All Nations Christian Fellowship

God is concerned with the condition of our hearts, not outward appearances. While we can try and hide behind a facade, the heart is most often revealed through our words, how we use our resources, and how we respond to the circumstances we face in life. To protect our hearts, we must intentionally and daily renew them through God's Word and by being careful about what we allow our eyes to see and ears to hear from this world. Jesus gives us the power for true and lasting transformation in our hearts and lives.

Everyone has a picture of the good life, but in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus radically redefines it. The good life belongs to people we wouldn't normally expect - the powerless, people formed by God's power, and those that live a life God's way at a cost. It's easy to live a safe, comfortable, predictable life as a Christian, but Jesus invites us to depend on Him, pursue right relationships with others and remain faithful in difficulties and persecutions. Are you willing to reframe your version of the good life?

Every believer is called to be a saint and to be sanctified in Christ Jesus. This means being set apart from sin, the world, and our old ways, and instead becoming more and more like Jesus. This call is for all Christians, not just a select few, and it is the most important calling of our lives. Understanding that God's primary work is forming godly character in us gives perspective to every area of life, removes confusion and anxiety, and leads to true joy, peace and fulfilment.

In all the changes and goals we want to achieve this year, there are some things that must remain the same. We need to be steadfast in our understanding of and dependency on the mercy of God in everything we experience. And amid the distractions of life and glamorous things that can draw us away, we must remember that remaining steadfast in our devotion and faithfulness to God is what matters most to Him. Let's commit all our plans and ways to Him this year, and remain steadfast.

When we declare Jesus as the Son of the living God, we are to live with bold conviction that He alone is our hope for healing and salvation. His life of humility - from the manger to the cross - keeps us grounded and humble, and leads us to serve and treat others as He did. We are called to a faithful surrender and to choose the will of God every time, just as Jesus did.