Closing 2024 with God's Holiness, Embracing 2025 with Purpose

Sermon Title: "Closing 2024 with God’s Holiness, Embracing 2025 with Purpose"
Introduction:
As we close the year 2024, let us reflect on the journey we've walked and prepare our hearts for the year ahead. How many regrets did you have in 2024? What accomplishments brought you closer to God? Life is a journey—a gift from God that calls us to align our steps with His divine purpose.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us:
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."
As this year ends, let us examine our hearts and lives through God’s Word and prepare for a new season.

1. Let Go of Regrets (Philippians 3:13-14)
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Reflect on the regrets of 2024, not to dwell on them but to learn and grow. Were there unfulfilled prayers or missed opportunities? Remember, God's grace is sufficient, and His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Let go of the weight of past mistakes and focus on what God has planned for you in 2025.

2. Remove What Distracts You from God (Hebrews 12:1-2)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."

In life, we accumulate physical and spiritual clutter—things, relationships, and habits that pull us away from God. This December, evaluate what has distanced you from Him. Is it a love of worldly possessions, busyness, or misplaced priorities? Clear space in your life for God's blessings.

3. Re-center Your Heart on God (Matthew 6:21)
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Reflect on where your heart has been this year. Was it with God, or were you chasing fleeting things? When God is not at the center of our lives, we feel empty and lost. Prioritize your relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and obedience to His Word.

4. Rejoice in God's Blessings (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

Even in pain and challenges, God's blessings abound. I learned this through my own struggles with health this year. Remember, ordinary moments like eating, sleeping, and breathing are divine blessings. Rejoice in God’s presence and the love He has placed around you.

5. Pursue Holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16)
"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

Holiness is living a life set apart for God, reflecting His character in our thoughts, actions, and relationships. Guard your heart against sin and strive to live a life pleasing to God. Avoid the temptations of the world and embrace the transformation that comes through the Holy Spirit.

6. Look to Those Closest to You (Proverbs 27:17)
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

Sometimes, we look too far for joy and fulfillment. God often places the people we need right next to us—our family, church, and community. Strengthen these relationships and share God's love with those nearest to you.

7. Prepare for 2025 with God at the Center (Jeremiah 29:11)
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

As we enter 2025, trust that God has a plan for you. Surrender your goals, fears, and hopes to Him