In the urgency of our calling, we are reminded that our time to fulfill God's work is limited. Drawing from John 9:4, we are urged to work the works of Him who sent us while it is day, for the night is coming when no one can work. This is a call to action, to seize every moment and opportunity to fulfill our divine mandate. The urgency is not just about the passage of time but about the opportunities that may pass us by if we remain inactive. We are encouraged to live with a sense of purpose and urgency, recognizing that each day is a gift to be used for God's glory. [00:32]
"As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good." (2 Thessalonians 3:13, ESV)
Reflection: What specific action can you take today to actively engage in God's work, seizing the opportunities He places before you?
Day 2: Wake Up from Complacency
Complacency is a dangerous state that can lead to unexpected turmoil, as seen in the sudden unrest in Chile. In North America, our comfortable Christianity has lulled us into a false sense of security, making us vulnerable to losing our freedoms overnight. This is a wake-up call to recognize the fragility of our circumstances and the need to be vigilant in our faith. We must not take our freedom for granted but instead, actively engage in our spiritual growth and the defense of our faith. The call is to awaken from our slumber and be proactive in living out our beliefs. [05:01]
"Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." (1 Corinthians 10:12, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life have you become complacent, and how can you actively work to awaken and strengthen your faith today?
Day 3: Disconnect to Reconnect with God
The pervasive influence of technology in our lives often distracts us from hearing God's voice. Our obsession with screens and devices can lead to spiritual complacency, causing us to miss divine appointments and opportunities to share the gospel. We are called to be intentional about disconnecting from these distractions and reconnecting with God. This involves setting aside time to be still, to listen, and to engage in meaningful prayer and reflection. By doing so, we open ourselves to the guidance and presence of God in our lives. [14:07]
"But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me." (Psalm 131:2, ESV)
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to disconnect from technology and create space for God to speak into your life?
Day 4: Live with Eternal Perspective
Living in the light of eternity means examining our hearts and assessing whether we are truly redeeming the time or squandering it on trivial pursuits. Our lives should reflect a deep commitment to God's kingdom, characterized by a passion for the lost and a willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of the gospel. This perspective challenges us to prioritize what truly matters and to live with a sense of purpose that transcends the temporary concerns of this world. We are called to align our lives with God's eternal purposes. [18:06]
"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you realign your daily activities to reflect an eternal perspective, focusing on what truly matters in God's kingdom?
Day 5: Prepare for Persecution with Steadfast Faith
As the global landscape shifts, we must be spiritually prepared for potential persecution. Our lives are not our own; they belong to God, and we must be willing to lay them down for His purposes. This preparation involves strengthening our faith, deepening our relationship with God, and being ready to stand firm in the face of challenges. We are encouraged to remain steadfast, trusting in God's sovereignty and grace, even when faced with adversity. This is a call to courage and commitment, knowing that our ultimate hope is in Christ. [23:30]
"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take to strengthen your faith and prepare spiritually for potential challenges or persecution in your life?
Sermon Summary
In today's message, I shared a heartfelt and urgent call to action, emphasizing the need for vigilance and active engagement in our faith. Drawing from John 9:4, "I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work," I highlighted the urgency of fulfilling our divine mandate before it's too late. This scripture serves as a reminder that our time is limited, and we must seize every opportunity to do God's work.
Reflecting on my recent experiences in South America, particularly in Chile, I witnessed firsthand how quickly stability can turn into chaos. The sudden unrest and violence in a once-stable nation serve as a stark warning that complacency can lead to unexpected turmoil. This is a wake-up call for us in North America, where our comfortable Christianity has lulled us into a false sense of security. We must not take our freedom for granted, as it can be lost overnight.
I also addressed the pervasive influence of technology in our lives, which often distracts us from hearing God's voice. Our obsession with screens and devices can lead to spiritual complacency, causing us to miss divine appointments and opportunities to share the gospel. We must be intentional about disconnecting from these distractions and reconnecting with God.
Furthermore, I challenged us to examine our hearts and assess whether we are truly living in the light of eternity. Are we redeeming the time, or are we squandering it on trivial pursuits? Our lives should reflect a deep commitment to God's kingdom, characterized by a passion for the lost and a willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of the gospel.
Finally, I urged us to prepare for potential persecution and to remain steadfast in our faith. The global landscape is shifting, and we must be spiritually prepared for whatever challenges may come. Our lives are not our own; they belong to God, and we must be willing to lay them down for His purposes.
