TEXT: Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

INTRODUCTION:

1. What will the New Year bring to your life?
2. What will it bring to the Grant County church?
3. What will we do with the new year?

I. LIFE IS A JOURNEY: I WILL LIVE IT IN TRUST.

A. 2008 is a special year for the Grant County Church of Christ.

B. We are off to a good start because along the way we have put our trust in God.

C. As we learn to trust the Lord we give Him every area of our life.

1. Malachi 3:10-12 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. "And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field," Says the LORD of hosts; And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land," Says the LORD of hosts.
2. Ps. 23
3. Prov 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
4. Matthew 6:33

1. In order for us to have a successful year we must live in obedience to the Lord. Hebrews 11
2. Living for Christ in 2008 will be a great task. Our world is getting increasingly anti-Christian
3. 1 John 3:22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

   III. LIFE IS A MISSION: I WILL LIVE IT HELPFULLY.

   A. What is your personal mission in life? Matthew 22:37

4. The second commandment points to the mission we should have toward others.

IV. LIFE IS A CONTEST: I WILL LIVE IT EARNESTLY.

A. Life is a mission, yes, but it is also a contest!

B. Living our life earnestly means that we keep our eye on the

finish line. Hebrews 12:1-2

A. Every day we live is a battle! It is a battle with Satan. Ephesians 6:10-18

B. The church faces a battle in the coming year!

C. The new year will allow us to recommit to our eternal goal.

CONCLUSION:

1. Life is a journey let us live it in trust of God.
2. Life is a task. The reward of which is given to the obedient.
3. Life is a mission to seek and save the lost and help others.
4. Life is a contest, a race, a walk, a fight, let us live it in earnest.
5. Life is a battle in which it takes courage to win!
6. Life is supposed to be lived relying upon God.