Dear Church Family
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, it is natural for us to reflect on where we have been and prayerfully consider where the Lord is leading us next. In the coming year, our church will begin a new sermon series built around a simple but challenging theme: going beyond ourselves and the walls of our church. To help set the groundwork for this journey, we will be anchoring our focus in one of the pillars of our ministry as we consider the importance of going BEYOND. The acronym below is drawn entirely from the “one another” passages of Scripture which encourages us to go beyond ourselves and put others before ourselves.
The Christian life was never meant to be lived in isolation. From beginning to end, the New Testament paints a picture of believers living in intentional, sacrificial relationship with one another—mirroring the love of Christ Himself.
B – Bear One Another’s Burdens (Galatians 6:2)
Paul reminds us that we fulfill the law of Christ when we willingly step into the struggles of others. Going beyond ourselves means refusing a shallow, distant faith and instead carrying the weight of grief, need, and hardship alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ.
E – Encourage One Another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Encouragement is not optional for the church—it is essential. In a weary and uncertain world, believers are called to build one another up with words of hope rooted in the gospel and confidence in God’s promises.
Y – Yield to One Another in Humility (Ephesians 5:21)
Scripture calls us to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Yielding is a mark of Christlike humility, choosing others above self, and gladly laying aside personal preferences for the good of the body.
O – Outdo One Another in Showing Honor (Romans 12:10)
Rather than competing for recognition, the church is called to compete in honor—eagerly recognizing the worth, gifts, and contributions of others. This posture reflects the heart of Christ, who humbled Himself to serve.
N – Nurture One Another in Love (Ephesians 4:15–16)
As we speak the truth in love, the body of Christ grows strong and mature. Nurturing one another requires patience, grace, and a commitment to spiritual growth, remembering that God uses the church to shape His people.
D – Devote Yourselves to One Another (Romans 12:10)
Biblical devotion goes beyond convenience. It is a steadfast commitment to love, serve, and walk together through every season of life, reflecting the covenant faithfulness of our God.
As we enter this new year, my prayer is that the Lord would move us beyond comfort, beyond convenience, and beyond self—into a deeper, more faithful expression of life together in Christ. May this coming series challenge us, unite us, and shape us into a church that truly lives out the gospel by loving one another well.
I love you and I love being your pastor!
