Bobby Stafford What Lies Ahead       Christian Living

What Lies Ahead?

Introduction:

2017 is over.  2018 is here.  Let us use today to reflect briefly on the past and then look ahead to the new year.

Body:

I.            The Past

·       Are you closer to God today than you were a year ago?  Has your relationship with Him improved?  These are vital questions that we need to ask.  (James 4:8a) “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” NKJV  (Hebrews 4:16) “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” NKJV  (II Chronicles 15:2) “Then David said, ‘No one may carry the ark of God but the Levites, for the Lord has chosen them to carry the ark of God and to minister before Him forever.’ ” NKJV  How often do you speak to Him?  (I Thessalonians 5:17) “pray without ceasing,” NKJV  Pray regularly. 

·       Have you been listening to Him through His Word?  This is how He speaks to us today.  (Hebrews 4:12) “For the word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” NKJV  (I Peter 2:2) “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,” NKJV  This verse instructs us to “desire the pure milk of the word.”  We are to receive with meekness the implanted word.  (James 1:21) “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” NKJV  Study so you will always be ready.  (I Peter 3:15) “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;” NKJV 

·       How often did we show that we love the brethren?

(I John 4:7-8) “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” NKJV  This type of love is more than a feeling or attitude.  It is seen in our deeds.  (I John 3:17-18) “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?  My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” NKJV  Our love for the brethren needs to continually increase.  (I Thessalonians 4:9-10) “But concerning brotherly love you have no need that  I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia.  But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more;” NKJV

·        What have you done this past year to spread the gospel?  We have a responsibility to the lost.  (Matthew 5:13-16) “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?  It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.  You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” NKJV  Have you invited people to church, handed out DVD’s, talked about your relationship with Christ?  Each of us is closer to judgment now than we were a year ago. 

II.          The Future

·       Put away sinful practices, even questionable ones.  Remember what Jesus told the woman taken in adultery.  (John 8:11) “She said, ‘No one, Lord.’  And Jesus said to her, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.’ ” NKJV  This “putting away” begins with changing the heart.  (Matthew 5:8) “Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.” NKJV  The Bible warns us to abstain from every form of evil.  (I Thessalonians 5:21-22) “Test all things; hold fast what is good.  Abstain from every form of evil.” NKJV

·       Be a better example to those around you.  (I Timothy 4:12) “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” NKJV  Be honest at school regardless if your friends aren’t.  Be people of integrity.  (Titus 2:7) “in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,” NKJV

·       Persevere – don’t quit; don’t give up.  (Philippians 3:12-14) “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.  Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” NKJV  A runner must keep his eyes ahead, not glancing back to what is behind.  (Galatians 6:9) “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” NKJV  Think of all those who quit the faith! 

·       Stop wasting time!  (Ephesians 5:15-16) “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” NKJV  Our time here on earth is very limited and, once gone, cannot be recovered.  Circumspectly – walking on a narrow path along the side of a steep mountain.  Keep your eyes open.  Be careful.  Make the most of every opportunity. 

·       Try kindness this year.  (Ephesians 4:32a) “And be kind to one another,” NKJV  Many people are harsh, critical, selfish, unfriendly, and cold.  That doesn’t mean we have to be!  Anyone, young or old, can show concern for others.  (James 1:27) “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this:  to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” NKJV  Visit:  help, assist, aid.  Instead of expecting people to help you,  do something for someone else.

Conclusion:  Have you thought about what has been said?  Let this year be one of new beginnings.  Some wonderful things happened last year, like our VBS.  Let’s look forward to more in 2018.

Bobby Stafford 

January 7, 2018