First Baptist Church, Somerville, NJ

January 2022

“God Keeps His Promises”

What comes to our minds when we hear the word “promise?” Do you remember the last time you made a promise? Was the promise an unmet expectation? Maybe distrust rises within you because someone didn’t keep their promise. For many of us, the connotation of the word promise isn’t positive. Especially, in light of what our nation and the world have experienced in battling Covid -19 and its after effects of economic, health and social inequities. We are reminded as we entered a new year that no matter what our experiences in the past, God invites us to think differently about His promises. In a letter to the church in Corinth, Paul writes.

^“But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas and Timothy—was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God”.  2 Corinthians 1: 18-20

Paul assured the Corinthians Christians, our nation, and the world that Jesus’ message was trustworthy in the past as well as today. Jesus’ promises were for them because they believed. Paul’s travel plans may have swayed a bit, but the Jesus, he told them about is steadfast and unchanging. Jesus is God’s “yes” to every promise He ever made. All the longing, waiting, and wondering about what God is up to is answered in the birth, suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Trusting God’s promises means trusting in Jesus as the fulfillment of those promises.

The apostle Paul tells of two promises God gives us. First, God brings us into His family. Nothing can remove the “seal of ownership” we receive when we’re in Christ. Second, God put His Spirit in our hearts. God is with us guiding us into the days to come. We don’t have to wonder how the story ends because it’s already written. When we question whether God will fulfill His promises, we can look to Jesus and remember God’s love, faithfulness, and grace. The Bible is filled with His promises, which give us stability as we enter year 2022 and what this year will bring. Let us do our part and fulfilled our promises we make to God and to one another.

Have a Blessed, Safe and Healthy New Year!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Loreno R. Flemmings