The Remnant Will Triumph
Preaching Portion: Selected Scriptures
Subject: Seven Churches of Asia
Theme: Surviving The Last Days
INTRO: Among the
spiritual deaf, God always seems to locate people who are listening!
·
In every one of the letters to the seven
churches of Asia Jesus called out to those within the congregation who were
really listening. He knew that in every church there are some who get it and
others who do not.
·
“Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear…”
Christ knew that only those who had an ear to hear would actually hear. He also
knew that a listening church is a powerful witness to the world.
·
The means of victory is usually at work through
a remnant. In times of persecution it seems that a few are the standard bearers
as opposed to the crowds.
·
So what do we do when life gets difficult for
the church? Hunker down and wait out the storm and then see what is left? I
believe the appropriate response is to prepare for the coming storm and move
forward with confidence knowing that we can count of the Lord to see us through
to victory.
·
There is a temptation for the Christian
community to give up because of all the gains by the Islamic community into
every fabric of our society. This approach only fuels their efforts all the
more believing they will prevail.
·
If the church rises to the occasion this is a
time that we could see an unprecedented revival break out in the Muslim world.
Muslims are weary of the emptiness that their faith system offers and they know
in their heart it is empty. But where do they turn?
·
According to those who work in outreach
ministries to Muslim “today worldwide there are more Muslims becoming
Christians than at any time in history.”[1]
o Thabiti
Anyabwile a former Muslim turned Christian pastor states: Increasingly, God seems pleased to bring the Muslim world right to our
doorsteps. The work of cross-cultural evangelism and missions has never been
more accessible….”[2]
·
J. D. Greer, a pastor and missionary to Muslims
makes this observation: For the first time
in history, Muslims in just about every part of the world have been exposed to
life outside of their communities. Many Muslim college students, through
international study, television, or the internet have started to question their
faith and the assumptions they have grown up with.”[3]
·
What kind of church do we need to be in order to
withstand the growing pressure that will be exerted upon us to tone down the
gospel and remain silent about Satan’s agenda in the last day?
PROP: As a Christ followers are we listening to the Lord of
the church today?
T.S: Christ is speaking three agendas in selected scriptures
that we need to listen to today.
1.
Be A Repentant Church – 2 Chronicles 20:12
a.
“O our
God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this
great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes
are on you.”
b.
Martin Luther was right when he said in the
first of his 95 Thesis that “the entire life of believers is to be one of
repentance.”
c.
Jehoshaphat, who ruled the southern Kingdom of
Judah in the ninth century BC, led his people in fasting, repentance, and
prayer when enemy nations approached to do battle. Verse twenty is the
conclusion to this appeal to the nation.
i. God
gave the victory because the people of God went into battle singing the praises
of God. Upward focus is what wins every time.
ii. Eyes
that are fixed in a stare at the Savior keeps us focused on the purpose of our
life and ensure victory.
d.
Repentance has a multi-faceted look.
i. First
repentance is an “about-face” – a military term that means to turned completely
around 180 degrees and march in the opposite direction.
ii. Repentance
is also the fruit of embracing an ever-present appreciation and worship of
Christ. Realizing that all I have comes from all of who Christ is in my life.
iii. We
come to a realization of courage to walk into the darkness unafraid. “I have told you these things, so that in me
you might have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I
have overcome the world” John 16:33
2.
Be A Witnessing Church – Mark 16:15
a.
“Go into
all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes
and is baptized will be saved…”
b.
The watching world especially the Muslim
community will respect Christians who take a stand for their faith enough to
share it. Given the casual attitude of so many professing Christians show
toward their faith –it is not hard to understand why people would be attracted
to those who believe enough in their faith to want to share it.
c.
Only love can overcome suspicion and hatred. One
of the most attractional items for Muslims is that Christianity challenges them
to love their enemies.
d.
Our goal is to present a gospel message that is
positive and avoids argumentation about people’s character and belief systems. Yes
there are many things that are worth discussing at the right time, but be
careful of running people off from the gospel before they even have a chance to
hear the gospel.
3.
Be A Committed Church – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
a.
“All
Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be
competent, equipped for every good work.”
b.
Stop and think for just a moment why did the
Muslim community get into an uproar with Pastor Terry Jones of Dove World
Outreach Center in Florida by burning a copy of the Quran in March 2011? When
we sit still long enough to hear the truth of the matter we see some things
that should challenge the House of God.
i. Muslims
believe that the Quran is actually the words of Allah and not just another
sacred book in which to pattern your life after.
ii. Unfortunately
many Christians do not have a “die-on-the-matte” attitude about the Bible. We
don’t carry it and many times we are not seen with it.
iii. I
am not suggesting that we take to the streets every time someone burns a bible.
As much as it is possible we are to live peaceably with all men.
c.
I can argue effectively the legitimacy of the
Bible vs. the Quran in terms of authority and believability. However, you must
conclude even though we can effectively argue our position step back and look
at the devotion of those who are willing to die for something that is
completely false.
i. Where
does that leave the community of believers who declare the Word of God to be a guide
and rule for our lives?
Conclusion
How would you react to the
following true notice that was posted on a family’s door.
TO: The Family of Infidels: IN THE
NAME OF ALLAH, AND HIS FINAL PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PEACE BE UPON HIM):
The true religion of Islam WILL
ARISE in your area; you cannot stop Allah’s will. We have been watching your
family; we have seen you go to church and seen you pray to your false god. We
know that you are infidels and we will deal with you as our holy Quran declares
in Sura 9:5; “TO SLAY the idolaters
wherever you find them; take them captive and besiege them…” In Sura 9:29
it also says to “FIGHT those who have
been given the scripture and believe not in Allah or the Last Day or follow not
the religion of truth.” If you and your entire family do not leave your
false religion and follow Islam, you will be killed. Your sons will be
slaughtered and your daughters will become Muslim wives, bearing sons who will
fight for Allah in this region. Your ONLY other option is to FLEE TONIGHT. Leave
your home and everything behind.
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