Pastor Ethan Boese
New Year, New Me
It’s that time of the year when people evaluate themselves. Am I too fat or skinny? What are personality quirks I like about me and what are some that I don’t? Did I worry too much last year? Was I overly optimistic or positive?
However you cut it, it is the time of the year when we look to improve ourselves. Yet, many people do not stay true to the weight loss goals and positive mantras they set for themselves. Sometimes before the month is even over, they return back to their old ways.
We do the same thing. The old sinful nature in us acts up. We detest the sin we have committed and repent. We go back to listening to that old evil sinful nature.
Yet, we do not belong to our sinful nature, Satan, or a sinful world anymore. “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were, therefore, buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
When you were baptized, the Holy Spirit both planted faith and freely gave forgiveness and life. You were united with Christ, adopted into his family. His death is your death to sin – His life is your eternal life.
You are new. A new creation of Christ. A new member of God’s family. Despite what your sinful nature, Satan, and a death filled world has to say about it.
Lord’s Blessing on a New Year of God’s Grace! ~Pastor Boese
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
On each non-communion Sunday, Pastor Boese will invite children of all ages forward for the Children’s Message before the Hymn of the Day. Parents with young children may join them as they desire.
