I Samuel 7:12
Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of looking back at God's past blessings, looking around at the current state of the world, and looking ahead to the future, warning of judgment unless we repent.
Chuck Smith reflects on the past, present, and future in his sermon 'Facing the New Year,' emphasizing that the Lord has helped us thus far. He encourages looking back at God's faithfulness, recognizing the blessings in America, and warns against the dangers of forsaking God. Smith highlights the need for repentance to avoid judgment and reassures individuals of God's unwavering support. The message serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of maintaining faith in challenging times.
Text
"FACING THE NEW YEAR"
I. "HITHERTO HATH THE LORD HELPED US -- LOOKING BACK."
A. The Bible states that the final world governing empire will be
a federation of 10 European countries.
1. This past month, it was announced officially that
Greece has been accepted as the 10th nation
Jan. 1, 1981.
B. The Bible says that Iran will be allied with Russia in the
attack against Israel along with Lybia and Ethiopia.
C. The Bible warns that there will be many false Christ's and
false prophets seeking to lead people to isolated places.
Jesus said "don't go."
1. Over 900 people failed to heed His warning and
followed Jones to Guyana.
II. "HITHERTO HATH THE LORD HELPED US" -- LOOKING AROUND.
A. God has brought us through some difficult trials.
1. Times when we thought we weren't going to make it,
but we're here.
2. Like the disciples we thought the boat was going under,
but the Lord intervened and we passed over.
B. God has really blessed us abundantly.
1. America, America, God shed His grace on thee.
a. A nation rich in natural resources.
b. A nation where Christianity still has some
influence.
c. A nation with agricultural surplus.
2. America beware lest you misinterpret history.
a. Think that it is the democratic form of
government.
b. Credit the free enterprise system.
C. It is God who has made this nation great! Why?
1. Our founding fathers sought to establish one nation
under God.
2. They thought it no infringement against the
constitution to:
a. Print on our coins, "In God we trust."
b. To use the Bible as a textbook in the first
school.
c. To place in the last verse of the national
anthem, "May the heaven rescued land Praise
the Power that has preserved us a nation, let
this be our motto, "In God is our trust."
3. Those were the days when men held the offices of
government not politicians.
D. But as sure as the seeking of God made our nation strong the
forsaking of God is going to destroy it.
1. The policies of our nation are corrupt.
a. It is evil to pressure Israel into concessions
that threaten to destroy it.
b. It is evil to break an alliance with Taiwan to
join hands with Red China in order to exploit
the vast market there.
2. Corrupt policies proceed forth from corrupt men.
Ill. "HITHERTO HATH THE LORD HELPED US" -- LOOKING AHEAD
A. For the world.
1. Continued chaos, strife, wars, greed.
B. For America.
1. Unless we repent, the judgment of God.
C. For us as individuals.
1. The Lord will see us through no matter what.
2. He is watching over you His child.
a. He will never forsake you.
Sermon Outline
- Hitherto Hath the Lord Helped Us -- Looking Back
- Hitherto Hath the Lord Helped Us -- Looking Around
- Hitherto Hath the Lord Helped Us -- Looking Ahead
- A points: - The World's Future - Continued chaos and strife
- B points: - America's Future - Judgment of God unless we repent
- C points: - Our Future as Individuals - The Lord's watchful care and protection
- D points: - The Dangers of Forsaking God - Corrupt policies and men
Key Quotes
“A nation rich in natural resources.” — Chuck Smith
“America, America, God shed His grace on thee.” — Chuck Smith
“May the heaven rescued land Praise the Power that has preserved us a nation, let this be our motto, 'In God is our trust.'” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We should look back at God's past blessings and give thanks.
- We should look around at the current state of the world and recognize God's hand in it.
- We should look ahead to the future and repent of our sins to avoid judgment.