Standing on the Promises

This year’s theme is “Standing on the Promises.” We will celebrate God’s generosity and faithfulness toward us in the manifold promises of Christ, and we will consecrate our promises of generosity and faithfulness to God in Christ through our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness through the church. Toward the end of our worship together, you’ll be invited to bring your commitment card to the front of the sanctuary (there will be extra cards available). You’re also welcome to share your commitment for 2026 through our online form at https://www.signalcrestumc.org/give-back.

Reflecting on this year’s theme reminds me of a gift I received for my high school graduation of a book of God’s promises that we find in the Bible. Maybe you have a book like this, too; it’s been a perennial bestseller for the past forty years. It lists over 1,000 promises, arranged in alphabetical order. Who knew the Bible contained so many promises of God!

I’m also reminded of something that the Apostle Paul shared with the church in Corinth: “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not ‘Yes and No’; but in him it is always ‘Yes.’ For in him every one of God’s promises is a ‘Yes.’ For this reason it is through him that we say the ‘Amen,’ to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 1:19-20).

Here are a few of my favorite promises of Jesus.

Rest: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

Peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” – John 14:27

Presence: “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20

Return: “See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work.” – Revelation 22:12

Eternal Life: “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgement, but has passed from death to life.” – John 5:24

These are just a few of God’s many promises to us in Christ. Do you have a favorite?

Thanks be to God for all the promises upon which we can stand together in Christ here at Signal Crest!