A Year in Review 2018

“Remember…Rejoice…Renew”

INTRODUCTION

Good morning! Merry Christmas (on the church calendar Christmas is a season that actually ends on January 6th) and Happy New Year! I trust you had a wonderful time with your family and friends. I’m so grateful for our celebration of Jesus’ birth as a church family. What a blessing to have such a great turnout last Sunday night for the candlelight service. I’d like to add my greeting to guests worshiping for the first time – we’re so glad you’re here! I’m excited about our time together this morning as 2018 comes to an end and 2019 begins. Let’s pray!

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Two days and counting until the calendar moves from 2018-2019. We celebrate the arrival of a New Year by staying up until midnight in order to do the countdown with a “ball drop” in New York City, followed by noisemakers, hats, confetti, a kiss, and singing “Old Ayne Syne” even though we haven’t really learned the words! Unless, you’re taking a “low key” approach to New Year’s and will be in bed by 10 p.m. Anyone? We should learn from this wisdom!

If you’re preparing to celebrate New Year’ s at a party – not every party is created equal – some parties can be sketchy so I found this helpful list to help you determine if you’re at the wrong New Year’s Party. You’re at the wrong New Year’s party if…

· Wrong New Year’s Party

Preview

Stay clear – I’m you’re pastor and I’m here to help! I’m excited about beginning a new year together as a church family. Today is going to be a little different from our “usual” Sunday. Normally we’re preach through a passage or book of the Bible from start to finish but I’m not going to do that today. Today is more of a talk than a typical sermon. We’ll begin a new series next week! Today we’re going to celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness in our lives over the last year by taking a LOOK BACK and what’ve we’ve learned in His Word and the ways we’ve seen Him work in our lives before LOOKING FORWARD to renewing our commitment to Him in 2019. Let’s begin by LOOKING BACK.

LOOKING BACK…

Let’s begin by “LOOKING BACK” – We’re going to LOOK BACK at what God has done in and through us in 2018. If someone was writing the “memoirs” of MBC, 2018 would be a very important chapter in the life of this church family. In 2018 this church has been faced with a pastoral transition (thanks for your love and encouragement) – it’s been a year filled with challenges & change, losses, longsuffering, & laughter, hurt, healing, & hope, new faces and new beginnings – we’ve lost people we love and made new friends. In the midst of it all God has been so good, faithful, and gracious to us. We know there will be more highs & lows, joys and sorrows, births & deaths, laughter & tears, new beginnings & endings, and future changes and undying commitments. We can trust that God will continue to be good, faithful, and gracious to us in the days to come.

Today I want us to “LOOK BACK” over 2018. We never want to “live in the past” but we consider and celebrate what God has done in our lives and how we’ve grown closer to Him in 2018. Therefore we’re going to LOOK BACK at 2018 in two specific ways.

A) Remember God’s Word ()

Let’s “Reflect” on God’s Word – Let’s take a few minutes to reflect on some of the life-changing truths we’ve learned from God’s word in 2018. Now you might ask “Why do we need to reflect on something we’ve already learned this year?” Great Question! Take your Bible and turn to . .

In the opening chapter of 2 Peter – Peter wrote to a group of suffering Christians about their glorious salvation in Jesus and God’s work in their lives (1:3-11). After teaching them these vital truths about salvation and the work of God we find this great declaration in —"So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have”—Peter was determined to constantly remind the believers of things even though they “knew” them and were “well established in the truth” they possessed. Apparently,it’s vital for Christians who “know” God truth and are “firm” in their understanding, attitude, and beliefs to be reminded of them. Christians who are weak and strong need to be “reminded” of God’s truth so they will think about God’s truth again and again. Over the years to come you will learn new things as you sit under the preaching and teaching of God’s word at MBC – and yet many days will simply be me “reminding” you of God’s truth you already know – much of my work as your pastor will be causing you to remember and think about God’s truth again. So in that mindset, let’s LOOK BACK and remember what we’ve learned from God’s Word in 2018. We can focus in one specific truth/application from several of the series.

1) OUR IDENTITY & MINISTRY AS A CHURCH

We began back in March “Remembering “Who We Are” as a church (a body, a temple, a family, and a bride), What we’re called to do as a church (make disciples of all nations), and the four commitments of our disciple-making mission (Worship, grow, love, and share) selected NT passages. , and . Everything we do is motivated by the call to fulfill our disciple-making mission—every decision made and dollar spent is determined by this mission—and we will come back and talk more about being a “mission-minded” church as we “LOOK AHEAD” to 2019.

2) THE SWEETNESS OF EASTER – Jesus’ Resurrection

· In Jesus our sins are forgiven ()

· In Jesus we have fellowship with God ()

· In Jesus we have a glorious future ()

3) Essential BUILDING BLOCKS of an EFFECTIVE CHURCH (Titus)

· “Gospel-Centered Ministry” ()

· “Godly Leadership” ()

· “Sound Doctrine” ()

· “Godly Living” ()

· “Grace” ()

· “Godly Citizenship” ()

· “Good Works” ()

· “Godly Relationships” ()

In our Titus series I want to “remind” you what we learned about God’s grace (the fifth essential building block of an effective church). Take your Bible and turn to -16. Read -16.

