I Am Resolved – Richard Sutton
Teachers
Lesson Summary
Richard Sutton opened the 2023 winter quarter with an inspiring message about new beginnings and spiritual resolution. He began with the story of Roy Regals, who became known as "Wrong Way Regals" after running toward the wrong end zone in the 1929 Rose Bowl, illustrating how one moment can define a person's entire life. Sutton challenged the congregation to consider whether a single day, decision, or moment should completely define who they are, then pivoted to the hope of a new year—a fresh start with blank pages and infinite possibilities. The core biblical teaching centered on Jesus's parable of the fig tree in Luke 13:6-9, where an unfruitful fig tree faces being cut down unless it produces fruit. Sutton presented this as an allegory about bearing fruit in the Christian life, drawing connections to John 15:1-8, where Jesus identifies himself as the vine and believers as branches. The central message emphasized that believers, like the fig tree, are planted in God's vineyard with a purpose: to bear fruit. Sutton introduced his message theme "I Am Resolved" as a framework for the new year, defining resolution as deciding firmly on a course of action. The primary resolution discussed was keeping first things first—seeking God's kingdom first, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:33. This opening message set the tone for the congregation to approach 2023 with intentional spiritual priorities and renewed commitment to bearing fruit in their relationship with God.