Thus Saith the Lord
As we enter a new year, Christians are called to boldly declare the truth of God's word and to take a stand in a world that desperately needs it.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of God's Word as a guiding light in the uncertain journey of a new year. He asserts that while the world may be lost and unaware of the dangers ahead, Christians possess the truth found in the Bible, which serves as a navigational chart. Tozer encourages believers to boldly declare 'Thus saith the Lord' rather than apologizing for their faith, as the world now desperately needs the guidance of Scripture. He calls for Christians to take an offensive stance, proclaiming the truth without compromise. The sermon concludes with a prayer for guidance and the strength to lead others through the Word.
Text
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. --Psalm 119:105
Every new year is an uncharted and unknown sea. No ship has ever sailed this way before. The wisest of earth's sons and daughters cannot tell us what we may encounter on this journey. Familiarity with the past may afford us a general idea of what we may expect, but just where the rocks lie hidden beneath the surface or when that "tempestuous wind called Euroclydon" may sweep down upon us suddenly, no one can say with certainty....
Now more than at any other time in generations, the believer is in a position to go on the offensive. The world is lost on a wide sea, and Christians alone know the way to the desired haven. While things were going well, the world scorned them with their Bible and hymns, but now the world needs them desperately, and it needs that despised Bible, too. For in the Bible, and there only, is found the chart to tell us where we are going on this rough and unknown ocean. The day when Christians should meekly apologize is over--they can get the world's attention not by trying to please, but by boldly declaring the truth of divine revelation. They can make themselves heard not by compromise, but by taking the affirmative and sturdily declaring, "Thus saith the Lord." This World: Playground or Battleground? pp. 9-10
"Lord, guide me carefully on this uncharted sea of a new year as I daily seek You in Your word. Then use me mightily as Your servant this year as I boldly proclaim Your word in leading others. Amen."
Sermon Outline
- The Uncertainty of the New Year
- The Time for Christians to Take a Stand
- A Call to Action
- Daily seek God's guidance in His word
- Boldly proclaim God's word to lead others
Key Quotes
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — A.W. Tozer
“The day when Christians should meekly apologize is over--they can get the world's attention not by trying to please, but by boldly declaring the truth of divine revelation.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- As you enter the new year, make a commitment to daily seek God's guidance in His word.
- Be bold in declaring the truth of God's word to others, even in the face of opposition or criticism.
- Recognize the world's need for truth and the significance of the Bible in guiding us through life's uncertainties.