Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.I love the start of a New Year. There is something kind of magical and romantic about a fresh start. We get a “clean slate,” in a sense, and have the opportunity to map out what we would like the next year of our life to look like.
(Matt. 28:19 NIV)
For the last week I’ve been pondering and praying about what my personal vision for 2016 should look like. I’ve also spent a lot of time reflecting on the past few years and I love seeing what God has done, because it is incredibly clear that I would not be where I am if it weren’t for the hand of God on my life. Each year gets better and better, 2014 was great but 2015 was better and now 2016 gets to take the cake for the “best.year.ever.”
As I’ve decided on goals, big and small, I’ve come to realize the overarching theme of 2016. A theme, that I believe is meant for all of us: boldness.
It is becoming increasingly evident that we are living in the “end times” and that our world desperately needs Jesus. Of course, we see it everywhere we look and we talk about it, but what are we doing about it?
We are Christians, we love the Lord, we attend Church, ultimately a lot of us are probably leading lives that are pleasing to the Lord, but I think sometimes we lose sight of the significance of the Gospel. If we really believe the Gospel, then we believe that “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) If that is the case then it is absolutely essential that we do everything that we possibly can to tell people about Jesus. Basically, we have the antidote to save the world and if we’re not telling people about Jesus then we are holding back the antidote that will change their life and their eternity.
Telling a stranger, a family member, a friend, or a classmate about Jesus is not easy and it’s not always comfortable. Trust me. But, it is worth it - because their life depends on it. So what does all of this require? Boldness. We have to be bold, honest, loving, truthful, patient and we have to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Invite them to church, share your testimony, do something - do anything to let them know about the redemption Jesus offers.
Let’s make 2016 a year marked with boldness and a greater sense of urgency to share the love of Jesus everywhere we go.
Prayer: Father, thank you for the precious gift of the redemption of my sins through the sacrifice Jesus made. Help me to be bold in sharing my faith with others throughout 2016. I pray that you would open up doors and give me the words that I need to tell others about you. Thank you for the start of a new year and the opportunity I have to start fresh, make goals, and live a life of boldness. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Beth and Jeff Jones Ministries
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As a young couple, fresh out of Bible School with Two daughters and a third child on the way, Jeff and Beth Jones felt God's call to pioneer Valley Family Church in 1991 with a vision to make an eternal difference in Southwest Michigan. As a husband and wife team, they have always led together as visionary pastors and have shared the pulpit as Bible teachers. They are passionate about building the local church in greater Kalamazoo and the global church around the world. 
