Still Carrying the Gift? It's Time to Open It.

A Message from Pastor Rich Vinson

Believing in Jesus is easy. Living changed by Him? That’s where most people stop.

Too many Christians carry the name of Jesus without ever opening the gift of life He offers. They hold onto old habits, old fears, and old idols — missing the real power of a risen Savior living inside them.

In Luke 24:36–45, even the disciples struggled to believe when Jesus stood right in front of them. Fear and doubt blinded them from fully experiencing the miracle.

Pastor Rich Vinson asked the hard question:

"Are you carrying Jesus — or living Jesus?"

You weren't saved to stay the same. You were saved to be transformed.

It’s time to stop carrying the gift — and finally open it.

📖 The Gift Was Meant to Be Opened

Many Christians boldly say, "I believe in Jesus," but still live weighed down by old habits, hidden idols, and unfulfilled potential.

Pastor Rich used a simple but unforgettable example:

"It would be crazy to receive a Christmas gift and never open it — but spiritually, that’s what many believers are doing."

Jesus didn’t come just to be believed in.He came to transform you — from the inside out.

When you truly open the gift of Christ, you experience:

• Freedom from shame, guilt, and fear.

• New purpose for every area of your life.

• A deeper relationship that fills your heart, not just your Sunday mornings.

🚫 What's Holding You Back?

Many of us are still clinging to idols — anything we place ahead of our relationship with God.

It might be:

• Your career,

• Your comfort,

• Your approval from others,

• Even your own fears.

Idols will always keep the gift sealed shut.

If we want real change, we must surrender those things and let Jesus have first place.

🙏 The Invitation

Pastor Rich asked every person at New Faith — and we ask you now:

What are you doing with the gift of Jesus?

• Are you just carrying it around as proof of belief?

• Or are you opening it, day by day, letting Him change your life?

Following Jesus isn’t passive. It’s active. It’s daily.

It’s a relationship that grows deeper every time you choose to trust Him over the idols pulling at your heart.

✨ Take Your Next Step Today:

• Ask God: "What am I putting ahead of You?"

• Open your Bible and invite Him to speak to you fresh.

• Take one small step of obedience this week.

• Refuse to settle for a "carried" faith — live an "opened" one!

📖 Scripture Focus:

• Luke 24:36–45

• Daniel 7:13–14

🔥 Final Thought:

The gift is already in your hands.

Don't just carry it. Open it. Live it. Share it.

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About New Faith Church: At New Faith Church, we are committed to connect with people, helping them grow in grace, while they discover their purpose and a place to serve Him and Others. We believe in the power of God's Word to transform lives and are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can experience God's love. Visit our website, follow us on social media, and join us for our next service. For more information, visit our website, www.NewFaithCW.org.

About Pastor Rich Vinson: Pastor Rich Vinson is passionate about connecting with people from all walks of life and backgrounds. With a shepherd’s heart, he is dedicated to helping individuals grow in the truth and power of God’s Word. Rich’s mission is to lead, challenge, and inspire people of all generations to deepen their relationship with God.

Rich holds a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Evangel University. He has been married to his wife, Tracey, for over 25 years. Tracey is an accomplished educator with a Master of Arts in Teaching from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science from Evangel University. Together, they have two wonderful children, Lauren and Ethan.