Things We Wouldn't Miss In 2012

Speaker: Toby Soechting

Scripture: Proverbs 23:7

INTRODUCTION:

1. Life is a grindstone.  But whether it grinds us down, or polishes us up depends upon us. (Unknown)
2. The condition of this congregation is very much the result of our attitudes and her future depends much on that of preceding generations.

DISCUSSION:  IF IT FAILED TO APPEAR IN 2012, WE WOULD NOT MISS --
I. PROCRASTINATION.

1. Here’s an attitude that doesn’t say, “we won’t!” but instead says, “Let’s wait until…”
2. When working for the Lord’s sake, Christians are to be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding (1 Cor. 15:58).
3. God promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination (Augustine).

II. WORRY.

1. Stewing without doing.
2. Faith and worry cannot exist at the same time!
3. Understanding God’s will gives us hope (Heb. 6:18-19).

III. COMPLACENCY.

1. God deserves our best, and that will require desire, determination, and dedication (Mt. 6:33; Mk. 12:30).
2. This congregation has done amazing things, but this congregation can do more!
3. Christians own the future!

IV. FEAR

1. Fear is the dark room where negatives are developed.
2. God has given Christians a spirit of power (2 Ti. 1:7)

Conclusion:  

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1–2, NKJV) 

Things We Wouldn't Miss In 2012

All Things Are Yours

Speaker: Toby Soechting

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23

INTRODUCTION:

1. As a nation and certainly as Christian we have plenty about which we should give thanks!
2. Yet, this old sinful world can get us down, but not out!
3. Paul told the Christians at Corinth, “all things are yours.

DISCUSSION:

I. PAUL, APOLLOS, OR CEPHAS.

1. The seed of the kingdom is the word of God (Lk. 8:11).
2. We should give thanks for the men and women who teach and who taught us the word of God.
3. The Corinthian Christians were thinking that they belonged to Paul or Apollos or Cephas, but the reality was that Paul, Apollos and Cephas belonged to them.

II. WORLD, LIFE, AND DEATH.

1. The world is a reference to the creation.
2. Life is a limited commodity, but whether extended or brief, life belongs to Christians!
3. Death is certain, but a Christian owns death (cf. Phil. 1:21; 1 Cor. 15:50-55).

III. THINGS PRESENT AND THINGS TO COME.

1. At present, we live amidst a crooked and perverse generation (Phil. 2:15), but there is great reward in living the Christian life.
2. The future of our nation may look uncertain, and without Christianity it is impossible to be optimistic, but with Christ all things are possible.
3. Christians own the future!

Conclusion:  

“And you are Christ’s and Christ is God’s” (v. 23).  Do you belong to Christ?

All Things Are Yours