A Song of Keith Green (Clip)
K.P. Yohannan highlights the passionate discipleship and compassionate heart of Keith Green, urging believers to genuinely care for the lost and embrace joyful obedience in following Christ.
This sermon reflects on the call to care for others and not be indifferent to their struggles, inspired by the lyrics of Keith Green. It emphasizes the importance of not being numb to the needs of those around us and the desire to have a compassionate heart that mirrors God's love. The message encourages a response of genuine care and action towards those who are hurting, echoing the sentiment of not wanting to be apathetic but to be moved with compassion as followers of Christ.
Full Transcript
Keith Green, this radical disciple of Christ, a Jewish convert, was a friend of mine the early days before he went to be with the Lord. In one of his songs, you read these words, do you see, do you see all the people sinking down? Don't they care? Don't they care? Are you going to let them drown? How can you be so numb not to care if they come? You close your eyes and pretend the job is done. Oh, bless me Lord, bless me Lord.
You know, it is all I ever hear. No one aches, no one hurts, no one even sheds one tear. And I don't want to be like that, and I hope you will agree.
As you and I follow the Lord, when the Lord asks us to do hard things, it will not be legalism, it will be joy, sheer joy.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to Keith Green as a radical disciple
- The urgency of caring for the lost
- The danger of spiritual numbness
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II
- Keith Green’s passionate plea in his song
- The call to not ignore the hurting around us
- The importance of heartfelt compassion
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III
- Following the Lord involves hard things
- Obedience is not legalism but joy
- Encouragement to embrace joyful discipleship
Key Quotes
“Do you see all the people sinking down? Don't they care? Are you going to let them drown?” — K.P. Yohannan
“No one aches, no one hurts, no one even sheds one tear. And I don't want to be like that.” — K.P. Yohannan
“As you and I follow the Lord, when the Lord asks us to do hard things, it will not be legalism, it will be joy, sheer joy.” — K.P. Yohannan
Application Points
- Cultivate a heart that truly cares for those who are spiritually lost and hurting.
- Respond to God's call with joy, even when it requires difficult obedience.
- Avoid spiritual numbness by staying sensitive to the needs around you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Keith Green?
Keith Green was a radical disciple of Christ and a Jewish convert known for his passionate music and deep commitment to following Jesus.
What is the main message of the sermon?
The sermon emphasizes the need for believers to genuinely care for the lost and to follow Christ with joyful obedience rather than legalism.
Why does K.P. Yohannan mention spiritual numbness?
He warns against becoming indifferent to the suffering of others, urging believers to have a compassionate heart.
What does joyful obedience mean in this context?
It means embracing the challenges God calls us to with gladness and not as burdensome rules.