Look What God Has Done in 2024

If we do not take time to remember, we are destined to forget.

It is a good practice for ABC to take the time to review what God has accomplished through His people over the past twelve months, as it reminds us of His faithfulness and encourages us to trust Him for the future.

To be clear, God does not need us to accomplish anything.

But He delights in using His people to get things done because it allows us to experience His grace in action, grow in Christlikeness, and bring Him glory as we serve with the gifts He provides.

Why? Because by us serving our God, He grows us into people of God.

Remember Eph 3:20-21?

Ephesians 3:20–21 (ESV)

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

He gets the glory and we get the growth.

So, it is good for us to take the time annually to see how God has grown us.

But before we do this, I want you to take a look at Psalm 77 which reminds us to never forget what God has done.

Asaph, the writer of this psalm, was struggling with depression and discouragement.

Maybe you can relate?

Perhaps you’ve had sleepless nights, feeling overwhelmed by problems that seem insurmountable.

Look at the first part of this psalm with me.

Psalm 77:1–4 (ESV)

I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted. When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak.

This guy is having a tough time of it.

The psalm doesn’t reveal why he is struggling, but it is clear that he is.

Sometimes that’s the way it is with us, right?

Discouragement washes over us for no apparent reason.

Our emotions take over our thinking.

We are broken and sad. This was Asaph - and this might be you.

I certainly have been in this place over the past year!

It’s not fun!

He goes on to say…

Psalm 77:5–9 (ESV)

I consider the days of old, the years long ago. I said, “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.” Then my spirit made a diligent search: “Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah

Asaph longs for the days of sensing the gracious presence of his God. But those days seem to be out of his reach. God seems distant.

Did God forget Asaph?

Has God forgotten you?

No! Absolutely not!

Maybe as we come to the close of another year, you are feeling forgotten by God.

That He is just out of reach. He seems distant and your prayers seems unanswered.

There is something you can do to help in this situation.

REMEMBER! REFLECT! RESPOND!

This is what Asaph does and this is what we should regularly do.

It’s good for us as individuals and it is very good for us as a church to remember what God has done in the past.

Reflect on His past faithfulness.

Which will lead us to respond.

Why? Because if God was faithful in the past, He will be faithful in the future!

Main Idea: God’s Faithfulness in the Past Proves His Future Faithfulness

1. Remember God's Deeds (Vs. 10-12)

Psalm 77:10–12 (ESV)

Then I said, “I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.” I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.

God's faithfulness is seen through His mighty works in the past.

When you think of some of God’s mighty deeds in the Old Testament, what do you think of?

Here are ten mighty acts of God in the Old Testament, showcasing His power, sovereignty, and faithfulness:

Creation of the World (Genesis 1-2)

God's act of creating the heavens, the earth, and all living beings from nothing displays His omnipotence and creativity. He brought order and life into existence by His Word.

The Flood and Noah's Ark (Genesis 6-9)

God judged the wickedness of humanity by sending a global flood but demonstrated His mercy by saving Noah and his family, along with animals, in the ark.

The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19)

God displayed His holiness and justice by destroying these wicked cities with fire and brimstone while rescuing Lot and his daughters.

The Ten Plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12)

Through ten supernatural plagues, God demonstrated His power over Pharaoh, Egypt’s gods, and nature, leading to the liberation of the Israelites.

The Parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14)

God miraculously delivered Israel from Pharaoh’s army by parting the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land, and then drowning their enemies.

The Provision of Manna and Water in the Wilderness (Exodus 16-17, Numbers 20)

God miraculously provided manna, quail, and water for the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness, showing His care and provision.

The Fall of Jericho (Joshua 6)

God caused the fortified walls of Jericho to collapse after the Israelites marched around them for seven days, demonstrating His power in giving His people victory.

The Sun Stands Still (Joshua 10:12-14)

In response to Joshua’s prayer, God caused the sun and moon to stop, extending the day so Israel could defeat their enemies, showing His control over time and nature.

The Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3)

God protected Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the flames of King Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace, showing His ability to deliver His faithful servants.

The Deliverance of Jonah from the Fish (Jonah 1-2)

After Jonah was swallowed by a great fish, God preserved him and commanded the fish to release him after three days, demonstrating His sovereignty and mercy.

And just one more for us this morning.

The Resurrection of Christ from the dead!

If God can handle doing these ten mighty acts plus raise Jesus from the dead thus securing your eternal salvation, He can most definitely handle anything you are dealing with today.

Remember, if you are in Christ, God is your Papa.

Application: Are you struggling today? Is God feeling distant? The first thing you need to do is REMEMBER his mighty works in the past.

Review - God’s Faithfulness in the Past Proves His Future Faithfulness.

Remember God’s Deeds

2. Reflect on God's Holiness (vs. 13)

Psalm 77:13 (ESV)

Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?

When Asaph reflects on God's holiness, he is reminded that God is completely set apart—perfect in His character, actions, and purposes.

This reflection helps lift Asaph out of despair because it reminds him that:

God's Plans Are Perfect: Even when life feels chaotic or discouraging, God's holiness ensures that His plans are always for His glory and our ultimate good. He never makes mistakes.

God Is Faithful and Unchanging: God's holiness guarantees that His promises never fail. Asaph can trust that God's steadfast love and compassion are not dependent on Asaph's feelings but on God's unchanging character.

God Is Greater Than All: Reflecting on God's holiness reminds Asaph that no one and nothing can compare to God's greatness. This truth gives him confidence that God is able to deliver him from despair and lead him through life's challenges.

