If you’ve ever forgotten a bag of potatoes in the back of a dark pantry, you know that time doesn’t make them better—it makes them toxic. At first, there’s just a faint, earthy musk. But eventually, the rot sets in. The smell becomes an all-encompassing stench that leeches into everything else in the kitchen. You can’t just shut the door and hope it goes away; the longer they stay, the more they liquefy and ruin the shelves they sit on. To save the pantry, you have to reach into the dark, grab the mess, and throw it completely out of the house.

Paul tells us that things like greed, malice, and slander are the ‘rotten potatoes’ of the soul. We think we can just ignore them or hide them behind a closed door, but they are actively decaying our character and our community. Verse 5 doesn’t say ‘rearrange’ the earthly nature; it says ‘put it to death.’ It’s time to clear the pantry.

Christ is the center, the circumference, and the very air we breathe. It is an invitation to stop managing our old selves and start inhabiting the new humanity God is crafting within us.

NOTE: This is the “Therefore” based upon Colossians 3:1-4

Colossians 3:1-4 NIV Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

The Message

COLOSSIANS 3:5–11 (NIV)Theme: The Great Exchange—Stripping the Old to Embody the New

Verses 5–7 —The Execution of the Old NatureColossians 3:5–7 (NIV)

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.

Cross References

• Romans 8:13 – “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”
• 1 Corinthians 6:11 – “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified…”

Why We Struggle We often try to “manage” our shadow side rather than eliminate its influence. We treat toxic habits as minor flaws rather than destructive forces that compete for the throne of our hearts.

Integrated Truth Because we are raised with Christ (v. 1), we have the authority to execute the habits that no longer fit our new identity. Killing the “earthly nature” isn’t legalism; it’s clearing out the rot to make room for the life God intended.

Know This

• You cannot negotiate with what is meant to be executed.
• Greed is not just a habit; it is a displacement of God (idolatry).

Response of the Believer

• Identify specific “earthly” patterns and name them honestly.
• Refuse to entertain desires that contradict your new life.
• Walk in gratitude for the “past tense” of your former lifestyle.

Verse 8 — Stripping Away Social Sins Colossians 3:8 (NIV)

8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Cross References

• James 1:21 – “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent…”
• Ephesians 4:31 – “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander…”

Why We Struggle While we might avoid “big” sins, we often tolerate “respectable” sins like simmering anger or sharp words. We underestimate how much our speech affects our spiritual health and our community.

Integrated Truth The “clothing” of our character must match our new spirit. Slander and malice are like wearing dirty rags over a tuxedo; they are fundamentally incompatible with who you have become in Christ.

Know This

• The tongue reveals the state of the heart.
• Spiritual maturity is visible in how we handle conflict and conversation.

Response of the Believer

• Audit your speech for traces of malice or “filthy language.”
• Choose silence over slander.
• Invite the Holy Spirit to cool the “rage” before it reaches your lips.

Verses 9–10 — The Process of Restoration Colossians 3:9–10 (NIV)

9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Cross References

• Genesis 1:27 – “So God created mankind in his own image…”
• 2 Corinthians 3:18 – “…are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory.”

Why We Struggle We find it hard to be authentic. We hide our true selves behind lies because we fear the “new self” isn’t enough, or we get frustrated that the “renewal” process takes time.

Integrated Truth Transformation is both a “done deal” (you have put on the new self) and an ongoing process (which is being renewed). We are being restored to the original “Image of God” that was marred by the fall.

Know This

• Honesty is the baseline for Christian community.
• Growth is the restoration of God’s original design for your life.

Response of the Believer

• Commit to total transparency with fellow believers.
• View life as a classroom where you are learning to look like Jesus.
• Trust the Creator to finish the work of renewal in you.

Verse 11 — The New Humanity Colossians 3:11 (NIV)

11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Cross References

• Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
• Ephesians 2:14 – “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one…”

Why We Struggle Humanity is prone to tribalism. We use race, social status, and religious background to build walls of superiority or exclusion, even within the church.

Integrated Truth In the “New Self” economy, Christ is the only metric that matters. He is the ultimate equalizer and unifier. When Christ is “all,” our secondary differences lose their power to divide.

Know This

• The Gospel is the death of elitism and the birth of true community.
• If Christ is in your brother or sister, they are your equal.

Response of the Believer

• Actively dismantle prejudices based on status or background.
• Seek unity with those who are culturally different from you.
• Center every relationship on the shared presence of Christ.

THEOLOGICAL SUMMARY

Colossians 3:5–11 teaches that:

• The Christian life requires a “strip and equip” mentality—discarding the old to embrace the new.
• Holiness involves both private purity (v. 5) and public integrity (v. 8).
• Transformation is a journey of being restored to the Image of God.
• The Gospel creates a new humanity where social and ethnic barriers are abolished.

What to Understand

• Sin is fundamentally “idolatry”—replacing God with self-desire.
• Transformation is an ongoing “renewal in knowledge.”
• Your new identity is corporate; it binds you to the whole body of Christ.

What to Feel

• Resolve to deal with sin decisively rather than passively.
• Humility regarding your past and your need for daily renewal.
• Inclusivity toward all members of God’s family.

What to Do

• “Kill” a specific habit this week that belongs to the “earthly nature.”
• Correct a lie or a piece of slander with the truth and an apology.
• Intentionally engage with someone outside your “social circle” in your community.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• You cannot live the new life while wearing the old nature.
• What you say reveals who you are becoming.
• Renewal is the path back to the Image of God.
• Christ is the only identity that truly defines us.

As we stand at the edge of a new year, many people carry a quiet question in their hearts — a question we don’t always say out loud:

“Am I enough?”

We measure ourselves by how the year went, by what we accomplished or failed to accomplish, by how others see us, and sometimes by how we see ourselves on our hardest days.

But before Paul ever talks about how believers should live, he reminds us of something even more foundational:

• our worth is already settled.

In Colossians 3, Paul doesn’t begin with pressure, performance, or promises to do better.

