Worship Leading 31 December

Opening to song 1

Good morning, everyone. My name is Hanno if we haven’t met before, and as one of the elders of our church, it's my privilege to share a few thoughts with you on this significant day. As we stand on the brink of bidding farewell to 2023, I invite you and all of us to pause and reflect on the unwavering faithfulness of God.

His steadfast love has been our anchor in every aspect of our lives – in the joys and challenges faced in our families, in our workplaces, through the highs and lows of our marriages, relational struggels, lonilness and even in our endeavors to bear witness to His goodness through evangelism. His love has been steadfast.

If we think about how God has nurtured our personal growth and sanctification, drawing us closer to Him, even amidst struggles and in our moments of greatest joy - we see a faithful God.

His faithfulness is evident not only in our personal stories but also in the grand tapestry of creation. Every bird that sang, every star that shot by, every sunrise we witnessed, every breath we took this year was a testament to His constancy. He blessed us with rain, provided for our needs, and clothed us in His provision and care.

Most importantly, as Christians, we are incredibly blessed. We are forgiven because of Christ, not only now, but forever.

The hymn 'Great Is Thy Faithfulness' really shows this unending faithfulness of God. It's a song that matches the theme of God's never-ending grace throughout 2023. As we sing 'Morning by morning new mercies I see,' let's think about how God's love, grace, mercy, hope, forgiveness, and faithfulness have touched our lives and those of our church family, our friends, and family. This includes celebrating the new babies born this year and new believers joining us. As we sing this song, I hope it makes you think about your own journey with God this past year.

SONG: Great is thy faithfulness

Announcements

--

Pray in ACTS

Our Father in heaven,

your name be honored as holy.

10 Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

A - Sovereignty

A - Creation

A - Faithfullness

11 Give us today our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

C - Sinfullness and disobedience in 2023

C - Omnisious sin

T - 30 year annivarsiry

T - New babies

T - Homegroups

T - Deacons and Elders

T - New Marriages may they glorify your name and be picture of what we will someday enjoy when the church meets her groom. Our Lord Jesus Christ.

T - members and pastors who served faithfully

13 And do not bring us into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.

S - Deaths / illness

S - Homegroups

S - New Church Plant

S - travelling and safety / rest and be recharged for 2024

S - government / save those in charge who do not know you

S - for evangelistic opportunities

S - maturity in faith

--

To Song 2 and 3

As we reflect on the past year, it's awe-inspiring to realize that our church celebrated our 30th anniversary. This milestone is not just a number—it's a living testament to God's unwavering faithfulness since 1993 and the Pastors he has graciously given us.

In today's challenging times, it's rare for a church not only to reach such an anniversary but also to remain steadfast in preaching the Word faithfully.

Our church’s journey includes the remarkable privilege of planting two churches - Corinda and Logan, a clear sign of God's abundant grace and provision. Yes, the road hasn't always been smooth, and future paths may have their own set of challenges, but we rest in the assurance that God anticipates and meets our every need, even before we voice them.

As we look towards 2024, knowing that God is soveriegn and knows everything from eternity past to eternity future, I am filled with excitement and optimism for the Redlands church plant. It is GBC HP’s big project for 2024.

This sense of hopeful anticipation doesn't stem from our own strengths or capabilities, but from the confidence that God is with us. Whether we face success or setbacks, death or new life, health scares or joyous celebrations, scarcity or abundance, our focus remains steadfast: if God is our vision, our guide, our King, our loving Father who knows us intimately—down to the very hairs on our heads—then we can move forward with faith and obedience.

He is the sovereign Creator, and His plans are perfect. So, I urge each of you, my dear brothers and sisters, to embrace 2024 and its new possibilities with hope and prayer. Whether you're facing significant life decisions, desiring to deepen your involvement in the church or in sharing the gospel, always lean on God’s guidance, particularly as revealed in His Word. Together, let’s step into this new chapter with trust in His sovereign plan and hearts open to His leading.

Also remember God has placed the elders and pastors in our church here to ultimately support you, and help you think through big decisions that might dramatically affect your life, as we love you and want to see the best for you. So, please remember you are not alone. God is for you, he has proven it at the cross. Keep you eye on him, and make him once again your vision for 2024.

Lets sing.

SONG: Be though my vision.

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)" by Matt Redman

Reading and Song 4

READING OF GOD’s WORD. Matt 6:9-13

Matthew 6:9–13 (CSB)

9 “Therefore, you should pray like this:

Our Father in heaven,

your name be honored as holy.

10 Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us today our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 And do not bring us into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.

Ladies to echo (and I will trust in you)

The Lord's My Shepherd (Psalm 23)