Dear Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ,

Happy New Year! As we begin this new year, please remember that we are in God’s good and strong hands. “Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases” (Ps. 115:3 ESV). As I pondered writing this article and started twice, I am now in my third try on New Year’s Eve. I have chosen to focus on our men of all ages, 2 to 102. All believers can always learn from every passage of the Bible by extension and application, but some passages focus on us in specific and crucial ways. So I believe it is in the Apostle Paul’s admonition to the church in Corinth just before he closes his first letter to them.

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Cor. 16:13-14). Friends, we live in challenging times. Not only God, but reality itself, is under attack. Let us be prepared to stand fast even as the opposition to our God, his holy and inerrant Word, and us his people, only grows more and more stubborn and belligerent. Richard Pratt says it clearly, “God calls us to a way of life that incites opposition from the world.” Therefore, listen to General Paul as he gives short orders to his soldiers in the army of the Lord.

Be watchful. In his crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus defeated sin and death. His resurrection guarantees ours. Further, he is coming again. So be prepared. Jesus taught extensively on this theme in his final parables in the gospels. Paul already warned all believers: “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58). So brothers and fathers, as you vigilantly await Christ’s return in glory, live holy lives in conduct and in service to Christ in all things. Be prepared to thwart the spiritual forces of darkness. Live with Jesus’ final victory in mind.

Stand firm in the faith. Do not deviate to the right or to the left. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Prov. 14:12). God does not change with the times. (What a relief!) God’s Word does not change. “The early church faced many challenges that tested believers’ faithfulness to Christ” (R. Pratt). So it is with us today. Be committed to the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the life that flows from such a call and commitment. Rely on the Word and the Holy Spirit.

Act like men. Be strong. I am currently reading a marvelous book that its author says should never have needed to be written, but, alas, the times call for it: No Apologies: Why Civilization Depends on the Strength of Men by Anthony Esolen. The KJV translates the phrase Acquit you like men. That is, men, conduct yourselves according to the way God made you, in his image and according to his instructions. There is such a thing, a person actually, as a man and specifically a Christian gentleman. That is who we are called to be.

After instructing us to meditate on God’s law day and night, Joshua said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Our world certainly resembles Canaan today. Let us take heed of Joshua’s words. Joab once told King David, “Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him” (2 Sam. 10:12). I say, “Amen!” And the late Dr. Simon Kistemaker warned us, “No soldier in the army of Jesus Christ may be fainthearted; in his presence, there is no place for cowards and weaklings.” Men of Christ, Acquit yourselves like men. Our victory is sure in Jesus Christ, who offered us peace in him, adding, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b).

Let all that you do be done in love. Without the Christian virtue of love, we could appear loud and obnoxious to the world. May it never be! Clothed in love and humility we will live godly and orderly lives. And we will be ready to respond to the fiery darts of the devil. Love for God first and secondly for our neighbor is the motivation and the guiding principle for everything a Christian does. After all, “God is love” (1 John 4:8b).

Dear brothers and sisters, as we begin 2024, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Cor. 13:14).

Pastor Josh

*The above is my church newsletter article for Jan. 2024