• He begins with identity.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ…”

That single statement tells us that the believer’s value is no longer defined by the world’s standards or by our past.

• Our lives are hidden with Christ in God — secure, protected, and deeply valued.

And when our worth is settled in Christ, something powerful happens:

• we are finally free.
• Free from striving to prove ourselves.
• Free from being limited by others’ expectations.
• Free to live fully into the gifts and calling God has placed within us.

This passage does not pull us away from life — it releases us to live it well, with confidence now and hope for the day we will see Christ face to face.

So today, as we look toward the new year, we’re not asking, “How can I become more valuable?”

We’re asking a better question:

• “How do I live — now that my worth is secure in Christ?”

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📖 COLOSSIANS 3:1–4 (NIV)

Theme: Freedom to live fully now, anchored in eternity

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Verse 1 — A Risen Identity That Frees Our Focus

Colossians 3:1 (NIV)

1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Cross References (Written Out)

• Ephesians 2:6 – “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”
• Galatians 1:10 – “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?”

Why We Struggle

We often live as though our worth and direction must be validated by the world. Approval, comparison, and expectations quietly shape our focus and limit our confidence.

Integrated Truth

Because we are already raised with Christ, we are no longer bound to the world’s definitions of success or failure. Our focus is freed from external pressure and redirected toward Christ’s reign.

Know This

A risen identity releases us from chasing validation. When Christ reigns over us, the world no longer rules us.

Response of the Believer

• Refuse to let worldly expectations dictate direction.
• Set affection on Christ, not comparison.
• Live confidently from who you are in Him.

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Verse 2 — A Renewed Mind That Releases Potential

Colossians 3:2 (NIV)

2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Cross References

• Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
• Isaiah 55:8–9 – “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts…’ declares the LORD.”

Why We Struggle

Earthly thinking narrows our vision. Fear, scarcity, and self-doubt shape what we believe is possible.

Integrated Truth

When our minds are set on Christ, we are freed from small thinking. A heavenly mindset expands our understanding of what God can do in us and through us.

Know This

The mind anchored in Christ is no longer confined by earthly limitations.

Response of the Believer

• Replace limiting thoughts with God’s truth.
• Think beyond fear and toward calling.
• Allow Scripture to reshape expectations for life and ministry.
• Genesis 18:14 — “Is anything too hard for the LORD?”

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Verse 3 — A Hidden Life That Secures Identity and Freedom

Colossians 3:3 (NIV)

3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

Cross References

• Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live…”
• Romans 8:1 – “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Why We Struggle

We still allow past failures, present struggles, or others’ opinions to define us, which restrains confidence and obedience.

Integrated Truth

Because our lives are hidden with Christ, we are secure. This security frees us to step forward boldly, without fear of condemnation or rejection.

Know This

Security in Christ produces courage in life. A hidden life is not restricted — it is protected.

Response of the Believer

• Live boldly from a settled identity.
• Refuse labels that Christ has already removed.
• Step into God’s calling without fear of exposure or failure.

Everything we store on earth can be stolen — but our worth is stored in heaven, hidden with Christ, beyond the reach of any thief.

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Verse 4 — Future Glory That Gives Present Purpose

Colossians 3:4 (NIV)

4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Cross References

• 1 John 3:2 – “When Christ appears, we shall be like him…”
• Romans 8:18 – “The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Why We Struggle

We allow temporary setbacks to overshadow eternal promises, shrinking our vision and diminishing hope.

Integrated Truth

Future glory does not distract us from today — it empowers us to live fully today. Knowing how the story ends frees us to invest our lives wisely now.

Know This

Eternal hope does not minimize today’s life — it maximizes its meaning.

Response of the Believer

• Live purposefully in the present with eternity in view.
• Use your gifts boldly, knowing glory is ahead.
• Walk confidently toward Christ, who defines both now and forever.

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📘 THEOLOGICAL SUMMARY

Colossians 3:1–4 teaches that:

• Believers share in Christ’s resurrection life
• Identity in Christ frees us from worldly pressure
• Security in Christ releases us to live fully now
• Future glory shapes present purpose

This passage does not call believers to retreat from life, but to engage it freely, grounded in Christ and confident in eternity.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Resurrection identity frees us from worldly pressure.
2. A heavenly mindset unlocks God-given potential.
3. Security in Christ releases courage.
4. Future glory empowers present purpose.
5. We are free to live fully now — and forever with Christ.

Closing

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One Core Truth

Because my life is hidden with Christ, my worth is secure — and I am free to live fully.

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Three Anchoring Takeaways

1. My worth is already settled in Christ

I do not need the next year to prove my value. I have been raised with Christ. My life is hidden in Him.

Worth is not something I earn — it is something I receive.

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2. I am free from the world’s pressure to define me

I don’t have to live by comparison, approval, or fear of failure. Earthly voices no longer get the final word over my life.

What Christ says about me matters more than what the world expects from me.

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3. I am free to live fully now, with eternity in view

Heavenly perspective does not shrink life — it expands it. I can walk confidently in God’s gifts and purposes today, knowing my future is secure.

I live fully now because my future is already certain.

“As you step into the new year, don’t carry pressure — carry truth. Your worth is secure in Christ. You are free to live fully now, and forever with Him.”

Every Christmas, we return to a familiar scene. We hear about a decree from Caesar, a long journey to Bethlehem, a baby wrapped in cloths and laid in a manger, shepherds startled by angels, and heaven breaking its silence with a song:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)

It’s a beautiful account — one we know well.

• But Luke tells us what happened that night.

Luke 2:10 NIV But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

• John tells us what it meant.
• Luke shows us a baby born in a specific place, at a specific time, under specific circumstances.
• John pulls back the curtain and tells us something even more astonishing:

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”

In other words, Christmas is not just about a birth — it is about God coming near.

• The manger was not the beginning.
• The angels were not the explanation.
• They were the announcement of something far greater:

The eternal God stepped into human history.

