As we arrive on to the cusp of a new year, it is worth reflecting on the year that has been. We have the blessing of public holidays and the gatherings of family and friends, but it is worth taking some time to ponder what is closing and thank God for all His blessings in 2019.

As Christians, self-assessment is an important part of our faith and life. Just as we have regular checkups for our health or our car’s operations, regular reflection considering our life together with our faith is also to be expected. And of course, our reflection takes us to what steps we need to take to alter any areas of weakness helps us become stronger spiritually and more obedient to our Lord. This kind of reflection needs to happen at the personal level as well as the corporate organisational level of our church too!

Here are four Bible verses which emphasise the importance of examining ourselves.

1. 2 Corinthians 13:5 — “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realise that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?”
2. Galatians 5:22-23 — “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law..”
3. James 1:22-24 — “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”
4. Proverbs 10:17 – “Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.”

As a church, we’ve had a great year.  Who could forget the 84 youth making our largest youth night ever; or our Serminars in 1 Corinthians; or the wonderful work of the More than a Meal team; or the hundreds of children taught each week in SRE; or the many who delivered Christmas pamphlets; or the hundreds who attended our Christmas services …. Of course, the list of the positives could go on and on … and sadly there were some tough times too: we lost some wonderful brothers and sisters who had been part of St Phils for decades, and this year we’ve been the victim of vandalism at least 4 times.  All of these go into the year that has been.

Our Heavenly Father has carried us and made us flourish in 2019.  We pray that He will do even more in 2020 – making the impossible, possible!

God bless you in the New Year,
Yours in Christ,
Eric

St Phils Editorial