As we begin the year 2024, there are two things that we should keep in focus in our lives. The first thing is our relationship with Jesus. Our relationship with Jesus must be first. The second thing we need to keep in focus is the lost souls that are all around us.
Keeping our focus on Jesus is essential. When we came to Jesus, we came because we were convicted of sin and realized our need to be saved. When we obeyed the plan of salvation, we received the Spirit of Christ that placed us in Jesus and Jesus Christ in us. Jesus said that He was the true vine. He also said that we needed to continue to abide in Him in order to bring forth fruit (John 15:1-5). Jesus went on to say that, if we didn't abide in Him, we would be cast forth as a branch, withered, and gathered to be burned in the fire (John 15:6). Jesus said, "...for without me ye can do nothing" (John 14:6).
Jesus gave us the promise that, if we stayed connected to Him (the vine), we would bring forth fruit. There are many things today trying to break our connection, but we must remain connected for our own salvation as well as the salvation of others. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).
Keeping our focus on those that are lost around us is essential. Keeping this focus will help us to prepare and be ready when a soul is searching for the Lord. Keeping our focus on souls will also show us how to pray so that the darkness binding so many hearts will be penetrated by the Spirit of God. Our connection to Jesus will allow the Spirit to flow out of us and reach these lost souls.
A poll in the Patriot Ledger showed that ignorance about the truth of Jesus was high in the United States, but particularly in the Northeast. There is a great darkness, but we have a great God and Savior Jesus Christ and a great Apostolic truth. If we focus on maintaining our connection to Jesus, the Spirit of God will pierce the darkness.