So this morning, we will briefly stand in Bethlehem with Luke — and then we will listen carefully to John, as he helps us understand the miracle behind the moment, the meaning behind the manger, and the grace behind the glory.

Because if Christmas is only a story we remember, we will miss the Savior who came to dwell among us.

The Message

Lead in reading John 1:1-13

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JOHN 1:14–18 (NIV)

Theme: The miracle of Christmas is not just that God came — but that He came near.

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The Word Became Flesh

John 1:14a (NIV)

14aThe Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

Cross References (Written Out)

• Philippians 2:6–7 – “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”
• Hebrews 2:14 – “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death.”

Why We Struggle

We often imagine God as distant, abstract, or detached from real human pain. It’s hard to believe God truly understands weakness, suffering, and limitation.

Know This

Christmas declares that God did not remain distant — He entered fully into human life.

Response of the Believer

• Trust that Jesus understands human weakness firsthand.
• Bring real struggles to Christ without fear.
• Worship God not just for His power, but for His humility.

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God Made His Home Among Us (Emanuel)

John 1:14b (NIV)

14bWe have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

(Note: “made his dwelling” literally means “tabernacled”)

Cross References

• Exodus 25:8 – “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.”
• Revelation 21:3 – “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.”

Why We Struggle

We compartmentalize faith — inviting God into spiritual moments but not daily life. We struggle to believe God desires closeness.

Know This

God’s glory is not revealed through distance — but through His presence.

Response of the Believer

• Invite Christ into everyday spaces, not just sacred ones.
• Practice awareness of God’s nearness daily.
• Let faith shape ordinary life, not just worship moments.

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Glory Revealed Through Grace and Truth

John 1:14c (NIV)

“…full of grace and truth.”

Cross References

• Exodus 34:6 – “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
• John 8:11 – “Neither do I condemn you… Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Why We Struggle

We tend to emphasize either grace or truth. Too much truth becomes harsh; too much grace becomes permissive.

Know This

Jesus perfectly embodies grace and truth — never compromising either.

Response of the Believer

• (Receive the Gift of Christmas) Receive both Christ’s forgiveness and His transforming call.
• (Give the Gift of Christmas) Extend grace to others without abandoning truth.
• Reflect Christ’s balance in relationships.

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Grace Upon Grace

John 1:15–16 (NIV)

15John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”16Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.

Cross References

• Lamentations 3:22–23 – “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning.”
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Why We Struggle

We live as though grace is limited — as if we can exhaust God’s patience or wear out His mercy.

Know This

God’s grace is not rationed — it is replenished.

Response of the Believer

• Stop living in fear of “running out” of grace.
• Receive God’s daily provision with gratitude.
• Extend grace to others from what you’ve received.

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Grace Replaces Law as the Final Word

John 1:17 (NIV)

17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Cross References

• Romans 8:1 – “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
• Galatians 3:24–25 – “The law was our guardian until Christ came… Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.”

Why We Struggle

We default to performance-based faith — measuring worth by behavior rather than by grace.

Know This

The law reveals our need — Christ reveals God’s heart.

Response of the Believer

• Live from grace, not guilt.
• Let obedience flow from love, not fear.
• Rest in Christ’s finished work.

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God Fully Revealed in Christ

John 1:18 (NIV)

18No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

Cross References

• Colossians 1:15 – “The Son is the image of the invisible God.”
• Hebrews 1:3 – “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.”

Why We Struggle

We sometimes shape God in our own image or rely on assumptions rather than revelation.

Know This

If you want to know what God is like — look at Jesus.

Response of the Believer

• Let Christ define your understanding of God.
• Trust that God’s heart is fully revealed in Jesus.
• Follow Christ as the clearest revelation of truth.

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THEOLOGICAL SUMMARY

John 1:14–18 teaches that:

• God entered human history through the incarnation
• God chose nearness over distance
• God revealed His glory through grace and truth
• Grace flows endlessly from Christ’s fullness
• Jesus is the final and fullest revelation of God

Christmas is the declaration that God has come near. Emanuel – God With Us

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HEAD — What to Understand

• Jesus is fully God and was fully human.
• God’s glory is revealed through grace, not distance.
• Christ replaces law as the final word.

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HEART — What to Feel

• Awe at God’s Grace and Love.
• Gratitude for undeserved grace.
• Assurance of God’s nearness.

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HAND — What to Do

• Receive His grace daily.
• Extend grace to others.
• Live in awareness of God’s presence.
• Reflect Christ’s grace and truth in everyday life.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Christmas is about God coming near, not just a birth.
2. Jesus reveals exactly what God is like.
3. Grace is abundant and ongoing (replenished not portioned).
4. The Law points to Christ, but Christ completes the story.
5. God’s glory is most clearly seen in Jesus.

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Closing Paragraph — Returning to Luke 2:14

That night in Bethlehem, the angels didn’t sing about a program, a plan, or a philosophy. They sang about a Person.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

• That peace did not come through power or politics.
• It did not arrive through force or control.
• It came because God came near.

The baby in the manger grew to reveal the heart of God — full of grace and truth. And the peace the angels announced was not just for a moment, but for all who would receive Him.

So as we step into Christmas this week, may we do more than remember a story — may we receive the Savior.

May our hearts give glory to God, and may our lives reflect the peace that comes when God makes His dwelling among us, and by the Holy Spirit within us.

We are close enough to Christmas to feel its anticipation — but not yet close enough to celebrate its fulfillment.

We are living in the in-between.

• The gifts are wrapped. The plans are mostly made. The decorations are up.

And yet… there is still waiting.

Scripture is honest about this space — because the first Christmas was lived in it.

For centuries, God’s people lived between promise and fulfillment:

• Promises spoken to Abraham,
• Echoed through David,
• Repeated by the prophets,
• Longed for by generations who never lived to see the manger.

They believed God would act — they just didn’t know when or how.

And that’s where many of us are today.

Not just before Christmas — but in life.

• Waiting for answers.
• Waiting for healing.
• Waiting for clarity.
• Waiting for God to move.

