Text: Jno 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

Psa 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Intro: Here are two propositions. Let us face the one honestly and faithfully and we shall be able to face the other hopefully and happily.

I. How much daylight do YOU have left? Will you see this new year out?
A. How much of your life is left?
I Sam 20:3 And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.

Jas. 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away?
Do you think this is Scare Tactics? Well, caskets are marketed in all sizes.

I do not use them often, but it is useful sometimes, and is scriptural to do so.

Jude 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

B. How much time does the world have?
1. Alignment of nations according to Exek 38 is nearing completion
2. Israel has been home for sixty years.
3. The political signs are up, promoting a world government.
a) Perplexity of nations
b) European alliance of nations and NATO etc. are all prelude to revival of a Roman Empire type of world government
c) Arab-Israel conflict continuing with east and west taking sides.
d) Natural signs; earthquakes, pestilences,
e) Social signs; Labor unrest; lawlessness, evil-good; good-evil

Isa 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

C. When will our workday end?
1. Mat 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

D. How shall it end for God’s people?
1. I Thess 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

E. What shall we do about it now? Work for the night is coming
Jno 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

II This is the Day the Lord hath made!
A. It is the time to actively seek the lost
II Cor 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
(It is too late to witness to one at his funeral)

B. This is the time for total commitment
1. Stop saying "NO" to opportunity

I kgs 20:40 And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone. And the king of Israel said unto him, So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it.
2. Time to reevaluate our stewardship, both of our time and means.
(Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.) This was written to church members, not to preachers!

III We will rejoice in it
A. The cause of rejoicing.

The laughter of fools is likened to the crackling of thorns in the fire, (Ecc 7:6) but the rejoicing of the obedient child of God is enduring.

Heb 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

II Cor 1:14 As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
1. Frequenting the house of God
Psa 122:1 A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
2. Concern enough for the lost to ACT
Psa 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
3. Anticipation of things to come
I Pet 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
4. Even in tribulation!
I Pet 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
5. In seeing those whom we have won, serving God
Phil 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
6. In the promise of his continual presence
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

B. The results of rejoicing
1. Strength
Neh 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
2. Fruitful Christians

Psa 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

IV the Challenge:
A. Since no one really desires to waste his life, why not start now in redeeming the time?

Col 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

B. If you are lost - You don’t intend to spend eternity in hell! Why not accept Christ NOW!

II Cor 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)


A NEW YEAR’S PRAYER

In the year just past, I fell so short
Of the things You’d have me do;
I wasted opportunities
And lost out on blessings, too.

But help me, Lord, in days ahead
To conquer doubt and fear
And learn to treasure passing days
‘Till I’ve redeemed the year!

Grant me grace to walk with Thee
In love, each day I live.
May Christ be seen, each step I take;
And when I stumble, Please forgive.

Lord, ever give me patience,
And if pride should start to call,
Help me to be humble,
Lest I, in sorrow, fall.

Keep me close each day I live;
Saviour, hear my cry!
And if Thou shouldst call ere year is gone,
Then give me grace to die!

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