Back To The Future
A Final Message as Lead Pastor Morningstar Methodist
Reverend Mark A. Puckett Sunday, August 24th, 2025
Illustration: Michael J. Fox and the 1985 film "Back to the Future"
The BIG Idea
Everything we do affects the future. Just as what we've done in the past has affected where we are now, it is imperative that we understand that everything we do in the days and weeks immediately ahead will impact our future. Since it is not possible to freeze time and always remain exactly where we are, what is important is that we know how to make good decisions and engage in the right kind of actions so as to positively impact the future.
Key Scripture
I m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong. By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward--to Jesus. I'm off and running and I'm not turning back. So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision--you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it. - Philippians 3:12-16 (The Message)
12 Not that I have already grasped it all or have already become perfect, but I press on if I may also take hold of that for which I was even taken hold of by Christ Jesus.13 Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore, all who are mature, let s have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that to you as well; 16 however, let s keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. Philippians 3:12-16 (NASB)
Four Biblical Truths To Embrace As We Face The Future (LIFE Principles)
LEARN From The PAST, But Choose To Not LIVE THERE.
INVOLVE Ourselves In SERVING OTHERS.
Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
- Philippians 2:4 (NASB)
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. - Mark 10:45 (NASB)
FOCUS Our Full Attention On JESUS.
Do you see what this means--all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we d better get on with it. Strip down, start running--and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how He did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed--that exhilarating finish in and with God--He could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now He s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility He plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! - Hebrews 12:1-3 (The Message)
EXPECT Great THINGS.
You will see greater things than these. --John 1:50 (NASB)
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
- Matthew 6:33 (NASB)
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:19 (NASB)
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all of his ways. --James 1:5-8 (NASB)
A Final Blessing
In the name of Jesus Christ, I bless you with the promises of God, which are "yes" and "amen." May the Holy Spirit make you healthy and strong in body, mind, and spirit to move in faith and expectancy. May God's angels be with you to protect and keep you. Be blessed with supernatural strength to turn your eyes from foolish, worthless, and evil things, and to shut out the demeaning and the negative. Instead, may you behold the beauty of things that God has planned for you as you obey His Word. May God bless your ears to hear the lovely, the uplifting, and the encouraging. May your mind be strong, disciplined, balanced, and faith-filled. May your feet walk in holiness and your steps be ordered by the Lord. May your hands be tender and helping, blessing those in need. May your heart be humble and receptive to one another and to the things of God, not to the world. God's grace be upon your home, that it may be a sanctuary of rest and renewal, a haven of peace where sounds of joy and laughter grace it walls, where love and unconditional acceptance of one another is the constant rule. May God give you the spiritual strength to overcome the evil one and avoid temptation. May God s grace be upon you to fulfill your dreams and visions. May goodness and mercy follow you all the days of your long life. By Michael W. Smith; From The Book "A Simple Blessing"
The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace. --Numbers 6:24-26 (NASB)