Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? Forbes posted some interesting statistics related to resolutions made by Americans at the end of 2023. According to a survey that polled 1,000 US adults on October 23, 2023, 48% made resolutions regarding physical fitness, 38% focused on personal finances, 34% desired to lose some weight, 32% promised themselves to do a better job with their diet. The remaining percentages dropped tremendously after these top four resolutions.

Thirty percent of those asked were honest enough to admit that they only 25% really anticipated keeping their resolutions beyond the first 30 days. Statistics reveal only 1% maintain their commitment through to the end of the year. I chuckled when I read that the second Friday of January has become known as “Quitter’s Day” since only 8-10% usually stay the course on their promises beyond the first couple of weeks in January. I wasn’t even aware of this special date on the calendar.

As believers in Christ, we have some priorities we value that are not related to the body or the budget. Scripture describes followers of Jesus as simply being “in Christ” a phrase mentioned over 160 times in the New Testament. So, why don’t we set New Year’s resolutions in keeping with spiritual goals that are related to our position and identity in Christ? If we did this, then the power of God would help us reach our goals all year long.

2 Corinthians 5:12-21 seems to provide us with five areas of blessing given to us the moment we place our trust in Jesus Christ. I challenge you, brother or sister in Christ, to make at least one goal this year related to one of the following five new initiatives Jesus is making in your life.

1. In Christ we are given new sight, 5:12, 16

2. In Christ we are given new significance, 5:13-15

3. In Christ we are given a new start, 5:17

4. In Christ we are given a new status, 5:18-19, 21

5. In Christ we are given a new call to service, 5:18-20

An Overlooked New Year’s Resolution (2 Corinthians 5:12-21)

Sunday Message recorded 28 December 2025
by Senior Pastor Victor Morrison
First Baptist Church - Columbus, TX, USA
1700 Milam St.
Columbus, TX, USA 78934

The Peace of Christmas (Hebrews 4:1-13)

Sunday Message recorded 21 December 2025
by Senior Pastor Victor Morrison
First Baptist Church - Columbus, TX, USA
1700 Milam St.
Columbus, TX, USA 78934

Lights of Christmas (Hebrews 2:14-18)

According to some current projections, holiday spending may decrease in 2025 from the anticipated $1,007 dollars per person back in October to an adjusted budget of $778 for Christmas gifts. Many who completed the survey indicated they plan to reduce spending this year by 55% compared with 2024 expenditures. Of course, we must keep in mind that record high spending was marked in both 2023 and 2024 with spending surpassing $ 950 billion. For comparison, 2008 was $501.5 billion and 2010 was $528.8 billion.

So, I have a question regarding Christmas. My question is are we as a people actually like the description given by historian Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., who said that he saw in American society an “inextinguishable discontent”? If so, we need to run to the words of Philippians 4:10-20 and learn the secret of contentment.

The letter written by the Apostle Paul from a prison cell as a thank you note has many lessons that contemporary Americans can and should learn, especially during the Christmas holidays. He speaks of a life lesson that he had learned regarding contentment in whatever circumstances he was in. Let’s pull up close to Paul and let his whisper in our ear the secret to contentment.

Rejoice in Christ's Sovereignty, v. 10

Readiness to Study, v. 11

Regardless of the Situation, vs. 11-12

Reflection upon the Sweet Things in Life, vs. 14-18

Riches of His Supply, v. 19

Refocus the Spotlight, v. 20

Learning Christmas Contentment (Philippians 4:10-20)

Sunday Message recorded 14 December 2025
by Senior Pastor Victor Morrison
First Baptist Church - Columbus, TX, USA
1700 Milam St.
Columbus, TX, USA 78934

Gift of Christmas (Hebrews 2:5-13)

Sunday Message recorded 07 December 2025
by Senior Pastor Victor Morrison
First Baptist Church - Columbus, TX, USA
1700 Milam St.
Columbus, TX, USA 78934

Angels of Christmas (Hebrews 1:4-14)

Have you started decorating your tree yet? I saw this year the Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center is 75’ tall imported from Norway. They hung 50,000 Christmas lights on the tree in celebration of the season.

