Why Celebrate?

Grad Sunday 6/6/21 - Phil Woodman

Why do we celebrate?

It’s a Natural Response

Luke 15
- Celebrate finding what was lost
- Celebrate the returned prodigal

God Tells us to

Romans 12:15
- Rejoice with those who rejoice!

“Celebration is central to all the Spiritual Disciplines. Without a joyful spirit of festivity the disciplines become dull, death-breathing tools in the hands of modern Pharisees.”

Richard Foster - Celebration of the Disciplines

To Recognize God’s Work in our Lives

3 John 3-4
- I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth
Philippians 1:3-6
- Paul celebrates the work of God in the lives of these believers.
Milestones
- Stones from the river
- Nehemiah and the wall
Supportive community
- We don’t celebrate alone.

Motivation to keep us going

Philippians 3:12 - I have not yet reached my goal.
- Press on.
Hebrews 10:23-25

Hello My Name is: Eternal Father

Phil Woodman - 12/15/19

Key Passage: Isaiah 9:6

The role of a good, loving father:

As a father, Jesus Disciples

Deuteronomy 6:4-7
- Teach your children diligently
Proverbs 22:6 - train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
He showed them how to:
- Spend time with God
- Serve and love people

As a father, Jesus Disciplines

Mark 9:33-35 - who is the greatest?
Mark 10:13-15 - let the children come!
Mark 8:33 - get behind me Satan!

As a father, Jesus Empowers

Luke 9:1-6 - sending the 12
- He Listens
  - Luke 9:10 - they reported to Jesus all they had done.
- He Celebrates Victories
  - Luke 10:17-18 - the 72 returned with joy...
- He Comforts
  - Matthew 17:21
  - Matthew 14:22-33

As a father, Jesus Forgives

Luke 15:11-32 - The Prodigal Son
- V. 20 - “His father saw him and was filled with compassion...”

Why Celebrate? Grad Sunday

Hello my name is: Eternal Father