Reflecting on God's holiness helps us move beyond despair by shifting our focus from ourselves and our struggles to the majesty, faithfulness, and perfection of God.

When we reflect on God's holiness, we are reminded that His ways are higher than ours and that He is always working for His glory and our good, even in the darkest moments.

Review - God’s Faithfulness in the Past Proves His Future Faithfulness.

Remember God’s Deeds

Reflect on God’s Holiness

3. Respond to God's Power (vs. 14-20)

Psalm 77:14–20 (ESV)

You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled. The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side. The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook. Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Responding to God's power involves trusting Him more fully in every area of life, praising Him openly for His mighty works, and stepping forward in obedience to His calling.

For individuals, this could mean sharing testimonies of His power in their lives or taking bold steps of faith where He leads.

For the church community, it might look like celebrating His work together, committing to new ministries, or renewing a focus on prayer and outreach.

Respond to the evidence of His power at work in our church this year.

Review - God’s Faithfulness in the Past Proves His Future Faithfulness.

Remember God’s Deeds

Reflect on God’s Holiness

Respond to God’s Power

God's Work at ABC in 2024

1. Remember

New Ministries Launched:

Visitation Ministry (Vicki and team)

Trail Life (Kurt, Don, Matt, John and others)

ABC@Home 2024 – Tools to bring faith home (focus on Worship and Missions).

Local Ministry Partnership: Athletes in Action.

Discipleship and Growth:

Increased number of people discipling others.

Connection Groups (added three new small groups)

Equipping Classes - developing a scope and sequence

Equipped for Life training - Gideon Evangelism Training and A.I. Training.

Finished 1st Timothy preaching series (w/sermon notebooks)

2. Reflect

Staffing and Leadership:

Sarah (joined January 1, 2024).

Mikayla (joined October 1, 2024).

Pastor Larry and Donna (joined in January 1, 2024) as Associate Pastor and wife.

Carrie and the team have developed new processes and procedures to ensure we can accomplish as much for God’s glory as possible in the time we have left.

Development of new youth leadership.

Growth and training for elders:

The Elders moved to two meetings per month because of the workload.

Pastor Bob retired from the elder team.

Kirby Gowen came on as an elder this year.

Sam Polson taught the elders how to function well as a plurality of elders with a Senior Pastor.

Elders are committed to shepherding the congregation with a plan in place.

Deacon team is strong and working well with our treasurer.

Building Projects:

Phase 1 and Phase 2 completed (confidence monitor and livestream cameras).

Balloon payments made to reduce debt.

Mortgage will be down to $214,000 at the end of this year.

First Year Using Financial Systems:

Implementation of the Purchase Order Book and Fund Accounting system.

Completed the budget for 2025. Thank you Glenn, Mikayla, Deacons, and office staff

Missions and Outreach:

Giving By Faith Missions Campaign:

Monies pledged over $92,000 (goal was $75,000)

Already Raised over $40,000.

Reached Six major goals:

Doubling missionary support.

Adding one missionary family.

Utah “Plant Camp” Missions Trip.

Philippines Internship Missions Trip.

At Home Missions Training (internship).

$10,000 going to Bible Translation Project in Africa

The Living Water Well Project:

ABC gave $8,000 Wycliffe to ensure fresh water is available for a community in Kenya, Africa.

GVSU Student Engagement:

Added AIA to our “Across the Street” support list

Mission trip to Honduras (Lexi and Macy)

"Seeking God and Finding Him" study started with multiple students.

Our students were part of 50 confessions of faith at a Youth even in GH (Sam, Lexi, others)

Hosted Athletes in Action worship night (50-60 attendees).

Hosted Operation Christmas Child in our facility - 105 boxes sent

Individual Mission Highlights:

Backyard Bible Club (Grace Hiebinsky/Ferris).

Missions trips to South Korea (Kaelynn and Carrie).

Membership and Baptisms:

14 new members joined in 2024. (25 in 2023) 39

13 baptisms celebrated in 2024. (28 in 2023) 41

Special Events:

Easter and Christmas Choirs. 311 in attendance for this year’s Christmas program!

On-Goal Soccer Outreach.

Equipping and Growth Opportunities:

Connection Groups: Added three new groups.

Equipping Classes: Intentional scope and sequence in process of development.

New teachers being discipled and introduced.

Equipped for Life Gideon Gospel Training initiatives and AI training (schedule prepared for next year).

Worship and Choir Development:

Growth in worship team processes

Introducing more special music (Vocal Praise)

Family and Community Engagement:

ABC@Home 2024: Helping families integrate worship and missions at home.

Family Chats: Local ministry reports and fellowship events like chili cookoffs.

Testimonies of God's Faithfulness While we have reflected on what God has done in our church body, His faithfulness has also been personal to so many of us this year. Let’s hear from three individuals who experienced God’s work in their lives through our church in 2024.

Testimony #1: Matt and Diane Smith

Testimony #2: Dave Ferris

God's Faithfulness in 2024 Just as the psalmist in Psalm 77 reminds us to remember, reflect, and rejoice, we see God’s mighty hand working in us and through us this year.

From new ministries and growth to His provision and powerful work in missions, we can confidently say, ‘What god is great like our God?’

3. Respond

Why not take some time to write down your own reflections on God’s faithfulness in 2024.

I want to challenge you to pray and consider how God is calling them to be part of His work in 2025.

Closing Prayer: