Go! and Wake Up! Sounding the Alarm of Truth
Introduction: Go and Sound the Alarm
The Bible is filled with commands to go:
"Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone" (Mark 16:15, NLT).
"Go and make disciples of all the nations" (Matthew 28:19, NLT).
These commands remind us that the Gospel requires action. It is not a message to keep to ourselves; it is a truth we are compelled to share. But in a world where the Church can sometimes seem content to whisper when it should be shouting, we are reminded of the challenge from Dr. Michael L. Brown: "Far too many preachers today are playing a lullaby when they need to be sounding an alarm."
Today, we explore the theme of "Go! and Sound the Alarm," looking at our calling to share God’s urgent, transformative message with a world in desperate need. Let’s be stirred into action by God’s Word, ready to live lives of Gospel urgency.
The Church today is called to be a voice of clarity, hope, and truth in a world filled with confusion and darkness. The Church seems to have fallen asleep, we need to wake up, and proclaim the Gospel to a fallen and broken world.
The Gospel is not a soothing lullaby meant to comfort people in complacency; it is an alarm that awakens hearts to repentance, salvation, and action. It calls us to live holy, courageous lives that reflect the urgency of the Kingdom of God.
Our message today will focus on why we must sound the alarm, how we can faithfully proclaim God’s truth, and what it means to respond in action.
Point 1: Recognising the Need to Sound the Alarm
Ezekiel 33:6–7 (NLT): "But if the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesn’t sound the alarm to warn the people, he is responsible for their captivity. They will die in their sins, but I will hold the watchman responsible for their deaths. Now, son of man, I am making you a watchman for the people of Israel. Therefore, listen to what I say and warn them for me."
In ancient Israel, a watchman was responsible for protecting the city by warning of impending danger. Here, God charges Ezekiel with spiritual watchmanship, holding him accountable for proclaiming the truth. The word used for “watchman” in Hebrew, ?op¯eh, carries the meaning of one who observes carefully and acts with responsibility.
We, as preachers and believers, are spiritual watchmen. If we fail to sound the alarm when we see the danger of sin, we become complicit in the spiritual peril of others.
Acts 20:26–27 (NLT): "I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it’s not my fault, for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know."
Paul’s declaration underscores the responsibility to proclaim the full counsel of God, even when it is uncomfortable or unwelcome.
Imagine a firefighter arriving at the scene of a burning building but deciding not to alert the people inside because the message might upset them. It would be unthinkable! Yet how often do we hesitate to share the Gospel because we fear offending someone?
We must first recognise the seriousness of our calling. Our world is in spiritual peril, and God has entrusted us with the message of salvation. Will we be faithful watchmen, or will we shrink back in fear?
Dr. John Piper said, “Eternity hangs in the balance every time we preach or share the Gospel. How can we not tremble at such a responsibility?”
Point 2: Proclaiming the Alarm of Truth with Love
2 Timothy 4:2–4 (NLT): "Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favourable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths."
Paul warns Timothy of a coming time when people will resist the truth in favour of messages that align with their desires. The Greek word for “rebuke” (elegcho) means to expose or bring conviction, while “encourage” (parakaleo) involves comforting and urging others to act. Together, they form a balanced approach to truth-telling: boldness tempered with compassion.
Proverbs 27:6 (NLT): "Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy."
Truth spoken in love may hurt initially, but it leads to healing and restoration. Our aim is not condemnation but transformation.
A sculptor chisels away at a block of marble, creating beauty through careful, deliberate strikes. Similarly, God uses His Word to refine us, sometimes through uncomfortable truths that shape us into His image.
When we proclaim God’s truth, we must do so with humility and love. Our goal is not to win arguments but to win souls. Are we willing to confront sin in ourselves and others, knowing that God’s truth brings freedom?
Francis Chan reminds us, “True love doesn’t hide the truth; it proclaims it boldly, knowing it is the only thing that can truly set us free.”
Point 3: Responding to the Alarm with Repentance and Faith
Joel 2:12–13 (NLT): "That is why the Lord says, ‘Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.’ Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish."
Joel’s call to repentance emphasises urgency (“while there is time”) and sincerity. The Hebrew word for “tear” (qara‘) implies a deep, internal response, not mere outward expressions. God desires genuine repentance that transforms hearts, not hollow rituals.
Mark 1:15 (NLT): "‘The time promised by God has come at last!’ he announced. ‘The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!’"
Jesus’ message echoes Joel’s: repentance and faith are the proper responses to the alarm of the Gospel.
A ship headed for disaster alters course when the captain hears a warning signal. Likewise, repentance is the decision to turn from sin and align our lives with God’s will.
The Gospel alarm is a call to action. Are we willing to surrender our pride, confess our sins, and place our faith in Jesus? This is the response that leads to salvation and eternal life.
A.W. Tozer wrote, “The only sin Jesus cannot forgive is the sin we will not confess.”
A Call to Action:
The alarm has been sounded. We are spiritual watchmen, called to proclaim God’s truth with urgency, love, and boldness. Today, let us:
Wake up to the reality of our calling.
Proclaim God’s truth with both courage and compassion.
Respond to the Gospel alarm with repentance and faith.
If you have never placed your faith in Jesus Christ, the time to respond is now. He died for your sins, rose again, and offers you forgiveness and eternal life. Will you answer His call?
Invitation to Faith:
If you are ready to surrender your life to Jesus, pray this prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I believe You died for my sins and rose again to give me new life. Today, I surrender to You as my Lord and Saviour. Help me to follow You all the days of my life. Amen.”
Conclusion: Go and Respond to the Call
As we reflect on the message, the call to “Go! and Sound the Alarm” becomes clear:
Go and recognise the need to sound the alarm, becoming watchmen who boldly proclaim God’s truth.
Go and proclaim the truth with love, balancing correction with compassion to bring healing and transformation.
Go and respond personally to the Gospel alarm, repenting of sin and walking in faith and obedience.
God has entrusted us with a mission. Will we respond with faithfulness? Will we go out and sound the alarm in our homes, workplaces, and communities?
To those who have yet to believe in Jesus, I urge you: the time is now to turn to Him. The alarm has been sounded, and salvation is within your reach. Will you respond?
One last thought:
Let us go forward today as bold proclaimers of God’s truth. Let us leave behind complacency, knowing that lives—both now and eternally—are at stake. As Isaiah responded to God’s call, let us also say, “Here I am. Send me” (Isaiah 6:8, NLT).
The alarm is sounding. It’s time to go!
