Transcript Men look back & forward •Moses & Israel, Deuteronomy •Peter & the Lord, Jn.

Men look back & forward
•Moses & Israel, Deuteronomy
•Peter & the Lord, Jn. 21:15-22
•Us with the New Year
What do we observe about the past year?
•The blessings?
•Personal spiritual growth?
•Missed opportunities?
Tomorrow is not a guarantee, Jas. 4:13-15
•Plans ≠ Future, Lk. 12:16-21
•Future in God’s hands
Christ may return this year, 1 Thes. 5:1, 2
•His return is a guarantee
•Time unknown
•Prepare, 1 Thes. 5:4-8
We may die this year, Psa. 89:48
•Natural
•Accident
•Old or young
We may live many more years, Isa. 38:1, 5
If the Lord wills we will see them realized,
Jas. 4:15
•Paul’s attitude, 1 Cor. 4:19; 16:7; Acts 18:21
•Satan’s interference, 1 Thes. 2:18
We sometimes fall into routines
And need to break out of them
•Actions by habit, Rev. 2:4
•Apathy, Heb. 2:1; 5:12
For the congregation
•Additional elders or deacons, Titus 1:5
•Budget changes, Phil. 4:15-17
-Support fewer preachers
-Fewer class materials
•Spiritual growth
-Gospel meetings, Acts 2:46
-Special classes, Titus 2:1-10
Individually
•More study, Psa. 119:97
•More prayer, 1 Pt. 5:7; Jas. 1:5
•Give more, 2 Cor. 9:6, 7
•Encourage brethren, Heb. 3:13
•Improve marriage, Eph. 5:22, 25
•Regular attendance, Heb. 10:24, 25
•Help teach another, Acts 8:4
•Overcome a weakness, Col. 3:5-10
As the new year dawns,
let us realize eternity is closer
•Seek a closer relationship with God
•Seize opportunities to serve Him
•Resist the adversary with greater strength
•Find wisdom, peace, & hope in the word
•Love the Lord will all that you are