SERMON THEME
THE UNCHANGING GOD IS OUR HOPE AND ANCHOR: OUR YEAR OF ABUNDANCE IN GIVING
Scripture Readings:
Jeremiah 31:7-9,
Hebrews 7:23-28,
Mark 10:46-52
Introduction
As we enter this season of abundance in giving, we recognize that our calling
is not only to receive but to become channels of blessing. Our theme, “The
Unchanging God is Our Hope and Anchor: Our Year of Abundance in Giving,”
invites us to find our strength and security in God’s eternal nature and to
respond in gratitude by giving generously. In today’s readings, we find
reminders of God’s unchanging character and His call for us to be transformed
by His generosity. These passages reveal that our unchanging God is the source
of our hope and that, rooted in this hope, we are called to be people who give
abundantly.
GOD’S PROMISE OF
RESTORATION AND ABUNDANCE (JEREMIAH 31:7-9)
Jeremiah speaks to a people in exile,
offering words of comfort and hope. God’s promise to restore Israel is filled
with abundant blessings: He will bring them back, gather them from all places,
and lead them with compassion. This image of a restored, fruitful people
reminds us that God is not limited by our circumstances. He is a God of
unchanging love who provides and protects, no matter where we are.
God’s Abundant Provision: In times of uncertainty,
we can find hope in knowing that God’s desire is not only to restore but to
bless us with abundance. His promises assure us that He has the power to
transform scarcity into abundance.
Application
As we place our hope in God, we can
freely give from what He has provided, knowing that He is our source and
sustainer. This Day of giving is an opportunity to reflect God’s unchanging
love through our actions, becoming agents of His abundant blessings to others.
JESUS, OUR ETERNAL HIGH
PRIEST AND ANCHOR (HEBREWS 7:23-28)
The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus
as our eternal High Priest who intercedes for us. His priesthood is unending
and unchanging, making Him the perfect mediator. Jesus is both the foundation
of our faith and the anchor of our hope, interceding for us so that we may
remain steadfast in God’s grace.
The Foundation of Abundant
Generosity: Jesus, our High Priest, not only provides access to God’s grace but also
exemplifies ultimate generosity. His self-giving nature calls us to model that
same generosity, anchored in the knowledge that God’s provision will never fail
us. When our hope is grounded in Jesus, our giving becomes an extension of His
abundant love.
Application
Just as Jesus gives freely, we are
invited to give generously. As we align ourselves with His eternal priesthood,
we’re encouraged to step out in faith, sharing from the abundance He provides,
trusting that He will replenish what we give.
A LIFE TRANSFORMED BY
FAITH: BARTIMAEUS’S STORY (MARK 10:46-52)
The story of Bartimaeus is one of
faith, hope, and transformation. When Bartimaeus hears that Jesus is near, he
cries out for mercy, refusing to be silenced. Jesus responds to his faith,
restores his sight, and changes his life. Bartimaeus’s encounter with Jesus
reflects the unchanging character of God, who is always near to those who call
on Him and who transforms lives with His boundless love.
Hope that Leads to Abundant Giving: Bartimaeus’s faith is
rewarded with healing, but his response goes deeper—he follows Jesus. His
gratitude becomes his gift, as he dedicates himself to the one who restored
him. His transformation inspires us to give from a place of thankfulness,
responding to God’s faithfulness with open hearts and open hands.
Application
When we reflect on God’s work in our
lives, we’re encouraged to give as an expression of our gratitude. Our faith in
Jesus, who is unchanging, allows us to give with assurance, knowing that every
gift is a response to God’s abundant mercy.
Conclusion
In this season of abundance in
giving, we are anchored by the assurance of God’s unchanging love, His eternal
promises, and the hope we find in Jesus, our High Priest. As we journey through
life, let us remember that God has richly blessed us, and His blessings are not
meant to be hoarded but shared. In Jeremiah, we see God’s heart to restore and
bless His people abundantly. In Hebrews, we find our secure anchor in Jesus,
whose priesthood invites us to give boldly. In Mark, we witness the power of
faith to transform and inspire generosity.
Call to Action
Let us anchor our hope in the
unchanging God who is faithful and trustworthy. As we embrace this year of
abundant giving, may we give freely, knowing that our source is unshakable. May
our giving reflect our gratitude for all God has done, and may it be an act of
worship and trust in His eternal provision.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being
our unchanging hope and anchor. Help us to place our trust in Your promises, to
follow Jesus with faith, and to give generously as You have given to us. May
our lives reflect Your love and grace, and may we become vessels of Your
abundance in the lives of others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
...APOSTLE CREED
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