Gentle but Determined Restorers
True spirituality is lacking in modern Christianity, and it is the duty of Christians to speak out against sin and spiritual decline, even if it is difficult.
In this sermon, the preacher delves into the concept of 'charisma,' a Pauline word that signifies a gift of grace or a free gift, emphasizing that all spiritual gifts come from God and should not be a source of personal pride. The term 'charisma' is used to describe extraordinary powers given by God through the Holy Spirit to enable believers to serve the church and fulfill their roles in the body of Christ. The preacher highlights that every genuine Christian has received at least one spiritual gift from God, bestowed at the moment of conversion, to contribute to the community of faith and stimulate growth in Christian maturity.
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It is more than probable that in the whole history of the United States there was never at any one time so much religious activity as there is today. And it is also very likely that there was never less true spirituality.
. . .
Now, experience has prepared us for the rebuttal we will surely hear from tender-minded friends: "Who are we to judge? We must leave these professed Christians with the Lord and look to our own doorstep. And furthermore, we should be glad for any little bit of good that is being done and not spoil it by faultfinding."
All that sounds good, but it is an expression of a religious laissez faire which would stand carelessly by and permit the whole church of Christ to degenerate morally and spiritually without daring to raise a hand to help or a voice to warn. So did not the prophets. So did not Christ, or His apostles, or the Reformers; and so will not any man do who has seen heaven opened and beheld visions of God. Elijah could have kept his mouth shut and saved himself a lot of trouble. John the Baptist could have kept silent and saved his head; and every martyr might have pleaded laissez faire and died comfortably in his bed at a ripe old age. But in doing so, they would all have disobeyed God and laid themselves open to a severe judgment in the day of Christ.
Sermon Outline
- The Problem of Modern Christianity
- The Dangers of Laissez Faire Christianity
- The Example of the Prophets and Reformers
- Calling Out Sin and Warning of Judgment
- Obeying God Despite Personal Cost
Key Quotes
“It is more than probable that in the whole history of the United States there was never at any one time so much religious activity as there is today. And it is also very likely that there was never less true spirituality.” — A.W. Tozer
“So did not the prophets. So did not Christ, or His apostles, or the Reformers; and so will not any man do who has seen heaven opened and beheld visions of God.” — A.W. Tozer
“Elijah could have kept his mouth shut and saved himself a lot of trouble. John the Baptist could have kept silent and saved his head; and every martyr might have pleaded laissez faire and died comfortably in his bed at a ripe old age.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- As a Christian, it is your duty to speak out against sin and spiritual decline in your community.
- True spirituality is not just about avoiding conflict, but about obeying God and taking a stand for what is right.
- You have a responsibility to help and warn others who are spiritually lost, just as the prophets and Reformers did.