The Great Threat
Not of this World • Sermon • Submitted
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· 7 viewsWhat is the greatest threat to the Christian Church Today?
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The Great Threat
The Great Threat
Cambridge University's Study of Existential Risk (CESR) have come up with a list of 10 threats that may some day trigger an apocalypse.
1 - Artificial intelligence (machines will attain 90 per cent of human-level intelligence by 2075)
2 - Bio-hacking (The manipulation of germ and diseases)
3 - Killer robots
4 - Nuclear war
5 - Climate change
6 - Asteroid impact
7 - Loss of reality (Sorta like the Matrix)
8 - Food shortage
9 - Particle accelerator (While experiments conducted at the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva,)
10 - Tyrannical ruler (Picture of Trump)
What do you see as the greatest threat.
Lets move from the greatest threat to humanity and ask....
Lets move from the greatest threat to humanity and ask....
Whats the greatest threat to the Church?
Whats the greatest threat to the Church?
Specifically in its ability to continue as God intended for the Church to be.
Specifically in its ability to continue as God intended for the Church to be.
Lets turn to Romans 12
Many would say that of all the writings of Paul that Romans should be viewed as his greatest work.
Many would say that of all the writings of Paul that Romans should be viewed as his greatest work.
Paul presents not only a systematic presentation of Doctrine, but its practical application.
Paul presents not only a systematic presentation of Doctrine, but its practical application.
You see it isn’t only in the Doctrine that we should be concerned but how to apply it.
You see it isn’t only in the Doctrine that we should be concerned but how to apply it.
I would say it is easy to read and develop Doctrinal views and Theological stances but it is much more difficult to put them into practice appropriately.
I would say it is easy to read and develop Doctrinal views and Theological stances but it is much more difficult to put them into practice appropriately.
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This has been an ongoing and may I say a
legitimate concern through all time.
This has been an ongoing and may I say a
legitimate concern through all time.
For example In Matthew 18:21-22 Peter ask
Jesus how many times do I forgive.
For example In Matthew 18:21-22 Peter ask
Jesus how many times do I forgive.
A Doctrinal Question on Peters Theological understanding That
forgiveness is appropriate.
A Doctrinal Question on Peters Theological understanding That
forgiveness is appropriate.
The Rabbi’s had already discussed this and came up with three times
The Rabbi’s had already discussed this and came up with three times
Peter is being very generous and asks if seven is enough
Peter is being very generous and asks if seven is enough
Jesus replies 70X7 which isnt about 490
Jesus replies 70X7 which isnt about 490
It points to the fact where great debt is owed great forgiveness is needed
It points to the fact where great debt is owed great forgiveness is needed
In the parable that follows we see Jesus Illustrate this
In the parable that follows we see Jesus Illustrate this
Or this example
Or this example
In John 9:1-3 we see the story of the blind man and the question “Who sinned this man or his parents”
In John 9:1-3 we see the story of the blind man and the question “Who sinned this man or his parents”
It wasn’t without merit that this question was asked… All sickness is due to sin. The original sin.
It wasn’t without merit that this question was asked… All sickness is due to sin. The original sin.
The problem was the disciples followed a false narrative that ALL sickness was due to personal sin and not to the original fall of man
The problem was the disciples followed a false narrative that ALL sickness was due to personal sin and not to the original fall of man
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Its this type of clarification that seeps from every verse of Romans.
Its this type of clarification that seeps from every verse of Romans.
