Centennial Park Baptist Church – Sunday, December 31st, 2006 – 10:30 a.m.

 

DO YOU COUNT THE DAYS, OR

MAKE THE DAYS COUNT?

 

Luke 2: 25-35

            25 ¶ And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

 

27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, 28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 "Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel."

 

 33 ¶ And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this {Child} is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed-- 35 and a sword will pierce even your own soul--to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."

 

A.        IT’S TIME TO….

           

            RELEASE YOUR FEARS! – vs. 25,26

 

B.         IT’S TIME TO….

 

            RENEW YOUR FAITH – vs. 27-32

 

C.        IT’S TIME TO…..

 

            REBUILD RELATIONSHIPS – vs. 33,34

 

D.        IT’S TIME TO….

 

            RECEIVE FORGIVENESS – vs. 35

 

Through our technical age, we have watched lives snatched because of attacks on the Twin Towers in New York.  We have witnessed the effect of what a Tsunami can do to distant lands.  We have seen what earthquakes and tidal waves and hurricanes can do.  Who would have thought we could not take a bottle of water past airport security in 2006?

Yet, in the midst of it all GOD has not changed!  He has promised to be with us to the very end!  He has been our Strength when we are weak, our Guide when paths grow dark, our Support when we are aimless or anxious, our Joy when laughter fades, our Teacher when we need guidance and direction, our Hope when we are in despair, our Friend when we feel lost or lonely.  He will refresh us for He is the Spring of Living Waters.

 

HE IS OUR ALL IN ALL

 

            As another year comes to an end and we enter 2007, may we hold onto the GOD of the universe who, since the beginning of time, ordained that we should live for such a time as this.  May we continue to grow in Him and learn of Him.  May we soar on eagle’s wings and not grow weary because His Spirit enables us to enter each new day.  May we be a help to the helpless and shed the Light of the World, Jesus Christ our Lord, to a world that seems to get darker each year.