I. Introduction
A. First Day of School
B. Adult Packing
C. Back to School Spiritual (Deuteronomy 6:5-9)
II. Packing for the Journey of Life
A. – The of God
1. There are times we feel pretty lost, don’t we?
2. God’s Word is meant to be a .
a. Psalm 119:105
b. John 14:6
c. James 1:21
3. If we want to make sure we’re on the right path for this journey, we need to make sure we pack God’s Word in our hearts.
4. With God’s Word you’ll always be able to find your way even when you’re lost.
B. of Christ
1. There are times the darkness of the world tends to envelop us.
2. There is One who cuts through the darkness to help us see clearly what is right and wrong – Jesus.
3. We need the of Jesus to help us on our way.
a. John 8:12
b. The light of Christ helps us to expose and see through the work of the one who seeks to bring darkness to this world.
C. Spiritual
1. We need to eat and drink to survive. Even in a prosperous country, that can be a challenge for some of our neighbors.
2. More importantly, we need the bread of life and living water.
3. Jesus IS the spiritual we need.
a. John 4:13-14
b. John 6:35
4. All of us are hungry for something real, certain, and long-lasting – the answer is Jesus.
D. Right
1. Having good people in your corner can make all the .
2. Great Cloud of Witnesses (Hebrews 12:1-2)
a. This great cloud of witnesses we read about in Hebrews 11 has gone through a lot of what you go through.
b. The writer reminds us that these people show us how powerful faith can be even in the most challenging of moments.
c. God designed the church to be that group of people.
d. Trying to live as a Christian without the church is like trying to play baseball where you play every position by yourself…impossible.
3. Jesus
a. In Hebrews 12:2, we are reminded that the number one person that you need is .
b. No one can force you to realize it; you have to figure it out for yourself, but He does everything He can to help you find Him.
c. Surrounding yourself with God’s people can help you find Him.
III. Conclusion
A. Backpacks
B. Invitation
1. Some of you are carrying very heavy burdens this morning. It’s time to lay them down.
2. Giving your life to Jesus is the only way to hand over those burdens to Him.
3. Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
4. Don’t you want to be clothed in Christ?