LOOKING BACK AND REACHING FORWARD

"LOOKING BACK AND REACHING FORWARD"


Intro:
Welcome to 2009. For many of us, 2008 was somewhat up and down. I'm sure that you had both your highlights, as well as your lowlights. Maybe you will remember 08 for some sports related memory. Maybe it was something in the world of entertainment that captured your attention. Maybe you, like millions of others around the world were caught up in the historic election, which took place during 2008. Maybe your memory wasn't on a national level, but a personal level. Maybe it was a death, birth, move, transfer, or something totally different, which will always come to mind when you think of 2008.
Regardless what memory stands out the most, it is an undeniable fact that 08 is now in the books, and it is time to turn our attention to the year which stretches before us. Let me ask you, do you want 2009 to be a successful year spiritually speaking? Do you want to serve God better in 09, than you did in 08? If the answer is yes, then what you need is a plan.
Here tonight, I want to help you to see the plan, which will assist you in growing closer to God in this New Year. If you and I are to be better Christians in 2009, then we must..

I. WE MUST WAKE UP!
(Acts 20: 7-9)
1. There were two things, which should have kept Eutychus awake.
A. The opportunity, which he was afforded.
B. The Danger, which he faced.
2. Opportunity stood at Eutychus door, just as it stands at the door of 09.
A. Eutychus had the opportunity to hear the Apostle Paul speak, and didn't take proper advantage of it.
B. For us, in 09, it is not the opportunity to listen, but to speak that should keep us awake!
C. Rom 1: 16 we have the chance to share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which has the power to save souls!
3. We also, just like Eutychus, must wake up and beware the danger, which we face.
A. Eutychus fell asleep while setting in a third-story window. How could he not see the danger, which he faced?
B. If you and I are not careful in 09, we will likewise fall asleep, and we will also lose our lives.
C. 1Pet 5: 8 remember in 09, that the devil is looking out for sleeping Christians.

II. WE MUST STAND UP!
(ACTS 6-7)
1. In scripture, there are few men who stood up with the same faith, which we see in Stephen.
A. Acts 6: 1 the Grecians began to complain because they felt that their widows were being neglected.
B. Acts 6: 2-4 the Apostles instructed them to elect 7 men of honest report, and full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, and appoint them deacons, that they might see to those needs.
C. Acts 6: 5 Stephen was selected, and filled the office with wisdom and courage.
D. Acts 6: 12 the council heard of his efforts, arrested him, and brought charges against him.
E. They wanted him to set down and hush, and instead he stood up and shouted!
2. In 09, this is what we must learn to do as well.
A. It is time for us to stand and defend the Lord who died for us.
B. Matt 10: 32 if we want Christ to stand up for us before our Father in Heaven, then we must be prepared to stand up for him while here on earth.

III. WE MUST LOOK UP!
(GENESIS 3: 1-12)
1. Whether it is 2009 or A.D. 59, there is a problem which man has always faced.
A. We always take to much credit, and accept to little of the blame.
B. Gen 3: 12 from the beginning man has been looking for someone to blame.
2. However, in 09, learn to give credit where credit is due.
A. James 1: 17 God isn't the giver of evil gifts, but every thing that is good and perfect.
B. John 16: 33 if you are going through something bad right now, you can know that something good is yet to come!