Introduction

Traditionally, the New Year is a time of new beginnings. It's when we make commitments to do better in the coming year than we did in the previous one. We sit down and make a list of how we can improve ourselves and our church. We say, "Out with the Old and in with the New." We make resolutions, declarations, and promises to be better. But isn't it strange that some of the same problems and challenges we vowed to overcome last year are still plaguing us this year?

But despite all that, God is still keeping us. He has kept us for another year, and that's something to be grateful for. He has been with us through thick and thin, through sickness and health, through storms and rain. God is keeping us for a reason, for a divine purpose.

Section 1

God wants a new you in the New Year. He wants you to live differently, to use your time and talents for His glory. He wants you to be a better Christian, not just someone who goes to church on Sundays. He wants you to bear fruit, to make a positive impact in the world.

Section 2

In our text today, we find ourselves in a vineyard. The owner of the vineyard planted a fig tree and expected it to bear fruit. It was a reasonable request since fig trees were valuable in those times. But every time the owner came to the tree, he found no fruit. The tree had advantages - it was in a good location and had been planted with purpose. Yet, it still produced no fruit.

After three years of finding no fruit, the owner regretfully recommended cutting down the tree. But the vinedresser intervened and asked for one more year. During that year, he would dig around the tree and fertilize it. This meant there would be challenges and messiness, but it was necessary for the tree to produce fruit.

Section 3

Similarly, God is giving us another chance. He is digging around us, uprooting us from our old ways, and replanting us in new soil. He wants us to bear fruit and be productive. He wants us to be good stewards of what He has given us - our time, talents, and resources.

So let us be grateful that God is keeping us for another year. Let us seize this opportunity to make a difference, to be the church and not just play church. Let us use our gifts and talents to serve God and others. And let us remember that God is with us every step of the way, even in the midst of challenges and messiness.

Conclusion

I thank God for keeping me, and I know He is keeping you too. Let us hold hands and declare together, "God is keeping me!"

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