Over the summer, we were encouraged to step out by praying for others or sharing our faith, inspired by Jesus’ words in John 14 that His followers would do the works He did—and even greater things. Now, with time to reflect, the focus turns to what actually influences our willingness to act. Our actions are shaped by what we truly believe. When it comes to faith, helping others, or sharing the gospel, the same is true. We don’t act in a vacuum; we respond based on our “why.”

Faith isn’t meant to be a transaction where we simply secure a better eternity. While heaven is central to Christian hope, this narrow view misses the ongoing reality of God’s kingdom breaking into the present through relationship, the Holy Spirit, and lived obedience. Christianity is not about managing a spiritual investment, but about responding to a living God.

Jesus’ healing of the leper in Mark 1 shows that His works weren’t just morally good deeds. They were physical expressions of spiritual truth—revealing God’s compassion, authority, and nearness. The healing restored dignity, community, and hope, pointing beyond the miracle to the Father’s heart. The man’s overflowing response wasn’t obligation; it was transformation.

Doing “greater things” flows naturally from encountering Jesus. When we’re moved by His love, sharing it with others becomes a joyful response, not an obligation.

Jesus once asked His disciples a question that still speaks powerfully today: “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15). While many people in the world see Jesus as a good teacher, prophet, or historical figure, Peter declared the truth that sits at the heart of our faith—Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God.

In our community and across New Zealand, many people hold different ideas about who Jesus is, and many don’t know Him at all. This makes Jesus’ question deeply personal and deeply relevant. Scripture shows us that Jesus is far more than a moral example. He is God’s Anointed One—our priest, king, and prophet. As priest, He gave His own life as the perfect sacrifice. As king, He reigns with humility and love. As prophet, He reveals God fully and pours out the Holy Spirit on His people.

Jesus is also the unique Son of God—not just a title, but truly sharing in God’s nature. Because of who He is, His death and resurrection matter for everyone. His sacrifice is not only for us, but for the whole world.

This truth calls us to live authentically as followers of Jesus—loving others, living out our faith, and confidently carrying the real Jesus through our everyday lives.

As we begin a new year, we take a moment to reflect and to look forward with hope. The words from Habakkuk remind us that our faith is not dependent on everything going well. Even in seasons of uncertainty or loss, God remains our strength and our joy, and we can choose to trust Him.

Looking back, the past year has held different experiences for each of us. Some have walked through challenges they never expected, while others have known seasons of blessing and growth. Both shape us. Difficult times can build resilience and deepen our reliance on God, while times of blessing invite us to consider how we might share what we’ve received with others.

As we remember Jesus through communion, we’re reminded of the greatest gift of all—His life, death, and resurrection. This anchors us in hope and invites us to consider how God has been at work in us and how He may be leading us.

As we move into the year ahead, may we live with courage, speak with kindness, and share the hope we have in Christ with those around us.