God's Loving Warnings: A Call to Righteousness
Summary
### Summary
Today's message focuses on the God who warns us out of love and concern for our well-being. Just as we encounter warnings in our daily lives—from road signs to prescription labels—God's warnings are meant to protect us. Jesus's ministry was filled with warnings about sin, materialism, false prophets, and the end times. These warnings are not meant to instill fear but to guide us towards safety and righteousness.
We are living in a time of significant upheaval, with wars, natural disasters, and moral decay becoming increasingly evident. This mirrors the warnings given to ancient Israel, who ignored the prophets and faced dire consequences. A prophecy from 1986 predicted a time of unparalleled turmoil, and we see these signs today. However, we are reminded not to fear, as God is in control and has provided a means of escape through Jesus Christ.
The story of the Boscastle flood serves as a poignant reminder that God's warnings are often misunderstood or ignored. Judgment is an uncomfortable truth, but it is a reality we must face. The Bible is filled with warnings because God loves us and wants us to turn from our sinful ways. The imagery in the book of Revelation, with its frightening depictions of beasts and plagues, serves to match the level of danger ahead and prompt us to choose whom we will worship.
As believers, we have a responsibility to warn others about the impending judgment. This is not just an Old Testament concept but is echoed in the New Testament as well. Paul, in his ministry, did not shy away from declaring the whole counsel of God, even when it was uncomfortable. We are called to be watchmen, to lean forward and peer into the distance, warning others of the dangers ahead.
Love must be our motive in sharing these warnings. It is not about instilling fear but about showing compassion and concern for the eternal well-being of others. We must be toughened by God, like Ezekiel, to stand firm in our faith and share the message of salvation. The time of grace will eventually end, and the door will be shut, just as it was in the days of Noah. Therefore, we must act now, sharing the gospel and preparing for what is to come.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Warnings Are Acts of Love: Just as road signs and prescription labels warn us of potential dangers, God's warnings are meant to protect us. They are not judgments but acts of love, guiding us away from harm and towards safety in Him. Ignoring these warnings can lead to dire consequences, as seen in the history of ancient Israel. [01:54]
2. We Are Living in Prophetic Times: The current global turmoil, including wars, natural disasters, and moral decay, aligns with biblical prophecies. These signs should not instill fear but remind us that God is in control and has provided a means of escape through Jesus Christ. We must remain vigilant and prepared. [04:59]
3. Judgment Is an Uncomfortable Truth: The story of the Boscastle flood illustrates how God's warnings can be misunderstood or ignored. Judgment is a reality we must face, and it is often an uncomfortable truth. However, it is essential to recognize that God's warnings are meant to lead us to repentance and salvation. [07:52]
4. The Responsibility of Believers: As believers, we are called to be watchmen, warning others of the impending judgment. This responsibility is not limited to the Old Testament but is echoed in the New Testament. Paul exemplified this by declaring the whole counsel of God, even when it was uncomfortable. [15:26]
5. Love Must Be the Motive: When sharing the gospel and its warnings, love must be our primary motive. It is not about instilling fear but about showing compassion and concern for the eternal well-being of others. We must be toughened by God, like Ezekiel, to stand firm in our faith and share the message of salvation. [27:46]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:54] - Jesus's Warnings
[03:35] - Current Global Turmoil
[04:59] - Prophecy of Unparalleled Upheaval
[06:37] - The Boscastle Flood
[07:52] - Judgment and Idolatry
[09:14] - Peace in the Midst of Chaos
[10:44] - The Church That Stands
[11:57] - The Purpose of Warnings
[13:34] - Ezekiel's Call and Our Responsibility
[15:26] - The Seriousness of Sin
[17:16] - Paul's Ministry of Warning
[18:48] - The Importance of Sharing the Gospel
[20:44] - The Role of a Watchman
[22:04] - The Danger of Pride
[24:12] - The Imagery of Revelation
[25:55] - The Ministry of Warning
[27:46] - Love as the Motive
[29:08] - The Urgency of the Message
[30:25] - Toughened by God
[32:28] - Call to Salvation
[33:22] - Prayer for Prophets and Preparation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 8:34 - "Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.'"
2. Ezekiel 33:7-9 - "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, 'You wicked person, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved."
