Jesus, You and 2025

Have you ever observed people as they stress and strain to make their way through life? Multiplied millions live situation by situation and have no moral or ethical direction. They have misplaced values and a self-originating sense of truth. This is what we see in our neighbors. But by God’s grace, disciples of Jesus can see something else in ourselves.

Unlike the precious people around us who do not know the Christ, we have direction (Prov. 16:9). We have a goal (1 Pet. 1:9). We have heaven-ordained values (Col. 3:12-17). And we have truth that is beyond ourselves (Jn. 17:17). We have all these through Jesus the Christ, the only way to heaven and our solitary hope in this world . . . and the one to come (Jn. 14:6; 1 Tim. 1:1).

Yes, it's true -- unbelievers certainly thought about Jesus during Christmas. But their thoughts were misdirected. You see, Christmas is more than a nativity scene in front of us; it is a renewed nature within us (2 Pet. 1:4). Without doubt, our Hope was born in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:1). But He matured beyond the manger and walked among the masses (Matt. 9:35-36).

As 2025 approaches, if you are a disciple of the Christ as you read this post, understand that your?life?must mirror the life of Jesus. Christians are?born again through baptism, yes (1 Pet. 3:21). But, like Jesus, we move from infancy to maturity (Heb. 5:11-14). Are you moving?

As you read this final “Nesmith Note” of 2024, we pray that members and friends of the West Broad Church of Christ will face 2025 with a renewed sense of joy, purpose, peace and power as we endeavor to follow Jesus to the best of our ability. We pray this prayer for you where you are. Our Lord provides His people?with direction, a goal, values and truth. Our challenge is to do our utmost to live these ourselves and share them with others!? As you proceed toward that goal, may the God of heaven bless you and yours with?a safe and very Happy New Year!

Do you want to talk more about it??Are you interested in?becoming?part?of a fun and loving faith family serving Jesus with passion, purpose and power in downtown Richmond? Feel free to?contact us here.?And if your schedule allows (and we hope it does!),?come?worship with us?at 813 West Broad Street?this?Sunday morning?at 10:30 (Bible classes for all ages at 9:30). You'll find?parking information here.

Onsite or?online,?you will always experience a warm welcome and encouraging, relevant?word from the Lord with the West Broad Church of Christ.?We certainly hope to see you soon!