Sermon Illustrations

[083]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – FOR MEN - THE THREE Cs

There are 9 poems in this series. This poem is part of a Trilogy - three sets of three. The first set is addressed to MEN, the second to ALL CHRISTIANS and the third is SPECIFIC. This is the second one in the first set - FOR MEN.

ALL these poems follow the same format as they address the subject. ALL poems have 5 stanzas – Introduction; 3 stanzas for the subject; and the last stanza sums up. All poems feature three words based on a letter in the Alphabet. The words here begin with “C”.

Men can face many major problems and this poem focuses on three of them – COMPLACENCY, CARNALITY, COMPROMISE.

COMPLACENCY is a state of remaining in mediocrity, just drifting along half asleep, and not interested in doing anything challenging for the Lord. Do not become weary but rise up and count for something.

CARNALITY relates to the flesh, to the old life; living in that life and nor living in the Spirit.

COMPROMISE is to have no values but to cave in with no wall of resistance. You can not sit on the fence in Christian matters; nor can you have a foot in both camps and be anything for God.

{{2 Peter 1:13 “I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder”}}

{{Romans 13:11-12 “This do, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep, for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone and the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light.”}}

{{Matthew 5:37 but let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’, and anything beyond these is of evil.”}}

{{Romans 12:2 “and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”}}

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FOR MEN - THE THREE Cs

There are three Cs that Christian men must not let overcome,

For they embody dangers great where we must not succumb.

Three subtle means that will destroy a vibrant Christian work -

Then recognise these scourges three that in our lives may lurk.

==============================================

The first of these - COMPLACENCY - grows from a careless heart,

For slowly, from his trust in God, a man has drawn apart.

No strong convictions in his life, just careless attitudes;

He speaks not of indwelling life, but worthless platitudes.

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CARNALITY the second is, that creeps with silent feet,

To take control and crown itself upon its worldly seat.

Are fleshly ways and worldly means the instruments we choose

In daily living and outreach; these carnal things we use?

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How weakened are our Christian hands if we use COMPROMISE!

The work of God will not progress; His work we’ll neutralise.

To yield on this, and give up that, is not a sign of strength.

Some like the gospel “watered down”. They’ll go to any length.

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Now in the church of modern times, philosophies have changed.

Across the spectrum of this world, its attitudes have ranged.

What are our thoughts on these three Cs? Their evils do we see?

Complacency and compromise! And dead carnality!

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11 June 1999 R.E.Ferguson 14-14-14-14

This is part of a Trilogy - three sets of three. The first set is addressed to Men, the second to All Christians and the third is Specific. This is the second in the first set - For Men.

NUMBER 2 of 9.

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