Trade Up, Step Out, Speak Clearly

“So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body ... .” -2 Peter 1:12-13

In this passage, Peter sees a need to remind the Church of truth, and this is my purpose today as we look to the new year.

Today, we can have confidence in God’s plan for the ages. Heaven is still His throne, and Earth is still His footstool (Isaiah 66:1-2). Jesus reiterates this when He says, “‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me (Matthew 28:18).’”

Nothing happens unless the Father and Son permit it. The cross happened because—in their great love for the world—the Father and Son permitted it. As a result, the greatest evil the world has ever known accomplished the greatest act of divine love the cosmos has ever experienced.

When Satan thought he had won, the Father’s glory and defining love were at their highest.

This is the type of love and forgiveness that we—the Church—need to move forward with today. The one true Savior who has all power and authority also said, “‘learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart ... (Matthew 11:29).’”

The God of the Bible, “who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name (Isaiah 40:26),” refers to Himself as “‘the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29)!’”

This perspective is important because God “mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed (Proverbs 3:34).” If there was ever a time that the Church is to exhibit humility, kindness, and self-sacrifice, it is now. Our mission is still to trade up, step out, and speak clearly of what we are called to—the message of Christ for all people.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” –John 3:16

Please share God’s love with those you come in contact with today. As God opens their hearts and takes down their walls, tell them that God has a plan for them and a purpose—to launch a worldwide movement of His goodness, kindness, and mercy.

As you do, remember that, in every situation, the King remains on His throne, the Savior of all people is still at work, and Christ’s people are still on mission to tell the world that Jesus loves them and longs to be their Savior.

This, my friends, is our mission. Please do your part.

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