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29 Dec 2024

A Fresh Start Once Again [Numbers 15]

Overview

Numbers 15 represents a fresh start for Israel. Despite how they have repeatedly rebelled against God (10x since the Exodus), God still promised the Land to their posterity. In this upcoming new year in 2025, let us remember the word about:  1. Grace. God is a God of grace- He is not good to good people only, for there is none good before Him. He is good to undeserving sinners. Sinners can come to God as they are, and saints can approach His throne of grace. 2. Giving. Christianity is not just about getting from God. We are also privileged to give to God- not to bribe Him, but to please Him. 3. Guilt. We are to be alert and sensitive to sin. Not to be self-righteous, or self-condemning, for we must stand in the gospel of grace. But we are also to grieve over, confess and repent from our sins. 4. Guidance. Tassels on their garments are to remind them to do God's will. Let's spend this year growing deep in His Word and in obedience to Him.   5. God. Ultimately, our faith is to be a relationship with our God.

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Slides

Sermon Transcript

Pastor Jason emphasized the importance of grace, giving, guilt, guidance, and God in making a fresh start for the new year, drawing from Numbers 15. He highlighted God's grace in forgiving Israel despite their repeated disobedience, the necessity of giving to God as a privilege, the need to confess and repent of sins, the significance of guidance through God's word, and the importance of obedience. He encouraged the congregation to reflect on their actions, prioritize their relationship with God, and make resolutions grounded in these principles. The sermon concluded with a call to worship and obedience.

Outline
A Fresh Start Once Again: Introduction and Humor
* Pastor Jason begins by discussing the attitude towards sin, emphasizing that consistent, unrepentant sinful behavior may indicate an unbelieving heart.
* He greets the congregation, including the children, and shares corny jokes related to New Year's Day and resolutions.
* Pastor Jason transitions to the main topic, highlighting the last Sunday service of 2024 and the anticipation of 2025.
* He introduces the theme of making a fresh start for the new year, drawing from Numbers chapter 15.
The Concept of Grace in Numbers 15
* Pastor Jason explains the significance of Numbers 15, noting its rules and regulations as a fresh start for Israel.
* He introduces the first of five key points: the word about grace, emphasizing God's mercy and forgiveness towards Israel.
* Pastor Jason recounts the history of Israel's disobedience and God's promise to preserve the next generation.
* He explains the theology of grace, contrasting it with other religions that focus on deserving favor from God.
The Importance of Giving to God
* Pastor Jason shifts to the second key point: giving, focusing on Israel's offerings and contributions to God.
* He explains that giving to God is a result of God's initial giving and is not a means to bribe God.
* Pastor Jason highlights the importance of giving to God as a privilege and a way to please Him.
* He encourages the congregation to think beyond financial giving, emphasizing the whole tone and posture of life as a sacrifice to God.
Addressing the Guilt of Sin
* Pastor Jason addresses the third key point: sin and the guilt of sin, discussing the consequences of unintentional and high-handed sins.
* He emphasizes the need for self-awareness and confession of sins to maintain fellowship with God.
* Pastor Jason explains the importance of regular confession and forgiveness, drawing from the Lord's Prayer.
* He warns against ignoring sin and encourages the congregation to walk in the light by confessing their sins.
Guidance Through Tassels and God's Commands
* Pastor Jason introduces the fourth key point: guidance, focusing on the significance of tassels as a reminder of God's commands.
* He explains the historical context of tassels and their purpose in reminding the people of Israel of God's laws.
* Pastor Jason encourages the congregation to make plans to learn and obey God's word in the new year.
* He outlines various platforms for learning and growing in the church, emphasizing the importance of doing what God commands.
Conclusion and Final Prayer
* Pastor Jason summarizes the five key points: grace, giving, guilt, guidance, and God.
* He emphasizes the importance of a right relationship with God, rooted in His initiation of the relationship.
* Pastor Jason encourages the congregation to reflect on their lives and make the right decisions for the new year.
* He concludes with a prayer, asking for God's guidance and help in keeping the resolutions for the new year.