The sermon begins with the pastor sharing a story about a banker who is saved on the brink of eternity, emphasizing the importance of not procrastinating when it comes to accepting salvation and surrendering to God. He underscores the significance of God's personal call on believers' lives and the misery that comes from either running away from that call or trying to serve without being called by God. The pastor then shares a personal experience of having a meaningful conversation with someone in need, emphasizing the impact that can be made when God brings people together.
The pastor then shares a personal experience of receiving a message from someone who was going through difficulties in their life. He emphasizes the importance of finding a community of believers who genuinely care for one another and encourages the person to draw close to Jesus for themselves and their children. The pastor acknowledges that societal changes have made it harder for people to form meaningful connections with others. He also highlights the consequences of remaining on the fence as a believer, stating that it is displeasing to God and can even be contagious.
The pastor then addresses the issue of stagnancy within the congregation, referring to some members as "Mossy backs" who have been in the same seats for a long time, symbolizing their lack of growth and progress. He acknowledges that these individuals are good people who love the Lord but emphasizes that their stagnant state has become contagious. The pastor then addresses the complaint of loneliness and lack of friends within the congregation. He reminds the congregation that if they want to have friends, they must be friendly themselves.
The pastor then tells a story about a lamb and a wolf to illustrate the choices we face in our daily lives. He emphasizes the importance of making a choice and not staying on the fence. He quotes Joshua 24:15, encouraging the congregation to choose whom they will serve, just as he and his household have chosen to serve the Lord. The pastor concludes by urging the congregation to imagine a scenario where they see a familiar face at church, someone they have known for years but have never invited.
The sermon concludes with the pastor addressing a cancer that is present in churches today, causing them to lose their effectiveness or even die. This cancer is characterized by members believing that the Christian walk has no personal cost and that the life of Christianity requires no personal sacrifice. The pastor attributes this cancer to society's obsession with tolerance and the fear of offending others. The pastor concludes by praying for the congregation to examine their hearts and repent if anything within them does not align with God's word.
Key Takeaways
Youtube Chapters