Thoughts for 2018

Thoughts for the New Year – 2018

Introduction

     Though it’s only another day, it’s worth considering some things about a fresh year.

     This year is worthy of a fresh focus: forgetting the disappointments of the past and leave them with the Lord.

     Consider reading through the Bible this year. It helps us understand the things that are happening now. No matter how many times you do it, there is always something new to hear. It takes about 20 minutes a day.  All of us can find this time.

Church

     We need to pray for our church. Winning the lost “is why we’re in business. . . .Let the Lord lead us to       people and pray to that end . . .”

Persecution and passion to tell people about Jesus

     John 15:18-19 – Jesus expected persecution and predicted it for his followers. We’ve seen this in Acts . . .

     Acts 13:49-50

     Acts 16:20-24

     Act 19:8-10 Paul persevered and the Gospel continued to spread . . .

The Insanity of God, Nik Ripken – insight into the persecuted church

     The strategy of Satan:  denying the world access to Jesus. “His [Satan’s] greatest desire is for the people of this world to leave Jesus alone.”

     People ask “Is persecution coming to America? . . . Why would Satan want to wake us up?  He’s already shut us up . . .”

     The story of Samira . . .

     “How we take for granted . . .”

Closing

     Why are we in business?

     What is our responsibility?