Sermon Reflections from Begin with Prayer | ALEX HARDT | January 1, 2025
Pastor Alex kicked off the New Year with 2 ‘beginning’ type scriptures and an acronym. He chose Genesis 12:1-5 which has the blessings from God to Abraham and to us as his descendants in faith and Acts 1:3-8 which has the spiritual blessings promised to the apostles and us, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Both are promised new beginnings that we can claim in our lives.
Genesis 12:1-3 was a special blessing to a faithful childless man of God. As you read these promises, do you identify with Abraham and the hope that God is giving to his servant? “Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Is God calling you to step out in faith in serving him at home, work or church? Is He asking you to face or do a hard thing? I’m sure Abraham thought leaving Harran with wife, nephew and all his possessions to go someplace God desired was very difficult. Here is where we see Abraham’s trust and faith in God. He went. God promised him tangible blessings and blessed protection. Isn’t that what we have in Jesus? Ephesians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,” Psalm 91:1-3 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.”
Acts 1:3-8 speaks of the coming of the Holy Spirt which would be a revolutionary turn for all believers. God sent His Spirit to indwell each believer and empower them to witness for Him to everyone- everywhere.
5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” … 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” The power of God would transform them and give them opportunities to witness to the whole world about Jesus. The same is true today for every believer in Jesus. John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you”. 2 Timothy 1:14 “By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” 2 Timothy 2:2 “and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”
Looking forward in 2025, how will you use these new beginnings? Will you step out in faith seeking to make Jesus preeminent in your life? Will you seek to tell others about Him? Whom will you seek to tell? Pastor Alex wanted us to see the world of 2025 in living color. Meaning, God is not color blind or partial to one group over another! God is impartial in all things and just. Acts 10:34-35 “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” Romans 2:11 “For God shows no partiality.”
How should the impartiality of God affect us? God desires that all should come to repentance 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” When you wait for God opportunities to speak about Jesus or show his love and care, you should not be color blind or nationality blind, or gender blind. God’s love is for everyone and He desires for them all to come to repentance.
Lastly, Pastor introduced us to the acronym BLESS. B-begin with prayer, L- be a good listener, E- find times to fellowship and eat together to increase the bonds of friendship to open the doors, S- have all your service be with an attitude and heart of love, S- when the time is right, share your story without fear, with boldness.
This is an excellent way to focus our New Year and get off to a great start. May you pray about who you will Bless with your prayers, actions and story this year. God is faithful and will be with you providing opportunities. Keep your eyes and heart open!
Linda
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