II Timothy 3:1-4
AMERICA IN CRISIS
VBC
September 23, 01
There is much talk about the recent acts of terriosm in America. We might call the last several days of our nation- America in crisis.
Paul warns us that the last days were going to be perilous. The word perilous means dangerous, hard to deal with, and savage. This it the same Greek word that is used to describe the two violent demoniacs of Gadara. This would suggest that the violence of the last days will be energized by demons.
In recent days we have seen increased intensity in the characteristics of the perilous times. This is not simply because we have more people in the world, or better news coverage. It is because the evil is deeper in our world. We are in a crisis in American.
HOWEVER, the greatest crisis is found elsewhere.
I. The crisis of the unattended church (Hebrews 10:25)
Far to many regard the church as a crutch or a convenience. The church should be marching forward as a mighty army, but too often it limps and hesitiates because of its members.
A. We need to attend the church
B. We need to defend the church
C. We need to recommend the church
Too many talk about what’s wrong with the church instead of declaring what is right with the church
1. Fervent in spirit
I Peter 4:8 "Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves."
Many years ago a shabbily dressed boy walked several miles through the snowy streets of Chiacago, determined to attend the Sunday School pastored by D. L. Moody. When he arrived, he was aked, "Why didn’t you go to one of the churches near your home?"
He answered simply, "Becausee you love a fellow over here."
Christianity without love is lifeless and powerless.
2. Friendly in speech
3. Faithful in service
EVERYBODY IS WILLING IN OUR CHURCH; SOME ARE WILLING TO DO AND THE OTHERS ARE WILLING TO LET THEM!
II. The crisis of the unbent knees
Pray after the fact....how about before? God will supply that for which we have k’need.
I Peter 3:12
Jeremiah 33:3
Matthew 21:22
Proverbs 15:29 "The Lord is far from the wicked..........
A. Failure to pray for our companion
B. Failure to pray for our children
C. Failure to pray for our church
D. Failure to pray for our country
"God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you."
III. The crisis of the untrained children (Proverbs 22:6)
The conduct of some children manifest that their parents sailed out on he sea of matrimony without a paddle.
The modern house is one where a switch regulates everything except the children.
The three R’s in school (read, write, and arithmetic) - the three R’s for the home should be:
A. Respect for authority
Submission for authority
B. Responsibility for actions
need to taught to assume responsibility for their actions.... Galatians 6:7
C. Restraint in appetites
need to be taught discipline
IV. The crisis of the unread book (II Timothy 3:16,17)
A. We need to love the book
B. We need to learn the book
C. We need to lean on the book
D. We need to live the book
The Bible needs to be in our head, heart, hand, and in our home.
A man owned a vineyard and his sone believed their father to very wealthy. Since he was secretive about it they could not be sure, but they hoped to inherit a fortune when he died. On his death bed, the told his sons that the secret of his wealth was to be found in the vineyard.
Upon their father’s death, the boys immediately began to dig, hoping to find the treasure they believed to be hidden under the vines. They toiled for months, being careful not to damage the vines. In the course of time, they dug every inch of the vineyard and discovered nothing, However, that fall their vineyard produced the finest crop of grapes on record. Then they realized what their wise old father had done. He had forced them to stop loafing around and instead to cultivate the vineyard. The secret of his wealth was the vines which, properly cared for, would keep them rich.
Our heritage, too, is priceless, but it will not yield its wealth to us without work. This work begins by opening the book on a daily basis.
Quote John 8:47.
V. The crisis of the unconfessed sin (I John 1:9)
Unconfessed sin hinders and hampers the Spirit of God in the life and ministry of Christians. Unconfessed sin blocks the channels of the blessings of God. Psalm 66:18
A. Private sins
B. Public sins
C. Presumptuous sins (James 4:17)
The failure of many Christians today lies not so much in doing what he knows to be wrong, but in doing not what he knows to be right. The sins of ignorance are the most numerous, but the sins of knowledge are the most dangerous.
Sin that is not quickly confessed is easily rationalized.
Proverbs 28:13
VI. The crisis of the unfaithful living (Titus 1:16)
A mother wanter her son to take tuba lsessons, but the father ws very much against it. The couple argued, and the husband finally said, "I will agree to him taking tuba lessons, but does he have to practice?"
That reminds me of many professing Christians. They are willig to profess Christainity and not to practice it.
A. Sinful living
B. Self-centered love
"If it feels good, do it" is the philosophy of today. Every man is doing that which is right in his own eyes.
C. Shameful lives
Titus 2:11-14
Far too many Christians today are like the teenage driver who was stopped by a police officer. "Miss, your hand signals are very =confusing for me and the other drivers. You put your hand out as if you were going to turn left, and then you turn right."
To many Christians say- profess one thing and then practice another.
Vance Havner once said, "We have too many noun Christians and not adjective Christians."
VII. The crisis of the unconcerned witness
Acts 1:8 "But ye shall......
Witnessing is every Christian’s responsibility.
A. A Christian witness is someone who has seen the miracle of salvation.
B. A Christian witness is someone who can speak through the ministry of Spirit
C. A Christian witness is someone who will stand for the message of Saviour.
VIII. The crisis of the uncommitted life (Romans 12:1 and Matthew 6:33)
A. Uncommited in serving
B. Uncommited in singing
C. Uncommited in sowing
Conclusion:
America is in a state of crisis. We have heard and read much about it the last two weeks. The times are perilous - dangerous!
Our nation is in a crisis, and it would be wise if we would realize that it is spiritual and involves:
uncommitted lives
unattended churches
untrained children
unfaithful living
unconcerned witnesses
unconfessed sin
unread book
unbent knees
