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Sunday Sermons
Sermon: 12-30-07, Christmas 1
Pastor Phil Lee
Title: "Recounting"
Text: Isa.63:7-9
Theme: Remembering God’s grace in our lives.
Introduction
Happy New Year! I know it’s a day early, but I had to say it.
It’s the first Sunday after Christmas, the last Sunday of 2007, and just a day before we enter into a new year. So, today is a good day for us to pause, to reflect back on 2007, and to remember what has happened to us. It is especially right and good that we should give thanks to God as we remember God’s faithfulness to us.
Point
Today’s OT lesson is from Isaiah 63, a section that is filled with trust and confident hope because God brought to an end the Babylonian Exile of His people. At a time when the destiny of God’s people seemed fragile and bleak, Isaiah remembers how God was powerfully present for them: “I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord, the praiseworthy acts of the Lord, because of all that the Lord has done for us…” (63:7)
This is a great example for us to follow today. So, do you remember that old Sunday School song called “Count Your Blessings”?
-When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
-Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
-Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Remembering is a very Biblical thing to do…
--God remembered His covenant with Noah. (Gen.9:15-16)
--God remembered His covenant with Abraham. (Ex.2:24; 6:5)
--In preparing to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land, Joshua told the Israelites: “Remember the word which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, ‘The Lord your God gives you rest, and will give you this land.’“ (Josh.1:13)
--The Psalmist said: “I will cause [God’s] name to be remembered in all generations; therefore, the peoples will give [God] thanks forever and ever.” (Ps.45:17)
--“…remember that you were at that time without Christ…” Paul wrote, “having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace…” (Eph.2:12-14)
--ref. Words of Institution as we celebrate Holy Communion (“Do this in remembrance of me.”) (Mt.26/Mk.14/Lk.22/1Cor.11)
Power
Yes, we remember, and so we sing:
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
-Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
-No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
-He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love.
Today, at the end of 2007, we reflect back on the past year and we remember – count your blessings, name them one by one.
(a time of personal sharing)
Conclusion
I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord, the praiseworthy acts of the Lord, because of all that the Lord has done for us… (Isaiah 63:7)
Happy New Year! Amen.
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