“Because Of The Times” (Part I)

Date: 1/11/2012
Speaker: Pastor Johnny H. Moore

 

     Have you noticed lately that we are living in perilous times?  Some folks don’t like to hear or talk about these things, but nevertheless, the truth remains that “perilous times are here!”

     The Apostle Paul not only told us they were coming (II Timothy 3:1), but also how to recognize these “perilous times.” He said (vs. 2-5), “For men shall be selfish, covetous, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of those that are good, traitors, reckless, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, and having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof…” Do any of these sound familiar?  Sure they do!

     Though Paul informs us about these “perilous times,” he did not tell us to flee, quit, fear, or hide. He instructed us to “continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and been assured of…” (vs. 14) Though perilous times are coming, this is not a sign for us to be afraid or to resign, but rather take our stand and accept our God-given responsibility as the “mighty moving church of the living God” and make a difference in these perilous times. Because of the times, we have a responsibility to :

#1—Proclaim the Truth: Jesus tells us in John 8:31-32, “If you continue in My Word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” He also said in John 17:17, that “thy word is truth.” Therefore, as the church, we must proclaim the truth, because this truth, the Word of God, is the only thing that will set people free!

#2—Provide a Haven: People that are experiencing “perilous times” need a haven, a shelter, and it is the church’s responsibility to provide this place of refuge. David said of the Lord, “For thou hast been a shelter for me and a strong tower from the enemy” (Psalm 61:3). Jesus, “When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). The church is to be a haven, a shelter, a place of refuge; not a museum or a cold storage!

 

 

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