1) We are saved by the grace of God (2:11)

First, We are saved by the grace of God. We are saved by the grace of God. We see the connection between God’s grace and God’s salvation in – “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (2:11).

We must begin with a simple definition of God’s grace. God’s grace refers to His “unmerited favor” – undeserved “kindness” show to us – grace is “God’s gratuitous favor.” Grace in its expressing is the giving of a gift that is undeserved and unearned – we don’t deserve God’s favor and kindness and we can’t ever earn God’s favor and kindness, and it’s the grace of God that is the ultimate ground for our salvation. God’s grace (favor and expression of kindness) is behind His offer of salvation to sinners through Jesus. Titus highlights the “appearing” of God’s grace that brings salvation to all men – the term “appeared” is the Greek word “EPIPHANO” – this highlights the “epiphany” of God’s grace in the course of history. The literal “epiphany” (appearance) of God’s grace refers to Jesus’ first advent (arrival). The grace of God appeared like the rising of the sun when Jesus came to earth—for He is “full of grace and truth—and “His first coming was an epiphany of saving grace” (John Stott)

· John Stott—“His coming was an epiphany of saving grace.” ()

“The grace of God has appeared (like sunrise at dawn) in the first coming of Jesus “bringing salvation to all people” (NET). Out of the depths of His grace, the Father sent the Son to bring salvation to sinful humanity. God’s grace “appearing” the arrival of Jesus who would bring salvation—deliverance from the penalty and power of sin & death—the gracious divine rescue that is good news for everyone! God’s gracious salvation in Jesus’ is good news for every man, women, and child in every nation. God’s unmerited favor brings the gift of salvation for all sinners—deliverance from the power & penalty of sin and death available through Jesus—for everyone and anyone can be saved by faith (trusting in Jesus). By God’s grace we are set free from sin’s bondage (redemption) and cleansed from sin (purification). God’s saving grace results in us becoming God’s treasured possession

Please note the two results of Jesus’ redemption & purification. First, Jesus cleanses people of their sin so they can become His treasured possession. Wow! Jesus frees us and purifies us so we can be truly His – we belong to Jesus – for God’s gracious salvation in Jesus marks us as His. Secondly, we have been freed from the bondage of wickedness and purified of sin to be His people who are “eager to do what is good.” Christ’s own – those who have been redeemed and purified by His death – are characterized by people who are “eager to do what is good.” We’re not called to be “political zealots” but we are called to be “zealots for good deeds” (George Knight).

APPLICATION

God’s saving grace changes our live. By His grace we are saved from the power & penalty of sin—completely set free and cleansed by Jesus’ sacrificial death—and by accepting this gracious gift we become His treasured people zealous for doing good in this world. God’s grace motivates us to live a life of good works. Believers in Jesus Christ are not called to merely be good but more importantly are transformed to be filled with the burning desire to do good! Paul envisioned the purpose of God’s gracious salvation in Jesus Christ as His work of transforming sinners into His special people who are consumed with a passion to do good (good works).

A hug or high five Praying for others Caring for others - Orphans & widows, those in need (“Love in Action” May 23) Having people into your home for a meal Helping a neighbor Babysit for free Pay for someone’s meal behind you at the drive thru Greeting Serving in nursery Ask God ___________ what good work He has prepared for you (only you!)

B) We are schooled by the grace of God (2:13)

Secondly, we are schooled by the grace of God. We are schooled by the grace of God. God’s grace has appeared – bringing salvation for all who will believe – so we bask in the power of His saving grace to redeem us and purify us to be His treasured people. At the risk of sounding like a T.V. infomercial as we look into Titus it’s appropriate to say “But wait there’s more!” We often limit God’s grace to salvation alone but Titus shows us that there is more to the power of God’s grace in our lives. We are saved by God’s grace and we are schooled by God’s grace. God’s grace saves us and God’s grace schools us. God’s grace appeared in the coming of Jesus - bringing the hope of salvation to all– and to those who respond by faith God’s grace also teaches us how to live until the day of Jesus’ glorious return!

The grace of God has appeared offering salvation to all – and God’s grace “teaches us” (2:12)—let’s stop right there. The term “teach” is also translated as “trains us”—God’s grace instructs us with the goal of forming proper habits of behavior” (Louw Nida). God’s grace trains (instructs) us like a parent trains a child in how to live. Let’s get over this idea that the gospel only saves us from sin & death – it does and for that we can say “Hallelujah” - but it also schools us on how we should live. We see the saving power of God’s grace and now we consider the educating power of God’s grace.

