The Lord has promised us repeatedly that we will be winners if we will just trust in Him. John said, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). He also described our faith as that key element which brings victory over the world (1 John 5:4). We truly are on the winning team. Paul said, “We are more than conquerors” (Rom. 8:37). These words so vividly describe what happened last week at Palm Beach Lakes.
Last Sunday was that special day we set aside each year to sacrificially give so that the world will hear about the cross. When we gave more than $107,000 on that day, our hearts were filled with thanksgiving. This brings the total amount given for mission work in the last eleven years to $1,271,000. Sunday was truly a victorious day!
It was a victory for the Lord, the one who truly matters. There is no room for any of us to think of what we have done. It is God working through us that made that day possible. It is what He has done. All glory and praise belongs to Him. It was a victory day for our Lord!
It was a day of victory over Satan. We are in a spiritual war against all that is evil. It is a battle for the hearts and souls of mankind. We are seeking to pull down “…Strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God” (2 Cor. 10:4-5). Hell would have rejoiced had we not been victorious, but now hell trembles in fear!
It was a victory for our missionaries. We have committed ourselves to support men in Africa, Paraguay, the South Pacific and other places. On that day, we showed each of them how thankful we are to be associated with what they are doing. We showed them that we are fully behind all they are doing.
It was a victory for the lost world. It is strange to think that in the coming years people who are right now enemies of God were loved by the church last week. Right now their lives reflect all that we oppose, but soon they will learn that Christians really do love and sacrifice for those who are on the other side. They now are losers, but some day they will be victorious because of the sacrifices you made.
It marks the beginning of a victorious year for the church. This year has begun in such a tremendous way. The deacons have taken the Laborers Together with God program and so many more are involved in the work than before.
I also hope you will plan to be here on February 16, when a special announcement will be made which will thrill the souls of each of us. This year will be a year of victory!