“Faith Over Fear”  in 2025

As we begin another year, I've been contemplating a thought that may seem simple but holds a powerful truth: "New Year, Same God." This statement brings to mind the beautiful scripture in Hebrews 13:8, which says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

       Warm Greetings!

In a world where changes happen so quickly, it's reassuring to know that God never changes. He does not need to adapt to the times, and His Word remains constant despite cultural pressures. God does not seek political office because He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. The past few years have posed challenges that many of us could never have imagined. However, my brothers and sisters, I want to assure you that this New Year will bring more challenges as well. While I cannot predict what they will be, I am confident that even with the arrival of a new year, we continue to serve the same unchanging God.

I am reminded of a timeless hymn that we used to sing, which I would like to share with you: “Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand, but I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand!”

I want to assure you that many more victories lie ahead, and there will be answers to our prayers in all of our lives. God has the power to restore and heal broken lives. He can accomplish more in a moment than we can in a lifetime. While these statements may seem general, I firmly believe that we serve an incredible God who can bring good things into our lives. Even I can personally attest that 2024 brought us numerous challenges and obstacles, including highs and lows, sickness, heartbreak, grief, and significant disappointments in both our personal lives and our spiritual journeys. However, God remained unchanged throughout it all. He upheld His promise that  He would “never leave us nor forsake us.”   Despite the chaos and uncertainty, I am grateful that we can still advance and grow His Kingdom.

As we move into 2025, there are many exciting opportunities on the horizon, not just for the body of Christ but for each of us personally as well. We must trust the process to receive the blessings from our Father, remembering that while it may be a “New Year,” we serve the “Same God.”

In Romans 8:28 (NKJV), it states, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” One of my favorite illustrations of this verse involves food. (Yes, I love food!) While we might enjoy a delicious slice of chocolate cake, we wouldn’t necessarily want to eat each ingredient on its own—flour, eggs, butter, and so forth. Yet, when these ingredients are mixed, baked (with a few other steps involved), they come together to create a delightful cake. This simple analogy reflects how God can take the individual struggles and triumphs in our lives and turn them into something wonderful!

I would like to extend a special thanks to Sister Carolyn Birchette and everyone who participated in our annual fundraiser, the “50 State Rally.” I’m pleased to report that it was a great success! With God's favor here at Big Bethel, we were able to completely upgrade our HVAC system, purchasing and installing a brand-new furnace and air conditioning units. Additionally, we upgraded our audio system with all new equipment, and we did this while remaining debt-free. “Won’t He Do It!”

We had started to experience issues with both systems, and we wanted to ensure that our members and friends could enjoy a comfortable atmosphere for worship on Sunday mornings.

As I have mentioned in previous articles, the global pandemic (COVID-19) has forever changed how we live and worship. Our vision to complete Phase II of our exterior renovation, specifically the awning project, has not yet been realized. However, it remains our goal and desire to see this project completed. To all who have contributed to this endeavor, we are truly grateful for your generosity.

For information on upcoming events, important dates, and the live stream of our worship services, please check our enclosed calendar or visit our church website at www.thebigbethelbaptistchurch10.com.

Let us move forward and embrace all that God has in store for us this New Year!

Because of Calvary,

Alexander L. Williams, Pastor