MUG Church, Southern Baptist

01/01/2026

Sermon Title: “Ebenezer: The Stone That Speaks”

Text: 1 Samuel 7:12 – “Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.’” (NIV)

🔥 Introduction: A Stone with a Story

Beloved, have you ever paused in your journey and looked back—not with regret, but with reverence?

In 1 Samuel 7:12, we find the prophet Samuel doing just that. After a miraculous victory over the Philistines, he sets up a stone and names it Ebenezer, meaning “stone of help.” Why? Because he recognized something we often forget:

“Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

This was not just a monument. It was a message. A declaration. A spiritual anchor.

🧱 1. The Stone Reminds Us of God’s Faithfulness

The Israelites had just returned to the Lord after years of idolatry. They repented. They fasted. And when the enemy came, God thundered from heaven and gave them victory.

Samuel didn’t take credit. He didn’t say, “Look what we’ve done.” He said, “Look what God has done.”

“Faith builds altars; fear builds excuses.”

Your Ebenezer is not a trophy of your strength—it’s a testimony of God’s grace.

Application:
Pause today and look back. Through every valley, every battle, every unanswered question—hasn’t God helped you? You’re still standing. That’s your Ebenezer.

⚔️ 2. The Stone Marks a Turning Point

This moment was a spiritual reset for Israel. They had wandered, but now they were returning. The stone marked a before and after.

“You can’t change your past, but you can mark your pivot.”

Maybe today is your Mizpah moment. Maybe you’ve been drifting. Maybe fear, failure, or fatigue have worn you down.

But hear this: God is not finished. The same God who thundered for Israel will thunder for you.

Application:
Set your own Ebenezer. Not a literal stone, but a decision. A prayer. A journal entry. A moment where you say, “From this point on, I walk by faith.”

🌄 3. The Stone Points to a Greater Deliverer

Centuries later, another stone would be rolled away—not to mark a battle won, but a grave defeated.

Jesus is our ultimate Ebenezer. He is the Rock of Ages, the Cornerstone rejected by men but chosen by God.

“Christ is not just our help—He is our victory.”

When we say, “Thus far the Lord has helped us,” we’re not just looking back—we’re looking forward. Because the same God who brought us this far will carry us home.

🙌 Conclusion:
Raise Your Stone

So today, I challenge you:

- Remember what God has done.
- Repent where you’ve drifted.
- Recommit to the journey ahead.

Raise your Ebenezer—not in pride, but in praise. Let it be a reminder that you are never alone.

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”
— Philippians 1:6

Thus far—yes, even through the tears, the trials, the waiting—the Lord has helped you.

And He’s not done yet.

26/12/2025

26/12/2025

JESUS IS

26/12/2025

There joy is more than 12days of Christmas

26/12/2025

WHEN GIFT IS WRAPPED WHO KNOWS?

26/12/2025

There smile is more than a simple gift!

26/12/2025

Christmas with them

21/12/2025

🎁 Sermon Title: The Exchange Gift

Theme: At Christmas, God initiated the greatest exchange in history—our brokenness for His blessing, our sin for His salvation.

Scripture Reference: Luke 2:10
but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.

🔥 INTRODUCTION:
“The Gift That Changed Everything”

“Have you ever joined an exchange gift where you gave something simple… and received something extravagant in return?”

Christmas is full of wrapped boxes, ribbons, and surprises. But the true miracle of Christmas is not what we give each other—it’s what God gave us, and what He invites us to give back.

At the manger, heaven offered the most divine exchange:
- God gave His Son
- We gave our sin
- And in return, we received grace, peace, and eternal life

This is not just a holiday—it’s a holy exchange.

✨ MAIN MESSAGE: 3 Transformational Exchanges at Christmas

1. Our Sin for His Righteousness
📖 “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us…” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

- Jesus didn’t just come to be born—He came to die.
- The cradle leads to the cross.
- He took our guilt and shame, and in return, gave us forgiveness and right standing with God.

Practical Application:
- Stop trying to “earn” God’s love.
- Receive the gift of grace.
- Let go of guilt—He already paid for it.

2. Our Fear for His Peace
📖 “Do not be afraid… I bring you good news of great joy…” (Luke 2:10)

- The shepherds were terrified—but the angel’s first words were “Fear not.”
- Jesus came to silence fear with peace.

Practical Application:
- What fear are you holding this Christmas?
- Exchange it in prayer.
- Let His peace rule your heart (Colossians 3:15).

3. Our Emptiness for His Fullness
📖 “And of His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” (John 1:16)

- Many feel empty during the holidays—lonely, weary, or disappointed.
- But Jesus came to fill what the world cannot.

Practical Application:
- Don’t fill your soul with temporary things.
- Make room for Jesus—through worship, the Word, and community.

🙌 CONCLUSION:
“What Will You Bring to the Exchange?”

This Christmas, God is still offering the greatest exchange:

- Your past for His purpose
- Your wounds for His healing
- Your striving for His rest

🎄The manger is not just a decoration—it’s an invitation.
Come as you are. Bring your brokenness. Lay it at His feet.
And receive the gift that never fades: Jesus.

✝️ CALL TO RESPONSE

Invite listeners to reflect or pray:

“Lord, I bring You my fear, my sin, my emptiness. I receive Your peace, Your forgiveness, and Your fullness. Thank You for the greatest gift—Your Son.”

01/12/2025

Romans 12:10
Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.