1) Course of Study – Curriculum

Two negative instructions

God’s grace teaches us to say “no to ungodliness” (2:12). The grace of God teaches us to reject ungodliness (ἀσέβεια) – it’s a call to renounce ungodly living, to repudiate godlessness. God’s grace teaches us to reject living an undevoted life. Since we’ve been saved by God’s grace in Jesus we are taught to reject ungodliness.

God’s grace teaches us to say “no to worldly lusts” (2:12) God’s grace teaches us to reject the passions of the world. God’s grace teaches us to say “no” to the desires that come from any realm that opposes to God or promotes disobedience to God. God’s grace teaches us to reject anything that ignores, opposes, or despises God and promotes sin.

Three positive instructions

· First, God’s grace teaches us to live a life of self-control (2:12). We’ve seen “self-control” highlighted in the call to “Sound Living.” Self-control is a hallmark of the Christian life. The grace of God teaches us to behave sensibly, soberly, and moderately—to have control over our desires and appetites as a believer of Jesus Christ. God’s grace teaches us how to relate to one’s self.

Secondly, God’s grace teaches us to live an “upright” life (2:12). God’s grace instructs us to live lives that are “right” and “just.” Our conduct must be consistent with what is right in God’s eyes in our relationship with others. Upright living is connected to our relationship with others. God’s grace teaches us how to relate to others

God’s grace teaches us to live a “godly” life (2:12) The grace of God teaches us to live our lives fully devoted to God, ever conscious of living in His presence and fulfilling our calling from Him. God’s grace teaches us to be pious; to be known as a man or women who lives according to their religious beliefs. God’s grace teaches us how to relate to God.

2) The Duration of our Grace Education (Life-Long Semester)

We also see the “Duration of our Grace Education” – it’s a life-long semester, being schooled (educated) by God’s grace lasts our entire earthly life. God’s grace will keep on schooling us in the art of godly living until Jesus’ glorious return. Grace-driven godly living continues until the day Jesus returns. God’s grace trains us how to live while we “wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (2:13). Jesus’ first coming was literally the “epiphany” of God’s grace. Jesus’ second coming will literally be the “epiphany” of God’s glory. Just as the grace of God appeared visibly and tangibly in Jesus who brings salvation to all, Christians have a blessed assurance of Jesus’ second appearance in glory. Jesus first coming was all about grace, Jesus’ second coming is all about glory!

APPLICATION

God’s word reveals the “educating power” of God’s grace in our lives. God’s grace schools us. God’s unmerited favor and kindness shown to us in our salvation also teaches us how to live our lives until Jesus returns in glory. God’s grace is our great educator – again teaching us how to live a godly life in this “present age.” God’s grace saves us which prepares us for the age to come (eternal life) but God’s grace also prepares us for the present by teaching us how to live in the here and now. The Christians in Crete were being taught to by God’s grace how to live in a “depraved culture.” The same is true for us, God’s grace teaches us how to live in a fallen world. We should not be surprised, shocked, or scared about life in this present age, we live in a fallen world, and yet the grace of God is training us to live a godly life each step of the way. How are you doing in God’s school of grace?

· Are you saying “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions because of His grace? A follower of Jesus’ life shouldn’t be marked by continuous and ongoing “ungodliness” or controlled by worldly desires. We’re called to be controlled by the power of the Holy Spirit instead of passions that are opposed to God. (Illustrations – selfish vs selfless, pride vs. humility). God’s grace (unmerited favor and kindness in Jesus) teaches us reject ungodliness and worldly passions - instead of running to sin we run from sin because of God’s grace extended to us in Jesus.

· Is your life marked by the pursuit of “self-controlled, upright, and godly living? We seek to obey this call because of God’s grace extended to us in Jesus.

You need to come to grips with the depths of your own sin, how unworthy and wretched you are before God, and yet in the depths of your depravity God would extend you grace in Jesus! God’s grace motivates you to live a godly life.

· A story is told of a young girl who accepted Christ as her Savior and applied for membership in a local church. "Were you a sinner before you received the Lord Jesus into your life?" inquired an old deacon. "Yes, sir," she replied. "Well, are you still a sinner?" "To tell you the truth, I feel I'm a greater sinner than ever." "Then what real change have you experienced?" "I don't quite know how to explain it," she said, "except I used to be a sinner running AFTER sin, but now that I am saved I'm a sinner running FROM sin!"

God’s grace is truly amazing- saving us and schooling us to live grace-driven godly lives until Jesus returns. Let’s beg God to empower us by His spirit to a grace-driven pursuit of godly living. In light of God’s grace extended to us in Jesus, let’s live our godly lives for His glory.

4) ONE ANOTHER SERIES

· “Love One Another” ()

· “Forgive One Another” () Pastor Jake

· “Serve One Another” ( & )

· “Comfort One Another” ( & )

· “Be Devoted to One Another” ()

· “Praying for One Another” (, ; )

· “Encourage One Another” (, )

I want to remind you about what we learned about loving one another. Turn to . . .

