The Gift That Never Expires: Renewing the Church, Reaching New Communities

Here we are, in the last month of the year, and God has been faithful, so let me start out by wishing a very Merry Christmas to you all!

As we embrace this Christmas season, let us never forget the greatest gift ever – Jesus!

Christmas is a wonderful time to focus on bringing new spiritual life. Whether you're planting a new church or renewing an existing one, the Christmas season is an important time for outreach within our communities and for sharing the gospel’s message of hope, joy, peace, and love so that our impact goes beyond Christmas, and continues all year round. Supporting Church Planting and Revitalization ensures that this message of hope continues to reach new communities and that existing churches are renewed to shine brightly in every season, not only at Christmas.

We live in a world where things are always expiring. We see it on cans of food, in our passports, our yearly medicals, our car insurance; and the list goes on. But the gift of Jesus will never expire. He promises never to leave us, and is with us even now. Church Planting and Revitalization flow from this eternal truth—the gospel never expires, and neither does the Church’s calling to proclaim it. Investing in Harvesters ministry helps ensure that future generations encounter the unchanging Christ through healthy, gospel-centered churches.

Let’s look at four truths Jesus gave that will never expire.

1. HE IS THE GOD WHO BRINGS YOU GOOD NEWS

Look at this Scripture from the Christmas story:

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you goodtidings…which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city ofDavid a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10–11).

We can be grateful that we have the ongoing message of good news to share with people who are hurting in times such as these. Around the Christmas season, many are depressed, lonely, and hurting. We can start by being good listeners, inviting people to church, and following up with them before the year ends. Evangelism and revitalization are year-round, not just seasonal. The story of Jesus has no expiration date. He is, He was, and He is to come. He is the God who brings good news.

Church Planting and Revitalization exist so that this good news continues to be proclaimed where it is most needed— in places that have not heard it! By supporting this work, we help ensure that communities—both new and long-established—have a vibrant, local church faithfully sharing the gospel.

2. HE IS THE GOD WHO DOES THE IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU

Here's another passage from the Christmas story:

“Fear not, Mary: the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee…For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:30, 35, 37).

In these days of unrest and instability, He remains the God who can make a way when there seems to be no way. Many are troubled and seeking hope as we face the end of another year. We can offer them that hope in such a way that is becomes a reality through the Christmas story when we remind them to “fear not,” for all things are possible with God.

Church Planting and Revitalization can look and feel impossible from a human perspective, especially for the struggling pastor of a church plant. But it's God's Kingdom we're building, and He lacks nothing, and can do anything. Everyone who partners with Harvesters ministry is resourcing God's Kingdom and part of making what looks impossible, possible.

3. HE IS THE GOD WHO ANSWERS YOUR PRAYER

In Luke, the Christmas story reads like this:

“Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John” (Luke 1:13).

Who do you talk to when you have no one to talk to? He answers prayer. Who do you talk to when you have everyone to talk to? He is still the One with the answers. Use your personal story this season to witness to someone about how Jesus answers prayer.

Share your “before” and “after” experience of prayer to Jesus as a way to engage others in the Christmas story. Ask questions like, “May I share what Jesus did for me?” You can share in your small groups or even over coffee or lunch, and let the Holy Spirit lead you. Or maybe just ask them, "is there anything I can pray with you about?" You might be shocked at how many people are willing to accept prayer, even on the spot. What better way to usher someone in to a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit?

Prayer is the foundation of effective church planting and revitalizing any congregation. Not only does your financial support make an impact, but your support in prayer is where victories are won even before the battle begins! Partner with us in prayer for church planting and the revival of the Church across NY state and the Church of God!

4. HE IS THE GOD WHO GUIDES YOUR STEPS

Let's look at one more Christmas passage:

“Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife…Then Joseph did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him” (Matthew 1:20, 24).

When questions of direction and guidance arise, know that He has your best interest at heart. Just as He guided Joseph, He will supernaturally guide the steps of your life. He is still the Prince of Peace. He desires to work in your life to bring about the impossible. He hears and answers prayer and faithfully guides our steps. What an awesome God He is!

We pray that God guide your steps as you fulfill His Great Commission. Consider partnering to support Harvesters ministry in Church planting and Revitalization.

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