Look What the Lord has Done
Celebration is far more than an occasional, cheerful luxury—it is a spiritual discipline rooted in recognizing that God has been, is, and will always be faithful. On Sunday, September 27, 2026, High Point Church gathered for a powerful Celebration Sunday. Pastor David Barnes delivered an inspiring message titled "Look What the Lord Has Done," anchoring the teaching in Psalm 126:3: “The Lord has done great things for us; we are joyful.”
Celebrating God’s Faithfulness, Presence, and Promise
Throughout the morning, the church family experienced a dynamic, interactive service that blended worship, scripture, the welcoming of new members, Holy Communion, and water baptism. The overarching message was simple yet transformative: taking time to stop, remember, and audibly express appreciation for how God’s work changes our perspective and builds our faith.
1. Celebrate What God Has Done (Psalm 126:3)
It is easy in the rush of daily life to stay focused on what needs fixing, what hasn't happened yet, or where we need to go next. However, spiritual growth requires us to periodically pause and remember.
"Everything we have accomplished ultimately points back to God’s faithfulness."
— Pastor David Barnes
One of the greatest dangers in the Christian walk is forgetfulness—remembering the problem while forgetting the provision, or fixating on the battle while forgetting the victory. Celebration demands that we intentionally recall:
Our salvation and redemption
Physical and emotional healings
God’s timely financial and material provisions
Restored family relationships
Doors opened that no man could shut
Answers to prayers we once wept over
When we look back—even at the history of our local church overcoming trials and rebuilding—we see that it was not our own strength, but the Lord's hand at work.
2. Celebrate What God Is Doing (Philippians 1:6)
God did not stop moving in the past; He is actively at work in our present. As Paul writes in Philippians 1:6, we can be confident that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”
A vital truth highlighted in the sermon is that unfinished does not mean abandoned.
Just because you cannot see the progress with your physical eyes does not mean God isn't working behind the scenes. He is marinating our character, arranging circumstances, and fighting battles in the heavenlies on our behalf. We don't have to wait for the final destination to rejoice; we can celebrate God's continuous faithfulness right in the middle of the process.
3. Celebrate What God Is About to Do (Isaiah 43:19)
Looking back with gratitude creates expectation for the future. In Isaiah 43:19, God declares, “Behold, I am going to do something new.”
While familiar routines feel comfortable, the church cannot thrive strictly on yesterday’s victories, past revivals, or old testimonies. God has new people to reach, new miracles to perform, restored lives to bring about, and new generations to impact. When we remember what God has done before, it instills the faith to declare: If He did it back then, He can do it again!
4. Celebrate Together: The Power of Audible Appreciation
Faith was never meant to be a solo journey. One of the greatest privileges of the Body of Christ is that we do not have to rejoice alone. Romans 12:15 instructs us to "Rejoice with those who rejoice."
Pastor David brought light to the act of applause in a worship community. Spiritual applause is not about performing; it is:
Recognition: Acknowledging God at work in someone else's life.
Agreement & Honor: Standing together in alignment with what God is declaring.
Encouragement: Telling a brother or sister in Christ to keep pressing forward.
An Outward Expression: Giving audible voice to an inward celebration of joy and gratitude.
When one member receives a breakthrough, the entire congregation rises up to applaud and glorify God together.
Small Group Discussion Questions
Read Psalm 126:3. Why do you think it is so easy for us to forget God’s past blessings when new challenges arise?
Pastor David noted that we often focus on what needs to be fixed rather than stopping to celebrate. What is one "small" answer to prayer from the recent past that you can celebrate today?
Read Philippians 1:6. What does the phrase "Unfinished doesn't mean abandoned" mean to you in your current season of life?
How do you maintain faith and joy when you cannot see physical evidence that God is working on a situation?
Read Isaiah 43:19. Why might "new things" sometimes feel uncomfortable or intimidating?
Share a testimony from your past where God brought you through a difficult battle. How does remembering that victory give you faith for what He will do next?
Read Romans 12:15. Why is it sometimes challenging to genuinely rejoice when someone else gets a breakthrough you’ve been praying for for yourself?
How can our small group do a better job of practicing "friend therapy"—actively encouraging, celebrating, and building up one another weekly?
In what ways does public celebration (like applause, testimony, or vocal praise) serve as an outward expression of inward joy?
Reflecting on the covenant commitments of church membership mentioned in the sermon (protecting unity, sharing responsibility, serving, and supporting the testimony), which area do you feel led to strengthen this season?
During Communion, we remember Christ’s body broken and blood shed for us. How does reflecting on the cross reset your perspective when life feels overwhelming?
What is one practical step you can take this week to show outward appreciation or encouragement to someone in your family, workplace, or church community?