January 6, 2008 Summit PM

Looking Ahead For 2008

Introduction

A. From the beginning God had a plan

1. Created an awesome world – all was good

2. Created man & placed him in a garden – all needs met – no evil

3. Even had a plan for man’s failings – from foundation Jesus shed His blood

B. God has always planned ahead

1. Day coming when will judge all

2. Already prepared a place for the redeemed

C. Question – what are God’s goals for us in 2008?

I. That We Truly Be A Radiant Church

A. Scripture

1. Eph.5:25, 26

a. Jesus gave Himself that His church might be radiant

b. Sacrificed – no cost was too great

c. Radiant = splendid; gorgeous; esteemed by all

2. Rev.19:6-8 – comes in her wedding garments

a. Struggled with Satan – now radiant

1) Made herself ready

2) Not in own strength – filled with God’s Spirit

b. Clothed ion righteous acts – righteousness

1) Eph.5:26 – cleansed through washing of word

2) 1 Jn.1:7 - Continually cleansed as she walks in light

B. What take – on our part - to be a truly radiant church?

1. Not content with mediocrity

a. Be the best we can be – 1 Cor.9:27

b. In the race to win – not just show

c. Rev.3 – Laodecia – church makes Jesus sick

1) Content – already good enough

2) Totally self satisfied – no concern for what Jesus wants

d. Mt.5:13 – salt lost saltiness = good for nothing

2. Rising above mediocrity

a. Serious about our discipleship

1) Disciple = a learner (always more to learn)

2) Add in magazine – here lies mind – body still exists

3) Lk.14:26ff – disciple renounces all

4) Make time for His word – Ps.119

b. Personally deal with sin

1) Stop acting like we have none – 1 Jn.1:8-10

2) Ps.139:23,24 – search me

3) 2 Cor.9:5 – goal to always please Him

c. Stop being content with just getting by

1) Set spiritual goals – strive for them

2) Become accountable – iron sharpens iron

II. Become An Energetic Christian

A. A People full of energy & enthusiasm

1. Obama won in Iowa

a. Lot of people excited – enthused

b. Comments – casting off the old garbage last 16 years

2. Phil.2:12,13 – work out salvation

a. Work out = finishing what started

b. God did an awesome thing – created new

c. Now make something great with what given

d. Like play dough – mess up & start over

1) Possibilities are endless

2) With God on our side – nothing impossible

e. Phil.4:13 – do all things

B. Maintain a deep respect for God

1. Some people truly believe Obama is answer

a. Is a man – will disappoint

b. Limited in what can accomplish

2. Our God will never disappoint – fail to accomplish goals

a. Is powerful beyond our imaginations – Eph.3:20

b. Need live in deep respect for Him

1) In fear & trembling – truly honoring

2) Want do nothing that would ever disappoint Him

C. Allow God a free hand in your life

1. Is working – so think & do His will – what pleases Him

a. Not in this alone

b. Given us His Spirit so fully obey Him

2. Stop grieving & quenching His Spirit

a. Don’t just attend – get involved

b. Look for ways to use your time & talents

III. Truly Become A Beacon For The Lost

A. Song –“Let the lower lights be burning”

1. Based upon a ship wreck on Lake Erie – in 1869

a. Loraine harbor – channel from lake to harbor

b. Light house on lake – lights along channel

2. One night- lights were not lit

a. No one had come into harbor for some time

b. Not feel like refilling lights

3. Storm came & ship unable find channel

B. Mt.5:14-16 – we are the light of the world

1. Not to hide light – find way all see it

2. Are world’s only hope – Jesus

3. We have the message of life – no hope without it

a. Rom.1:16 – power of God unto salvation

b. Look for ways to get it out