With the new year upon us, I thought I would update the layout of the Pastor’s Update and rename it Pastor’s Weekly Thoughts & Resources. I’ve been contemplating this for a while and am now able to make it happen. It will include an article to challenge your faith, links to other helpful articles, a helpful resource, and upcoming calendar events at Hope Chapel. I hope this will inspire and equip you to grow in your relationship with Jesus.
Breakthrough in 2026
I mentioned on Sunday that God had put in my heart a desire for a breakthrough year for 2026. I know that word can be a little rah-rah, and motivational self-help gurus have abused it, but it really defines that stage we are in as a church. Most churches with fewer than 70 people are either plateauing or declining. We can either accept that fate or move towards what God has for us.
When it was on my heart,t I even asked God, “Are you sure?” But He showed me that He wants to do a mighty work in our church and people. We want to move past the three steps forward and two steps back, which seems to be the theme of the last several years. He wants to use our church to make an impact on the lives of the people in our church and community.
While I don’t have a clear picture of what this looks like, I do know that the message resonated with many people on different levels. Many people have expressed a desire to see a breakthrough in their personal lives. They want to be free from addictions that keep tripping them up, while others want to get off the carousel of the same old thing over and over and see God move them forward. At the church level, we want to see more people come to know Jesus as their personal savior, more people baptized, and more people discipled. We think God has raised up a team of leaders to make this happen, so we are very excited to see it come to fruition. I hope that you will join us on this journey.
Helpful Articles
I have committed to starting to write again after a several-year break. If you are interested in reading thought provoking articles that are Biblically based and address current events. Warning: this isn’t a place for easily triggered or offended people, but if you are looking for a place that will give you answers and application for living for Christ today. I encourage you to subscribe and comment. Let’s create a vibrant community of thought and discussion. Here are a few I wrote last week:
- Actions Speak Louder Than Words
- Tripping Over Your Traditions
- The Most Important Question in Marriage
Weekly Resource: Enduring Word Study Bible
I can’t recommend the Enduring Word Study Bible enough. It is one of the best study Bibles I have come across. I don’t usually use them because they are so weak, but I’ve been using this Bible when I teach the Indian pastors. You can get it on Amazon, and as always, you can find the complete commentary online for free.
Calendar
- Men’s Breakfast this Saturday at 7:30 AM
- Women’s Tea this Saturday at 2 PM
- Small Groups start next week.
- Our Nursery will debut for both services on January 18th
