The General's Prophecy
The sermon warns of the dangers of modern Christianity and calls for a return to the foundational traditions of the faith and a seeking of the Lord for a revival in our day.
Eli Brayley delivers a powerful sermon reflecting on a prophetic quote by General William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, warning about the dangers of religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and heaven without hell. Brayley emphasizes the importance of remembering the ancient ways and passing down knowledge from generation to generation, as urged in Paul's second letter to Timothy. He laments the stark differences in modern Christianity compared to the faith of our forefathers, highlighting the lack of spiritual fervor and the failure to uphold foundational traditions.
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This is a remarkable quote by the late General William Booth (1829-1912), founder of the Salvation Army, which should send shivers down our spines. Almost 100 years ago Booth said this amazing thing which today looks more like prophecy then coincidence:
"In answer to your inquiry, I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and heaven without hell."
How accurate and true this is speaking to us today! Many Christians do not realize the change Christianity has undergone in the last century because they do not know their history nor care to know. So often the Bible tells us to remember the ancient ways and to pass down knowledge from generation to generation. Paul's second letter to Timothy alone is overflowing with exhortation to hold fast to what has been passed down and not to forget the foundational traditions of the faith. Sadly, modern Christianity has failed to remember.
Yes, brothers and sisters, our religion looks eerily different than that of William Booth's. Our pulpiteers deliver frightening doctrines foreign to the congregations of years gone by. Our prayers do not reflect the same supplications as that of our fathers. Our hearts do not throb with unction from on high, the Holy Spirit not being our breath by which we live. The General's predictions are staggeringly true! I am discouraged to know that many readers will not even be effected by this.
I've heard it so many times from so many different preachers that everything is alright and Christianity is doing better than ever today... that we are an "army", on fire and on course, excelling in the mission of our 21st century. These are nothing but lies, do not be fooled. Why not pick up a book and read about how the Lord REALLY was moving mightly by His Spirit in days long forgotten, when men and women used to serve the Lord in holiness and power, and sinners were converted in miraculous revivals by the thousands?
"And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel." (Judges 2:10)
Dear people, let's not fall into this same fault as did the children of Israel! Heed the words of William Booth; learn the history of the mighty revivals of old; invest your time in seeking the Lord anew for a revival in our day! Our world lies in darkness... when will we take the candle out from under the bushel of deception?
Before you do something else, why not read the quote one more time.
Sermon Outline
- I. The General's Prophecy
- A. William Booth's warning about the dangers of modern Christianity
- B. The loss of the Holy Spirit in modern Christianity
- C. The failure to remember the foundational traditions of the faith
- II. The State of Modern Christianity
- A. A Christianity without Christ
- B. A forgiveness without repentance
- C. A salvation without regeneration
- III. The Call to Revival
- A. Heeding the words of William Booth
- B. Learning from the history of mighty revivals
- C. Seeking the Lord for a revival in our day
Key Quotes
“In answer to your inquiry, I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and heaven without hell.” — Eli Brayley
“And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.” — Eli Brayley
Application Points
- We must heed the words of William Booth and learn from the history of mighty revivals in order to experience spiritual renewal.
- We must seek the Lord for a revival in our day, rather than relying on human efforts or false assurances.
- We must not fall into the same fault as the children of Israel, losing touch with the Lord and His works, but instead cultivate a deep and abiding relationship with Him.