Reclaiming the Church's Prophetic Voice in Today's World
Summary
In a sermon titled "Jesus Wants Your Church! Micah 3:1-4:5 (December 17, 2023)," the speaker, whose name is not discernible from the title, delivers a powerful message based on the book of Micah. The sermon begins with a critique of preachers who prioritize financial gain over the spiritual well-being of their congregations, preaching messages that affirm rather than convict. The speaker warns against the dangers of the prosperity gospel and hypergrace, which soften and reject biblical truths, especially on issues like sexual morality and divorce. In contrast, a faithful pastor is described as one who is filled with the Spirit of the Lord and has the power and sense of justice to declare people's sins.
The speaker then addresses political leaders, including the President, accusing them of promoting policies that are contrary to biblical values, such as abortion and the LGBTQ agenda. The church is called to reclaim its prophetic voice and speak truth to power, regardless of political affiliation. The speaker draws parallels between the biblical prophet Micah and the modern church's responsibility to preach and teach God's truth boldly.
The sermon also warns against the presumption of salvation based on church membership or past religious experiences, emphasizing the importance of a life lived in obedience to Jesus. The speaker assures the congregation that despite the wickedness and corruption of the times, Jesus will establish His kingdom in the last days, bringing peace.
The speaker cautions against presuming that any nation or church is safe from God's judgment, reminding the congregation that God's kingdom does not depend on any earthly entity. The concept of "once saved, always saved" is challenged, with a warning that such belief can lead to eternal damnation.
The sermon includes personal acknowledgments and expressions of gratitude towards the congregation and individuals like Fred's wife, Donna, and Jerra from Oklahoma State University. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus desires the church and that Micah's message of judgment and hope is relevant to all, including politicians, pastors, and those feeling despair.
Faithful preachers are described as those who cannot resist preaching the message they have received from God, doing so with authority, conviction, and courage. The speaker encourages the congregation to remain faithful and steadfast in their walk with Jesus, despite the challenges and temptations of the world.
The speaker reassures the church that better days are coming, symbolized by the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, and that Jesus will bring perfect peace, which cannot be achieved by human efforts like those of the UN or NATO.
Key Takeaways:
- The speaker emphasizes the stark contrast between false preachers who prioritize personal gain and faithful pastors who are empowered by the Holy Spirit to preach with conviction and justice. This distinction is crucial for the church to recognize and uphold, as it determines the spiritual health and direction of the congregation. ([01:09:03])
- Political leaders are not exempt from the church's prophetic voice. The speaker urges the church to boldly confront political authorities with God's truth, as Micah did, to inspire repentance and change within the nation. This call to action is a reminder that the church must not shy away from its responsibility to speak truth to power. ([01:05:01])
- Presuming upon God's grace is a dangerous spiritual position. The speaker warns that a mere profession of faith without a life of obedience to Jesus is insufficient for salvation. This insight challenges believers to examine their lives and ensure that their faith is evidenced by their actions. ([01:22:30])
- The sermon highlights the importance of not placing false security in any nation or church's status before God. The speaker reminds us that God's judgment is impartial and that faithfulness to His Word is paramount. This serves as a sobering reminder to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, without presumption. ([01:17:42])
- The ultimate hope for believers lies in the return of Jesus Christ, who will establish His kingdom and bring perfect peace. The speaker encourages the church to look forward to this day and to find comfort in the promise of Christ's second coming, which will bring an end to all strife and establish eternal peace. ([01:24:54])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Micah 3:1-4:5
- Jeremiah 26:18-19
- Revelation 19:11-16
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the characteristics of the political leaders criticized by Micah in Micah 3:1-4? How does Micah describe their actions and attitudes?
2. According to Micah 3:5-8, what distinguishes a faithful pastor from a false one? What are the consequences for false prophets?
3. In Micah 4:1-5, what future hope does Micah offer to the people of Israel? How does this vision contrast with the current state of their leaders and society?