The Call to Love One Another (13:34)

The “Context” that reveals Jesus’ imminent departure is followed by a “Command” that revealed what they should do and how they should live after He leaves. The command is sandwiched between Jesus’ prediction of Judas’ betrayal () and Peter’s denial (13:36-38). Judas will betray Him and Peter will deny Him but you and yet this is how they must live. In light of His imminent return to the Father, Jesus said “A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” The disciples must have questioned “why” it’s a new command because the Law called them to a life of love.

· The object of love was new (superior) - Jesus’ command wasn’t a call for them to love their enemies as the Law demanded (), He said “love one another,” this was a call for them to have mutual affection for one another as a new covenant community that He will inaugurate through His death and resurrection. Jesus’s exhortation was aimed at encouraging them to love each other as fellow disciples.

· The nature of the love was new (superior) - Jesus said “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Jesus called His disciples to love one another the same way or in comparison to the way He loved them—it’s a new command to love each other sacrificially! Jesus’ sacrificial love for them was demonstrated by taking the role of a servant and washing their feet (Read ). Jesus’ sacrificial love would soon be demonstrated by laying His life down on the cross to give them life. Jesus was calling His followers to possess and express the same kind of sacrificial love for their fellow disciples (believers). Jesus called His disciples to love sacrificially—love that demonstrated by action—they must be willing to serve and give up their own lives for the sake of the other.

The “Consequence” of Loving One Another

We see “The Consequence” of Loving One Another. Jesus revealed what would happen if the disciples obeyed this command—“by this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” The disciples’ sacrificial love for one another would be a witness to the world! The disciples love for one another would sustain them after Jesus’ departure! The disciples love for one another would enable them to survive in a hostile world that would hate them for their faith in Jesus. Jesus reminds us that our love for one another as fellow believers (disciples) is one of the distinguishing marks (tatoo) of discipleship (, , , ) and the Christian community. Our sacrificial love for one another will cause others to know that we are truly followers of Jesus. Our love for one another is undeniable evidence of the gospel’s (God’s saving) transforming work in our lives. Our sacrificial love for one another sets us apart in this world!

THE EXPRESSION OF OUR LOVE

A) In Word (Verbally)

Many people have a difficult time expressing their love for others in words. Let’s consider a few ways we can express our sacrificial love for one another in word (verbally).

· “I love you” – this is the most obvious and yet overlooked verbal expression of sacrificial love for one another. Some of you have a hard time saying “I love you” to the people you care about the most. Perhaps some of you have never heard those words from a parent, sibling, or close friend. I hope God’s love will flood your heart in such a way that you’ll be free to tell the people close to you that you love them. don’t know how comfortable you feel about telling one of your fellow believers in this room that you love them? Is that weird? Is that crazy?

The bond of Christian fellowship is strong and it’s good and right to to express that verbally to a fellow believer. I trust there is someone in this room that needs to hear those words from you? Don’t force it or fake it. Be genuine. Be vulnerable. Be led by the Spirit. God can use your verbal expression of love to minister deeply to someone in this room. I know that there are many people in this room that need to know that God truly loves them and that they are truly loved by others. Someone needs to hear those words “I love you” before they leave today – may the Holy Spirit stir in hearts this morning so this verbal expression of love is spoken today.

· “I forgive you.” The words “I forgive you” are an expression of sacrificial love. Forgiveness is born out of sacrificial love – our deep affection and appreciation for someone compels us to make things right and pursue reconciliation – perhaps there is someone in your life you need to say these words to this week. Forgiveness is sacrificial love in action – a selfless act of putting aside your desire to hold something against someone – and releasing your right to hold that offense against them. I’m not going to dwell on this expression of love this morning because it’s part of our series. Next week Pastor Jake will be preaching on the call for us to “Forgive one another.”

· Personal encouragement – We appreciate it when someone speaks the truth in love in the form of personal encouragement. It’s uplifting when we received affirmation and are built up by others. How great it is to receive a “card” or “letter” that has words of personal encouragement—it’s a verbal expression of sacrificial love!

· Personal correction – Sometimes our verbal expression of love comes in the form of personal confrontation. One of the greatest expressions of our love for someone is in the form of correction—pointing out something that’s wrong in our lives—for says “Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” We correct our kids because we love them, the same should be true for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Do we really love one another if we won’t help them in this way? (Food in your teeth!) I know this scary. I know it takes courage. I know it will be beneficial for the entire family. We must ensure that the personal correction is done in love.

Let’s be a church family that expresses our sacrificial love for one another in word (verbally). In order to do this we must take the time to meet one another, spend time getting to know one another so that our “affection and appreciation” for one another grows deeper and deeper every day. Look around for a moment – who do you need to express your love for verbally this morning?

B) In Deed (Tangibly)

Secondly, we must express our sacrificial love for one another “In Deed” (Tangibly). We must consider the “tangible” expressions of sacrificial love—what can be felt—material expressions of sacrificial love that can be touched and experienced in very specific ways. We’ve already talked about the tangible expression of love through “hugs” and “high fives.” We know those can freak out people as we invade their personal space (we need to be patient and sensitive) to others instead of mugging them with holy hugs! Today I want us to consider two other tangible expressions of sacrificial love highlighted in God’s word.

Humble Acts of Service ()

· Sitting in the front row when it’s crowded

· Serve in the nursery

· Change someone’s oil

· Babysit for free

· Meals for sick/loss of loved one

· Other

· Meeting a material need ()

Physical Touch – “holy kiss” = hug or high five!

As we remember this call to “love” one another – expressing our love verbally and tangibly – we must continue to live a life for one another in the years to come! We love each other well – let’s continue to excel in loving one another in the days ahead.

5) WALKING IN WISDOM (Proverbs)

In the month of August we did a mini-series entitled “Walking in Wisdom” from selected Proverbs.

· “Wisdom for Our Words”

· “Wisdom for Our Pride” (Pastor Jake)

· “Wisdom for Our Wallet”

· “Wisdom for our Plans”

Let’s review the Wisdom principles for our words. We learned three principles for our tongue from Proverbs.

· Some of the most beautiful words are timely spoken

· Some of the most valuable words give life to others

· Some of the best words are words left unspoken ()

Let’s consider a third and final wisdom principle for our words and we don’t have to go far. Turn your attention to . .

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

The first half of the Proverb declares that the more words you speak sin does not cease, when an abundance of words inevitably leads to transgression, multiplying your words will cause sin to increase in your life. If you keep talking sin will become inevitable! The more you run your mouth, sooner or later you will sin.

In contrast “he who holds his tongue is wise”—restraining your lips from speaking is wise (the Hebrew word depicts putting a piece of wood in a goat’s mouth to prevent it from sucking)—exercising self-control to hold back words from coming out of your mouth is prudent. Zipping your lips is a wise decision.

APPLICATION

Sometimes the best words are left unspoken. The best of our words are the words we never speak. If (when) we keep running our mouths, we’ll eventually sin. If (when) we fail to keep watch over our words, we welcome calamity into our lives.

· – “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

In our flesh we speak too rashly, too harshly, too carelessly, and too excessively! When our boys were young we talked about not using the “s” word—“Shut up”—we didn’t want to tell each other to “shut up” but here in Proverbs we discover it’s wise to tell ourselves to “Shut up.” Again, God’s Word calls for further evaluation of our speech.

Do you speak when you should shut up? Are you keeping watch over your tongue? – Do you guard what you say? Do you restrain or lips or let them rip?

Are my words Timely – See the beauty of speaking words at the right time! Are my words Appropriate – See the beauty of saying what is appropriate! Are my words Live-giving – Shepherd people with your words! Are my words Kept in check – Restrain your lips and leave words unspoken!

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you “hold your tongue” and “guard your lips.” Ask the Holy Spirit to help you hold your tongue—restraining the words you say in person or on social media—wisdom reveals that some of the best words are often left unspoken

6) JONAH - “God’s Relentless Pursuit”

In the fall we spend five weeks walking through the familiar and famous OT book of Jonah to consider “God’s relentless pursuit” of us!

· God cares for the vilest of sinners and commissions us to share the message of salvation with those who are far from Him ()

· God relentlessly pursues us when we run from Him ()

· God relentlessly pursues us to save us & God saves us to change us ()

· God pursues us to draw us back to Himself and display His mercy ()

Jonah was not happy that the people of Nineveh were delivered from judgment by the merciful heart of God. Displeasure and angry flooded Jonah’s heart when he discovered that his prophetic message of doom did not come to fruition. Jonah wanted to see the people of Nineveh face the fire of God’s fury & wrath—he wanted to see the city destroyed because they deserved divine judgement—for this unhappy prophet could not tolerate God’s merciful response to the wicked people of Nineveh.

Jonah could not keep his anger bottled up, the anger in his heart eventually came out of his lips (Jesus said “our mouth speaks from what fills our hearts), as he uttered a prayer of complaint to God. Jonah’s prayer of complaint reveals “why” he disobeyed God’s call and ran to Tarshish—“O Lord, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you were a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger, and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity”—Jonah finally confessed “why” he didn’t obey God’s call to go to Nineveh the first time. Jonah’s prayer suggests that he argued with God back at home during his original call to go to Nineveh—“O, Lord, this is what I said when I was still at home?”—and while it’s possible Jonah didn’t include this dialogue in the penning of the book it’s more likely that this expression highlights Jonah’s “inner thoughts” or “unspoken words” in his heart. The phrase “This is what I said” is also translated as “this is what I thought would happen” or “this is what I feared,” or “this is what I knew from the beginning” when I was back home and that’s why I fled to Tarshish. Jonah booked a ticket to Tarshish because he knew God’s character and what would happen if the people turn from their wicked ways. Jonah didn’t want to preach to the people of Nineveh because if they repented he knew God would act in a way consistent with His character.

Gracious (4:2) – Jonah knew God was gracious, that the Lord shows favor and give what someone needs even though they don’t deserve it, and yet he didn’t want to go to Nineveh because it would open the door for God to be gracious to them.

Compassionate (4:2) – Jonah knew that Yahweh was “compassionate,” He was a God of tender mercy but he did not want to go to Nineveh because it would open the door for God to show them His compassion (mercy).

Slow to Anger (4:2) – Jonah knew that Yahweh was slow to anger, literally “long of nostrils,” it takes a long time for Yahweh’s nostrils to flare up (human language). God does not have a short-fuse – He is not quick to become angry. Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh because it would open the door for Yahweh to be “slow to anger” with them instead of pouring out His anger upon them in judgment.

Abounding in love (4:2) – Jonah knew that Yahweh was “abounding in love,” His loving-kindness was great, but he didn’t want to go to Nineveh because it would open the door to Yahweh showing them the vast measure of His love. .

A God who relents from calamity (4:2) – Jonah knew that Yahweh was a God who would “turn away” from bring wrath and judgment but he didn’t want to go to Nineveh because it would open the door for Yahweh to “relent” from brining judgment upon them.

Jonah is so upset—the prophet’s having a “temper tantrum” like a toddler—He’s stomping his feet in disgust, face is flushed, and crying out in complaint to God. “I knew this would happen if I obeyed your call!” “I knew would be gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love, and merciful.” Jonah was “mad” that God acted in a way consistent with His character in His response to the wicked people of Nineveh. The prophet who prayerfully thanked God for His gracious mercy in his own life (Chapter 2), is the same prophet who is now prayerfully complaining to God about His gracious mercy extended to the people of Nineveh (Chapter 3). Jonah rejoiced in these wonderful attributes of God in his own life but he didn’t want them shown to his enemies. Jonah didn’t want to preach to the people of Nineveh because he didn’t want them to be recipients of God’s grace, compassion, patience, and love! Jonah wanted God to deal justly with the people of Nineveh and destroy them. Yahweh’s display of grace, mercy, slowness to anger, love, and relenting from judgment was wonderful for him and His people but not for the wicked people of Nineveh.

God went on to cause a plant to grow and die as an object lesson to teach Jonah that He wanted him to reflect His own heart. God revealed that Jonah cared a plant that saved him from the scorching sun but did not care enough for the Ninevites to be happy about God saving them. In we discovered another life-changing truth for our lives.

God pursues us to correct our ungodly attitude so we will reflect His character

God is pursuing us to correct the ungodly attitudes that reside in our own hearts so that we will reflect the heart of God. I’ve said from the very beginning of this story that God is pursuing us to change our hearts so they will be like His. Today God wants to confront and correct our hearts—heart work is never easy—but it’s vital because God desires that our hearts be aligned with His. We need to repent of our ungodly attitudes and reflect His character to the world.

· Reflect God’s heart by being gracious – who do you need to show grace to this week?

Reflect God’s heart by being merciful – who needs to be the recipient of your mercy?Reflect God’s heart by being slow to anger – a situation where you can reflect His heart? Reflect God’s heart by abounding in steadfast love (compassion) – who needs it?

As followers of Jesus we must continue to be His image bearers and reflect His heart (character) in this world.

7) “LET IT GO”

· “Let Go of Your Worry” ()

· “Let Go of Your Hurt” ()

· “Let Go of Your Past” ()

Just a few months ago we opened up the Psalms to consider the need and opportunity to “Let Go of Our Hurt.” We discovered two vital truths in the midst of our pain .

The Lord is our helper () - He is near when we are in pain and can deliver us when we are in pain. Cry out to Him to help you.

The Lord is our healer () - Our God restores and heals us when we experience pain. Let go of your pain – lay it at His feet and ask Him to heal your heart.

Full restoration and relief from pain will come one day but until that day letting go of our pain is still possible “The Lord heals his people.” Look at this wonderful truth highlighted in —“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (127:3)—The Lord can heal us when we experience pain. Living in exile was an incredible painful time for the people of Israel. Living life in a fallen world can be incredibly painful for us. The psalmist reveals the Lord’s healing of the broken-hearted—the word “heals” is the Hebrew word “rapha” which speaks of His ability to restore and repair to a preferable state—the Lord is the One who can heal our broken hearts. The Lord can heal the brokenhearted. The Lord also “binds up our wounds”—this denotes the “wrapping” of physical wound but in the immediate context it highlights His “wrapping” of our wounded (broken) hearts—and so the Lord is depicted as a caring physician. The One who hung the stars in the sky is the One who has the power to heal your broken heart (147:3-4). The Prophet Isaiah revealed that the Messiah would be the One to come and heal wounded hearts.

· – “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted[1]”

Jesus is the Messiah—He is the One who was anointed to preach the good news to the poor and sent to “bind up the brokenhearted”—Jesus can heal your pain. Jesus is the “Suffering Servant”—He experienced great physical, mental, and emotional pain for us—and He endured such pain in order to heal our pain.

