Loading feed MEMORY VERSE: Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2).
Some blame church conditions on the times and long for the good old days, but even in Timothy's time compromise and coldness were becoming epidemic. Paul gave young Timothy good advice for dealing with these problems. He was to preach the Word at every opportunity, applying it in reproof, rebuke, and with exhortation. He was to preach from a heart of love for his hearers, being longsuffering toward them. His sermons were to be filled with the great doctrines of the faith. He was to be true to his calling even though it should bring criticism and persecution. He must do the work of an evangelist, winning souls in both his pulpit and private ministry.
When pastors preach the Word and members apply the Word, putting away foolish divisions and following their pastor in soulwinning and missionary outreach, churches will flourish. Paul's formula doesn't fail. Even today. The power of the gospel is unchanged.
There is a danger in blaming the ills of a church on the times. While present conditions may not be conducive to revival, that does not mean that revival cannot come. Whenever Christians get thoroughly right with God, blessings are sure to result. Revival can come in our day to Christians in America and to any local church. The Bible method of opposing evil and conquering for Christ has not changed. And a genuine revival is our nation's greatest need.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).
You need to be a member of Lord Light My Way to add comments!