Take Heart!

Dear church family:

The past day, the past weeks, the past months, the past year. What do we say? What do we think? God has not left us without anchors in this life.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33

Jesus said this to his disciples as he prepared them for the coming Holy Spirit in light of his death, resurrection, and ascension. These truths are anchors for all disciples in all times awaiting Jesus’ return.

The world has, is, and will be filled with troubles and tribulations. At the same time, peace is afforded to those who have Jesus as their loving Lord and Savior.

How do we appropriate this peace? We take heart, have courage, maintain confidence, and be of good cheer as the King James version would say.

But what reason do we have for taking heart? Jesus has overcome the world. He has established a new and eternal kingdom. He has saved us into this kingdom where He is the king. This is now our residence and where our citizenship lies. We are changed and not like the world as we used to be. We’ve been granted a new view on all things.

I’ve said many times to you over the past year that the humanity is being exposed, and the church is being refined. We are seeing that our anchors have been dropped in the shifting sands of worldly security, comfort, government, people, self, political will, worldly measures, and solutions. Christians are living like they don’t have a king and that Jesus’ kingdom isn’t a true and growing reality. We’re angry and frustrated like the world. We’re living like orphans who have no loving Father and no everlasting home. Forgive us, Lord. Change us, Lord.

The kingdom Jesus secured has a message. It is the greatest news in the world. This is the message that people need to hear. The gospel is that God, in Christ, is reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19). All who call on the name of the Lord will be at peace with God through belief in Jesus (Romans 10:13, Ephesians 2:8-9).

Take heart, Christ Community. We have a king who has overcome the world. We belong to an everlasting kingdom. We’ve been given the message of eternal peace to tell often and well to all peoples. Let us live as children of God. Let us live in light of eternity. May the things of this world grow strangely dim in the light of our Savior’s glory and grace.

Phil and I are here for you! We’re here to listen, to pray, to console, and counsel.

God is at work (John 5:17, Psalm 121:4, Psalm 115:3)!

Grace and peace,
David Cunningham

*The church building will be open tonight (Thursday, January 7) from 6-8pm for personal prayer.