High Hopes for 2016
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The phrase “new year, new me” is on the minds of many as the new year begins. Church members of First Baptist in Montgomery are hoping for a change in more than just themselves, however, they are hoping to see a change across the globe.
Last year is a year that may be remembered for horrible acts of violence and sadness across nations.
Pastor of First Baptist Church in Montgomery, Jay Wolf, says the world’s evil can easily be explained.
“Well we live in a fallen world,” Wolf says. “And if you trace the history of humanity, and you read biblical history, if you look at what happened at WWI, WWII, there have been very few years in human history that there has not been terrible conflict.”
Pastor Wolf hopes his congregation will focus on making their community a better place. He also says a good way to start is by being more careful with your words, an idea he is using as his own personal New Year’s resolution.
“Our capacity to communicate is very powerful. The words that we say can be somewhat compared to fire. A fire can burn up or warm up. A fire can touch or torch. So I want to use words that edify. I want to use words that lift people up,” Wolf says.
Another member of First Baptist, Gordon Stone, says he wants 2016 to be a time of new beginnings. He is praying for people to stop focusing on the negatives, but celebrate the good in life.
“Celebrate the goodness and the great blessings we have,” Stone says. “And we’re very fortunate that God has given us so many things, and we’re right here at First Baptist Church right now in the middle of this missions expo where we’re all talking about the blessings we have and how we can share the love that they Lord has provided us with others. And may we just encourage each other and may we look for ways to build each other up.”
The Minister of Missions at First Baptist, Brian Gay, is urging those who want to see a change in the world, to be a change. He encourages everyone to help by giving back and participating in, funding or praying for mission work. He hopes to impact individuals across the globe in 2016.
“To just reach out to more people, both here in our community in Montgomery and across the world,” Gay says. “We know there are people that are lost and dying every single day without Jesus. So our goal is to try to tell as many people as we can about his love and his sacrifice.”
Even with the negative events in 2015, First Baptist members are looking for a better and more positive 2016. They are keeping their minds on goals that matter.
“I know that there may be a lot of tragedy right now, but it’s my hope that through Jesus Christ and through the salvation that he gives that we’ll be able to find salvation in Him,” Gay says. “So we know that true hope comes from no one else. We can set resolutions all day long, but unless our resolution is set towards Jesus… That’s where our hope is going to come from.”
If you want more information on First Baptist Church and their missions program, you can click here.