So lets look at Paul’s warning in Romans 12:1-3
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
A. Paul opens with a heartfelt plea before his warning
A. Paul opens with a heartfelt plea before his warning
1. I Paul beseech (BEG) you.
1. I Paul beseech (BEG) you.
a. It’s the strongest concern he can express
a. It’s the strongest concern he can express
b. It’s with the utmost urgency he pleads
b. It’s with the utmost urgency he pleads
c. It’s with complete authority he speaks
c. It’s with complete authority he speaks
2. By the mercies of God
2. By the mercies of God
What are those mercies
The very fact that Jesus Christ came from heaven to Earth
The very fact that Jesus Christ came from heaven to Earth
The very fact that Jesus Christ lived a perfect life
The very fact that Jesus Christ lived a perfect life
The very fact that Jesus Christ died for your sins
The very fact that Jesus Christ died for your sins
The very fact the Jesus Christ rose from the grave
The very fact the Jesus Christ rose from the grave
Its by God’s mercies we should live a different life
Its by God’s mercies we should live a different life
It’s by God’s Mercies we should seek to be more as He would have us to be.
It’s by God’s Mercies we should seek to be more as He would have us to be.
3. A living sacrifice
3. A living sacrifice
a. One that is Holy
a. One that is Holy
We should be striving to be as those that had been declared Holy in the OT offerings. Holy
We should be striving to be as those that had been declared Holy in the OT offerings. Holy
Without blemish by the cleansing from God
Without blemish by the cleansing from God
Without imperfection by the cleansing from God
Without imperfection by the cleansing from God
b. Acceptable to God
b. Acceptable to God
Let not our focus be how any other person sees us
Let not our focus be how any other person sees us
Let not our focus even be on how others see us
Let not our focus even be on how others see us
HOW DOES GOD SEE YOU
HOW DOES GOD SEE YOU
c. Reasonable Service
c. Reasonable Service
Not extreme
Not extreme
Not excessive
Not excessive
B. Paul then gives the warning
B. Paul then gives the warning
In 27 words (Verse 1) Paul lays out a clear call of dedicated, deliberate, discipled living.
In 27 words (Verse 1) Paul lays out a clear call of dedicated, deliberate, discipled living.
In those 27 words he leaves no room for a wishy washy, milk-toast, part time, underdeveloped, half-hearted, half-10, half-backed types of follower!
In those 27 words he leaves no room for a wishy washy, milk-toast, part time, underdeveloped, half-hearted, half-10, half-backed types of follower!
In those 27 words we have our marching orders and they are clear as to who is our leader and the level of dedication that He desires.
In those 27 words we have our marching orders and they are clear as to who is our leader and the level of dedication that He desires.
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But now we see the one thing that is a killer of Church Growth, the hindrance to effective discipleship, a blueprint for financially struggle and the best friend of Satan himself.
But now we see the one thing that is a killer of Church Growth, the hindrance to effective discipleship, a blueprint for financially struggle and the best friend of Satan himself.
The warning is wrapped up in these 8 words.
The warning is wrapped up in these 8 words.
“AND DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD”
“AND DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD”
I want you to be very careful to understand Paul is not calling on his readers here to “not Sin”
I want you to be very careful to understand Paul is not calling on his readers here to “not Sin”
The idea of conformity comes with the idea of clothing oneself
The idea of conformity comes with the idea of clothing oneself
Conformity becomes the actions that reflect our beliefs.
Conformity becomes the actions that reflect our beliefs.
For example. If I truly believe that abortion is a sin, I’m not going to volunteer for Planned Parenthood
I want to point to some issues that I feel are helping destroy the Church
A. First is Social Conformity
A. First is Social Conformity
The world is calling for the Church to look less like the Church and more like the world.
The world is calling for the Church to look less like the Church and more like the world.
I fully believe the world has as its goal to see the picture of a dedicated, practicing member of Christianity disappear from every source
I fully believe the world has as its goal to see the picture of a dedicated, practicing member of Christianity disappear from every source
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Let me make it clear, My opinion is my opinion but understand its based on studying Gods word and if anyone can ever show me otherwise within God’s Word I’ll change my mind .
Let me make it clear, My opinion is my opinion but understand its based on studying Gods word and if anyone can ever show me otherwise within God’s Word I’ll change my mind .
It should also be noted I’m not the in charge of coming to your homes and seeing what ares are lacking in your life.
It should also be noted I’m not the in charge of coming to your homes and seeing what ares are lacking in your life.
