Crossing the Line Into 2009 video

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If 2009 was the last year of your life, how would you live it? Would there be radical change? What specific things would you do differently? What specific advice, counsel, or even command is the Lord giving you? As we cross the line into 2009, we are reminded of three things which we can draw from Hebrews 12:1-3:

CAST SIN AWAY. This warning and command is extremely important. Sin is deadly. James 1:14-15 explains, “But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

Remember that the Bible tells us: the thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. What sins do we need to throw off this year?

Ephesians 4:25 says, “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor….” Most often the sin of lying is not alone. Many times, we lie because there are things that need to be hidden. Most likely, these things that are being hidden are sins as well.

Ephesians 4:28: “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands...” Stealing comes in many forms. Do we rob God by not giving tithes? Do we steal the glory and honor that is due our Lord by being physically present in worship but mentally absent?

Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs…” Do we allow edifying words to come out of our mouths? Or do we say words that tear down instead of build up?

Ephesians 5:3 says, “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.” The passage does not say there must not be immorality, impurity, or greed. It says, 'there must not even be a hint.' Sin has extremely serious consequences. There is no better time to love Jesus with all our hearts than now. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey my commands.” One of those commands as we know is to throw sin away.

RUN WITH PERSEVERANCE. Life is not a 100-meter dash. It is a marathon. We are here for the long haul and the race we run is different for each one. True enough, people have different circumstances but the love of God; and the grace of God is the same for all. Take comfort in this verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

Let us imitate the perseverance of Noah. He is a godly man who stood strong amidst persecution, doubt and trials. When it was more convenient to disbelieve God, when the circumstances were pointing the other way, Noah continued building the Ark that would save mankind and all creation. His determination made all the difference. Let us also make an impact by running our God-ordained race with perseverance.

FOCUS ON JESUS. He is the alpha and the omega. He went before us. He started the work in our lives and He will finish that work. He is the ultimate example of finishing the race. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Our life needs a focal point, and that focal point is Jesus.

We have tremendous joy awaiting us. In the meantime, there will be circumstances and people who will affect our lives, who will steal our joy in many ways (will disturb, distract, disappoint, discourage, discredit, disown, destabilize and devastate). Hebrews 12:3 says, “Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Why? What did Jesus do when He faced such terrible circumstances and the sinful people who opposed Him? 1 Peter 2:23 says, “When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.”

Trust in the Lord, because there is great joy that awaits us–a place to be our home forever. The price has already been paid, paid for by the precious blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, "Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him." Let us focus on the promise in Revelation 21:4, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

So, as we Cross the Line into 2009, let us Cast Sin Away, Run with Perseverance, and Focus on Jesus. A blessed and productive new year to all!