The Measure of True Fellowship

Well this morning we find ourselves only about a week and a half in to a brand new year. And even amidst our post-holiday busy schedules, and amidst returning to our daily and weekly routines—I trust that the freshness and the novelty and the anticipation of a burgeoning New Year is not lost on you just yet.

I also hope that over these past few weeks you’ve taken some time to reflect and meditate, on your knees and with an open Bible, on how you will order your life in 2014 such that you might be pleasing to the Lord in all things. Pastor John gave us that wonderful exhortation last Sunday night from 2 Corinthians chapter 5, where Paul tells us that the true Christian always has as his ambition to be pleasing to God. And whether or not this noble ambition finds expression through a series of resolutions, I pray that you all have been thinking seriously and practically about how you will order your lives in 2014 in order to do all things to the glory of God.

This time of reflection and reorientation has not been lost on me, as I examine myself and my calendar, consider my priorities biblically, and set goals for the coming year. And I’ve even done that as I’ve considered GraceLife, and where we are as a fellowship group within Grace Church. In fact, people have even asked me about my goals for the group and what direction I’d like to see the group moving in. And as I’ve thought about that there has been much occasion for thanksgiving and joy before the Lord on your behalf—not unlike Paul has expressed for the Philippians, on account of their partnership with him in the Gospel and of their growth in grace... http://www.thegracelifepulpit.com