No-one knows what lies ahead in 2021 but Christians need not be taken unawares. How prepared are we in the following areas? Are we:
I. READY TO ANSWER (1 Peter 3:15)
‘But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear’
II. READY TO PREACH (Romans 1:15)
‘So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.’
III. READY TO DISTRIBUTE (1 Timothy 6:17-18)
‘Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy: That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate:’
IV. READY TO SUFFER AND/OR DIE FOR THE LORD (Acts 21:13; 2 Tim 4:6 )
‘Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’
‘For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.’
V. READY TO FEED THE FLOCK (1 Peter 5: 2)
‘Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof , not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;’
VII. READY FOR HEAVEN (Matthew 25:10)
‘the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.’
What know I of the coming year
Or what ’twill bring to me
Whether it’s close will find me here
Or in eternity?
Written Exposition 