3. Acts 20:26-27 - "Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God."
### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the specific warnings Jesus gave during His ministry? ([01:54])
2. How does the prophecy from 1986 relate to the current global turmoil we are experiencing? ([04:59])
3. What was the significance of the Boscastle flood in the context of God's warnings? ([07:52])
4. According to Ezekiel 33:7-9, what is the responsibility of a watchman? ([13:34])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus compare sin to slavery in John 8:34? How does this analogy help us understand the nature of sin? ([01:54])
2. In Ezekiel 33:7-9, what are the consequences for the watchman if he fails to warn the wicked? How does this apply to believers today? ([13:34])
3. Paul states in Acts 20:26-27 that he is innocent of the blood of all men because he proclaimed the whole will of God. What does this imply about the importance of sharing the full message of the gospel, including its warnings? ([17:16])
4. How does the story of the Boscastle flood illustrate the potential consequences of ignoring God's warnings? ([07:52])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you ignored a warning (spiritual or otherwise) and faced consequences. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's warnings? ([07:52])
2. Considering the current global turmoil, how can you remain vigilant and prepared without succumbing to fear? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ? ([04:59])
3. As believers, we are called to be watchmen. How can you actively warn others about the dangers of sin and the importance of repentance in a loving and compassionate way? ([13:34])
4. Love must be the motive when sharing the gospel. Think of someone in your life who needs to hear the message of salvation. How can you approach them with love and concern for their eternal well-being? ([27:46])
5. The sermon mentioned that the time of grace will eventually end, similar to the days of Noah. How does this urgency affect your approach to sharing the gospel? What changes can you make to ensure you are actively participating in spreading the message of salvation? ([32:28])
6. How can you cultivate a heart that is toughened by God, like Ezekiel, to stand firm in your faith and share the message of salvation despite potential opposition or discomfort? ([30:25])
7. Reflect on the imagery in the book of Revelation. How does understanding the level of danger ahead influence your commitment to choosing whom you will worship and how you live your daily life? ([24:12])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Warnings as Acts of Love
God's warnings are not judgments but acts of love, guiding us away from harm and towards safety in Him. Just as road signs and prescription labels warn us of potential dangers, God's warnings are meant to protect us. Ignoring these warnings can lead to dire consequences, as seen in the history of ancient Israel. The Bible is filled with examples where God warned His people out of love and concern for their well-being. These warnings are not meant to instill fear but to guide us towards safety and righteousness.
In our daily lives, we encounter various warnings designed to protect us. Similarly, God's warnings are acts of love, meant to guide us away from harm and towards safety in Him. Ignoring these warnings can lead to dire consequences, as seen in the history of ancient Israel. God's warnings are not judgments but acts of love, guiding us towards safety and righteousness. [01:54]
Ezekiel 33:11 (ESV): "Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?"
Reflection: Think of a recent warning you felt God was giving you. How did you respond, and how can you better heed His loving guidance in the future?
Day 2: We Are Living in Prophetic Times
The current global turmoil, including wars, natural disasters, and moral decay, aligns with biblical prophecies. These signs should not instill fear but remind us that God is in control and has provided a means of escape through Jesus Christ. We must remain vigilant and prepared.
We are living in a time of significant upheaval, with wars, natural disasters, and moral decay becoming increasingly evident. This mirrors the warnings given to ancient Israel, who ignored the prophets and faced dire consequences. A prophecy from 1986 predicted a time of unparalleled turmoil, and we see these signs today. However, we are reminded not to fear, as God is in control and has provided a means of escape through Jesus Christ. [04:59]
Matthew 24:6-8 (ESV): "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains."
Reflection: How can you remain vigilant and prepared in your faith amidst the current global turmoil? What steps can you take to strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ today?
Day 3: Judgment Is an Uncomfortable Truth
The story of the Boscastle flood illustrates how God's warnings can be misunderstood or ignored. Judgment is a reality we must face, and it is often an uncomfortable truth. However, it is essential to recognize that God's warnings are meant to lead us to repentance and salvation.
Judgment is an uncomfortable truth that we must face. The story of the Boscastle flood serves as a poignant reminder that God's warnings are often misunderstood or ignored. The Bible is filled with warnings because God loves us and wants us to turn from our sinful ways. The imagery in the book of Revelation, with its frightening depictions of beasts and plagues, serves to match the level of danger ahead and prompt us to choose whom we will worship. [07:52]
Revelation 3:19 (ESV): "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you ignored a warning and faced consequences. How can you be more attentive to God's warnings and allow them to lead you to repentance and salvation?
Day 4: The Responsibility of Believers
As believers, we are called to be watchmen, warning others of the impending judgment. This responsibility is not limited to the Old Testament but is echoed in the New Testament. Paul exemplified this by declaring the whole counsel of God, even when it was uncomfortable.
As believers, we have a responsibility to warn others about the impending judgment. This is not just an Old Testament concept but is echoed in the New Testament as well. Paul, in his ministry, did not shy away from declaring the whole counsel of God, even when it was uncomfortable. We are called to be watchmen, to lean forward and peer into the distance, warning others of the dangers ahead. [15:26]
Acts 20:26-27 (ESV): "Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear a warning about the impending judgment? How can you lovingly and courageously share the whole counsel of God with them today?
Day 5: Love Must Be the Motive
When sharing the gospel and its warnings, love must be our primary motive. It is not about instilling fear but about showing compassion and concern for the eternal well-being of others. We must be toughened by God, like Ezekiel, to stand firm in our faith and share the message of salvation.
Love must be our motive in sharing these warnings. It is not about instilling fear but about showing compassion and concern for the eternal well-being of others. We must be toughened by God, like Ezekiel, to stand firm in our faith and share the message of salvation. The time of grace will eventually end, and the door will be shut, just as it was in the days of Noah. Therefore, we must act now, sharing the gospel and preparing for what is to come. [27:46]
1 John 4:18 (ESV): "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love."
Reflection: How can you ensure that love is your primary motive when sharing the gospel and its warnings? What practical steps can you take to show compassion and concern for the eternal well-being of others today?
