In the sermon he delivered on December 26, 2021, Pastor Eric stated that many people anticipate that the year 2022 will be the sequel to 2020. 2020 part 2. It is a terrifying prospect for many. People are concerned about where the world is headed. Pastor Eric reminded us, however, that when we know God personally, our perspective changes. Knowing Christ changes the way we approach challenges.

Throughout the Bible, God demonstrates His ability to deliver His people in times of trouble, when they are in pain, when they are undergoing trials, and when they are facing adversity. Likewise, 2022 with all of its potential challenges, is not any different because God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Despite changing circumstances, situations, and storms, God remains the same.

Read 1 Corinthians 10:12

The Christian faith cannot be fulfilled in isolation, and authentic Christian living is impossible without the grace and power of God. Therefore, Pastor Eric invites us to consider making five resolutions for the year ahead. These five resolutions will assist us in any situation in which we may find ourselves in, in 2022, whether it be good or bad. These resolutions will enable us to remain centered on what truly matters. Thus, we will become the people God intended us to be.

RESOLUTION #1

I will worship God in all circumstances.

Worship encompasses much more than singing songs. Helping those in need, serving others, obeying God’s Word, and shoveling our driveway to attend church are all forms of worship.

Read Hebrews 4:15

The tendency of some believers is to praise God when things are going well, but they cease to worship when times get tough. We are all aware that praising God in the midst of a storm can be challenging. Actually, so does Jesus. The Lord is sensitive to our suffering and understands our pain. He empathizes with us. In difficult times, it is important to remember that we should not turn away from the One who can help us. Furthermore, the Lord is not only interested in being the God of our mountaintops, but also in being the God of our darkest valleys.

Read Psalm 23:1-4

RESOLUTION #2

I will commit to praying for those in authority.

Read 1 Timothy 2:1-3

As Christians, we are instructed to pray for those who are in positions of authority. This includes not only those who adhere to our Christian values but anyone who holds power. May we lift up those whom God has appointed.

Pastor Eric believes that if we pray daily for people in authority, God will respond to our prayers. Thus, we would all benefit if thousands of believers throughout Canada followed suit.

RESOLUTION #3

I will guard my tongue.

Read Proverbs 13:3 (ESV), 21:23 (ESV), and 10:19 (NLT)

Are you familiar with the sayings: “Do not say anything if you have nothing nice to say” and “Think twice before you speak”? In some circumstances, it is better to refrain from speaking than to say something we will later regret.

There is no harm in remaining silent. It is important that we do not feel uncomfortable with silence, as silence is an essential part of guarding our tongues. It is therefore imperative that we seek guidance from our Lord in this regard. In the new year, it may be prudent to keep our mouths shut.

Read Proverbs 17:28, 29:20, and James 1:19

A wise person once said that God designed us with two ears and one mouth so that we would listen twice as much as we speak. Let us aim to guard our tongues in 2022.

As Robert Schuller once said, “It would amaze us how many people we could influence for Christ if we would just treat people nicely.” Let’s show some kindness, mercy, love, and compassion to those around us.

Ephesians 4:29

Is what I have to say only beneficial to me, or does it also benefit those who hear it? In 2022, may God grant us the grace to guard all our communications, whether they be oral or written.

RESOLUTION #4

I will get connected.

We are not to be Lone Ranger Christians. To quote Nicky Gumbel, the founder of Alpha, there are two things we cannot do alone: get married and be a Christian. We, as brothers and sisters in Christ, are all part of the Body of Christ. We are a diverse church family comprised of individuals from different generations, cultures, backgrounds, and spiritual journeys. Consequently, if we are not united, we cannot accomplish our mission. The need to connect with one another is of paramount importance. Let us unite together as part of God’s family and refuse to live as independent Christians.

RESOLUTION #5

I will grow in my relationship with God.

Pastor Eric stressed the importance of reading the Bible and praying daily, in order to develop a deeper understanding of God and a closer relationship with Him. The need to spend time with the Lord each day cannot be overstated. It is likely that some of us will resolve to improve our physical health this year, but what about our spiritual health? Spending time alone with God is essential to our spiritual growth. By relying on second-hand information, we deprive ourselves of the ability to experience the presence of God. The process of being transformed into God’s image occurs when we spend time alone with Him.

Coronaviruses are highly contagious. Do you know what is equally contagious? Fear. Hence, let us all display our faith with contagious enthusiasm! Let’s pray for a pandemic of faith to sweep through New Beginning Church in 2022!

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