At the end of Sunday School this morning, our teacher shared a few notes from an old message by Adrian Rogers. Rogers has been with the Lord now for a number of years but occasionally I hear parts of his radio program Love Worth Finding which is still on the air. He was a Baptist pastor in Memphis for many years.

Just the bare outline of the message was so helpful, I thought I’d share it here. I googled it and did find it fleshed out a bit more here and what looks like the sermon transcription here if you are interested in reading more.

4 Reasons to Face the New Year Without Fear by Adrian Rogers:

1. The Contentment of His Provision

1 Timothy 6:6-8:  “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”

Philippians 4:19: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

2. The Companionship of His Presence

Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.“

Hebrews 13:5-6: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Actually this is the text the sermon is based on.)

3. The Confidence of His Promise

Hebrews 10:23: “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised).

4. The Comfort of His Protection

Hebrews 13:6: “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

That covers all the bases, doesn’t it? Other verses come to mind for each point. No matter what God has in store for us this year, He promises to be with us, He has proven that we can trust His Word and His promises, He keeps us safe in His hands, and as long as we are content in Him and not longing for something outside His will. we can rest in Him.

Isaiah 41:10: “ Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.“

Deuteronomy 11:11-12: But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven: A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.