YOU ARE WRITING A BOOK

Introduction:
   1. Did you know that each of us is an author?  Each one is
      writing a book.
   2. 2 Cor. 3:2.
   3. Others are reading our lives. What are they seeing?
   4. Not concerned with the physical aspects: our address; our job;
      our vacation plans; our stock portfolio, etc.
   5. Matt. 16:26-- No profit to gain whole world, if lose soul.
   6. Let us look at the stages (chapters) we are writing.

  I. CHAPTER ONE: THE SCRIBBLING BABY HAND HOLDS THE PEN:
     A. State of innocence. Matt. 18:3; 19:14.
     B. Parents have a grave responsibility to guide their children
        into the way of righteousness. Lk. 2:52; 2 Tim. 3:15; 1:5;
        Prov. 22:6.

II. CHAPTER TWO: THE STRONG HAND OF A VIGOROUS LIFE:
    A. At the age of accountability one enters Satan's domain.
       Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 6:16; 1 John 3:4.
    B. The result of sin -- Isa. 59:1-2; Col. 1:13; Eph. 2:1-3.
    C. Thus, separation from God.
    D. But, we can be born again. John 3:3,5; Titus 3:5; Mk. 16:16.
    E. Cleansed by the blood of Christ. Rev. 7:14; 1 Jn. 1:7.
    F. The earlier one obeys Christ, the more pages to write for an
       example of others to follow.
    G. Thus, faithful, continual obedience. Rom. 6:17-18; Rev. 2:10.

III. CHAPTER THREE: BEING A TEACHER. (Written in conjunction with
     chapter two.)  Acts 8:4.
   A. As others watch us, let us be teachers of good. Mt. 5:13-16.
   B. Considering our influence on friends and neighbors.
      Phil. 2:15-16.
   C. What lessons are we teaching by our lives, activities?
       1. Obviously we cannot be saved by good morality alone; yet,
          a good moral life is essential to our salvation and the
          influence we are giving to others. Jas. 1:27.
       2. Salvation comes by obedience to Christ Jesus. Heb. 5:8,9.
       3. How does one exalt nation/self? Prov. 14:34; Titus 2:12.
       4. We teach by our faithfulness in worshipping our God.
          a. Mt. 26:26-28 -- Meeting with the Lord at His supper.
          b. Col. 3:16 --- Singing and giving praise.
          c. 2 Cor 9:6-7 -- Giving of our means.
          d. Phil. 4:6 --- Praying unto our Father.
          e. Teaching God's Word.
       5. This is the ONLY way to live. John 14:6; Phil. 1:21.
          a. Wholehearted consecration. Ecc. 12:13.
          b. A life of purity. 1 Tim 5:22
          c. Faithful attendance.  Heb 10:14,25.
          d. Interest in others. John 4:35.
          e. Defend the truth of God's Word. Jude 3; 2 Cor 4:13.
    D. With such marvelous lessons to teach to those around us;
       perish the thought that any would teach the opposite by
       influence, interest else-where, failure to serve God;
       shirking of one's duty or responsibilities.

IV. CHAPTER FOUR: THE HAND OF A "SENIOR CITIZEN":
    A. There is no time to retire. 1 Cor 15:58. No vacations.
    B. There can be no regrets for faithfulness. 2 Tim. 4:7-8.
    C. As we grow older it become more clear that the flesh will
       soon be of little value.
       1. The end cometh "swiftly." 2 Pet. 1:14; Jas. 4:14.
       2. If not redeemed, eternal doom. Rev. 20:15.
       3. If redeemed, eternal glory. Col. 3:4.

Conclusion:
   1. Every person is writing a book -- NOW, TODAY.
   2. Especially is this true of God's children.  2 Cor 3:2.
   3. If we write each page with care and concern, then it does not
      matter when and where the volume will close.
   4. What are you writing in YOUR book????
   5. What does the world see???
   6. But, more importantly, what does Jehovah see???
   7. Time is on your side today, with opportunity to do His Will.

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