Evangelical Congregational Church in Dunstable Massachusetts This Year Will Be Different! Graphical sermon notes by, Rev. Ed Whitman Sunday, January 4, 2015 © Copyright 2015 by the author, Rev. Ed Whitman, with permission to freely redistribute.

Matthew 21: 28-31 What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ “I will not,” he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, “I will, sir,” but he did not go.

Matthew 21: 28-31 “The first,” the religious leaders answered.  Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” the religious leaders answered. Jesus said to them, Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.

This Year Will Be Different! “ May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90: 17

Harvard psychologist and philosopher: 1892 Prof. William James Harvard psychologist and philosopher: 1892 What in the world is he saying?

Prof. William James “With mere good intentions, In other words: “With mere good intentions, hell is proverbially paved!”

New Year Resolutions? Wondering? Maybe 2015 can be different?

Let’s Pray

The Teaching Ministry of Jesus Think about what needs to be different Change our ways Change your ways

Two parables of two sons Luke 15: Prodigal Son and Older Brother -blatant and intellectual rebellion -both “lost” siblings urged to repent Matthew 21: Two siblings contrasted -Yes sir, Dad! -No way! Father of mine!

Matthew 21: 28 - 31 “Which of the two did what the Father wanted?” Interesting Tension: Surliness Sweet Talk “Which of the two did what the Father wanted?”

One BIG Lesson Say what you mean and do what you say! Especially when it is the will of your Father in heaven!

Why do we fail to deliver? Some of us make promises too quickly STOP LOOK LISTEN

Why do we fail to deliver? Some of us make promises too quickly Some of us make promises with no plan of action “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22 Pious promises are a waste of air time with no plan of action! Specific… Attainable… Measurable

Why do we fail to deliver? Some of us make promises too quickly Some of us make promises with no plan of action Some of us make promises as Christ followers and leave God out… as our (your) partner “Practical Atheists”

“Practical Atheists?” If the Holy Spirit was to withdraw His presence from your life, what noticeable difference would it make?

Psalm 90 Verse 12: Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90 Verse 12: Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Verse 16: May your deeds be shown to your servants

Psalm 90 Verse 12: Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Verse 16: May your deeds be shown to your servants Verse 17: May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hand for us—

Psalm 90 Verse 12: Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Verse 16: May your deeds be shown to your servants Verse 17: May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hand for us— Yes, establish the work of our hands.

Self-controlled Gentle Faithful Kind Good 2015: A year of growth and development in personal/practical ways in your life! Self-controlled Gentle Faithful Kind Good

Joy-filled Peaceful Patient Self-controlled Gentle Faithful Kind Good 2015: A year of growth and development in personal/practical ways in your life! Self-controlled Gentle Faithful Kind Good Loving Joy-filled Peaceful Patient

January 25 What is a 50-Day Spiritual Adventure?   What is a 50-Day Spiritual Adventure? A 50-Day Spiritual Adventure is a church-wide journey into the life-changing Word of God, lasting seven weeks within eight Sundays. What is unique about the 50-Day Spiritual Adventure? A 50-Day Spiritual Adventure is a proven, practical way to help entire congregations explore God's Word and learn to "Do what it says." -James 1:22 Why are we doing this now? Many believe that DECC is entering an important and exciting time of transition and change in the year ahead. While we cannot put God on our own time-table according to our preferences, we are expecting good things in the year 2015. Through the ministry of Pastor Ed as our Intentional Interim Pastor, the work of preparation by the Interim Transition Team and the recent efforts of the Pastoral Search Committee, we are hopeful that the Lord will bless us with the selection of a settled Senior Pastor in the months ahead, perhaps as early as June. Realizing that change may be coming soon, we think that a church-wide 50 Day Adventure will be an excellent way for us to prepare for that change. Our hope is that this focused effort of looking into God's word together on the important topics identified in the curriculum will draw us closer together as the family of God and help to make us ready for our new future together. We urge everyone in DECC to take this initiative seriously and commit to setting aside the time and effort to make the most of this brief opportunity.

A CONFIDENTIAL SPIRITUAL-LIFE CHECKUP A Medical Analogy   As your pastor, I along with your deacons, am responsible for your spiritual health in much the same way as your doctor is responsible for your physical health. Both doctors and pastors must be allowed the privilege of helping you. Often, unless a disease so overcomes us that our doctor or pastor is made painfully aware of it, there is no regular time to sit down together and discuss the health of your spiritual life. Anticipating the coming of a new settled pastor and new beginnings for DECC , our church needs all of her members and friends in the best possible spiritual health Therefore I am requesting an appointment with you. And I am requesting that you do the following "lab work" not as a test, but as a tool for diagnosis, so that you and I might know your "blood count" and decide together on a proper diet and exercise program that will hopefully bring about your best spiritual health in this special time in the life of our church. Since pastors (or doctors) can help only if we allow them, this is entirely voluntary, but I am suggesting that you: 1. Set aside an hour of uninterrupted time in which to thoughtfully answer these questions. 2. Keep your answers only to yourself, to be shared with me and God alone. 3. Make an appointment with me for a one-hour spiritual checkup. 4. Get your "lab work" answers to me a week in advance for my preparation. 5. Prayerfully and openly meet with me, trusting God to use this experience for you. I. Blood Type: Are you now a Christian? ________ Comment on your answer: Have you been baptized? _________ When? ____________ Where? II. Red Blood Cells (oxygen carriers that prevent anemia) Devotional life 1. How meaningful is Sunday morning worship to you? 2. How meaningful is private worship to you? January 4

This Morning at DECC

This Morning at DECC

With God’s help, this year…

With God’s help, this year…

This Year Will Be Different! “ May the favor of the Lord my God rest upon me; establish the work of my hands for me—yes, establish the work of my hands.” Psalm 90:17

This Year Will Be Different! “ May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17

Lord, This Year Will Be Different!