*Prayer

Obey God’s commands in all areas of our life.

*Holy Spirit

Love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

*Prayer

Love our neighbors as well.

*Holy Spirit

Anchored in the truth of God’s Word.

*Prayer

Needs met through service and sacrifice.

*Holy Spirit

Disciple believers to become fully devoted followers of Christ.

(Notice the vision is interlaced with prayer and the Holy Spirit)

 

At the beginning of this New Year it might be good to pause and ask ourselves how we are doing in each of these areas:

-How are we doing with the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? How many people have you personally witnessed to this past year, and what’s your goal for this year?

 

-How are you doing at obeying God’s commands? Are you getting stronger in your faith and walk? If not, what are you going to improve in these areas this New Year?

 

Has the Lord remained your first love this past year, or has your heart grown cool towards Him? What can you do different this New Year to cultivate your love relationship with Him?

Have you demonstrated the love of Christ to others? If you said nothing could others tell that you belong to Christ by the way you act and the love that you show?

 

Have you dug into God’s Word this past year and really got your faith anchored in the truth of God’s Word? How will you dig down deeper this New Year? 

 

-Have been involved in any type of ministry this past year? If not, will you get involved this year? Is there a ministry the Lord wants you to start? Don’t wait for someone to ask you. Just get involved.

 

-Who have you invested your life in this past year? Everyone should be discipling someone. Pray about it and ask the Lord whom He would lead you to for discipling.

 

This New Year has great potential. You can experience, and be used by, the Lord as never before. I sense God wants to accomplish great and mighty things in the life of our church and He has chosen you to work through and accomplish His work and purposes. What a great privilege we all have.  I hope and pray that you will strive to make 2012 a year like no other year.

May this year be the best year of your life. God bless you!

 

Pastor Jeff