SOME DECISIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR
I Peter 4:7-11
Intro. We are faced with many decisions every day of our lives. None are more important than some that we need to make for the new year.
I. To Obey The Lord:
A. Become a Christian—John 14:15.
1. Hear (Listen) the Word—Romans 10:17.
a. Gk. Word "Akouo" used 437 times.
2. Believe—John 8:24; Mark 16:15,16.
3. Repent—Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30; II Peter 3:9.
4. Confess Him as Lord—Matt. 10:32,33; I John 4:15.
5. Be baptized—Rom. 6:3-11; Gal. 3:26-29; Acts 22:16
B. Those who obey are blessed greatly but the disobedient are condemned to Hell—Mark. 16:15,16; II Thes. 1:7-9; Rev. 20:11-15.
II. To Remain Faithful To The Lord.
A. Every year some fall away from the Lord. It would be astonishing to know how many unfaithful members in Shelby County.
1. We have some who fell away this year.
2. Let us determine to remain faithful—Rev. 2:10.
B. The God-Head is displeased with those who fall away—II Peter 2:20-22.
1. If we fall, we can return to the Lord—II Peter 3:9.
2. Story of Prodigal son shows the joy of the father over his son—Luke 15:11-32. Depicts God and the wayward.
III. To Be A Soulwinner.
A. "He that wins souls is wise" (Prov. 11:30).
1. Wives win husbands (I Peter 3:1,2).
B. Reclaim the Erring—Gal. 6:1; James 5:19,20.
IV. To Let Your Light Shine For Christ—Matt. 5:16.
A. At Work—Be your best—do your best—Eph. 6:5-7.
B. At Home—Eph. 5:22-33; 6:1-4. Husband, wife & children all have responsibilities to each other.
C. At Worship:
1. Sing & pray with the spirit & understanding—I Cor. 14:15.
2. Lord’s Supper—I Cor. 11:23-29.
3. Giving—I Cor. 16:1,2.
4. Fellowship—Acts 2:42.
D. We belong to Christ. Therefore, we should glorify Him in our bodies—I Cor. 6:18-20.
Robert L. Brown
Great Oaks Church of Christ