A Note from Michael Gossett
Dr. Michael Gossett January 1, 2025

New Year, New Opportunity

It is hard to believe that 2025 is upon us. We are now a quarter of the way through the 21st century. Many people are thinking that surely the Lord is coming soon! However, as we wait, we must recognize that every new year is a new opportunity for the church corporately, and disciples of Jesus individually.

The new year also helps provide fresh perspective to know what should you change or what should you repeat? A good exercise for everyone is to reflect on the following questions: What should I stop? What should I start? These two simple questions may help provide a little perspective in knowing what to let go of and what to hold on to. Paul puts it this way: “Let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us (what should I stop?). Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us (What should I start / what should I keep doing?)” (Hebrews 12:1).

This examination really allows us to know 2 things: What is promoting Christlikeness in my life? What is preventing Christlikeness in my life? That is really what we are trying to accomplish as we examine our lives. The turn of the year is more than just another page on the calendar. This is our opportunity to deepen our relationship with Jesus. Whether you are new to the faith or you are considered a veteran in the faith, everyone needs to go deeper in their faith. In order for us to run the race well and continue to run, we must take the words of Paul seriously. Philippians 3:13-14: “Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” What if 2025 is the year of greater focus and greater endurance for your faith? What if this year you take steps of faith that you have never taken before? This is all part of our growing process. At Green Acres, we believe that those who the truth of Jesus has transformed will have three unique indicators for their life.

  1. You will connect to Jesus and His Church. If you are in Christ and Christ is in you, you will desire to be connected to His Church. This is not optional but rather the expectation of every follower of Jesus. Connection is not only showing up, it is knowing the people and the people knowing you. We believe the best thing to do in order to achieve this is to be a part of a Connect Group. We have Connect Groups at Green Acres for literally every age – from birth all the way through senior adults. Maybe this year, you need to make that commitment.
  2. You will grow in the likeness of Jesus. Spiritual growth will take place for true followers of Jesus. This is running the race with endurance and fixing our eyes on Him. It is also seen often (as we will discuss in this article) the call to maturing in Christ.
  3. You will multiply for His purpose. Multiplication means that you will multiply your faith in the same way Jesus did. Jesus gave a command to make disciples of all nations. This is in essence multiplication.

Connect. Grow. Multiply. This is not just a motto; it is a way of life. This year, let’s commit to moving forward and refuse to stay stagnant in our faith. It is easy to mistake years of church attendance or routine religious practices for spiritual maturity, but the call of Scripture is clear: we must grow, not merely in our age, but in our walk with Christ.

Growing in Christlikeness has been historically known as Sanctification. This is a common doctrine but has sometimes caused some confusion. Sanctification is the process of growing in holiness or Christlikeness and is a foundational doctrine in Christian theology. We must understand sanctification in two ways. First, you are positionally sanctified, and second, you progress in sanctification. Your position is what has been declared of those who trust in Christ as no longer being condemned (Romans 8:1). The process of sanctification is the ongoing work of the Spirit of God in our lives (Romans 8 continued). John Calvin described it as “the work by which the Holy Spirit forms us into the image of God,” emphasizing that sanctification is evidence of true salvation.

Throughout history, this doctrine has been taught in varying ways. The Church Fathers, like Athanasius, focused on the believer’s transformation into the likeness of Christ through union with Him. The Reformers, particularly Luther and Calvin, highlighted justification by faith as the basis for sanctification, contrasting it with the works-based righteousness of medieval Catholicism. Puritans like John Owen stressed the mortification of sin as essential to sanctification, with Owen famously stating, “Be killing sin, or it will be killing you.”

Today, the misunderstanding of sanctification can lead to two extremes: complacency (believing growth is unnecessary) or perfectionism (believing sinlessness is attainable in this life). A biblically grounded view acknowledges that while believers are declared holy in Christ, they must cooperate with the Spirit’s work to grow in grace, as Philippians 2:12-13 instructs: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

If you are a follower of Jesus, you will have a desire to grow (progress) in Christlikeness through the process of sanctification. The Apostle John provides us with a framework in 1 John 2:12-14 to evaluate where we are in our progress and how to navigate 2025 and beyond.

Spiritual Childhood: The Newly Connected

John begins with “little children,” describing those newly born again and connected to Christ for the first time. These spiritual newborns celebrate the joy of salvation—“since your sins have been forgiven on account of His name” (v. 12). The beauty of this stage is its simplicity: knowing the Father and embracing the forgiveness He offers.