1. Alcohol
1. Alcohol
If you want to know what I think about alcohol let me tell you.... Its evil....
If you want to know what I think about alcohol let me tell you.... Its evil....
From 1999 to 2017 the deaths from Alcohol doubled and the greatest rise is in women.
From 1999 to 2017 the deaths from Alcohol doubled and the greatest rise is in women.
Alcohol consumption is a risk factor in numerous chronic diseases and conditions, and alcohol plays a significant role in certain cancers, psychiatric conditions, and numerous cardiovascular and digestive diseases.
Alcohol consumption is a risk factor in numerous chronic diseases and conditions, and alcohol plays a significant role in certain cancers, psychiatric conditions, and numerous cardiovascular and digestive diseases.
An estimated $28 billion is spent each year on alcohol-related health care.
An estimated $28 billion is spent each year on alcohol-related health care.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the cost of excessive alcohol use in the U.S. alone reaches $249 billion annually.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the cost of excessive alcohol use in the U.S. alone reaches $249 billion annually.
On top of the healthcare cost of alcohol-related intentional violence in the United States, the estimated annual cost to the criminal justice system is another $25 billion.
On top of the healthcare cost of alcohol-related intentional violence in the United States, the estimated annual cost to the criminal justice system is another $25 billion.
On top of all that I believe the Bible completely condemns drunkenness and no place in the Bible do I believe social drinking is encouraged and I believe the Biblical qualifications for leadership in the local congregation exclude someone who is a social drinker.
On top of all that I believe the Bible completely condemns drunkenness and no place in the Bible do I believe social drinking is encouraged and I believe the Biblical qualifications for leadership in the local congregation exclude someone who is a social drinker.
But social conformity goes way beyond that
There is the lifestyle choices we make
2. Most Christians don’t even flinch when God’s name is taken in vain.
2. Most Christians don’t even flinch when God’s name is taken in vain.
Don Wilton of BillyGraham.org writes, “The name of God has everything to do with all that God is. When His name is pulled down into the mass of human society, everything pertaining to His unique and sovereign ability is devalued…. In a strange, reversed sort of way, every time I hear the name of Jesus used as a curse word, I think God is affirming the truth of His Word.” In essence, people profaning God’s name is a reminder and proof that Jesus is God, and many people, and the devil hate that.
3. Most Christians don’t care about nudity any more
3. Most Christians don’t care about nudity any more
70% of Christian youth pastors report that they have had at least one teen come to them for help in dealing with pornography in the past 12 months.
68% of church-going men and over 50% of pastors view porn on a regular basis. Of young Christian adults 18-24 years old, 76% actively search for porn.
59% of pastors said that married men seek their help for porn use.
33% of women aged 25-and-under search for porn at least once per month.
Only 13% of self identified Christian women say they never watch porn –
87% of Christian women have watched porn.
55% of married men and 25% of married women say they watch porn at least once a month.
57% of pastors say porn addiction is the most damaging issue in their congregation. And 69% say porn has adversely impacted the church.
These are all Social Conformity Issues
These are all Social Conformity Issues
Where the Society dictates behavior and not the Word of God.
Where the Society dictates behavior and not the Word of God.
A. First is a Social Conformity
A. First is a Social Conformity
B. Next is a Moral Conformity
B. Next is a Moral Conformity
We are seeing moral conformity everywhere
We are seeing moral conformity everywhere
1. Divorce
1. Divorce
33% of all marriages end in divorce
33% of all marriages end in divorce
33% of all Evangelical marriages end in Divorce
33% of all Evangelical marriages end in Divorce
But shouldn't we be happy that we see a continued decline in divorces (2019 low)
But shouldn't we be happy that we see a continued decline in divorces (2019 low)
NO, its not because more people are getting and staying married
NO, its not because more people are getting and staying married
It’s because more people are just forgoing marriage and living together..
It’s because more people are just forgoing marriage and living together..
Trial Marriages they are called.... our society applauds such care before marriage
Trial Marriages they are called.... our society applauds such care before marriage
86 out of 100 people got married in 1970, 33 out of 100 in 2019… and going down.
