Spotlight 01/2018: A leap of faith into the new year
Faith and love belong together—both are based on the principle of reciprocity. This is made clear by District Apostle Wolfgang Nadolny (Berlin-Brandenburg). His article starts this year’s spotlight series, highlighting our 2018 motto: “Faithful to Christ”.
“Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you” (1 Samuel 12: 24). This Bible text is taken from Samuel’s farewell sermon to the assembled Israelites. In his last address to them, he shares his experiences of life and faith with them. He experienced the help of God in so many situations. Samuel reminds the Israelites of all the great things God has done for them and exhorts them to revere the Lord and worship Him faithfully with all their heart.
God is faithful in all circumstances
Is this ancient exhortation not still highly relevant today? It is because God is still doing great things today. God bestows His love on mankind and wants to help all human beings. He gave His Son as a sacrifice for our sins and offers us His salvation. God keeps His promises in all circumstances. Apostle Paul asks the question: “For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect?” The Apostle’s answer is very clear: “Certainly not!” (Romans 3: 3–4)
Looking back keeps our trust alive
Sometimes we have to go through unpleasant situations and even downright terrible situations. If in such situations we remind ourselves of all the big things God has done, it is good and helpful. That way, our faith and trust in God will not diminish. May everyone who reads these lines take a few minutes to think about his or her life. Psalm 103 will help us.
We serve God by
- attending the divine services and thereby showing other people that we are true Christians.
- showing that we are willing to live according to the gospel of Jesus Christ in all circumstances.
- being honest, sincere, and truthful to our neighbour.
- not allowing supposed advantages to throw us off the Lord’s course.
- not throwing away our trust in Him even under pain and suffering.
This faithfulness will one day be rewarded with the following words: “Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25: 21). Let us continue on into the new year with confidence. Regardless of what it holds in store for us, let us remain faithful to Jesus Christ our Lord.