· – “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save Him from death.”

· – “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Jesus’ pain is truly our gain. Jesus endured the excruciating physical, mental, and emotional pain of death by crucifixion—His suffering bought our salvation from sin and death—and the hope of the gospel reveals that through His pain we can experience His healing of our pain. Jesus is the One who makes it possible for us to “let go” of our pain because He is the One who can heal our wounded hearts.

APPLICATION

You don’t have to carry the pain that’s weighing you down this morning. The Lord is your helper and healer! Whatever pain you’re carrying can be healed by our gracious and compassionate God. What pain to you need to “let go” and “lay” at His feet for healing today?

· Betrayal?

· Depression?

· Grief?

· Loneliness?

· Rejection?

· Loss?

You can “let go” of our pain by laying it at His feet to find His healing touch upon our hearts. Cast your cares upon Him because He cares for you (). The Lord is ready to bandage up your broken-heart. You can let go of your hurt because Yahweh is ready to bandage you up. You don’t have to hold onto the pain, you don’t have to live with a broken-heart because Yahweh is reader to help and heal our hurts.

Make an appointment with the great “physician of your soul” today. Stop trying to hide the pain. Stop trying to ignore the pain. Stop trying to be a tough guy who shows no sign of pain. Stop trying to numb the pain. Your only hope is found in Jesus your help and healer. Letting go of your pain is bringing it to Him to find His healing touch. Maybe you’ve never done that in your life. Would you do it today? Would you “let go of your pain’ – laying it at His feet – and asking Him for His healing touch on your heart.

8) “THE SONGS OF CHRISTMAS” (Luke)

We just finished our ADVENT series entitled “The Songs of Christmas.” Pastor Jake and I walked us through the ancient songs found in Luke’s gospel.

· “Mary’s Song” ()

· “Zechariah’s Song” ()

· “Simeon’s Song” ()

· “The Angel’s Song” ()

I love preaching & teaching God’s Word. I love that we’re a church committed to preaching & teaching His truth so that lives are changed for His glory. I’m excited to continue preaching & teaching His Word in the years to come. Now that we’ve spent a brief time “Remembering God’s Word” from 2018 we want to now “LOOK BACK” at the ways God’s being working in our lives this past year.

B) Rejoice in God’s Work

We have “Remembered God’s Word” and now we want to “LOOK BACK” as we “Rejoice in God’s Work” in our lives over the past year. We must celebrate all that God has done in our lives in 2018. In the Psalm we find the OT people of God celebrating God’s work in their lives by sharing it with one another – they could not be silent – and they were determined to publicly proclaim God’s work in their lives to ensure it was passed on to the next generation.

· - Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.

· - Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.

· - I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you Every day I will praise you And extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

We’re invited to be a congregation that celebrates God’s mighty works in our lives – we can follow in the footsteps of the people of Israel when they praised God together and proclaimed His amazing work in their lives – let’s be a congregation that tells one another about all that He has done for us!

Let’s follow up our remembrance of God’s Word by rejoicing in God’s Work in our lives. I love reviewing those truths and celebrating how we’ve seen God use His Word to draw us closer to Him and make us more like Jesus. Now our time “Looking Back” over the life-changing truths from 2018 was brief for a reason, I did a quick fly-by intentionally, because I wanted to allow us adequate time to rejoice in His work by sharing “God-sightings” with one another today. I want to give the opportunity for us to live out the psalms by sharing “how” we’ve seen God at work in our own lives and in the life of us as a church. I want us to share where you’ve seen Him at work in your own life or the lives of others in 2018. We’re going to spend the bulk of our time sharing about God’s work in our lives. I know it’s scary – I’m trained in the art of silence which means it doesn’t bother me – and I’m ready and willing to allow the Holy Spirit to prompt you to share what He brings to your mind this morning. I’ll have a couple of people taking mics to where you are so everyone can hear you share your God-sighting. Who wants to begin this time of rejoicing in God’s work in your life?

· Sharing Time

What a tender time! Thanks for sharing your God-sightings from 2018. Let’s thank Him and praise Him for His work in our lives (Three volunteers to pray).

LOOKING FORWARD…

2018 has been a big year for MBC – you’ve endured some hard days – thanks again for your love and encouragement during this transition. I look forward to deepening our relationships and growing closer to the Lord and to one another in the years to come. We’re going to have many more “God-sightings” to share in the future. 2019 is on the horizon – wow – so let’s take a few minutes “LOOKING FORWARD.”

A) Our Work

We can “LOOK FORWARD” to the work God is going to continue to do in and through us as a church family. God has much more He wants to do as He makes us more like Jesus in 2019. One of the things that won’t change in 2019 is our commitment to fulfilling our disciple-making mission. Jesus has commissioned us to “go and make disciples of all nations” and that doesn’t change in 2019. Jesus is alive and working through His church – you and me – we must continue to embrace this calling from God and fulfill our mission by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We’ve began the year learning a new mission statement – I’ve asked you to memorize it – if you didn’t get that done make it one of your New Year Resolutions for 2019. We haven’t reviewed it for several weeks – can anyone say it from memory? (Nice). Let’s say it together!

