New Years 2023
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
Viewpoint: In Saudi Arabia, most Muslims don’t celebrate New Year’s Day on January 1st because they use the Islamic calendar, determined by lunar cycles. Few Saudis follow the western tradition of making New Year’s resolutions to improve their lives. They are trying to do good work throughout the year so that their good deeds will outweigh their evil deeds. As followers of Christ, we know that no amount of human “resolution” can bring about the righteousness required by God; we need the work of Jesus to save us and transform our hearts. But Muslims don’t see their need for a Savior; they believe they can earn forgiveness and entrance to Heaven by praying five times a day, fasting for a whole month each year, giving money to the poor, traveling to Mecca for the Hajj, and following Islamic laws. This month as you consider God’s priorities for you in the coming year, will you commit to praying for the people of Saudi Arabia?
Prayer Points: Pray that God will reveal to them their need for the Savior and that in 2023 many Saudi Arabs will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.