The Silence Killer

I opened with two fresh testimonies that stirred our faith. Alvin shared how radical prayer and simple obedience opened the door for God to move. We also revisited Kim’s mid-service phone alarm from last week—an interruption that became an invitation for us to pray; what followed was a tangible answer from the Lord. God is moving. Sometimes He brings healing we can see now; sometimes He brings the ultimate healing of eternity. Either way, we do not stop praying, asking, and contending.

From there I addressed what I called “The Silence Killer.” Not the holy quiet of listening for God’s voice, but the deadly silence that happens when we withhold the gospel. Silence isolates, erodes our confidence, and starves us of Scripture’s wisdom. It throttles our growth and leaves our neighbors without a witness. Truth brings freedom only when it’s spoken and heard. Tozer warned that silence fails to take sides when the enemy slips into holy places; if the enemy can keep us quiet, he keeps people bound.

Revelation 21:8 sobers us. Beyond the obvious categories, it includes “all liars” and “sorcery.” I pressed into two blind spots. First, lying: not an isolated stumble (for which we repent), but a lifestyle that reshapes our souls. Second, sorcery’s twin—rebellion. When we knowingly refuse Christ’s commands, we open doors to torment the way sorcery invites demonic help. Obedience is not legalism; it’s love that closes doors. Unity comes when we submit to God’s Word together, and steadiness comes when we anchor daily in Scripture. The Bible never promises a life without tribulation—only Christ’s peace within it.

This week, your table is a mission field. Love your neighbor; invite them; share your testimony. The Great Commission isn’t a suggestion. Cowardice keeps us silent; courage speaks with tears in our eyes and hope in our tone. Jude felt the urgency to “contend for the faith,” and so do we—right now. The greatest gift anyone will open this Christmas is Jesus. Be bold as lions. Lead with stories of God’s goodness. Repent quickly, close the doors you’ve opened, and ask the Holy Spirit to give you the name and the moment—and then speak. I prayed for clean hearts, courage, and a fresh filling of the Spirit to be His mouthpiece. Let’s contend for our families, our coworkers, and our neighbors, and let God write the next testimony.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Silence starves faith and courage When we withhold the gospel, we shrink. Silence begets isolation, erodes confidence, and trains us to avoid spiritual conversations the next time they arise. Truth liberates only when it is voiced and heard. Practice sharing, even if it’s awkward, so courage becomes your reflex. [24:57]
• 2. Rebellion opens demonic doors Scripture places sorcery and rebellion side by side because both invite dark influence. Selective obedience—choosing the commands that fit our comfort—creates access points for torment. Humble, thorough obedience is not punitive; it’s protective and freeing. Close every door by submitting to Jesus’ words. [34:34]
• 3. Contend earnestly for loved ones Jude shifted his focus to address the urgent need of contending for people drifting toward destruction. This week’s table is more than a meal; it’s a rescue assignment. Share a testimony, ask a gentle question, and trust the Spirit to do the heavy lifting in their hearts. [47:35]
• 4. Courage is commanded, not optional The Great Commission is a command that exposes cowardice when we stay silent. Courage isn’t bravado; it’s obedience fueled by love for God and people. Start with what you know—your story of Jesus’ faithfulness—and let boldness grow as you speak. [42:18]
• 5. Truth spoken unlocks real freedom Faith comes by hearing, not by osmosis or assumption. When you speak Christ, you release the possibility of freedom into another person’s life. Your words may become the hinge on which their eternity swings. Steward that privilege with urgency and tenderness. [26:38]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [12:41] - Christmas greetings and testimonies setup
• [13:29] - Alvin’s testimony of answered prayer
• [19:01] - Mid-service alarm and prayer moment
• [21:38] - Kim’s testimony and praise
• [22:50] - The Silence Killer: why it matters
• [27:10] - Tozer insight: silence and the enemy
• [29:02] - When silence becomes sin
• [30:11] - Revelation 21:8 and our blind spots
• [34:34] - Witchcraft, rebellion, and open doors
• [40:55] - Holiday tables as mission fields
• [42:18] - Commanded to speak: courage over cowardice
• [47:35] - Jude: contend earnestly for the faith
• [52:08] - Bold as lions; preach in season
• [60:56] - Prayer, response, and worship

1. In Revelation 21:8, which group is listed first, and why might that be startling when compared to the rest of the list?
2. “Silence can bring death” — what specific harms of silence were named (isolation, loss of confidence, lack of Scripture in us)? [24:57]
3. It was said that rebellion opens “demonic influence.” What everyday examples of rebellion were mentioned (selective obedience, resisting authority, ignoring clear commands)? [35:56]
4. What simple assignment was given for our holiday tables this week? “Ask the Holy Spirit… and I will boldly share the gospel.” [55:48]

1. Revelation 21:8 includes “the cowardly.” How should “cowardly” be understood in the life of a Christian? Where is the line between wise timing and sinful silence? “To be silent and not share the gospel is a sin.” [42:18]
2. If rebellion functions like sorcery by opening doors, what might those “doors” look like in a believer’s daily life? Consider the pattern: “I’m going to do some of these commandments, but these two… I’m not going to do.” [37:04]
3. “Truth comes by hearing.” How does this shape expectations about speaking the gospel even when it feels awkward or risky? [26:38]
4. Jude calls believers to “contend earnestly for the faith.” What does contending look like at a family table without being quarrelsome or pushy? [47:35]

1. Who is one person the Holy Spirit is highlighting for you to share with this week? What will you say first? When and where will it likely happen around your table? “Ask the Holy Spirit… and I will boldly share the gospel.” [55:48]
2. Write a 60-second testimony with three parts: Before Jesus, How Jesus met me, How I’m different now. Practice it with the group. “Tell them your testimony. It’s the gospel.” [51:57]
3. Where have “little white lies” become normal in your week (scheduling, work reports, family promises)? What would repentance and a new habit look like over the next 7 days? [33:18]
4. Name one place you’ve been selectively obedient. What exact command have you avoided, and what “door” might that have left open? What’s your specific obedience step this week? [37:04]
5. When did you recently choose silence because of fear? What’s one small, specific conversation you can initiate to reverse that habit (a question, an invite, a short story of God’s goodness)? “Silence… brings isolation… lack of confidence.” [24:57]
6. The Great Commission is a command, not a suggestion. Where is fear showing up for you, and what step of obedience will you take in the next 48 hours (text, call, invitation, prayer at the table)? [42:18]
7. Courage grows when Scripture is daily in us. What’s your plan this week (time, place, reading plan) to anchor in the Word so boldness becomes your reflex? [38:26]