TURN THE PAGE IN 2014

Sermon Notes, December 29, 2013

Pastor Jan Sinozich

Pastor Jan’s sermon was titled “Turn the Page in 2014,” and was based on Philippians 3:12-14.  There are five things Paul says in this passage that can help us as we turn the page from 2013 to 2014. 1. We all have an imperfect past because of the presence of sin on earth and choosing our way over God’s way. 2. We don’t have to be a slave to an imperfect past—it’s never too late, we’re never too old, and our circumstances don’t have to stand in the way of our effectiveness for Christ.  3. No matter our current circumstances, we can move on to better and greater things.  4. Moving on only happens by intentional, determined effort; Christ is worth the effort for each of us.  5. The goal is worth the effort; Paul calls it a prize.

Looking at Paul’s letter, we can see five pages we should turn in any new year, or at any time.  First, turn the page on a lukewarm relationship with Christ—spend time in the Word and prayer, give up half-hearted obedience, strengthen your relationship with the church.  Second, turn the page on unforgiveness—give up the hurts; we are to forgive others just as God has forgiven us: bitterness is an infection of the soul.  Third, turn the page on “that” sin, whatever it is in your case: gossiping, lying, some addiction or something else—be free from slavery to sin.  Fourth, turn the page on mediocrity—we reflect the work of Christ when we work toward excellence: in our relationships with others, in our jobs, etc.  Fifth, turn some pages to get better pages—if our habits are Christlike, we should keep them, but if not, get rid of them.  Develop better ways to love God more and love people more as we grow in Christ this year.