Quotes
1. "When Noah and his family were in the ark they were not having an anxiety attack they were not panicking okay they weren't panicking they weren't taking Valium yeah God had shown them he had told them he had told them how to escape he showed them the means of escape which was the ark and he said I will be with you and no harm will come to you and it's the same with us our work is the Lord Jesus Christ he is our safety when all the things are raging around us and it all seems hopeless we're gonna be okay we will be okay we don't need to be anxious or fearful and that my friends is what's going to make us stand apart yes because people are going to look at us and say why are they so at peace why where is their confidence coming from and we know that it's coming from our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and what he says in his word what he says in his word" [09:14] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So why are there so many warning scriptures in the bible why does prophets why does god use prophets to warn us because god loves us a warning isn't judgment if all god intended to do was judge and condemn us he wouldn't warn us he would just judge us and condemn us but he warns us everyone because he doesn't want anyone judged or condemned he wants them all saved through faith in the lord jesus christ in fact it is the evidence of a heart full of love and compassion for a person when you warn them of impending danger" [11:57] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I just had a picture of some people having a really good time swimming in the river and the river was flowing quite fast and i knew that just a few meters away there was a um a sheer drop a waterfall and they didn't know that that waterfall was there and i just had a sense of you know i've got a warner you don't realize you think you're having a great time swimming but if you go down there there's impending danger and doom and that's the picture i got god has clearly warned the world and his people about what's coming and more importantly how to escape it" [13:34] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you are a born again believer then you have already leant forward and you have already seen in the distance and you know what the future holds because we have got this. We have got this. I recently came across a pride march in Cornwall. Be careful now Shirley. Let's go to Isaiah. I'm not going to tell you what town because I don't want to embarrass anyone. It was a pride march. So I've got the right scripture here. Yes it a pride march and we all know the middle letter in the word pride is his eye. So let's just read you this." [22:04] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Why does the gospel message have to be in part a warning message? Throat cancer, lung cancer, eye cancer and its graphic pictures is like Hammer House of horror. Every time they flash open that door. I'm thinking not that I smoke. But if you're at the customer service and they flash open the door to give someone that. It's like the Rocky horror show isn't it? The pictures. And why is that? Why? It's just prevent Simply Why. Why is that? Because the content of the imagery, the content and imagery of the message must match the level of danger ahead. And we only need to read the book of Revelation. There's frightening images of beasts, dragons, great earthquakes and coming plagues. Because the imagery needs to match the danger ahead." [24:12] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The central purpose of the tribulation is to put a question to every single person on the earth. Who will you worship? That is the whole point of the tribulation. You can't hide anymore. You can't sit on the fence. Things will be engineered so that you can't sit on the fence. You will have to come down on one side or the other. Who will you worship? Well, I firmly believe that we won't even be here when that happens. That's what I believe. I believe like the ark, we will be taken out. That's what I firmly believe. I'm pre-trib or mid-trib. Not post-trib, but home." [25:55] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "So my conclusion is that when he leads you, urges you, presses you in the spirit to tell a person what they need to know in order to be saved, that's If you don't, then their blood is on your hands if you go on neglecting to do so. And it might be you just tell them the once and they reject it. But that's okay with God because you told them, you warned them. Then it's up to them. Just tell them once. Just the once. But you've got to tell them once. Someone's got to tell them once. Just once, someone's got to tell them. And if not, ask who? So how should we warn? Love must be the motive. Love for the lost, love for humanity, love for our neighbour. Love must be the motive. And if we are sharing the gospel with its warning in love, then we're doing the right thing." [27:46] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "So to conclude, I'm going to conclude with three scriptures. Say to them, as surely as I live, declares the sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn, turn, turn. That's what Jesus wants. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, and that's his promise to return a second time. As some people think of slowness. On the contrary, he is patient with you. For it is not his purpose that anyone should be destroyed, but that everyone should turn from his sins. Blow the trumpet in Zion, sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming, and is close at hand." [27:46] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "So I want to pray now that the spirit of ezekiel would come on everyone right now in this church that you would be toughened in your spirit by god so that when the times are coming that you will be able to stand i think it was uh was it isaiah god gave him a forehead like flit and your forehead is hard isn't it and what happens when you when you when you when you smack flick the sparks fly so don't be surprised if you're talking to someone and they get a bit sparky that's okay but i pray that on every one of us the spirit of ezekiel that we will be strengthened in our spirits by god toughened by god we'll we'll be like teflon yeah nothing can touch us everything will just slide off of us and and we'll just have opportunities to share jesus with people to share jesus show them the way of salvation show them how to escape before god shuts the door and he will shut the door yeah we're in a time of grace now but just like noah god shut the door and he will shut the door and then the tribulation will begin" [32:28] (87 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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