JESUS IS THE ANSWER.

At the beginning of this new year, as I write, my thoughts are centred around where our hopes lie.
What makes us smile?
What gives us peace?
How can we go into 2022 without fear?
Yes, we go with caution; yes, using our common sense -
but also how do we face the year ahead with faith and a confidence about the future?

Our church noticeboard sign reads: “Jesus is the way, the truth and the life- for you in 2022.”
So, this year, each month, I’d like us to go on a journey of discovery centred around this truth,
that I pray will lead each of us to a deeper understanding of living in faith over fear.
We’ll take this journey through learning about the different names given to Jesus Christ.

In the Bible book of John 14:1-7, Jesus Himself explains to us who He IS and the way to know who His Father God is.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
Trust in God and trust also in Me.
There is more than enough room in my Father’s home.
If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
When everything is ready I will come and get you so that you will always be with Me where I am -
and you know the way to where I am going.”
‘No we don’t know, Lord,’ Thomas said.
‘We have no idea where You are going so how can we know the way?’
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.”

** All the questions of life are answered in this verse!
Jesus IS the way, the truth and the life for each of us who believe in Him.

The question then remains - how do we get to know and understand Jesus,
so we can believe, love and trust Him in 2022 and beyond?

One of the chief ways is to understand the meaning behind His Names.
A name, when used in the Bible, is not merely a designation; it is a definition.
The names of Jesus reveal characteristics about Him which, when we reflect on them,
should have a bearing on our own lives and character.
As we meditate on God’s greatness, His grace and His love, then every issue of life we have falls into its proper place.

One of the names of Jesus, in Hebrew, is “Immanuel” which means, ‘God with us’ or ‘God is with us.’
After His death on the Cross and His resurrection from the dead; before Jesus returned to God His Father in Heaven,
He made this promise - ‘I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ (Matthew 28:20)
This means exactly what it says!
“Nothing can separate us from God and His love for us in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:35-39)
“When you come to Jesus that fullness comes together for you too. His power extends over everything.” (Colossians 2:10).

We can enter 2022 with confidence and hope when we know Jesus as our Saviour and Lord- Immanuel - God with us.

God bless,

Pr. Alex and Dee Valich