Sermon 1/7/18

John 19:25-30

Introduction: On this last day of 2017, let’s look at the last words of Jesus spoken from the Cross. There is a sermon in each statement. We will focus on the last statement, It is finished!

Today we are going to look at Mary’s story. It is a simple story, but a powerful one. It is a story of a girl who learned to trust God totally and God who could take a young girl (mid-teens) and do something that is absolutely amazing and impossible (from the human perspective).

Introduction: Studies show that only 3% of people who have a goal achieve it. These same studies also say that those who achieve a goal have written it down.

Christmas is a time of surprises. There is excitement in the air at Christmas time that I think is generated by the fact that we are doing things for others and experiencing neat surprises among family members and friends.

So what are you thankful for? This question has been on our minds a lot this week. Our lists are long! We need to be thankful for the people who have made a contribution to our lives. Those who have been there for us when life has been tough and when life has been good.

Introduction: A member of the WGFBC family shared about a pastor who said "thanking God" should be replaced by just "praising God!" When I heard that I had to scratch my head. My thought was, "Are you kidding me?" I believe we are instructed to do both. There is a time and place for both, and scripture backs this up. Let's read Psalm 100:1-5. I rest my case.

Receiving forgiveness must be like a bird being released from a cage. When we withhold forgiveness, it does much damage to us. It could be similar to swallowing poison in a spiritual sense.