Twenty years ago in 2005, I preached a sermon series at the beginning of the year entitled, “ALIVE in 2005!” The word ALIVE rhymed with “five” and it fit well.
Guess what, twenty years later, the same rhyme works, and it’s worth thinking about as we begin 2025!
ALIVE in 2025!
So what does ALIVE stand for?
To start, if you are reading this, you are alive, but it stands for much more…a perspective with which we want to live each and every day and year of our lives.
Always Live In View (of) Eternity!
Always Live in View of Eternity
So, what does that mean or look like as you enter 2025?
- Take time for what is most important – time with Jesus!
Luke 10:38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
How will you spend more time with Jesus and his word this year?
2. Store up treasures in heaven.
Matthew 6:19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
How will you invest your time more for spiritual growth, sharing your faith, or leaving a legacy of faith this year rather than just accumulating material wealth?
3. Live with an eternal peace and perspective.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Remember as you go through the joys and challenges of 2025, Jesus has settled the biggest issue of your relationship with God. Through his life, death and resurrection, you are forgiven and loved by your heavenly Father. This means each day you are loved and each day heaven is your eternal home.
Apply: With the Lord’s help, be ALIVE in 2025! Live each day in view of eternity! It’s what is lasting and most important!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for bringing us to the beginning of another year. Journey with us into the New Year, even as you faithfully have been with us in the year past. AMEN.