Pastor Josh Massaro's message for the Wednesday Evening service on January 1, 2025, emphasizes the promise of newness that God offers as we enter a fresh year. He encourages listeners to reflect on their spiritual goals and to view 2025 through the lens of hope, despite the challenges and uncertainties that may arise. By referencing Revelation 21, Pastor Josh highlights that God is continuously making all things new, inviting believers to embrace their identity in Christ and the transformation that comes with faith. He challenges everyone to set personal and corporate goals that align with their spiritual growth and service to others. This message serves as a reminder that while the world may be filled with turmoil, the assurance of God's control and the promise of renewal can guide us in our daily lives.
Pastor Josh Massaro welcomes listeners to the Middletown Baptist Church Podcast on this New Year's Day service, encouraging reflection on the blessings of the past year and the hope for the coming year. He emphasizes the significance of setting spiritual goals rather than New Year's resolutions, advocating for a proactive approach to personal and spiritual growth. The discussion pivots to the theme of newness, drawing from Revelation 21 and 22, where God promises to make all things new. This promise serves as a foundation for believers to find hope and purpose amid the chaos of a broken world. Pastor Josh invites the congregation to embrace spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible reading, and community service, all aimed at fostering a deeper relationship with God and a more profound understanding of His promises. As he shares personal stories and insights, he emphasizes that true fulfillment and joy stem from a life anchored in Christ and His transformative power.
The sermon delves into the biblical concept of newness, contrasting it with the disappointments and letdowns often experienced in life. Pastor Josh reflects on the fleeting nature of worldly events and expectations, urging listeners to anchor their hopes in the eternal promises of God. He discusses how the Apostle John’s vision in Revelation illustrates a future free from pain, suffering, and death, where believers will dwell with God in perfect unity. This vision of a new heaven and a new earth is not just a distant hope but a reality that begins in the life of a believer at the moment of salvation. Pastor Josh encourages listeners to examine their own lives and recognize the ongoing work of God in making them new creations, reinforcing that the journey of faith is marked by continual growth and transformation.
In addressing practical steps for the new year, Pastor Josh challenges the congregation to set specific spiritual goals. He highlights the importance of Bible reading plans and maintaining a consistent prayer life, suggesting that these practices can lead to a deeper understanding of God’s word and a stronger relationship with Him. He invites listeners to consider their unique gifts and how they can serve others within the church and the broader community. The sermon emphasizes collaboration among church members to achieve collective goals, fostering a spirit of unity and purpose. As the service concludes, Pastor Josh expresses excitement for the upcoming church vision launch and the opportunities for growth and outreach in the coming year. He leaves listeners with a sense of hope and urgency to actively participate in the work God is doing, reinforcing that together, they can make a lasting impact for His kingdom.
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