27 December 2017

FAREWELL 2017, WELCOME 2018

By John Ollis

This Sunday coming is the last Sunday in the month and also the last day of 2017. Soon this year will fade into history. What a year it has been, and we can’t help but wonder what will unfold in 2018.  I think this would be a good opportunity to gather around the Lord’s Table and have Communion together.
Not only to give thanks for the Lord’s broken body, but to thank Him for all that has transpired in 2017. The good, the bad, the blessings, the trials the victories and the failures. Paul tells in 1 Thess. 5:18 NKJV In EVERYTHING give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I love the chorus reminding us to “Give thanks with a GRATEFUL heart. There may be many things that we will find hard to give thanks for, but we must remind ourselves, that our Sovereign God  tells us through the Apostle Paul, That “All things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose Rom. 8:28 NKJV.
The leader of North Korea has declared that the U.N. decision to restrict oil to that nation is an ACT OF WAR.
The Palestinians have declared that President Trump’s decision to proclaim Jerusalem as Israel’s capital should cause another INFITADA (war against the Jews)
The decision by the majority of the Australian population agreeing to Same Sex marriage, and then the Parliament’s endorsement was a very sad day,  These three things I think are clear signs of the Lord’s soon return.
We could then go on and mention, earthquakes, Volcanoes, floods and famines. I think you will agree we are living in the last days before Jesus returns.
As a young person I used to have my Last Days Theology all worked out, I don’t anymore. There are simply three things I believe.

  1. Jesus is coming soon
  2. I must make sure I am ready
  3. I must be busy fulfilling the Great Commission and growing in grace to be more like Jesus.

Something that didn’t get into the world’s press was the fact the Franklin Graham had a 3 day crusade in Hanoi (Communist Vietnam) in December this year, and there were over 2000 decisions for Christ.  praise the Lord.
I have been reminded of the words quoted by King George 6th three months after the outbreak of World War 2, in his 1939 Christmas message to the Empire.
“And I said to the man  who stood at the gate of the year “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown” and he replied:  Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God . That shall be to you  better than light, and safer than a known way”. Minnie Louise Haskins
Not only must we thank God for Christ’s outpoured blood. but take the opportunity to:
Reaffirm Jesus as the Lord of our life
Let us believe for NEW THINGS  Is.43:19
Let us believe for some SUDDENLY’S  like Paul’s experience on the Damascus Road, or the disciples in the Upper Room.
I am also reminded of C.S. Lewis’s statement
“You are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream”.
Some of us can only set short term goals, e.g.
What can I believe for by March 31?
What can I believe for by June 30?
What can I believe for by September 30?
I have personally set some goals and plans to see them come to pass.
These goals will need:
PRAYER
PLANNING
PARTICIPATION (confession)
RESULTANT PLEASURE
So I will be looking back on Sunday reflecting on  all that has happened in 2017, but also with excitement and anticipation for all that is to unfold in 2018.
Can I encourage you to do the same, I am sure it will be a blessed experience.