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the church in confronting political leaders? What specific actions does the speaker suggest the church should take? ([59:49])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Micah emphasize the need for political leaders to know justice and act righteously? How does this relate to the church's responsibility today? ([50:00])
2. What does the sermon suggest about the dangers of the prosperity gospel and hypergrace? How do these teachings conflict with biblical truths? ([01:07:24])
3. How does the concept of "once saved, always saved" get challenged in the sermon? What implications does this have for how believers should live their lives? ([01:18:06])
4. What is the significance of the promise of perfect peace in Micah 4:3-5? How does this future vision provide hope for believers facing current challenges? ([01:24:48])
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon calls for the church to demand godliness from political leaders. How can you personally engage in this call to action? What steps can you take to hold leaders accountable to biblical standards? ([56:42])
2. Reflect on the characteristics of a faithful pastor as described in Micah 3:8. How can you support and encourage your church leaders to preach with authority, conviction, and courage? ([01:08:45])
3. The sermon warns against presuming upon God's grace. How can you examine your own life to ensure that your faith is evidenced by your actions? What changes might you need to make to live in obedience to Jesus? ([01:19:23])
4. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the church's prophetic voice. How can you and your small group speak truth to power in your community? What specific issues might you address? ([59:49])
5. The promise of perfect peace is a central theme in Micah 4:3-5. How can you find comfort and hope in this promise amidst the current strife and challenges you face? What practical steps can you take to focus on this future hope? ([01:24:48])
6. The sermon challenges the belief that church membership or past religious experiences guarantee salvation. How can you ensure that your faith is active and growing? What spiritual disciplines can you incorporate into your daily life to deepen your relationship with Jesus? ([01:18:06])
7. Reflect on the personal acknowledgments and expressions of gratitude mentioned in the sermon. How can you cultivate a spirit of gratitude within your small group and church community? What specific actions can you take to express appreciation to those who serve faithfully? ([42:53])
Devotional
Day 1: Discerning True Spiritual Leadership
True spiritual leaders prioritize God's truth over personal gain, guiding their flock with conviction and justice. They embody the Spirit's power, ensuring the church remains a beacon of biblical faithfulness. [01:09:03]
James 3:1 - "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."
Reflection: Consider the spiritual leaders in your life. How do they demonstrate a commitment to God's truth over personal gain?
Day 2: The Church's Prophetic Voice in Politics
Believers are called to courageously speak God's truth to political powers, advocating for biblical values without partisanship, much like the prophets of old. [01:05:01]
Amos 5:24 - "But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!"
Reflection: How can you, as part of the church, engage in conversations about political issues with grace and truth?
Day 3: The Peril of Presumptive Grace
A life of obedience to Jesus is essential; mere church affiliation or past experiences do not guarantee salvation. This calls for a daily commitment to living out one's faith authentically. [01:22:30]
Luke 13:24-25 - "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.'"
Reflection: Is there any area of your life where you might be presuming upon God's grace? How can you align that area more closely with Jesus' teachings?
Day 4: No Earthly Entity Guarantees Salvation
The church must not place false security in any nation or institution; God's impartial judgment calls for individual faithfulness to His Word. [01:17:42]
1 Peter 1:17 - "Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear."
Reflection: In what ways might you have placed your security in earthly entities rather than in God? How can you shift your focus to living faithfully according to His Word?
Day 5: Christ's Return: Our Ultimate Hope
The promise of Jesus' return and the establishment of His kingdom offer believers a hope that transcends the temporary peace efforts of this world. [01:24:54]
Isaiah 2:4 - "He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore."
Reflection: How does the hope of Christ's return shape your perspective on current global conflicts and your role as a peacemaker?
Quotes
"When the church regains her prophetic voice and quits playing political games and starts speaking the word of God to those in power, I believe God can bring repentance and change the direction of our nation and our culture." [01:03:28] (Download)
"The reality is in our day and age, there are too many preachers who are little more than motivational speakers. They don't preach convicting messages." [01:06:20] (Download)
"But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might to declare to Jacob his sin and to Israel his sin." [01:09:03] (Download)
"You should never, never for one second believe that you are safe from the wrath of God if you are living in unrepentant sin. Oh, brothers and sisters, do not presume upon God's grace." [01:19:02] (Download)
"The last days are coming. The last days are here talking about end times. He says, it's going to come to pass. The mountain of the house of the Lord will be established. Who is that? It's Jesus. Micah is saying, Jesus is coming." [01:22:30] (Download)
"I've got the message of God, and I'm compelled to tell it to other people. Faithful preachers are compelled by God. Faithful preachers preach with authority." [01:10:29] (Download)
"It takes courage to preach biblical truth, no matter how unpopular it is. Brothers and sisters, it takes courage to preach against sin. It takes courage to lead a church where it doesn't want to go." [01:13:05] (Download)
"Never presume that America is safe from the wrath of God. Never presume that this church is safe from the wrath of God. Never presume that you are safe from the wrath of God." [01:17:42] (Download)
"Jesus has come. Jesus has been lifted up. Jesus is drawing all the nations to himself. All who will repent and believe in Jesus. And Jesus is marching us forward to a day when there's going to be perfect peace." [01:24:54] (Download)
"Will we have a church that has the courage to stand for what is right, though nobody else around us does? Boy, I pray we're that kind of church." [01:14:26] (Download)
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