Key Takeaways
1. Urgency in Our Calling: We must recognize the urgency of our calling to do God's work while we have the opportunity. The night is coming when no one can work, and we must seize every moment to fulfill our divine mandate. [00:32]
2. Complacency is Dangerous: Our comfortable Christianity in North America has made us complacent. We must wake up to the reality that our freedoms can be lost overnight, as seen in the sudden unrest in Chile. [05:01]
3. Technology as a Distraction: The pervasive influence of technology can distract us from hearing God's voice. We must be intentional about disconnecting from these distractions and reconnecting with God. [14:07]
4. Living in the Light of Eternity: We must examine our hearts and assess whether we are truly living in the light of eternity. Are we redeeming the time, or are we squandering it on trivial pursuits? [18:06]
5. Preparation for Persecution: We must be spiritually prepared for potential persecution. Our lives are not our own; they belong to God, and we must be willing to lay them down for His purposes. [23:30] ** [23:30]
What does John 9:4 suggest about the urgency of doing God's work? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on seizing every opportunity? [00:32]
In the sermon, the pastor shared experiences from South America, particularly Chile. What were some of the events he described, and how did they serve as a warning against complacency? [03:09]
How does the sermon describe the influence of technology on our spiritual lives? What specific examples were given to illustrate this point? [14:07]
According to the sermon, what are some signs of spiritual complacency, and how can they affect our relationship with God? [26:17]
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Interpretation Questions:
How does the passage from Ephesians 5:15-16 about redeeming the time relate to the pastor's call for vigilance and active engagement in faith? What does it mean to "redeem the time" in a modern context? [09:07]
The sermon mentions the potential for persecution and the need for spiritual preparation. How does this align with the message in 2 Timothy 3:4 about the dangers of being lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God? [23:30]
Reflecting on the pastor's experiences in Chile, how can sudden changes in society serve as a spiritual wake-up call for believers? What lessons can be drawn from these events? [05:01]
The sermon discusses the danger of technology as a distraction. How can believers balance the use of technology with maintaining a strong spiritual life? [14:07]
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Application Questions:
Reflect on your daily routine. Are there specific distractions, such as technology, that prevent you from hearing God's voice? What steps can you take this week to minimize these distractions? [14:07]
The pastor emphasized the urgency of our calling. What is one specific way you can actively engage in doing God's work this week? How can you ensure you are not squandering your time on trivial pursuits? [00:32]
Consider the pastor's warning about complacency. Are there areas in your spiritual life where you have become complacent? What practical steps can you take to reignite your passion for God's kingdom? [05:01]
The sermon mentioned the possibility of persecution. How can you spiritually prepare for potential challenges to your faith? What does it mean for you to remain steadfast in your beliefs? [23:30]
Think about your interactions with others. How can you be more intentional about sharing the gospel and making a difference in the lives of those around you? Identify one person you can reach out to this week. [36:24]
Reflect on the concept of living in the light of eternity. How does this perspective change the way you view your daily activities and priorities? What adjustments can you make to align your life more closely with eternal values? [18:06]
The pastor shared his experiences of trusting God in uncertain situations. Is there an area in your life where you need to trust God more fully? How can you practice this trust in a tangible way this week? [06:16]
Sermon Clips
"I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work." This scripture serves as a reminder that our time is limited, and we must seize every opportunity to do God's work. We must recognize the urgency of our calling to do God's work while we have the opportunity. [00:28:42]
Here in North America, we are complacent. Our Christianity has become easy; our Christianity has become complacent. Why do I say that? Two weeks ago, I was ministering in Argentina. Now, Argentina, the economy is shaking. In fact, the peso is almost collapsed. I was waiting, expecting a shake-up, expecting a falling down of the economy, but it never happened. [01:50:49]
We are so free but dangerously free, dangerously free. I sent an email out, and many intercessors prayed for me to get out, and he kept saying to me, trust me, trust me. It was a miracle of God that got my flight rebooked. Oh my God, come, come, come back here. It's a miracle of God. [07:36:54]
We are not redeeming the time. Redeem the time. You see, many of us have fallen asleep. Complacency lulls us to sleep. Christianity in the West loves us to sleep. It doesn't cost much. There's not much cost to it. It's easy, squandering time. That was the first area he spoke to me. We are squandering time. [09:01:50]
Technology has invaded our homes and our lives. I cannot understand where I go to believers' houses, and they have a TV on, the cable on, from the moment they get up to the moment they go to bed. The evils of society being spewed out through that TV, and we absorb it. [12:11:15]
The more we spend on technology, the more we spend on that, the less we are able to hear that still small voice. What's he spoken to you today? What's he spoken to you today? What's he gently whispered to you today? Have you heard that small gentle word? [14:18:19]
Are we living our lives in the light of eternity? Are we conscious that whatever we do, whatever we say, is all being recorded in heaven? One day, each one of us will be standing at the judgment seat of Christ, and that verdict will be final. There's no second verdict. What is done here on earth has eternal consequences. [17:50:04]
Complacency is a slippery slope. It just slowly leads us into indifference to the things of Christ, his kingdom. Lukewarmness is another word for complacency. Is your heart lukewarm, or is it on fire? Only you know that. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal that to you. Is it lukewarm, or is it on fire? [26:06:19]
We need to get connected with the heart of God. We need to know that brokenness and his burden. This is quite heavy, isn't it? But we need it. We need it. I need it. You need it. Burden for the lost. We've lost it. We've lost it. Statistics say less than two or three percent are believers in North America. [33:40:19]
The night comes when no man can work. That should revolutionize us. That should change us. That should impact us. I want to make a difference today, not tomorrow. Today. Today. Today. See, the enemy knows the harvest is ripe. He knows that, and so he'll do whatever he can to stop us, to hinder us, to frustrate us. [42:22:16]
There is an end-time demonic strategy against all the believers to hinder, frustrate, and stop them from fulfilling the call or destiny in each of our lives. What's the destiny calling your life? The enemy knows that and is seeking every way to stop you. Distractions, distractions, distractions. [46:32:00]
We need a fresh baptism of obedience. That's how you hear the voice of God. When you just push it aside, then you're less likely to hear that small, still voice. You're less likely to have that intimacy with him. Someone's being disobedient. Yes, I feel that in my spirit. You've been disobedient. [55:22:00]