The Blessing Yahweh Gives [New Year’s Eve Service]

We look back on time spent amid the passing years, repeating regrets and resolutions and going through the ups and downs of self-esteem. The sermon distinguishes chronos, time that flows by, from kairos, meaningful time, and points out that worship and the effort of faith should make our time full in quality. It explains that self-esteem comes not from others' recognition or from circumstances, but from an inner assurance gained by acknowledging our own limits and through our relationship with God.

Through the disciples, who resented Jesus as he slept peacefully in the middle of a dangerous storm, it shows how a lack of faith gives rise to fear and complaint. Jesus wanted the disciples, rather than asking for a miracle, to take command of their situation and their faith through the word and to grow spiritually. This suggests that believers should make moments of hardship and danger not merely a time to endure, but a kairos in which they trust God and grow spiritually.

The promise of fundamental and eternal blessing that comes when we listen diligently to God's word is presented. It conveys that when we look not only at what is seen but also at the unseen, eternal world and enter into a right relationship with God, we are blessed in every area of life. The sermon raises questions to help believers recognize their own abilities and limits, use the time given to them as an opportunity, build up their self-esteem, and grow to the place God desires.