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That the World May Know |
Sunday, May 27th is the Feast of Pentecost. "When the
day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven
as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues
like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with
other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4)
That the World May Know
Dear Brethren, what is the key to the Gospel being preached in all the world?
Is it more powerful TV stations? Is it more charismatic and compelling preaching? What do the Scriptures tell us? Who is
supposed to preach the Gospel? The big question is what is holding back the Gospel and witness to the world?
The Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ brought of God’s
coming Kingdom being established over all mankind. What an incredible world it will be when Jesus rules and everyone is
healed, productive, peaceful and happy. Instead, for too many years the Church has broadcast a message about the
increasing crime, pollution, war and disease gripping mankind. That is bad news, not good news.
Somewhere we came to embrace the concept that the number of Church
members was to grow and grow as the goal of the Church. Let’s be clear: The purpose of the Church is not to be the
biggest and greatest religious organization. Jesus says that His Church is a small group. “Fear not, little flock;
for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)
Some brethren have wrongly concluded that we have been called by God
at this time solely for salvation. The purpose of Christ’s little flock is to preach the Gospel mightily. “Cry aloud, spare
not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their
sins.” (Isaiah 58:1)
What sins? What transgressions? Do we dare preach that our leaders have
completely rejected God and His perfect way? President Barack Obama is the first American president to openly support
same-sex marriage. Where God defined marriage as being between a man and a woman when He said that a man shall
cleave unto his wife (Genesis 2:21-24), President Barack Obama has defined marriage as being between lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender persons (barakobama.com).
President Barack Obama and our Supreme Court are in favor of abortion
of which God has said that such an abomination never entered His mind (Jeremiah 19:5). Our Lord could not
imagine that mankind could be so cruel and heartless as to kill their own beautiful children. The blood of millions upon
millions of innocents cry unto God for restitution, deliverance and judgment (Genesis 4:10). God's own justice
demands satisfaction.
Church brethren cannot be more merciful and understanding than God is.
With regard to the matter of homosexuality we must possess the mind of God! We are to be unified and outspoken
when it comes to the Word of God. Do not be ashamed to speak loudly and decisively about our national sins and
transgressions – it is our duty. Look at What God says:
“If a man also lie with mankind, as he lies with a woman, both of them
have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.”
(Leviticus 20:13)
“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is [an]
abomination.” (Leviticus 18:22)
“God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did
change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman,
burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that
due penalty of their error which was appropriate for their sin.” (Romans 1:26-27)
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of
God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves
with mankind.” (1 Corinthians 6:9)
“Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like
manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the
vengeance of eternal fire.” (Jude :7)
Brethren, if we would become one in unity of purpose and fellowship
the world would receive the witness of the Gospel message.
Jesus said, "I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made
perfect in one; and That the World May Know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast
loved Me." (John 17:23)
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Sermon: |
"That the World May Know" |
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