Note before sharing the sermon: coming off yesterday's post, today's post and tomorrow's post will show sermons from the last couple weekends regarding a very powerful reminder about how to approach this New Year (and every New Year).
Offertory scripture:
Romans 6:23 all have fallen short of the glory of God
John 3:16 God so loved the world
John 15:13 no greater love
Romans 5:15
1 Samuel 15:22 obedience is better than sacrifice
Malachi 3:8-12
Sermon message:
Thesis: remember and forget
The truth about memories is that they can be a blessing and a curse.
2 Corinthians 10:5
casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
Don’t linger on things that aren’t beneficial to you. But remember and linger on those things that bless you.
Remember that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you.
Point #1: Forget those things that bring hurt.
Philippians 3:13-14
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Point #2: Remember the things that bring joy.
Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Point #3: Believe for a better tomorrow.
Matthew 19:26 with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Dwelling on good thoughts will bless your tomorrows, but dwelling on negative thoughts will curse your tomorrows.
Point #4: Remember and don’t forget you choose what to dwell on.
Deuteronomy 30:19
I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
Psalm 1:1
Blessed is the manWho walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,Nor stands in the path of sinners,Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;