This Sunday is not about rushing past the waiting — it’s about learning how to wait with faith, hope, and trust, knowing that God is always faithful to keep His word.

The Message

📖 LUKE 1:26–38 (NIV)

Theme: Faithful surrender between promise and fulfillment

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SECTION 1 — God Enters the Ordinary

Luke 1:26–29 (NIV)

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.

Cross Reference

• 1 Corinthians 1:27–28 – “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise… the lowly things of this world and the despised things… so that no one may boast before him.”

Why We Struggle

We often assume God works through importance, visibility, and influence. When life feels ordinary or unnoticed, we question whether God is truly at work.

Why Mary Did Not Struggle

Mary did not assume obscurity meant insignificance. Though surprised, she did not dismiss the possibility that God could work through her ordinary life.

Know This

God’s presence is not dependent on prominence. He often begins His greatest work in unnoticed places.

Response of the Believer

• Remain attentive to God in ordinary seasons.
• Trust that faithfulness matters more than visibility.

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SECTION 2 — God’s Favor Includes Responsibility

Luke 1:30–33 (NIV)

30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High… 33 and his kingdom will never end.”

Cross Reference

• Isaiah 9:6–7 – “For to us a child is born… and the government will be on his shoulders… Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.”

Why We Struggle

We often equate God’s favor with comfort, ease, and affirmation. When obedience brings cost, confusion, or sacrifice, we question whether God is truly blessing us.

Why Mary Did Not Struggle

Mary did not confuse favor with comfort. She accepted that God’s favor could include misunderstanding, sacrifice, and risk.

Know This

God’s favor does not remove difficulty — it assigns divine purpose to it.

Response of the Believer

• Trust God’s purposes even when they disrupt comfort.
• Measure favor by faithfulness, not ease.

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SECTION 3 — Faith Can Ask Honest Questions

Luke 1:34 (NIV)

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

Cross Reference

• Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Why We Struggle

We fear that questions reveal weak faith. We either suppress honest concerns or allow them to become doubt and withdrawal.

Why Mary Did Not Struggle

Mary’s question was not rooted in disbelief but in submission. She was not asking if God could do it, but how He would do it.

Know This

God welcomes questions that seek understanding, not escape.

Response of the Believer

• Bring honest questions to God in humility.
• Let questions deepen trust rather than erode it.

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SECTION 4 — God’s Power Transcends Human Limitation

Luke 1:35–37 (NIV)

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you… 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age… 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

Cross Reference

• Genesis 18:14 – “Is anything too hard for the LORD?”

The verse reminds us that God’s promises are not limited by human weakness, time, or biology. What seems impossible to people is entirely possible with God.

Why We Struggle

We measure God’s promises by logic, probability, and precedent. When outcomes seem impossible, our confidence falters.

Why Mary Did Not Struggle

Mary accepted God’s power without demanding proof. She trusted God’s Word more than her limitations.

Know This

Impossibility is not a barrier to God — it is often the setting for His glory.

Response of the Believer

• Trust God’s Word even when outcomes seem impossible.
• Recall past faithfulness as assurance for present trust.

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SECTION 5 — Surrender Is the Proper Response to God’s Will

Luke 1:38 (NIV)

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Cross Reference

• Romans 12:1 – “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

Why We Struggle

We want clarity before commitment and assurance before obedience. We delay surrender until conditions feel safe.

Why Mary Did Not Struggle

Mary surrendered without guarantees. She trusted God’s character more than she needed control of the outcome.

Know This

Faith is not understanding everything — it is trusting the God who does.

Response of the Believer

• Offer your will fully to God.
• Obey even when the future is unclear.
• Pray: “Lord, let Your word be fulfilled in me.”

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THEOLOGICAL SUMMARY

Luke 1:26–38 reveals:

• God’s sovereign initiative in salvation
• The divine work of the Holy Spirit in the incarnation
• The fulfillment of ancient promises through humble obedience
• Surrender as the posture that receives God’s redemptive work

Mary stands as a model of faithful surrender in the in-between.

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🔑 Pastoral Emphasis for the Congregation

Mary did not have more information than we do — she simply trusted God more than she trusted herself.

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Three Reflections for the Week Before Christmas

1. Where do I need to trust God more than I need certainty?

Mary did not have all the answers—only a promise. This week, reflect on where you are waiting for clarity instead of choosing trust. Ask God for a heart that rests in His character, even when the outcome is unknown.

“May your word to me be fulfilled.” — Luke 1:38

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2. What ordinary moment might God be inviting me to see as holy?

God entered the world through an ordinary young woman in an ordinary town. As you go about routines—shopping, working, caring for family—pause and ask where God might be present and at work in the everyday.

“The Lord is with you.” — Luke 1:28

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3. How can I practice surrender instead of control this week?

The days before Christmas often feel rushed and demanding. Instead of trying to manage everything perfectly, practice surrender—through prayer, gratitude, and slowing your pace. Let your yes to God shape your response to people and pressures.

“I am the Lord’s servant.” — Luke 1:38

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Closing Thought for the Week

Christmas does not begin with celebration—it begins with trust. This week, let faith shape your waiting.

This sermon, delivered during the Advent season, offers an in-depth analysis of Psalm 23 (KJV), presenting Jesus Christ as the ultimate, personal Savior—not merely a generic rescuer, but one who seeks a relationship with us. Using the shepherd-and-sheep metaphor, the speaker illustrates humanity’s need for guidance, protection, and restoration—needs that Christ fulfills. The message explores how God leads, restores, and protects believers through life’s darkest moments, symbolized by the “valley of the shadow of death,” and emphasizes that Christ’s presence turns trials into passages we can get “through” by the power of the cross. It concludes by highlighting the lavish, abundant, and eternal nature of God’s care, urging the congregation to use Advent for spiritual preparation and reflection on the full meaning of Christ’s coming—His birth, His life, and His promised return.

