Crossing over to new year sermon

Here's a sermon outline for a New Year's service, focusing on the theme of "Crossing Over":

Title: Crossing Over to a New Year

Text: Exodus 14:13-31, Psalm 107:1-7, Revelation 21:4

Introduction:

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, we're reminded of the countless times in our lives when we've had to cross over from one place to another. Whether it's a physical journey, a transition in our careers, or a major life change, we've all had to navigate the unknown and trust that God will guide us.

The Story of the Israelites:

In Exodus 14, we find the Israelites stuck between a rock and a hard place. They're trapped between the Red Sea and the pursuing Egyptian army, with no clear escape route. But God has a plan. He tells Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea, and a strong east wind blows, parting the waters. The Israelites cross over safely, while the Egyptians are drowned in the sea.

The Lesson:

This story teaches us that God is always with us, even when we're in the midst of uncertainty. He's the one who parts the waters, who makes a way where there seems to be no way. And as we enter this new year, we can trust that He will guide us across the unknown terrain of our lives.

The Psalmist's Prayer:

In Psalm 107, we find the psalmist praying for deliverance from the depths of despair. He cries out to God, "Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, from the grip of the wicked, from the clutches of those who were stronger than they" (Psalm 107:2-3). And God answers, "Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress" (Psalm 107:6).

The Promise:

In Revelation 21:4, we're given a glimpse of the future, where God promises to wipe away every tear from our eyes. There will be no more suffering, no more pain, no more sorrow. We'll be able to live in perfect harmony with God and with each other.

The Challenge:

As we enter this new year, we're faced with a choice. Will we trust in God's goodness and provision, or will we try to navigate the unknown on our own? Will we cry out to Him in our times of trouble, or will we try to handle everything on our own?

The Resolution:

As we cross over into this new year, let's make a resolution to trust in God's goodness and provision. Let's cry out to Him in our times of trouble, and let's trust that He will guide us across the unknown terrain of our lives. Let's remember that He is always with us, even when we're in the midst of uncertainty.

Conclusion:

As we stand at the threshold of this new year, let's remember that God is the one who parts the waters, who makes a way where there seems to be no way. Let's trust in His goodness and provision, and let's cry out to Him in our times of trouble. And as we do, we'll find that He will guide us across the unknown terrain of our lives, leading us to a place of peace, joy, and fulfillment.