What Time Is It?
Something New
December 27, 2020
Rev. Gabe Sylvia
After a fearful, pandemic-and-election dominated 2020, 2021 calls us to repentance and faith, an eternal perspective, disciplined use of God's Word to fight sin, committed prayer for gospel work (including pastoral leadership and partnerships), and wise, mission-focused labor trusting God for blessing amid growing difficulties.
Summary
2020 felt like a nightmare that tried to steal our time and freeze us in fear, but 2021 must be a year of repentance and renewed faith toward God with an eternal perspective: our frail lives are temporary and full salvation is nearer now. We must marshal Scripture to put sin to death, be bold in mission initiatives while recognizing that boldness will fail without regular, targeted prayer—especially for the right pastoral candidate, strong ministry partnerships, and that guests would hear and be saved. Though the last days will bring increased difficulty and visible sin, that does not reduce the effectiveness of the gospel; rather it calls for wise, faithful work as we invest our time in eternal things and trust God to bring blessing in the new year.
Key Points
- 2020 was dominated by fear, isolation, and theft of time; 2021 must be different
- Any plan for 2021 must begin with repentance from sin and faith toward God
- Adopt an eternal perspective: life is temporary and final salvation is nearer
- Use God's Word to kill remaining sin and pursue holiness
- Be Bold initiatives require persistent prayer to succeed
- Pray specifically for a faithful pastoral candidate, strong ministry partnerships, and that guests hear and are saved
- Increased difficulty and sin in the last days are a time for action, not despair—the gospel remains effective
- Work wisely in 2021, investing time in eternal priorities and trusting God for blessing
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