Knowledge Points

1. Advent Season and the Savior
   • The term “Advent” comes from the Latin “Adventus,” meaning “coming” or “arrival.”
   • It is a season of preparation for two comings: the birth of Christ and His promised second coming at the end of time.
   • It is a time for spiritual preparation, reflection, and repentance—similar to the season before Easter—focusing on hope, peace, joy, and love. Defining Christ as Savior
   • Psalm 23 points to the coming of Christ as our Savior.
   • A savior is a rescuer who saves someone from harm, danger, or a condition they cannot escape on their own.
   • Christ is more than a generic savior (like a fireman or policeman) with whom one might have no personal relationship.
   • Christ is a true, personal Savior who desires a relationship with us.
2. Psalm 23: The Lord Our Shepherd Humanity’s Need for a Shepherd (Like Sheep)
   • The psalm uses the shepherd-and-sheep metaphor to describe Christ’s relationship with believers.
   • Sheep are prone to wandering, easily frightened, and cannot survive on their own; they cannot fight predators or easily find food.
   • Similarly, humans cannot save themselves and are prone to wandering and becoming spiritually lost when left on their own. Provision and Restoration (Verses 1–3)
   • “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul.”
   • The shepherd provides safety; sheep lie down only when secure. God calms our chaotic souls.
   • “Restoration” implies something broken. Sin breaks our relationship with God, but our Savior restores us and breathes new life into us. Guidance into Righteous Paths (Verse 3)
   • “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
   • God has plans to prosper us, not harm us, so we can trust His guidance.
   • We are led on righteous paths not because of our own righteousness, but because of God’s good and righteous nature—so others can see what God has done. Comfort in Darkness (Verse 4)
   • “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.”
   • The psalm shifts from talking about God to talking to God, highlighting a personal relationship.
   • The “valley of the shadow of death” represents life’s difficult, frightening times. Shepherds used a rod for protection against predators and a staff (crook) to rescue straying sheep.
   • Christ walked through death for us and conquered it, so we do not face it alone. The valley becomes a passage, not a prison. The Power of “Though” and “Through”
   • The speaker references Reverend Sweet’s sermon highlighting “though” and “through.”
   • “Though” we find ourselves in trouble, we will get “through” it.
   • The difference is the letter “R.” In sign language, “R” is formed by crossing fingers, symbolizing the cross.
   • It is the cross of Christ that gets us “through” tough times—not luck (like crossing fingers for good luck). Lavish Provision and Blessing (Verse 5)
   • “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil. My cup runneth over.”
   • A shepherd anoints a sheep’s head with oil to heal wounds and protect from insects.
   • In ancient times, anointing a guest’s head with oil signified blessing at a banquet; a host kept a guest’s cup full, and an empty cup signaled the end of the feast.
   • God provides a feast even amidst our enemies, and our cup “runneth over,” signifying lavish, abundant blessing and that God never tires of our presence. Eternal Faithfulness and Mercy (Verse 6)
   • “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
   • Unlike a one-time rescuer, a shepherd never leaves his sheep. Jesus promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
   • This promise extends beyond this life into the afterlife. Jesus promised His disciples He was going to prepare a place for them.
   • We are assured of an eternal home with God.
3. Attributes of a True Savior A Comprehensive Savior
   • Christ is provider, guide, restorer, healer, and protector.
   • He comforts, shows compassion, and does not abandon us. God’s Ultimate Control
   • The Book of Job and Jesus’ words to Peter show that Satan must ask God’s permission before afflicting believers.
   • This demonstrates that God is always in control; whatever happens, He is with us and will get us through it. Giver of Abundant Life
   • Jesus came not just to give life, but to give “abundant life.” He wants what is best for us. Involved and Eternal Savior
   • He is faithful, merciful, eternal, and actively involved in our lives—not distant.

Assignments

• During Advent, draw close to God through prayer and reflection on all that Christ has done.Spiritually prepare your heart, mind, and spirit for the celebration of Christ’s birth and for His promised second coming.
• Remember that Advent is about Christ’s birth, life, death, resurrection, and the promise of His return.

Introduction — “A Rhythm for the Restless Soul”

• We live in a world that is exhausted.
• People are anxious, weary, stretched thin, and pulled in a hundred directions at once.
• Our minds race, our hearts worry, and our days feel overloaded.
• And even believers—who know the promises of God—often feel unsettled inside.

That’s why Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 speak so powerfully to us today. They are short, simple, and direct… but they offer something we desperately need:

• A spiritual rhythm
• for a restless soul.

Three anchors. Three habits that stabilize the heart when everything around us feels unstable:

Rejoice always.Pray continually.Give thanks in all circumstances.

Paul is not offering quick fixes or religious clichés. He is giving us:

• a way to live,
• a way to stay spiritually grounded
• no matter what is happening in the world.

• In a culture running on stress, these verses teach us how to run on strength.
• In a world driven by worry, they show us how to live with worship.

And when life feels overwhelming, this passage gives us a clear path:

• Joy that isn’t based on circumstances,
• Prayer that becomes a lifestyle,
• Gratitude that stabilizes the soul.

This is God’s will for us — not to survive the days, but to walk through them with a heart anchored in Christ.

Note: The key word is “through”.  We are not “in” something, we are going “through” something.

Psalms 23:4 NIV Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Philippians 4:13 NIV I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

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1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NIV)

16Rejoice always,17pray continually,18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Paul gives three commands that form the daily posture of a Spirit-anchored life.

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1 — “Rejoice Always” (v.16)

Verse (NIV)

Rejoice always.

Cross References

• Philippians 4:4 – “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
• Habakkuk 3:17–18 – “Though the fig tree does not bud… yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
• Psalm 16:11 – “You make known to me the path of life… in your presence there is fullness of joy.”

Theological Insight: Joy is the settled assurance that Christ reigns, Christ is with us, and Christ will finish His work.

Why We Struggle

We confuse joy with emotion, happiness, or circumstances. We wait to rejoice when life feels good rather than rejoicing because God is good.

