Sunday, December 31, 2023

“The God of Ebenezer”

Pastor Kenichi Osumi

1. Why was the stone placed?

* The reason for setting up the “milestone”

* The stone on which Joshua placed the stone

* Joshua 4:7 “tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” (NIV)

* The stone pillar set up by Jacob

* Genesis 28:17-18 “He was afraid and said, ‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.’ Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it.” (NIV)

2. The reason we should place a stone

* (1) For ourselves

* “Ebenezer” = “the stone of assistance”

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

* “Give thanks” = “Ucharisteo” = “to express gratitude” (No relation to feelings)

* (2) For our children and grandchildren

* “As the saying goes, I think that ‘Three children are worth a hundred souls.’ And if parents can let their children know this for themselves, it will be a great blessing for both the parents and children.’” (Ayako Miura)

* John Wanamaker (First person to create a department store in the world)

Thoughts to share at mini church:

1. Why should we place “milestones of our lives” and place “Ebenezer” on them?

2. Looking back over this year, place “Ebenezer” on your own journey.

mcc20231231.mp3