Glorious Pockets of White Hot Christians Producing Disciples (Clip)
John Piper emphasizes that even in times of widespread apostasy and spiritual coldness, God raises up fervent believers who actively fulfill the Great Commission by producing disciples and missionaries.
This sermon emphasizes the contrast between a time of great apostasy, lawlessness, and coldness towards God, and the presence of fervent, white-hot Christians who will passionately fulfill the Great Commission by spreading the gospel. It highlights the paradox of the love of many growing cold while the gospel continues to be preached, suggesting that these dedicated believers are the reason behind this phenomenon.
Full Transcript
In other words, in that season of great apostasy and great lawlessness and great coldness, there will be these glorious pockets of white-hot Christians producing missionaries that finish the Great Commission. There's no other explanation for how you can put together the love of many will grow cold and this gospel will be preached. Back to back, there they are.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Description of the season of apostasy and lawlessness
- The prophecy of love growing cold
- The necessity of gospel proclamation
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II
- Existence of white-hot pockets of believers
- Their role in producing missionaries
- How they fulfill the Great Commission
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III
- The interplay between apostasy and faithful witness
- Encouragement to remain fervent
- The hope found in active disciple-making
Key Quotes
“In other words, in that season of great apostasy and great lawlessness and great coldness, there will be these glorious pockets of white-hot Christians producing missionaries that finish the Great Commission.” — John Piper
“There's no other explanation for how you can put together the love of many will grow cold and this gospel will be preached.” — John Piper
Application Points
- Remain spiritually fervent even when surrounded by spiritual decline.
- Engage actively in disciple-making and missionary work.
- Trust God to raise up faithful believers to carry out His mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'white-hot Christians' mean?
It refers to believers who are intensely passionate and fervent in their faith and mission.
How can the gospel be preached if love grows cold?
Despite widespread spiritual decline, God raises up dedicated believers who continue to share the gospel effectively.
What is the Great Commission?
It is Jesus' command to His followers to make disciples of all nations.
Why focus on 'pockets' of believers?
Because even in dark times, small groups of faithful Christians can have a significant impact.