Embracing God's Faithfulness: The Power of Praise
Summary
In a sermon delivered by Mitchell McIntyre, the lead Minister of Brownstown Christian Church, on Christmas Eve, the central theme revolved around the faithfulness of God and the power of praise, as exemplified by Mary's Song. McIntyre addressed the congregation with a message of hope and encouragement, particularly for those who may be struggling with depression or facing difficulties during the holiday season. He reminded them that God's mercy is transformative and available to all who humble themselves, as seen in the life-changing experience of Hulk Hogan's surrender to Jesus.
McIntyre emphasized that God is a keeper of promises, listing various assurances from the Bible that believers can depend on, such as God's presence, protection, power, provision, and guidance. He contrasted the heartaches that can accompany the holidays with the joy and singing that should characterize the season, urging the congregation to surrender their will to God's, even when it doesn't make sense. The fulfillment of God's promises was illustrated through the story of Abraham and the gospel's message that extends beyond Jesus' birth and death to the resurrection and eternal life.
The sermon highlighted Mary's Song as a powerful declaration of God's might, from historical acts like parting the Red Sea to personal testimonies of overcoming addiction and restoring broken relationships. McIntyre encouraged the congregation to maintain their focus on God's character and plan, despite the world's negativity. He also discussed the various ways people express praise in church, from humorous gestures to heartfelt worship, and the importance of living out one's faith in every aspect of life.
Mary's proclamation in Luke 1:46 served as a model of adoration, with McIntyre urging the audience to engage in worship and reflection on the significance of Jesus' birth. He shared a story about a father desiring the best Christmas for his family, only to be reminded by a young boy that the first Christmas, when Jesus came, was the best and true worship is about praising Jesus.
McIntyre also touched on the importance of sharing the message of Jesus with others and the comfort, guidance, and direction God provides. He prayed for the church and individuals, calling for a season of leaning on God and worshiping Him. The sermon concluded with a reminder that following Jesus does not exempt one from persecution or hardships, but there is hope and joy in knowing God's power.
Key Takeaways:
- God's promises are a steadfast anchor in the lives of believers, offering assurance in His presence, protection, and provision. These promises are not mere words but are backed by the faithfulness of God, who has demonstrated His reliability throughout history. Christians can lean on these promises, knowing that they will not break under the weight of their reliance. [53:56]
- The gospel is a transformative message that extends beyond the nativity and crucifixion of Jesus to the resurrection, offering eternal life to all who believe. This message is a game-changer, altering the course of history and individual lives, as it provides hope and a future beyond the grave. [01:00:47]
- Worship is a powerful response to God's majesty and acts of salvation. Mary's Song exemplifies the pure adoration that flows from recognizing God's work in one's life. Believers are encouraged to express their worship freely, without concern for the opinions of others, focusing solely on the One who is worthy of all praise. [45:38]
- The act of praise is not confined to a particular style or tradition but is a reflection of one's personal relationship with God. Whether through raised hands, songs, or quiet reflection, the essence of praise is found in the recognition of Jesus' sacrifice and the hope it brings to humanity. [43:08]
- The Christmas season is an opportune time to reflect on the significance of Jesus' birth and to reorient our hearts towards worship and gratitude. As we celebrate, we are reminded that the best Christmas is not about the gifts we receive or the festivities we partake in, but about the arrival of Jesus, who is the reason for the season and the source of true joy. [01:02:48]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 1:46-55 (Mary's Song)
- Romans 12:1-2
- Colossians 2:9-10
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Mary proclaim about God in her song in Luke 1:46-55? How does she describe His actions and character?
2. According to Romans 12:1-2, how should believers present their bodies, and what is the significance of this act of worship?
3. In Colossians 2:9-10, what does Paul say about the fullness of deity and its relation to believers?
4. How did Mitchell McIntyre illustrate the different ways people express praise in church? ([35:21])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is Mary's Song considered a model of adoration, and what can we learn from her example about worship? ([40:10])
2. How does the concept of presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice in Romans 12:1-2 relate to the idea of worshiping God in every aspect of our lives?
3. What does it mean for believers to be "filled in Him" as stated in Colossians 2:9-10, and how does this impact our daily lives?
4. How does the story of Hulk Hogan's surrender to Jesus illustrate the transformative power of God's mercy? ([49:21])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How did this experience strengthen your trust in His promises? ([52:02])
2. Mary's Song is a powerful declaration of God's might and mercy. How can you incorporate similar expressions of praise into your daily routine?
3. Romans 12:1-2 calls us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice. What specific actions can you take this week to live out this call to worship in your everyday life?