86 out of 100 people got married in 1970, 33 out of 100 in 2019… and going down.
2. Abortion
2. Abortion
Georgia just elected a Baptist (not in my book) Minister (not in anyone’s mind) who says
Georgia just elected a Baptist (not in my book) Minister (not in anyone’s mind) who says
Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life, said, “Raphael Warnock is endorsed by Planned Parenthood, the biggest abortion chain in the country, responsible for the deaths of more than 345,000 unborn babies every year.” She added, “Warnock made it clear in the last debate that he would oppose any effort to protect unborn babies at any stage of pregnancy, and he believes Georgians should pay for abortion with their tax dollars.”
Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life, said, “Raphael Warnock is endorsed by Planned Parenthood, the biggest abortion chain in the country, responsible for the deaths of more than 345,000 unborn babies every year.” She added, “Warnock made it clear in the last debate that he would oppose any effort to protect unborn babies at any stage of pregnancy, and he believes Georgians should pay for abortion with their tax dollars.”
If just half of all the people who profess to be Christians voted for the other candidate, we wouldn’t have this ungodly person representing us.
If just half of all the people who profess to be Christians voted for the other candidate, we wouldn’t have this ungodly person representing us.
3. Homosexuality
3. Homosexuality
4. Assisted Death
4. Assisted Death
5. Genetic engineering for aborted fetuses
5. Genetic engineering for aborted fetuses
6. Gambling
6. Gambling
7. Moral Equivalency (All sin is equal)
7. Moral Equivalency (All sin is equal)
All moral issues are equal… you can’t talk to me about Assisted Death because that’s just as bad as the minimum wage issue that you refuse to address.
All moral issues are equal… you can’t talk to me about Assisted Death because that’s just as bad as the minimum wage issue that you refuse to address.
You can’t say you are pro-life if you don’t address every un-justified killing.
You can’t say you are pro-life if you don’t address every un-justified killing.
Our Churches are conforming morally to this world
Our Churches are conforming morally to this world
C. What we need is a Spiritual Conformity
C. What we need is a Spiritual Conformity
Spiritual Conformity is aimed more at having a uniformity with God and look less like the world.
Spiritual Conformity is aimed more at having a uniformity with God and look less like the world.
1. Steve Harvey said this. I’ve tried to stop cussing but I can’t. Sometimes the only right word is a cuss word. Matter of fact I don’t know anyone who doesn’t cuss.
1. Steve Harvey said this. I’ve tried to stop cussing but I can’t. Sometimes the only right word is a cuss word. Matter of fact I don’t know anyone who doesn’t cuss.
2. We got cussing Christians
2. We got cussing Christians
3. We’ve got cheating on their spouse Christians
3. We’ve got cheating on their spouse Christians
4. We’ve got abandon your children Christians
4. We’ve got abandon your children Christians
5. We’ve got never fellowship with other Christian Christians
5. We’ve got never fellowship with other Christian Christians
6. We’ve got non-giving to the Church Christian’s
6. We’ve got non-giving to the Church Christian’s
7. We’ve got never share my faith Christians
7. We’ve got never share my faith Christians
8. We’ve got I can’t come to Church during the Pandemic but go everywhere else Christians
8. We’ve got I can’t come to Church during the Pandemic but go everywhere else Christians
9. We’ve even got don’t call me a Christian Christians
9. We’ve even got don’t call me a Christian Christians
12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.
That doesn’t mean the body of Christ has one arm like a man and the other side looks like a flipper. Each part must be a reflection of the body it belongs to.
That doesn’t mean the body of Christ has one arm like a man and the other side looks like a flipper. Each part must be a reflection of the body it belongs to.
The greatest threat to the Church, conformity to this world, has become a reality. And there’s only one hope for the Church to regain its footing.
The greatest threat to the Church, conformity to this world, has become a reality. And there’s only one hope for the Church to regain its footing.
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.