Priorities for 2002

 

FILING INFORMATION:

2001069

Subject: goals; evangelism; attitudes  

Preached originally: 12/30/01 – Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction:

A.    2001 will be a year that many will be glad to see pass into history.

1.    terrorist bombing

2.    death of loved ones in our family.  Many battled tremendous problems on the home front this year. 

a)    throughout all of this – we grew closer! 

b)    We are truly a family!

3.    Not all was bad!  This n that….what a year!

B.    What do you think about our work here at Southside over the last 12 months?

1.    Success in some areas?  Failure in others?

2.    Overall – we’ve been successful in laying a foundation for the future. 

3.    If your minister has been able to accomplish anything in the years he’s been here – hopefully he’s established in everyone the idea to look to the future – with hope and optimism.

a)    we can & will succeed here!

b)    Must believe that God will be here for us as we labor for Him!

C.   2001 was a great year.

1.    Five baptisms – all from the community!  Adds up to three new families within the congregation.

a)    let me encourage all the young Christians here to continue to grow up & get involved w/the congregation.  MAKE AN IMPACT!

2.    Two gospel meetings & a conference on personal evangelism.

3.    an emphasis on personal invitations – that paid off in huge dividends! 

4.    New families placed membership w/the congregation.

5.    Classes for young Christians (Sunday/Wednesday) home study classes

6.    Singings/potlucks/etc. etc etc.

D.   2001 was also a challenging year!

1.    Water line busting – set us back thousands.

2.    Budget crisis in June/July – looked pretty bleak.  But,…we overcame this with your help!

E.    What are we planning to do during the coming year?

1.    Be talking about that a lot over next three/four weeks.

2.    Need to be thinking of what we have planned in evangelism; edification; etc.

3.    Need to be thinking and planning as to what we will do individually in our giving; time commitments; etc etc.

4.    Need to work on being a blessing to each other & work together on taking our work to the next level!

F.    A cease fire w/Satan has not been declared!  Let’s push forward and see great things happen this year!  How can we do this?

 

I.  Make it your priority to magnify God.

A.     Heb. 13:15 – no more worthy priority than giving God the center place in our lives!

1.    Where is He in your life?

a)    behind work; school; sports; hobby?

2.    Must who our appreciation for Him.  He’s done so much.

B.    How do we magnify God?

1.    through our presence at worship.

a)    why do you guys go to church so much?  Services cancelled, etc.  Wed?  Come on…..

b)    We come together to encourage one another; praise God; and joyously thank God for His love for us.

c)    This is an opportunity to show those around us how much we love God!

3.    by our attitude & actions – Mt. 5:14-16

4.    by the way we conduct our self in the presence of the church.

a)    How we dress in worship.  Does your dress reflect your love for God?  Not here for a casual get together….

b)    Do bible lesson?  Smile, greet guests; prepared for worship?

 

II.  Make it your priority to love your brethren.

A.       1 Thess 4:9-10.  Pat on the back here. But….must increase! See Paul’s exhortation!

B.      Must be worked on constantly

1.     We will not have God until we love our brethren – 1 Jhn. 3:23; 4:7-8

 

III.  Our priority must be to dedicate our lives to spiritual living.

A.     Must apply what we learn in the Scripture.  Everyone needs to seek to live a holy life!

1.    1 Peter 1:13-16 – be holy, for I am holy.

a)     ashamed of any of our actions?  Chances are – we not perfecting righteousness as we should.

B.    1 Tim. 4:12- be an example!  Someone’s watching you!  They’re looking up to you!

1.    Note also 2 Tim. 2:22.

2.    Is your life characterized by spiritual living?

C.    Can’t effectively proclaim the truth w/o conforming to it ourselves.

 

IV.  We must make it our priority to make more room for prayer.

A.    Mt. 7:7-8 – prayer is important!

1.    Paul, by apostolic authority – commands 1 Thess. 5:17.

2.    Prayer life must be an important part of life.

B.    Experience problems in prayer life because of interruptions; not “planning” to pray; too busy to pray….

C.   God will bless the man who prays often – note results Elijah experienced – Js. 5:16-18

D.   More communication w/the Father will help keep your heart tender!

 

V.  We must make it our priority to care for the lost.

A.    What are we going to do this year to find those who are lost?

1.    2 Cor. 6:1-2 – there must be a sense of urgency to the situation.

2.    Not guaranteed another day/hour/second…Here at this moment only by the grace of God!

B.    Jhn 9:4 – the time for work will end.  The Lord will return – 2 Peter 3:9-12.

C.   Are we preparing for that day by seeking to find as many as we can to share w/them the good news of the gospel?

 

Conclusion:

A.    Plenty to keep us busy.  Must work to see these things become priorities in our lives.

B.    If we seek to make these things a reality – we will grow both spiritually and numerically during the coming years.

C.   Not a Christian?  Start New Year off right by obeying gospel!

1.    Not a Christian – then can’t take part in this effort because you aren’t a soldier in the army of the Lord - Obey today!

2.    Already a Christian?  Recommit your life to the Lord and to meeting these spiritual priorities.

D.   I N V I T A T I O N