4. Colossians 2:9-10 speaks of being filled in Christ. Identify one area of your life where you need to rely more on Christ's power and presence. How can you make this change?
5. Mitchell McIntyre shared a story about a father wanting the best Christmas for his family, only to be reminded that the first Christmas was the best. How can you reorient your focus this Christmas season to prioritize worshiping Jesus? ([01:04:22])
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of sharing the message of Jesus with others. Who is one person in your life that you can share the hope of the gospel with this week? ([01:05:01])
7. Reflect on the different ways people express praise in church. How can you encourage others to worship freely and authentically, regardless of their style? ([35:21])
Devotional
Day 1: Anchored in God's Faithful Promises
God's steadfast promises provide an unshakeable anchor for the soul, offering comfort and assurance amidst life's storms. These divine assurances are not just comforting words but are the bedrock of faith, proven throughout history and personal experiences. They are the pillars upon which believers can build a life of trust and hope. [53:56]
Hebrews 6:19 - "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain."
Reflection: How have you experienced the reliability of God's promises in your own life, and how can this strengthen your trust in Him during uncertain times?
Day 2: The Gospel's Transformative Power
The gospel's reach extends far beyond the events of Christmas and Easter, offering a transformative hope that reshapes lives and promises eternity. This message of resurrection and life is the cornerstone of Christian belief, altering destinies and providing a beacon of hope that transcends the temporal world. [01:00:47]
1 Peter 1:3-4 - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade."
Reflection: In what ways has the message of the gospel transformed your perspective on life and death, and how can you share this hope with others?
Day 3: Worship as a Response to God's Majesty
True worship flows from a heart that recognizes and responds to God's majesty and mighty acts of salvation. It is an expression of awe and gratitude for the personal and historical demonstrations of God's power and love. Worship is a personal and communal act that connects believers to the divine in a profound and transformative way. [45:38]
Psalm 96:1-3 - "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples."
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can incorporate worship into your daily routine to keep your focus on God's majesty and love?
Day 4: The Personal Nature of Praise
Praise is a unique and personal expression of one's relationship with God, reflecting the depth and authenticity of that connection. It is not bound by tradition or expectation but is a heartfelt response to Jesus' sacrifice and the hope He brings. Praise can be expressed in diverse ways, each reflecting the individual's journey and understanding of God's grace. [43:08]
Romans 12:1 - "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
Reflection: Reflect on the ways you express praise to God. Are there new expressions of worship you feel called to explore?
Day 5: Reorienting to the Heart of Christmas
The Christmas season is a time to refocus on the true meaning of Jesus' birth, reorienting our hearts towards worship and gratitude. It is a reminder that the greatest gift is not found under a tree but in the manger. This season calls us to celebrate the true joy and hope that Jesus brings, which surpasses all earthly pleasures and festivities. [01:02:48]
Luke 2:10-11 - "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'"
Reflection: How can you shift your focus this Christmas to celebrate and share the joy of Jesus' birth with those around you?
Quotes
"God is faithful, God is wonderful, God is good. Mary says that his name is Holy and he can be trusted and he can be trusted because he fulfills his promises." [52:02] (Download)
"God's not like us; he keeps his promises. The Bible says all his promises are 'yes' and 'amen.' A promise from God is a statement we can depend on." [53:12] (Download)
"Our mission here at Brownstown Christian Church is helping people find and follow Jesus and that doesn't just happen on Sunday mornings that happens all throughout the week every single day." [34:51] (Download)
"If Jesus is your lord on Sunday, guess what, he better be your lord on Monday too." [34:51] (Download)
"Here's the thing, all of us in here prays a little bit different maybe because of the church that you grew up in, maybe just because of your personality or just how you've been taught or the family you grew up in." [35:21] (Download)
"There's lots of people who are going through things that they didn't expect to happen." [58:58] (Download)
"The gospel just doesn't end with the birth of Jesus or even the death of Jesus, but at the resurrection, at life, it's a game changer." [01:00:47] (Download)
"I believe that God's power is still working today. I have seen him work in lives of those who sit here, those who may have felt helpless and hopeless and wanted to give up, those who've been freed from addiction, others who God has helped restore broken relationships." [46:18] (Download)
"Mary starts off that song with praising God for who he is. Now some people may look at the news or social media or get on the internet and just see things and you can even become consumed by that and think, 'What's the Hope? What's the good news? Where's the joy at?'" [46:57] (Download)
"We focus too much on the presents, we focus too much on all these different things, we get so busy and our time gets consumed... I want us to praise God, I want us to really enjoy this time." [01:03:50] (Download)
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