Know This

Joy is not a reaction — it is a relationship. It flows from Christ in you, not conditions around you.

Response of the Believer

• Rejoice in the Lord, not in the moment.
• Start each day acknowledging God’s goodness.
• Declare joy by faith when feelings are absent.

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2 — “Pray Continually” (v.17)

Verse (NIV)

Pray continually.

Cross References

• Luke 18:1 – “Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”
• Ephesians 6:18 – “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
• Psalm 34:15 – “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry.”

Theological Insight:Prayer is the lifeline of the believer; continual prayer reflects continual dependence.

Why We Struggle

We limit prayer to moments instead of making it a mindset. Busyness competes, distractions dominate, and prayer becomes an event rather than fellowship.

Know This

Continual prayer is continual dependence. It is not constant talking — it is constant turning to God.

Response of the Believer

• Maintain an inner posture of conversation with God all day.
• Turn every worry into a whispered prayer.
• Make gratitude, confession, and reliance a rhythm.

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3 — “Give Thanks in All Circumstances” (v.18)

Verse (NIV)

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Cross References

• Ephesians 5:20 – “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
• Psalm 34:1 – “I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
• Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…”

Theological Insight: Gratitude is not optional—it is the will of God because it reflects trust in God.

Why We Struggle

Thankfulness feels unnatural in difficulty. We interpret circumstances through emotions rather than through God’s sovereignty and faithfulness.

Know This

You are not called to give thanks for all circumstances, but to give thanks in all circumstances. Gratitude is an act of trust, not denial.

Response of the Believer

• Thank God for His presence, even when His plan isn’t clear.
• Identify one thing to be grateful for each day.
• Let gratitude shift your perspective from “why me?” to “with me.”

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THEOLOGICAL SUMMARY

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 reveals God’s will not as a specific assignment but as a spiritual posture:

• Joy rooted in Christ,
• Prayer rooted in dependence,
• Thankfulness rooted in trust.

This is the lifestyle of a believer shaped by the Spirit rather than the world.

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HEAD — What to Understand

• Joy is found in Christ’s presence.
• Prayer is the breath of the believer.
• Gratitude is the will of God for every situation.

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HEART — What to Feel

• A steady, Christ-centered joy.
• A calm awareness of God’s nearness.
• A thankful spirit even when life is uncertain.

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HAND — What to Do

• Practice daily rejoicing.
• Develop a conversational prayer life.
• Keep a gratitude list to train your heart toward thankfulness.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Joy isn’t optional — it’s commanded because Christ is constant.
2. Prayer is not scheduled occasionally — it is the believer’s lifestyle.
3. Gratitude is the believer’s witness that God is trustworthy.
4. This is God’s will: a heart that rejoices, a life that prays, and a soul that gives thanks.

As we approach Thanksgiving, we must acknowledge something honest: gratitude does not happen automatically. The cares of this world—responsibilities, pressures, deadlines, family needs, financial concerns—will rob us of a grateful heart unless gratitude is intentionally guarded.

Paul writes these words from prison, yet his message is joy. This shows us that;

• gratitude is not shaped by circumstances
• but by where we place our focus.

We truly have so much to be thankful for—but we must guard our gratitude.

Deeper Look at Gratitude

• It’s a practice:Gratitude isn’t just a fleeting feeling, but a way of living that involves consistently recognizing and appreciating the good around you. 
• It’s about perspective:It helps you see the positive, even in difficult situations, by focusing on things like having food and shelter or the simple fact of waking up each day. 
• It involves a shift in mindset:A radical form of gratitude involves looking at life as a gift and approaching it with humility, respect, and vulnerability, regardless of what is happening. 

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SERMON OUTLINE — Philippians 4:4–7

1. A Grateful Heart Rejoices (v. 4)

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Paul teaches that joy is rooted in theLord, not in life’s conditions. Thanksgiving begins by recognizing the unchanging goodness of God.

Supporting Scripture

Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Key Insight

If joy depends on circumstances, it will constantly change. If joy depends on God, it remains firm.

Know This:

Joy is a choice to focus on God’s character, not on life’s conditions. Gratitude grows where joy is planted.

Joy. A fruit of the Spirit. Comforting, content and full of peace. An enduring attitude of the heart and spirit, and a natural part of the Christian faith. It’s often connected with, but not limited to, following Jesus and pursuing a Christian life.

Galatians 5:22-23 NIVBut the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

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2. A Grateful Heart Responds with Gentleness (v. 5)

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

A grateful heart softens the spirit. An ungrateful heart hardens it.

When gratitude fades, people tend to become:

• Irritable
• Defensive
• Easily offended
• Overwhelmed

But Paul says that the believer’s disposition should reveal calmness because:

“The Lord is near.” His presence produces gentleness.

Supporting Scripture

Psalm 145:18 (NIV)“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”

Key Insight

Gratitude tempers our reactions because we remember God is with us (Proverbs 23).

Know This:

The nearness of God produces the gentleness of the believer. Gratitude keeps your heart soft.

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3. A Grateful Heart Refuses Anxiety (v. 6a)

“Do not be anxious about anything…”

This is not a command to ignore reality—it is a command not to let reality consume us.

Anxiety pushes gratitude out, but gratitude pushes anxiety out.

Supporting Scripture

Matthew 6:25–26 (NIV)“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life… Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

Matthew 6:34 (NIV)“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”

Key Insight

Worry steals thanksgiving. Thanksgiving steals worry.

Know This:

You cannot hold anxiety and gratitude at the same time. One will always push the other out.

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4. A Grateful Heart Redirects Its Focus to Prayer (v. 6b)

“…but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Prayer is not complete without thanksgiving.

Gratitude remembers:

• God’s faithfulness yesterday
• God’s presence today
• God’s power for tomorrow

Thanksgiving is the posture that opens the heart to God’s peace.

Supporting Scripture

Psalm 103:2 (NIV)“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

Key Insight

Thanksgiving is not the “add-on” to prayer—it is the atmosphere of prayer.

