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Comedian John Branyan celebrates the sensibilities of those who live in the Midwest……what some people from the coasts refer to as “Flyover Country.” The “coasters” think their big cities and beaches are special, but the Midwest contains most of America’s food! After riffing on a variety of subjects, John closes with a very encouraging word picture about the value of every human life.

As Abraham begins to enter into the blessings of God in terms of land and goods and people, we see a godly spirit of generosity come through (and perhaps we see the start of a contrast with Lot). The blessing of God is meant to make his people a blessing to others.

Why is it that some people who have been converted turn back to living in sin like they were when they were lost? Dr. Stanley explains some key principles to help believers be on guard against falling back into their old lifestyles.

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Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: Hebrews 13:5-6

So many of us do not explore new territories because of our fear of potential opposition. But we can overcome fear when facing the unknown future, particularly a new year.

There are four key principles from Hebrews 13:5-6 to help us face the new year without fear:

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

The Contentment of His Provision

We must first be content with what we already possess. Adrian Rogers says, "Contentment is not getting what you want, but it is wanting what you already have."

Material things cannot truly satisfy the heart's deepest needs (Ecclesiastes 5:10, Luke 12:15). True satisfaction and security are found in something that can't be tampered with, which is Jesus Christ.

The Companionship of His Presence

God promises not to leave us or forsake us. The Greek translation of this phrase is noted to contain five negatives: "I will never, no not ever, no never leave nor forsake you.”

It is clear that God will not abandon, give up on, or leave even one believer as a "helpless orphan". God's presence is a source of solace when discouraged, lonely, or worried.

The Confidence of His Promise

“For He Himself has said" emphasizes the value of this promise by the identity of the one who makes it: the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God. This assurance addresses our fears of lacking strength, facing the unknown, or not knowing what to do. The God of all comfort will be faithful.

The Comfort of His Protection

The final principle states that contentment, companionship, and confidence in Christ lead to the ability to boldly say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What man can do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6).

Although the New Year may bring heartaches and trials, we can rely on God's promises. The original Hebrew Christians faced severe opposition, mockery, and robbery, yet could boldly declare God’s presence and protection, and so can we.

Apply it to your life

If you are fearful of what the New Year has in store, rest assured, you can find contentment, companionship, confidence, comfort, and courage in Jesus.

What we know with certainty about the future changes everything about how we face the present. Dr. John Neufeld continues in Matthew 24, examining Jesus' warnings about false messiahs who will arise in the last days, performing signs to deceive many. Jesus assures His followers the true Savior will not appear in secret locations, but visibly across the heavens like lightning, returning in power and glory to gather His elect.

The Best Is Ahead: Looking ahead, some of us are fearful. But for the believers who have put their confidence fully in Christ, we know with certainty that our best days are not behind us and certainly our best days are not the ones we are living now. Our best days lie in the future, when Christ will return to gather his elect. Join Dr. Neufeld for this 5 message series in the study of Matthew 24. 

Listen to today's Laugh Again with Phil Callaway, "A New Leaf." Enjoy!