The Apostasy - the Remnant Part 1
David Wilkerson's sermon warns against the dangers of apostasy in the church and the necessity of preaching hard truths.
This sermon emphasizes the danger of preaching a smooth and watered-down gospel that neglects the essential messages of divine judgment, brokenness, and the reality of hell. It highlights the importance of addressing pride as a significant sin, drawing from the example of Sodom's destruction. The speaker warns against the prevalent focus on prosperity and material blessings in modern preaching, urging a return to the uncompromising truth of God's Word.
Full Transcript
God said through the prophet Ezekiel, as I live, says the Lord, Sodom is your sister, has not done what you have done. Sodom has not sinned as you have sinned. Sodom is more righteous than you.
He said that to his church. He said, Pastor David, I don't want to hear this negativity. Let me tell you something.
I listen to these, I listen to so many preachers today. And believe me, we have some of the greatest preachers that have ever lived. God has his prophets.
God has pastors and pulpits. Just preaching the straight gospel. Preaching a pure word.
But most of what I hear, and it's heart breaking, is an apostate message. And if it's not apostasy, it's something else. There's no message of hell.
No message of divine judgment. No message of brokenness. When God destroyed Sodom, the number one sin was pride.
It was not just homosexuality. The number one sin was pride. God said it was because of the pride and the arrogance.
There's a smooth gospel being preached today. Listen to what the prophet Isaiah said. You'll become a rebellious people.
He said children will no longer hear the law of God. They say to the prophets, Do not preach. Write things to us.
Preach smooth things to us. Cause the Holy One to cease from our presence. May I tell you this? A lot of Pentecostals, a lot of Evangelicals, don't want to hear it anymore.
Smooth gospel. Easy gospel. God wants you to be rich.
God wants you to have a brand new car. Prosperity, prosperity, prosperity. And all the while, there's a handwriting on the wall.
Your days are numbered.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to Apostasy
- Definition of Apostasy
- Historical Context
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II
- The Message of Judgment
- The Role of Pride in Sodom's Destruction
- Comparison with Today's Church
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III
- The Smooth Gospel
- Rejection of Hard Truths
- Consequences of Apostasy
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IV
- Call to the Remnant
- Importance of Preaching Truth
- Encouragement for Believers
Key Quotes
“Sodom is your sister, has not done what you have done.” — David Wilkerson
“There's a smooth gospel being preached today.” — David Wilkerson
“Your days are numbered.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Believers should seek to understand and embrace difficult truths in their faith.
- Church leaders must prioritize preaching the full gospel over a comfortable message.
- Individuals are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith despite societal pressures.