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Lured into Lethargy
Good Morning. Today’s sermon is more of a testimony. As I’ve shared with you in the past, God gave me a new vision for our congregation. As Canadians, we are blessed to be part of the greater North American church, yet we are doubly blessed to have a different perspective of the world from our sister churches in the United States. By “accident”, I came across a young Pastor in the United States who preaches like we do, and more importantly, the church he leads reaches out like we do. To make a long story short, I met the Pastor Dale Gilmore for coffee at a restaurant near the border. Well, it started out with just coffee. What was supposed to be an hour meeting lasted almost 5 hours. After we met, sat down and received our coffee, I said, “Pastor Gilmore, the vision for our church this year is to establish missionaries in the United States. The Missionaries will plant, establish and equip the body of Christ in the United States, as the Lord leads us--” Pastor Gilmore stopped me. He said, “Pastor Carlson, we are in absolute agreement. I want you to listen to the message God gave me. I just preached it on Sunday.” He handed me a CD. I took it, and momentarily stared at it. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew the Lord was in control, and completely steering our conversation. I nodded. “Pastor Gilmore: I will definitely listen to this on the way home.” For the next several hours, we talked as if we had known each other all our lives. This man truly was—is—my brother. I felt it deep in my spirit—and I’m feeling it now. We were there so long, we ordered lunch. Both our wives called us while we were talking. Finally, we decided to pray together before we departed, and invited the wait staff to join us. Two complied, and were saved. Excited and empowered, I got in my car and remembered the CD in my pocket. I’m going to play it for you now.
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The turn of a new year brings renewed hope and promise, predictions and purpose. This new year is no different—but with a new God-given vision. Please listen to me very carefully. The once mighty Christian church in the United States has been deceived by the devil. We’ve been lured into lethargy by luxury. The elixir of the elusive pursuit of perfect prosperity has blinded us to the dying world around us. God has tried to wake U.S. up. He’s sent hurricanes, tornados, floods, earthquakes, drought, extreme cold, extreme heat. Cataclysmic calamities abound on every side. Why aren’t we turning or returning to Him in droves? Why are our church buildings more empty than full? When Sunday comes, where is everyone? Callous clergy plus sleeping saints equals a powerless church. Meanwhile, other movements and religions who are awake are snapping up searching souls like candy. Okay. I’ve pointed out the problems. What’s the solution? Let me start answering by asking you a question, “Why did God save us and leave us here?” The answer is found in what we call The Great Commission. Let’s look at Matthew 28— Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Can there be any question we are at the end of the age? Another translation reads, “…the end of the world.” Can the “signs of the times” be any more loud and clear? Let’s make this time of the end of the world a new beginning for our congregation! Let’s follow the apostles’ example in their obedience to Jesus. Turn with me to Acts, Chapter 2, Verse 38. Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you— +++ Right there, I stopped the CD, and pulled my car to the side of the road. Weeping, I prayed for the United States. --bro. tim
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