· Mission statement (Projected)

That’s why we’re here – that’s what we’re called to do – to develop dedicated followers of Jesus Christ who worship, grow, love, and share all for the glory of God! We’re not here to be a social club, we’re not here to satisfy pet projects, we’re not here to become a holy huddle, we’re not here to make ourselves feel good, we don’t exist for political purposes, social purposes, fraternal purposes, educational purposes, civil purposes, for intellectual purposes, for philosophical purposes—our purpose is theological, spiritual, and doxological (God’s glory) purposes—to see hearts respond by faith to the good news and be transformed into followers of Jesus who live lives of worship, growing in Him, loving Him and others, and sharing our gifts and the good news with others. Every decision made and dollar spent is about this mission.

I want to remind you that this is not “my” mission – this is our mission – it’s been given to us by Jesus. Therefore if you haven’t “owned” this mission as a follower of Jesus – it’s time to start. Every believer in this family needs to “own” this call to follow Jesus and have their life marked by worship, growth, love, and sharing. Every believer must live this life of a disciple – worshipping, growing in the Word by getting connected to a class or small group, exhibiting and expressing love, and using your gifts and sharing the good news with others you know. We will need more people serving in children’s ministry, drivers, ministry leaders, deacons, elders, worship ministry, greeting, ministry, hospitality, helps, teaching, visitations, and events!

In the days to come we want to develop a pathway that will help you determine where you are and what’s your next step in becoming a follower of Jesus.

In the fulfillment of our mission we have some projects/initiatives we hope to accomplish in the coming year as God leads.

· Bus - Purchase used bus/van with handicap lift – we need to raise some money to complete that project. We’ll be talking more about how to help (giving above and beyond regular giving). Until that’s purchased please know the ministry isn’t suffering – we are picking people up who need rides and will continue to do so in the future.

· Assimilation – we want to improve our connection with guests. We need help making people feel “welcome” and will be developing a better system to help people get to know one another. Please keep an eye out for guests – introduce yourself – and make them feel welcome.

· Classes/Small Groups – In order to be dedicated followers of Jesus Christ who “grow” we will continue to offer a good Children, student, and Adult classes on Sunday morning – and we will have small groups meeting in homes again. Our new classes and small groups kick off January 13th – it’s a great time to get connected to grow!

· Children’s Ministry – We need more people to serve in the nursery and help teach kids. They are the future of the church – perhaps God’s calling you to serve there this year?!

We have exciting days ahead. Whatever changes come in 2019 one thing that won’t change is our commitment to our disciple-making mission!

B) Our Walk with God

Let’s keep “LOOKING AHEAD” and consider “Our Walk with God” in 2019. As we prepare for 2019 I’m sure you’ve got some New Year Resolutions. Most resolutions involve a “diet” or “weight loss” – I’ve got some work to do this year. Some resolutions are crazy!

· Funny New Year Resolutions

Most resolutions don’t last for longer than a month. That’s why I resolve every year to not eat mushrooms – I’m vigilant and fairly successful so I feel good – but every now and again I fail when one sneaks through in a pizza or Italian dish. How about making some resolutions for your walk with God? The greatest American theologian and pastor Jonathan Edwards made a massive list of resolutions.

· Edward’s resolutions

How about us? Could we make some similar resolutions in our lives? Where do you need to set some new goals personally, spiritually, and missionally? Here’s a card to help you prayerfully consider some areas of growth for you in 2019. I encourage you to take this home and lay this before the Lord to see where He speaks and is leading you in 2019. You don’t have to do it all – even on “Next Step” would be great to wrestle out with God!

C) Our Time in God’s Word

Finally, let’s LOOK AHEAD to our first sermon series for 2019. Next week we will kick off a series through Hebrews entitled “The Superiority of Jesus.” I’m super excited about this series – Hebrews is one of my favorite books in the Bible. This will be an extended series – January-June (with breaks) so it’s our longest series to date – and I’m excited to have us see the “big picture” of the book and the “greatness” of Jesus. I encourage you to begin reading through Hebrews – it’s only 13 chapters long so you could read it in one setting – but in preparation for the next few weeks you could start by reading through & 2.

CONCLUSION

I hope you have a great time celebrating the arrival of 2019 – please stay away from some of those craze New Year parties where everyone gets “pick-pocketed to give it a Times Square feel.”

Today our preparation for the New Year has including LOOKING BACK

· Remembering God’s Word from this past year

· Sharing God’s Work in our lives

We’ve also been LOOKING FORWARD – renewing our commitment to fulfilling our disciple-making mission, renewing our walk with God by considering some “Next Steps,” and previewing our series in Hebrews.

It’s a joy and privilege to be your pastor – may the Lord continue to flood our hearts with His goodness and grace as we follow Him – let’s pray!

[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), .