Know This:

Thanksgiving is how you talk to God when you trust Him. It anchors your prayers in confidence, not fear.

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5. A Grateful Heart Receives God’s Peace (v. 7)

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

When gratitude is guarded, peace is granted. The word Paul uses—“guard”—paints the picture of a soldier standing watch over our hearts and minds.

This peace is not the absence of trouble. It is the presence of God in the midst of trouble.

Supporting Scripture

Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Key Insight

Peace is not achieved; it is received.

Know This:

Gratitude clears the heart so God’s peace can settle in. Where gratitude lives, peace guards.

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PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

1. Practice Daily Thankfulness

Name three blessings every morning.

2. Guard Against Gratitude Thieves

Comparison, busyness, negativity, entitlement, people’s expectations, and overcommitment.

3. Turn Worry Into Prayer

Every time worry rises, say: “Lord, I give this to You—with thanksgiving.”

4. Slow Down to Notice God’s Faithfulness

Gratitude is always found in the details.

5. Speak Gratitude Out Loud

What you verbalize strengthens what you internalize.

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Philippians 4:4-7 MSG

[4-5] Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! [6-7] Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

CONCLUSION

We have so much to be thankful for. But gratitude must be intentional. It must be guarded.

Paul’s pathway is clear:

Rejoice — Respond with gentleness — Resist anxiety — Pray with thanksgiving — Receive peace.

A grateful heart honors God and protects you.

This Thanksgiving, guard the gift God has given you:

A grateful heart anchored in Christ.

There’s a subtle kind of captivity that can creep into even the most sincere Christian life — the captivity of religion without relationship.

It doesn’t come through open rebellion or obvious sin; it comes quietly, when the heart shifts from grace to performance, from freedom to form.

Paul knew the danger. The Colossian believers were surrounded by voices telling them that faith in Christ wasn’t enough — that they needed special rituals, strict diets, religious observances, or mystical experiences to prove their spirituality.

But Paul cuts through the noise with one bold reminder:

“The reality is found in Christ.” (v.17)

Everything else — the rules, the rituals, the regulations — were only shadows pointing to Him. And when the Son has come, the shadows have no power.

📖 Colossians 2:16–23 (NIV)

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Verses 16–17 – Freedom from Ritual Judgment

16Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.17These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

Cross References

• Romans 14:17 – “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
• Galatians 4:9–10 – “But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!”
• Hebrews 10:1 – “The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves.”

Why We Struggle

We are drawn to visible religion — things we can measure and control. We often confuse activity with spirituality, forgetting that holiness begins in the heart, not in habits.

Know This

Religious rituals are only the shadow — Christ is the substance. Once the Light has come, the shadow no longer defines you.

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Verses 18–19 – The Danger of False Spirituality

18Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.19They have lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

Cross References

• 1 Timothy 4:1 – “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
• Ephesians 4:15–16 – “Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love.”

Why We Struggle

Many chase experiences rather than obedience — seeking visions, titles, or feelings instead of humble faithfulness. Pride often hides behind a mask of “deep spirituality.”

Know This

Any spirituality that draws attention to self or disconnects from Christ the Head is counterfeit. True growth is always relational — it comes from connection, not performance.

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Verses 20–22 – Dead to the World’s Rules

20Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:21“Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”?22These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.

Cross References

• Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
• Romans 6:14 – “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”
• Isaiah 29:13 – “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.”

Why We Struggle

We prefer rules to relationship because rules feel safer. They let us look holy without surrendering control. But control is not the same as obedience — and human systems cannot sanctify the soul.

Know This

Since you died with Christ, you no longer belong to the system of “do’s and don’ts.” Grace doesn’t need your performance — it invites your trust.

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Verse 23 – The Appearance of Wisdom Without Power

23Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Cross References

• 2 Timothy 3:5 – “Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
• Matthew 15:9 – “They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.”

Why We Struggle

We mistake discipline for devotion. Outward self-denial can look spiritual but often masks inward pride. Religion can restrain behavior for a while, but only Christ can transform the heart.

Know This

Self-made religion looks wise but leaves the soul empty. Holiness doesn’t come from harshness — it flows from Christ’s indwelling Spirit.

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🧠 HEAD – What to Understand

• Christ has made you spiritually complete — nothing external can add to your standing before God.
• Legalism, asceticism, and self-righteous spirituality all disconnect you from the living Christ.
• Freedom in Christ is not rebellion; it is right relationship.

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❤️ HEART – What to Feel

• Gratitude for grace that liberates.
• Peace that comes from knowing you’re already accepted.
• Discernment to recognize religion that looks holy but distracts from Christ.

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✋ HAND – What to Do

• Live rooted in Christ, not regulated by others.
• Evaluate every teaching or tradition: Does this deepen my walk with Christ or distract from it?
• Serve and worship from love, not fear.
• Practice daily gratitude for your freedom in Christ.

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🔑 Key Takeaways

1. Christ is the reality; rituals are only shadows.
2. True spirituality stays connected to the Head — Christ Himself.
3. Rules may control behavior, but only grace transforms character.
4. Freedom in Christ means living out obedience born of love, not obligation.

“Faithful Through Every Generation”(Text: Psalm 100:1–5

Thirty-three years ago, a few hearts gathered with a simple conviction — that God was worthy to be worshiped, and that if His people would trust Him, He would prove faithful. And He has.

Through every season — through growth and testing, through the mountain and the valley — God has shown that;

• His mercy doesn’t expire,
• His love doesn’t fade, and
• His promises never fail.

Psalm 100 calls us to lift our eyes and remember that kind of faithfulness. It’s not a quiet psalm — it’s a call to shout, to sing, to serve, and to celebrate.

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs!”

This isn’t about emotional hype — it’s about holy memory. It’s about recognizing that every breath, every answered prayer, every changed life, and every generation represented here today stands as living evidence that “the Lord is good and His faithfulness endures through all generations.”