As far as I can tell, many believe lighting the Christmas tree originated with Martin Luther in the 16th century, who lit his tree after walking in the woods and seeing the stars twinkling between the branches of the trees. It made him remember the wise men who followed the star to where Jesus was born in Bethlehem. So, he came back home and attached candles to his Christmas tree.

Galatians 4:4-7 reminds me of the illumination Paul gave to the churches across Galatia regarding the coming of Christ and the incredible impact His coming made on the world. His words form what could viewed as five strands of beautiful lights, summarizing what Christmas is really all about.

1. Incarnation of the Son, 4:4

2. Redemption out of Slavery, 4:4-5

3. Adoption into Sonship, 4:5-7

4. Reception of the Spirit, 4:6

5. Description of the Share, 4:7

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Growing in Grace Devotions and Inspirations  
Hosted by Pastor Victor Morrison  
First Baptist Church
1700 Milam Street
Columbus, TX, USA 78934
http://fbccolumbustx.org/

The Hanging of the Christmas Lights (Galatians 4:4-7)

What would you say was the greatest Christmas gift you ever received? Among the greatest some people consider the best are gift like…a new vehicle, time, handmade cards from children, birth of a child, extension to life for one diagnosed with a terminal illness, visits from family, cash, voucher booklet from a teenager promising the completion of various chores, etc.

The angel told Joseph in a dream, “She (Mary) will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” An angel announced to a group of shepherds out in the fields, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Passages like these remind us that salvation through Christ is the greatest Christmas gift we will ever receive!

Peter wrote the letter known as 1 Peter to encourage a group of persecuted followers of Christ back in AD 63. He would remind them of the magnitude of their salvation in Christ despite the loss of material possessions and the cost of martyrdom of family and friends in Christ. As a matter of fact, over the next four years Peter and Paul would both be put to death for their faith in Christ. Yet, they died with courage and hope, cherishing the priceless gift of salvation given to them through Christ.

In this study of 1 Peter 1:10-12, the Apostle will focus on four beautiful aspects of salvation in Christ: the prophets’ investigation of salvation, the Spirit’s inspiration regarding of salvation, the apostles’ instruction about salvation and the angels’ interest in salvation.

Together, let’s admire this precious Christmas gift as we agree with Paul who wrote of it, “Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15.

The Prophets’ Investigation of Salvation, 1 Peter 1:10-11

The Spirit’s Inspiration regarding Salvation, 1 Peter 1:11

The Apostles’ Instruction about Salvation, 1 Peter 1:12

The Angels’ Interest in Salvation, 1 Peter 1:12

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Growing in Grace Devotions and Inspirations  
Hosted by Pastor Victor Morrison  
First Baptist Church
1700 Milam Street
Columbus, TX, USA 78934
http://fbccolumbustx.org/

The Greatest Christmas Gift (1 Peter 1:10-12)

Sunday Message re-recorded 26 November 2025
by Deacon Mark Vickers
First Baptist Church - Columbus, TX, USA
1700 Milam St.
Columbus, TX, USA 78934

Wonderfully Stuck: Learning to Trust God to Fight Our Battles (Exodus 13:17-14:31)

Sunday Message recorded 23 November 2025
by Senior Pastor Victor Morrison
First Baptist Church - Columbus, TX, USA
1700 Milam St.
Columbus, TX, USA 78934

Thanking God for My Church (Colossians 1:3-8)

Weekly Biblical devotions that help us Grow in Grace. Real stories and absolute truths from Scripture that provide strength, hope and encouragement. Hosted by Victor Morrison, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Columbus, Texas, USA.

FBC CTX Growing in Grace Podcast

Sunday Messages from First Baptist Church - Columbus, TX 1700 Milam St. Columbus, TX 78934 USA

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