However, spiritual infancy is not the end of your progress but only the beginning. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3: “ For my part, brothers and sisters, I was not able to speak to you as spiritual people but as people of the flesh, as babies in Christ. 2 I gave you milk to drink, not solid food, since you were not yet ready for it. In fact, you are still not ready, 3 because you are still worldly. For since there is envy and strife among you, are you not worldly and behaving like mere humans?” Remaining in infancy is considered abnormal in every aspect of life. It would be unusual for a grown man to ask for a bottle or a pacifier, and it is just unusual in your life as a follower of Jesus.

Richard Baxter, a Puritan, warned against spiritual stagnation, writing: “Take heed of growing weary in your work; remember that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. Persevere as if the crown were always before you.”

A life not growing in Christ often mirrors the characteristics of spiritual infancy: preoccupation with personal preferences, lack of endurance in trials, and dependence on others for spiritual strength. In contrast, a growing life in Christ demonstrates fruitfulness, discipline, and an increasing ability to stand firm in faith. Jesus Himself stated in John 15:8, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”

Spiritual Youth: The Daily Connected

As we consider a life connected to Jesus, we must understand that it is not a one time decision to follow Jesus and then that is the end. Those who are in Christ connect to Christ daily. Jesus warns His disciples that they are expected to daily deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Him. The Apostle John helps us understand this more thoroughly as he turns his attention to the young men. These young men are believers who have grown stronger through engagement with God’s Word (1 John 2:14). These individuals are marked by their zeal for righteousness and their ability to resist the enemy. Martin Luther affirmed this stage of growth, emphasizing the power of Scripture: “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me.” I love the way Luther describes God’s Word. As we grow in the likeness of Jesus by continually connecting to Christ, the hands of God’s Word have more and more of our hearts.

Growth in this stage involves moving from a mere intellectual knowledge of the Word to experiential application. A growing Christian understands that Scripture equips them for battle against temptation and empowers them to stand firm against spiritual attacks. Paul’s words in Ephesians 6:17 say, “Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” This verse highlights the necessity of being steeped in Scripture for spiritual strength.

However, youthful enthusiasm must be tempered with wisdom. Augustine wrote, “Rightly ordered love draws men to the service of God,” reminding us that zeal without wisdom can lead to missteps. The spiritually youthful must grow in strength and understanding, learning to discern God’s will and apply it rightly.

The Fruit of Continually Connecting

A believer not growing in Christ often lacks spiritual fruit. Galatians 5:22-23 outlines the evidence of growth: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Without growth, these attributes remain underdeveloped, and the believer becomes vulnerable to spiritual apathy.

In contrast, a growing walk with Christ is marked by increasing intimacy with Him. Spiritual disciplines such as prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers foster this growth. Charles Spurgeon described it well: “A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” A growing Christian clings to God’s Word and allows it to shape every aspect of their life.

Let this year be the year of growth in your life. This year can be the year for a deeper desire for Christ and His Word. What is your role to initiate this type of growth in your life?

  • Jump into the GABC 2-year Bible reading plan. This plan started on January 1st, but you can start today. Make this the year of being in God’s Word daily. Make it a habit. Try not to miss one day, but never miss two!
  • Set aside unhurried prayer. Do you struggle praying? If you answered “yes” then you are just like every other follower of Jesus. This is a discipline that will continue to grow with you. Set aside unhurried time so that you can pray. Here are some helpful tools to help you pray.
    • Pray God’s Word as you are reading.
    • Pray through a list of prayer requests to keep you focused.
    • Pray the Lord’s Prayer, concentrating on every word from Jesus.
    • Pray through the 10 Commandments.
    • Pray through the Apostles Creed.
    • Pray for our church.
    • Pray for revival in our church, our city, and our nation.
  • Gather with God’s people for worship. Make it your priority to be connected to the church in this way. You need the church and the church needs you. Show up, participate, and serve the body.
  • Be generous. Grow in your generosity this year. Give more than you gave in 2024. Give for the first time. Give out of love for the Savior, not just when things are comfortable.
  • Jump in a Connect Group.
  • Find someone to meet with weekly for their spiritual nourishment. Disciple them to love Jesus and love His church.

