Stepping Into 2025 (Standalone)

In Pastor Pencil's New Year sermon for 2025, he welcomes the congregation to City United with excitement for what God has planned in the coming year. He emphasizes the importance of the upcoming sermon series titled "Multiply" and encourages everyone to engage in the 21 days of prayer and fasting. Central to his message is the theme that prayer is vital for spiritual growth and action. He shares a quote from Pastor Gary, reminding the congregation to "keep our eyes on the mission and not the madness," urging them to love God and their neighbors. Pastor Pencil uses Colossians 4:2-6 as a key scripture, stressing the significance of communication with God through prayer and with others through interpersonal interactions. The pastor articulates that effective prayer life should be devoted, watchful, and filled with gratitude, encouraging members to actively engage in meaningful prayer rather than casual or complacent expressions. He also highlights the importance of horizontal communication—how we engage with outsiders through our actions and words—stressing that both dimensions must align for effective witness and growth in the faith community. He concludes with a call to strengthen communication with God and each other, inviting those who are seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus to take the first step towards faith. Pastor Pencil's message serves as both an encouragement and a challenge to begin the new year with a renewed commitment to prayer and community outreach.