Series: 50 Days of Prayer + 50 years
Celebration: looking back with gratitude - looking forward in faith.
God told the people to celebrate the Passover, for the generations to come, before the actual event had even taken place.
Equally, at the Last Supper, Jesus told his disciples to proclaim his sacrifice on the cross, for the generations to come, before the actual event had even taken place.
We are celebrating our 50th Birthday as a Church, this year.
How should we celebrate such an event?
Part 2: Sabbath Years and Jubilee Years
Before the Israelites had even entered the land that God was going to give them, God gave them instructions regarding Sabbath Years and Jubilee Years.
Freedom was built into the system:
Freedom by design - built into the fabric of society.
How does this relate to the gospel and the gospel era in which we are living?
Part 3: A little man - a massive transformation
We look at the true story of Zacchaeus: a little man who undergoes a massive transformation, when he meets Jesus.
Coming as a sinner.
Coming in repentance.
Coming as a child.
He came to salvation - which was harder than a camel going through the eye of a needle.
Part 4: Day of Good News! Are we keeping it to ourselves?
Day of Good News!
Are we sufficiently desperate – to hear the Good News?
Are we sufficiently desperate – to believe the Good News?
Are we sufficiently desperate – to receive the Good News?
Are we sufficiently desperate – to embrace the Good News?
And, are we keeping it to ourselves?
Part 5: Ask the Lord to send out harvesters
Ask the Lord to send out harvesters.
But be prepared – He may send you!
Part 6: The Sower and the Sluggard
Study from Matthew 13:1-23 and the parable of Jesus of the sower.
The 4 reactions to the seed falling on different soils of the heart.
We explored 7 reasons why at times we can't seem to be bothered to sow the seeds.
Part 7: Restore to me the joy of your salvation
In Psalm 51 King David wrote:
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation - then I will teach transgressors your ways."
But, before that, he writes:
"Against you, you only, have I sinned."
How can we apply David's Psalm, in our own situation?
Part 8: How do you really feel about the Gospel?
Are you ashamed of the gospel?
Are you afraid to declare the gospel?
Do you resent the gospel?
Certainty in a changing world. God's covenant with mankind and his plan of salvation
This sermon was preached at our 50th aniversary celebration