New Year's Eve

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
Friedheim
10655 N – 550 W
Decatur, IN 46733
260.547.4248
www.zionfriedheim.org

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Parish
Acts 2:42

Chartered February 25, 1838
Celebrating our 172nd Year

New Year’s Eve
December 31, 2010
Romans 8:31-39
In Christ, we are secure

Here we stand on the last day of the year 2010. Has it been a good year?
It all depends on your perspective. For some, it’s been a very good year. For others, it might be a good thing that this current year will soon be history.

Before we bid farewell to this year let us take the opportunity to review this past year and to ask ourselves four specific questions as our text presents itself. St. Paul answers us – in Christ, we are secure. What is it that the apostle Paul would ask this this night?

1. What shall we say concerning these things? Romans 8:31 What shall we say according this past year 2010?
A. There have been challenges, a few changes as well as some blessings this past year. The lagging economy, home sales, and an American presence in Iraq and Afghanistan continued to be topics of national interest throughout the year. A major BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in April and reactions to the US House, which passed a comprehensive Health Care Bill, which guaranteed to overhaul the nation’s health insurance industry, drew national attention. Elena Kagan was nominated to the Supreme Court, while in Arizona tough anti-illegal immigration laws were signed into law. On October 13th, thirty-three minors were rescued after being trapped in a Chilean mine for sixty-nine days. Mid-term elections in November gave the Republican Party control of US House of Representatives.

B. Yet through the changes and chances of this past year one thing will never change. His name is Jesus Christ. St. Paul would remind us, He who did not spare His own Son but delivered Him up for us all how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? -Romans 8:32 How do you feel when 2010’w highlights are revealed? Do you feel blessed or beaten?

2. Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? -Romans 8:33

A. Paul reminds us “It is God who justifies.” He declares you righteous. He is the one who has borne the burden of your sins has he has done it all for you. Isaiah the prophet reminds us,
Surely our grief’s He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. – Isaiah 53:4-5

B. This is the condition in which you now stand. It’s all because of the Father’s amazing grace. As we close out 2010 remember – who you are remember WHOSE you are. This life is a journey as we venture on into a New Year. We can be assured that the same Savior walks with you as He orders your days and directs your path.

3. Who then can condemn? –Romans 8:34

A. St. Paul reminds us it’s all about Jesus. There are specific actions your Savior performed for you. Christ is the one who died, but more then that he is risen to life. He is seated at the right hand of the Father and He intercedes for you.

B. This He did because He loves you. He did this because He cares for you. This He did for you – He is very much in love with you. He is concerned about you. Do not hesitate each day of this New Year to take it to the Lord in prayer; every day – PRAY!

4. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? – Romans 8:35
A. Tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness and sword are all a part of this life lived outside of Eden.
This world is broken. Christ has redeemed it but it still begs to be relieved. Will the Lord finally relieve this world of its burdens in 2011?
B. You will be counted as those who love and look for His appearing. As the old song sings, “Soon and very soon we are going to see the King.”*

C. Yet, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us. – Romans 8:36 In Christ we are winners. You will not necessarily be successful, not always with it, not always on top of your game, but more then conquerors –because always you are in Christ.

D. Nothing can take away your hope and joy. It is yours in Christ. You are His and He is in control guiding your life each passing year, each season, each month, every week, every day.
Fare thee well child of God. As 2010 is soon to be history and a New Year dawns Godspeed and God Bless!

*
Soon and very Soon by Andre Crouch “Soon and very soon We are going to see the King Soon and very soon We are going to see the King Hallelujah, hallelujah, We're going to see the king

No more cryin there we are going to see the King. No more cryin there, We are going to see the King No more cryin there, We are going to see the King Hallelujah, hallelujah, We're going to see the King

Should there be any rivers we must cross Should there be any mountains we must climb God will supply all the strength that we need Give us strength till we reach the other side.

We have come from every nation, God has already signed our name. Jesus took his blood and he washed my sins.. He washed them all away. Yet there are those of us who have laid down our lives but we all shall meet again on the other side... soon and very soon. Hallelujah, we’re going to see the King!”