Questions for Reflection

  1. How do you measure spiritual growth in your life?
  2. Are there areas where self-centeredness is hindering your progress?
  3. How deeply are you engaging with God’s Word on a daily basis?
  4. What does it mean to you to “treasure God’s Word in your heart”?
  5. How are you using your spiritual growth to disciple and encourage others?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of salvation and the opportunity to grow in you. Help me to move beyond spiritual infancy and help me to be rooted in your Word. Equip me through your Word to stand firm against the enemy. Help me, Lord, to treasure and desire your Word more every day. Help me to grow in my desire to be with your people for worship and to serve the body well. Help me to grow in my generosity this year knowing that you own everything! Help me to persevere in faith. Show me Lord who I need to be meeting with for a discipling relationship. Strengthen me today and this year to run the race with a great endurance that is from your Spirit. Help me to trust you more and to live according to your power and your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have you ever wanted to step into the pages of Scripture? To stand where the Apostle Paul proclaimed the Gospel and witness the incredible sites of his missionary journeys? Now is your chance!

I’m inviting you to join my wife, Katie, and me for a trip of a lifetime as we explore the rich history and profound theology of Paul’s ministry in the ancient world. Together, from October 26 to November 4, 2025, we’ll walk in Paul’s footsteps and experience the lands that shaped the early church and transformed history.

📍 Highlights of Our Journey:

Philippi: Visit the site of Paul’s first church plant in Europe and where Lydia, the first European convert, was baptized.

Thessalonica & Berea: Discover the cities where Paul’s teachings inspired the faithful and stirred the hearts of seekers.

Athens & Corinth: Stand in awe at Mars Hill, where Paul preached the Gospel to Greek philosophers, and explore the vibrant city of Corinth.

Ephesus: Explore the ruins of ancient cities pivotal to Paul’s mission and the spread of Christianity.

Greek Islands & Crete: Sail through the beauty of the same seas as Paul while reflecting on his journey to these historic lands.

🗓 Trip Dates: October 26–November 4, 2025

📖 What You’ll Gain:

  • Transformative teaching at every site to deepen your understanding of Paul’s life and theology.
  • Opportunities for spiritual reflection and meaningful fellowship with others.
  • Memories that will bring the Bible to life like never before.

💬 What Past Travelers Have Said:

“Walking through Philippi and standing in the very places where Paul shared the Gospel was unforgettable. This journey truly transformed how I read Scripture.”

“Standing in the ruins of Corinth, where Paul wrote to the early church, gave me a deeper appreciation for his letters. This trip made the Bible come alive in ways I never imagined.”

“Sailing the Greek islands and visiting Crete reminded me of the challenges Paul faced and the power of the Gospel to overcome them. It was an unforgettable spiritual and historical experience.”

“Hearing the teaching at Philippi and seeing the baptistry where Lydia might have been baptized brought tears to my eyes. This journey deepened my faith and my understanding of Scripture.”

Reserve Your Spot Today!

This exclusive experience is limited, so don’t wait to secure your place. Visit gabc.org/journey or reply to this email with questions.

Let’s make this journey together—learning, growing, and experiencing the powerful story of the Apostle Paul in a way that will inspire your faith for years to come.

P.S. Invite a friend or loved one to join you. This shared experience will be one you’ll cherish forever!

Start 2025 right for you and your family! Join Us for a New Sermon Series!

As we enter 2025, there’s no better way to begin than by centering our lives on Jesus. That’s why I’m thrilled to invite you and your family to join us for an exciting new sermon series: The Gospel of Luke.

Beginning THIS Sunday, January 5th, we’ll explore the incredible life of Jesus through Luke’s eyes—His compassion, His miracles, and His invitation to live a life filled with purpose and hope. This series will speak to every heart, no matter your age or stage in life.

📖 What can you expect? Practical, Christ-centered teaching to help you grow in your faith. Engaging Connect Groups for kids and students to make the story of Jesus come alive. A warm, welcoming atmosphere where you belong.

⏰ Worship Service Times: 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM

📍 Location: Tyler Campus, Flint Campus, and Español (11:00 am worship only)

Bring your family, bring a friend, and bring your heart ready to grow. Together, let’s start 2025 with purpose, discovering how Jesus’ story can transform our lives and our world.

Will you join us? We can’t wait to see you!

 

You are loved and prayed for!

Michael Gossett

 

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