A TIME FOR CELEBRATION

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.   The book of Ecclesiastes tells us that there is a time for every purpose under heaven (Eccl. 3:1).

 

To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.

 

B.   In verse 4, Solomon sets forth two contrasts of times.

 

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

 

C.   Two times of celebration came to my mind as I thought about what Solomon said.

1.    One of them was when David brought the ark of God into the city of Jerusalem and placed it in the tabernacle (2 Sam. 6:14).

 

And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.

 

2.    The second time of celebration is in one of the parables Jesus told.  We refer to the parable as “The Parable of the Prodigal Son.”

a.    The son departed from his father’s house and wound up lost and helpless in a foreign land.

b.    However, he repented and returned to his father’s house.

c.    When he returned, the father celebrated.

1)    Luke 15:22-23

 

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:  and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:  for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.  And they began to be merry.

 

2)    The elder brother had been in the field when all of this occurred.  The Bible tells us that when he “drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing” (Luke 15:25).

 

D.   Yes, there is a time to celebrate various events that transpire in our lives. 

There is a time for a church to celebrate various milestones as well.

 

E.   Today, the OceanSide church celebrates 39 years as a local congregation of the Lord’s people.  This Anniversary Celebration gives the congregation an opportunity to do several things.  Let’s talk about them for a few minutes.

 

I.             IT IS DEFINITELY A TIME TO REJOICE

 

A.   There are some endeavors that do not succeed. 

1.    Many businesses fail within the first two to three years. 

2.    Many marriages fail within just a few years.

3.    The seven churches of Asia found in the Revelation no longer exist.

 

B.   To exist for 39 years, should bring joy to our hearts. 

 

 

 

C.   Today is a time to laugh and dance (Eccl. 3:4).

1.    In a few minutes, we will be having a fellowship meal.

2.    It is the time for us to eat the fatted calf and to be merry because OceanSide is still on the Beach laboring for the cause of Jesus Christ.

 

D.   Sadly, there are always the Debbie Downers and the Smokey the Bears who seek to put out the fire.  Don’t let this happen today.  OceanSide is here.  OceanSide is still thriving.  OceanSide has done some great things and will continue to do some great things in the future.

 

II.           IT IS A TIME TO REFLECT

 

A.   Why are we here?

1.    Years ago, the founding members of the OceanSide congregation were members of another congregation on the Beach.

2.    Error raised its head within that congregation.

a.    The error involved Marriage-Divorce-Remarriage.

b.    Several attempts were made to rectify the situation, but the error persisted.

c.    The faithful had no choice but to leave and form another congregation.

1)    Romans 16:17

 

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

 

2)    2 Corinthians 6:17-18

 

Wherefore come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

 

3.    The pure, unadulterated doctrine of Christ is still important at OceanSide.

a.    2 Corinthians 2:17

 

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God…

 

b.    Titus 2:7

 

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works:  in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity.

 

B.   Who brought us here?

1.    There are only a handful of the original members who are still part of the church.

2.    Most of us did not fight the battles.  We did not put in the blood, the sweat, and the tears to build this congregation. 

3.    We are standing on the backs of many who have gone before us.

a.    Reflect upon the sacrifices that were made.

b.    Reflect upon the time that was donated.

c.    Reflect upon the money that was contributed.

d.    Reflect upon the battles that were fought.

e.    Reflect upon the teaching and preaching that was done.

4.    Individuals are quick to criticize the past generations.  Yet, many today would not and could not do some of the things that they did.

a.    It took faith.

b.    It took courage.

c.    It took commitment.

d.    It too service.

e.    It took endurance.

5.    We may or may not know names.  We may or may not be able to put faces upon the trailblazers.  But, we know they existed because we are here as a result of their efforts. 

6.    Anniversaries are a time to remember.  On anniversaries, we tell others:  “We will not forget!”

 

III.         A TIME OF RECOGNITION

 

A.   If we desired, we could try to call all of those who had a hand in the formulation of this church before us and recognize each one for his/her contribution to this work.

 

B.   What we are asking for you to do is to recognize those individuals before the throne of God.

1.    Give thanks for the things they did.

2.    Give thanks for what we have because of them.

 

C.   NOTE:  It is never against the law of God to be grateful.

 

D.   In Hebrews 11, the inspired penman sets forth a list of many people who manifested great faith in the Almighty God. 

1.    Yes, they are there for examples for us.

2.    But, can’t we give thanks for each one of them and for the faithful life each one lived which helps us to be men and women of faith today?

 

E.   1 Thessalonians 5:18

 

In every thing give thanks:  for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

 

IV.         A TIME OF REDEDICATION

 

A.   As we live our Christian lives, we sometimes become complacent.

As we live our Christian lives, we sometimes become lukewarm.

As we live our Christian lives, we put the important things on the back burner.

As we live our Christian lives, we forsake our duties and responsibilities.

As we live our Christian lives, we do not adequately prepare for the future.

 

B.   Anniversaries remind us of important things and have the ability to light a fire within us again.

 

C.   When the fire is lit, we recommit.  We rededicate ourselves to the work that is now ours to do.

1.    We remember that we are now the builders.

2.    We remember that we are the team that is on the field.

3.    We remember that we are the soldiers on the battlefield.

 

D.   David hit a low point in his life when his sin with Bathsheba and his sin against Uriah were exposed. In Psalm 51, we read about David’s rededication. 

1.    He confessed his sins (Ps. 51:3).

 

For I acknowledge my transgressions:  and my sin is ever before me.

 

2.    He prayed for cleansing and renewal (Ps. 51:10-12).

 

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.  Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit.

 

3.    LESSON:  Renewal and restoration are needed in the lives of all Christians from time to time.  An anniversary Sunday gives us that opportunity.

 

CONCLUSION

 

A.   Thirty-nine years ago, a group of Christians was determined for a sound congregation to exist in Atlantic Beach, FL.  This church was designed to serve the Beach community.

 

B.   Today, let’s…

1.    Rejoice

2.    Reflect

3.    Recognize

4.    Rededicate

 

C.   Today, a group of Christians still exists in Atlantic Beach that is determined for a sound church to exist here and to serve the Beach community.