This Year, Look Back

With the New Year coming fast, I started to look back over this past year and all of the things that have been happening, and as I did, I realized that a lot has happened that I do not want to forget.  God has done some miraculous things, I have learned so much, and just so many fun stories have come out of this past year.  So as I looked back, I began to think about resolutions, people make them every year, and few people keep them.  But tonight, I have a resolution that needs to be kept.

It has been said that you learn from the past, and also that you should not dwell on it, but in this case, I say we should learn from the past, and keep it as a monument in our lives, to remind us of where we have been, and where we are going.

Let's look at the first portion of Scripture, we will read from Ephesians 2:1-6.

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 2:1-6)

I. We need to remember What God has brought us out of.  Remember you were a sinner, and now because of Christ, you who were afar off are now close to God   Ephesians 2

Remember the life God brought you out of, and be aware so that you won’t fall into it again.

II. We need to remember The things God has done for us, and supplied.  Remember the five loaves    Matthew 16:9 Who can deny that God has done a lot for them?  Remember what God did for you so you may rejoice in those things when it seems like there is no other reason to rejoice.

III. We need to remember The examples of ungodliness in order to keep us from going the same way.  Romans 16:17, Mark them which have caused divisions… avoid them…
Remember those that have done evil, and where it has led, and avoid their lifestyles, and them if they are too influential.

IV. We need to remember the Things we were told about by the
Saints before us, and what was preached to us.   In Acts Paul tells one church to remember the things he taught, like how it is More blessed to give than to receive   Acts 20:35.   Philippians 4:8-9.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. 

Over this past year, and our whole lives, we have heard so much from so many true and caring preachers.  Things about how to live, how to conquer evil…  do not forget what you have learned of us.

V. We need to remember The things that tripped us up in the past.  Lay aside the sin that so easily besets us   Hebrews 12:1
Remember what your weak areas are, and where you have the most trouble, that way you can keep on your toes and avoid those problems.  If you know you have trouble with a sin, avoid the temptation for it.

VI. Remember those who still need help.  Joshua 1:12-15   Remember…pass before your brethren armed … and help them until the Lord have given your brethren rest…
Remember those that still need help in the areas you have already been through, and help them while they are still weak.  Through prayer, listening… etc.

So in closing, this coming year I would like to call on everyone to remember this past year.  To remember the things that have happened, the things we have heard and seen, and those around us.  Remember what God has done, and look ahead to the future with more hope than ever, because we see where God has brought us from.  And remember the God that saved you, put Him first in all the things you do and say, and He will reward you with His presence even in the hard times.

Now, one of the things that I mentioned to remember was that of the life Christ saved you out of, you may not have lived the most horrible life, and may not be living the most horrible life now, but if you have not experienced this wonderful salvation that comes only by trusting Christ as your personal Savior, then here is your chance, and now is the time.  Today is the day of salvation.  As we come to a close, if you have not experienced Christ’s forgiveness, I plead with you to yield to the Spirit’s control, and come to a knowledge of salvation this very hour.