Pastor John Granchie.

With the sub arctic temperatures and the wicked winds from the west it feels like Winter has finally shown its ugly head. Many people are asking how long until spring shows up and when can I put my snow blower away for good. Unfortunately, I cannot answer that question and I don’t believe anyone else can either.

What I can offer is some advice on how to make the most of those long, cold winter days and nights. In Matthew 6:33 Jesus tells us, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” The verse’s meaning is as direct as it sounds. We are to seek the things of God as our main priority over the things of the world. First and foremost, it means we are to seek the salvation that is inherent in the kingdom of God because it is of greater value than all the world’s riches put together.

Nicodemus was a prominent Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin (the ruling body of the Jews). In the Gospel of John Chapter 3 he came to Jesus with some questions. Jesus tells him in verse 3, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’ The phrase translated “born again” can also be translated as “born from above.” Nicodemus, like so many people in our world, had a real need. He needed a heart change and a spiritual transformation that could only come from God. A New birth, being born again, is an act of God whereby eternal life is imparted to the person who trusts in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

How in the world does the new birth come to be? Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” When someone is saved, they have been born again, spiritually renewed, and is now a child of God. A new birth has taken place. Only by placing your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who paid the penalty of sin when He died on the cross, is the means by which one is born again.

Spring is just around the corner and the sun will shine bright. Until those days arrive, I hope and pray that you turn your attention to the only SON that gives eternal life and true warmth.