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Transition Thought

“While many new churches struggle to reach their fourth year, let alone enter their third decade, we are gathered today because of God’s faithfulness. Our small congregation may have remained modest in size, but we have endured. We have held to our place, cared for our property, remained open for the community, and stood firm in mission.

Statistics show that only about 68 % of new church plants are still active at the four-year mark and many far fewer reach three decades of service. Yet here we are — 33 years, under 50 members most seasons, and still pressing forward. Not because of our strength; because of His.

Let us give thanks to the One who has built, preserved, and empowered us — not to us, but to His name be the glory.”

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God has not only sustained this ministry — He has shepherded it, just as verse 3 says:

“It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.”

• We didn’t make ourselves.
• We didn’t keep ourselves.
• We have been kept by the same faithful hand that called us.

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Sermon Introduction

For 33 years, we’ve gathered as a church family — through joys and sorrows, growth and challenge — and one truth has never changed: God has been faithful. Psalm 100 is the perfect song for such a moment. It calls all creation to lift up a joyful noise, not because life has always been easy, but because God has always been good.

This psalm captures the heartbeat of worship:

• joyful praise,
• grateful hearts,
• humble acknowledgment, and
• confident trust in God’s enduring faithfulness.

Psalm 100:1–5 (NIV)

1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

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Verse 1 – Shout for Joy to the Lord, All the Earth

Worship is not quiet resignation — it’s active declaration. This verse calls all creation to recognize the greatness of God. Our anniversary celebration is not just about longevity; it’s a witness to the world that God has been good to us.

Cross Reference:“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” — Psalm 150:6

Why We Struggle: We often reserve our passion for sports, success, or politics but grow silent when it comes to God. Joyful worship is the believer’s rightful expression of gratitude.

Know This: Your praise is not noise — it’s evidence that you remember what God has done.

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Verse 2 – Worship the Lord with Gladness; Come Before Him with Joyful Songs

Worship is not just sound; it’s spirit and attitude. Gladness is the overflow of a grateful heart.

Cross Reference:“Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” — KJV

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

For 33 years, your congregation has served with gladness — in singing, giving, teaching, leading, and helping. That joy is your witness to a weary world.

Theological Insight: Worship is not merely emotional expression; it is the overflow of recognizing who God is. True joy arises when the heart sees God’s worth.

• Worship begins with gladness, not gloom.
• The phrase “all the earth” expands the call beyond Israel—anticipating a global chorus of worshipers.
• To “shout for joy” (Hebrew: ruaʿ) denotes triumphant, exuberant praise.

Know This: The truest measure of a mature church is not just service — but glad service.

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Verse 3 – Know That the Lord Is God

This verse anchors worship in truth. Worship without truth becomes emotion; truth without worship becomes cold.

Cross Reference:“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10 “It is he who made us, and we are his.”

In 33 years, programs, faces, and seasons have changed — but this truth has not: We are His. He made us. He keeps us.

Theological Insight: The basis of worship is not our mood but God’s identity. To know that “the Lord is God” anchors the believer in security, belonging, and purpose.

• The verb “know” implies acknowledgment and relationship, not mere information.
• God is both Creator and Covenant Lord.
• “We are his people” recalls the shepherd imagery—God’s tender ownership and care.

Know This: The church doesn’t belong to us — it belongs to the Lord who built it.

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Verse 4 – Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving and His Courts with Praise

This is the pattern of worship: gratitude before glory. Thanksgiving opens the gates; praise leads us closer to His presence.

Cross Reference:“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving.” — Psalm 50:14

For 33 years, you have entered His courts — sometimes weary, sometimes burdened — but always welcomed by His grace.

Theological Insight: Gratitude is not the result of worship—it is the doorway to it. In Christ, the “gates” are open through His sacrifice (Hebrews 10:19–22).

• The temple imagery points to access into God’s presence.
• Worship involves movement—entering, not standing at a distance.
• Thanksgiving is the believer’s passcode into God’s presence.

Know This: Gratitude is not just an emotion — it’s the password into His presence.

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Verse 5 – For the Lord Is Good and His Love Endures Forever

Here’s the reason behind it all: God’s goodness and enduring love.

Cross Reference:“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” — Psalm 136:1

Through 33 years — in every answered prayer, every new member, every trial overcome, every soul restored — God has proven His faithfulness.

Theological Insight: Worship that lasts must be grounded not in circumstance but in God’s unchanging character.

• Three attributes summarize God’s nature:
  1. Goodness – His intentions toward His people are always for their good.
  2. Love (ḥesed) – His loyal, covenantal love never ends.
  3. Faithfulness (ʾemunah) – His reliability is unbroken across generations.

Know This: Time changes everything except the nature of God.

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Head, Heart, Hand Application

HEAD – What to Believe

• God’s goodness is constant, not conditional.
• Worship is both a command and a privilege.
• Gratitude invites His presence.

HEART – What to Feel

• Deep joy for God’s steadfast love.
• Confidence that His faithfulness continues.
• Humility, knowing we are His people, His sheep.

HAND – What to Do

• Live with a rhythm of gratitude — daily thanksgiving.
• Serve God joyfully, not grudgingly.
• Pass the story of His faithfulness to the next generation.

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Key Takeaways

1. Joyful praise should mark every believer’s life.
2. Worship rooted in truth leads to lasting gladness.
3. Gratitude is the gateway to God’s presence.
4. God’s love and faithfulness never expire — they endure through every generation.

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Closing Reflection: “The Church That Remembers”

As we celebrate today, we do more than look back — we look up and forward.

Because the same God who carried us through the last 33 years is still the same God who will carry us through the next 33. He hasn’t changed His nature, His mercy, or His mission.

• When the world trembles, He remains our firm foundation.
• When culture shifts, His truth still stands.
• When we grow weary, His strength renews us.
• When generations come and go, His faithfulness endures.

So today, we enter His gates with thanksgiving — not just for what He’s done, but for who He’s been: Faithful in the beginning. Faithful through the storms. Faithful still today.

“For the Lord is good, and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” — Psalm 100:5