The Priority Of A Promise

“THE PRIORITY OF A PROMISE”

Hebrews 11:13-22

January 4, 2009

Warden Assembly of God

Pastor John L. Harper

1 Corinthians 11:23-31 (King James Version)

King James Version (KJV)

23For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. 27Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

SERVE COMMUNION:

• Distribute elements

• (Have Worship Team play during this time)

• Serve Deacons

• Have Deacon pray for the bread

• (Partake of bread)

• Have Deacon pray for the cup

• (Partake of the cup)

26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

Recognize Alan, Adrian and Philip as members

Introduction: This time of year we look to make promises that we hope will last through the end of the month! Promises need to have a priority in our lives, especially those promises which are from the Lord. If the Lord says something we know that we can count on it.

Illustration: PERPETUAL NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you’ve always wanted to do but couldn’t find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Share a funny story with someone whose sprits are dragging. A good laugh can be very good medicine. Vow not to make a promise you don’t think you can keep. Pay a debt. Give a soft answer. Free yourself of envy and malice. Encourage some youth to do his or her best. Share your experience, and offer support. Young people need role models. Make a genuine effort to stay in closer touch with family and good friends. Resolve to stop magnifying small problems and shooting from the lip. Words that you have to eat can be hard to digest. Find the time to be kind and thoughtful. All of us have the same allotment: 24 hours a day. Give a compliment. It might give someone a badly needed lift. Think things through. Forgive an injustice. Listen more. Be kind. Apologize when you realize you are wrong. An apology never diminishes a person. It elevates him. Don’t blow your own horn. If you’ve done something praiseworthy, someone will notice eventually. Try to understand a point of view that is different from your own. Few things are 100 percent one way or another. Examine the demands you make on others. Lighten up. When you feel like blowing your top, ask yourself, "Will it matter in a week from today?” Laugh the loudest when the joke is on you. The sure way to have a friend is to be one. We are all connected by our humanity, and we need each other. Avoid malcontents and pessimists. They drag you down and contribute nothing. Don’t discourage a beginner from trying something risky. Nothing ventured means nothing gained. Be optimistic. The can-do spirit is the fuel that makes things go. Read something uplifting. Deep-six the trash. You won’t eat garbage - why put it in your head? Don’t abandon your old-fashioned principles. They never go out of style. When courage is needed, ask yourself, "If not me, who? If not now, when?" Walk tall, and smile more. You’ll look 10 years younger. Don’t be afraid to say, "I love you". Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world. SOURCE: Ann Landers, as quoted on Pastors.com, http://www.cse.fau.edu/~mahesh/quotes/newyear.html.

Contributed by: SermonCentral PRO

Illustration: March 11, 1942. Corregidor, in the Philippines. I’m sure most of the WWII veterans in the congregation today can tell you what happened that day. The Japanese forces were invading the Philippines, and on a day that marked the beginning of a dark chapter for the American and Filipino forces, General Douglas MacArthur prepared to leave, uttering what was to become probably his most famous statement: “I shall return.” When he made the promise to return, many thought he was crazy. But his determination to free the Philippines from Japanese occupation would not be drowned by criticism and doubt. Roughly 2 ½ years later, Gen. MacArthur landed once again on Philippine soil with the words, “People of the Philippines, I have returned!” Contributed by: Brian La Croix