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FORMULA FOR A SPIRITUALLY PRODUCTIVE NEW YEAR
The following is a biblical formula for having a spiritually productive New Year in [2023]: “H”old fast to the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13; cf. 2 Timothy 1:13; Titus 1:9) “A”ssemble for worship (Hebrews 10:25; cf. Acts 2:42) “P”ray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17; cf. Acts 12:5 KJV; Romans 1:9) “P”urify our heart (James 4:8; cf. 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:2-3) “Y”ield not to temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13) “N”eglect not doing good (James 4:17; cf. Acts 10:38) “E”xemplify Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1; Gal. 2:20) “W”ork in the vineyard (John 15:1-8; cf. John 4:34-35; Acts 8:4-13; Acts 20:17- 27; 1 Corinthians 15:58) “Y”ield ourselves first to God (Matthew 6:33; cf. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 1 Timothy 1:15-16) “E”xercise unto godliness (1 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV; Hebrews 5:14) “A”nswer to others (1 Peter 3:15) “R”edeem the time (Ephesians 5:15-16; Colossians 4:5) Brethren, If we will put the above biblically tested formula into practice, we will experience a spiritually productive New Year in 2011, doing the Lord’s will! (Matthew 7:21).
FINDING JOY IN THE NEW YEAR Formatted from a Sermon by Tommy Haynes Jesus deals with items of great interest when facing a new year in the Sermon on the Mount [Matthew 5-7]. Jesus wanted these people to have a new life. How can we find joy in 2023? GIVE GOD THE REINS Our joy is harmed by anxiety. The FIX (Matthew 6) Pray (vss. 8-13) Be Humble (vss. 1-7, 16-18) Give up Materialism (vss. 19-24) Don’t Worry (vss. 25-32) Have good Priorities (vss. 33-34) GIVE UP BAD HABITS Harboring bitterness disables you (Matthew 6:14-15) Unforgiveness causes bitterness (Matthew 5:7; 6:12) PRACTICE GOOD HABITS Swap bad habits w/ good habits, unlike the man w/evil spirits (Matt. 12:43-45) Fill your life with good things [Matthew 7] Refuse being Judgmental (vss. 1-6) Walk the Straight & Narrow (vss. 13-14) Smell & Touch the Fruit (vss. 15-20) Build on the Rock Let us follow Jesus’ formula in 2023
