LESSONS FROM AUTUMN LEAVES

INTRODUCTION
A. At this time of the year, we begin to see beautifully colored trees, as well as millions of fallen leaves.
1. In the Old Testament, Isaiah compared Israel to the leaves of this season of the year
a. Isaiah 64:6
b. Israel had separated herself from God – the source of life – because of her transgression, she was now as a fallen leaf
c. Isaiah 59:1-2
d. 1 John 3:4
2. As a result of sin, their sap of inner life had failed, and Israel was now fading away as an autumn leaf

B. I want us now to consider some lessons that we can glean as we behold the autumn leaves

DISCUSSION
A. AUTUMN LEAVES REMIND US OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD
1. The beauties of nature, as well as the glory of the heavens, remind us of God’s existence
a. Romans 1:20
b. Psalm 19:1
c. Acts 14:17
d. The beautiful and varied colors of the autumn leaves are a wonder to behold.
e. They demonstrate the interest that God has in providing good and beautiful sights for mankind

2. Poem: All Things Bright and Beautiful

The little flower that opens, The little birds that sing,
God made their glowing colors, He made their tiny wings.
The cold wind in the winter, The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruit in the garden, He made them everyone.
The colorful trees in the fall, So wonderful to behold,
A constant reminder to all, His love never grows old.
He gave us eyes to see them, And lips that we might tell,
How great is God Almighty, Who made all these things swell.
All things bright and beautiful, Creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful, The Lord made them all.

B. AUTUMN LEAVES REMINDS US OF FRUIT BEARING
1. The fall season of the year is when the farmers reap many of the fruits of his labor
a. The pumpkin, the pecan, the apple – just to name a few
b. This is the time of the year when a farmer looks back at his efforts for the year and determines if he failed or succeeded.
c. The fall season reminds Christians of the need to look back at our harvest for the year
d. Have we been bearing fruit during the past year as God would have us to?

2. It is tragic to live through the spring and summer of life without bearing fruit for the Lord
a. John 15:1-8
b. Romans 7:4
c. We need to bear the fruit of the Spirit… Galatians 5:22-23
d. James 3:18… we need to bear the fruit of righteousness

C. AUTUMN LEAVES REMINDS US OF THE POSSIBILITY OF APOSTASY
1. Just as the leaves fall from the trees, we too can fall from God is we cut ourselves off this source of life

2. The Bible very clearly teaches of the possibility of apostasy
a. Luke 8:13
b. Galatians 5:4
c. Hebrews 3:12
d. Acts 1:24-25
e. 2 Peter 2:20-22

3. Illustration
a. If an experienced Ferryman offers to take some folks across the lake, he would expect the passengers to abide IN the ferry boat for their safety. Though he may be ABLE to take them across, there is a conditions the passengers must meet – THEY MUST ABIDE IN THE FERRY BOAT. However, if the passengers should decide to jump overboard, it would not be to the discredit of the Ferryman.

b. God is able to keep us from falling, but there is a condition we must meet – we must abide in Christ. If we decide to leave Christ, it is not to the discredit of the Father.

c. Now, if one jumps of the ferry boat and cannot swim, he is doomed to drowning, unless something is done to rescue him. Suppose he manages to say alive for ten minutes – doesn’t he still need a life preserver? What about 5 minutes? What if he has only been in the water for a minute? Doesn’t he still need a life preserver?

d. What about the one who leaves the church for 5 years? Or, for two years? Or, what if one leaves the church for just a week? Doesn’t he still need to be restored? Whether one leaves the church and refuses to worship for 5 years or one day, he hurts the church for which Christ died! Doesn’t he need to be restored?

D. AUTUMN LEAVES REMINDS US OF THE WINTER OF DEATH
1. At this season of the year, we are reminded that summer is ended and winter is upon us. Everyone is making preparation.
a. The highway department is busy getting the highway ready for freezing moisture
b. The squirrels are gathering and storing their nuts for the winter
c. Families are gearing up for winter by cutting wood and breaking out the winter coats, etc.
d. Car owners re putting anti-freeze in their cars

2. Even Paul realized the importance of preparing for winter
a. 2 Timothy 4:21
b. 2 Timothy 4:13

3. Just as we expect winter to come, we can expect the winter of death to come as well
a. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
b. Hebrews 9:27

CONCLUSION
A. Are you making preparation for the winter of death?
1. I pray the words of Jeremiah will not be true of us… Jeremiah 8:20
2. The only way to prepare for the winter of death is to a be true, loyal, and dedicated Christian – bearing fruit for the Lord.

B. The story is told that when President James A. Garfield (one of only 2 Christians to ever occupy the White House) lay dying after being shot by an assassin, was visited by a Roman priest who wanted to pray for him, to prepare him for imminent death. The president stated, “I have thatched my roof in fair weather, and I do not need to work
in the storm.”
1. In others words, he had already made his preparation for death.
2. Have you made preparation for the winter of death?
3. Remember, we have no guarantee of another day

Tom Moore
Park Heights church of Christ
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com