I began this series with a prophetic urgency. God is speaking to us. He is calling us to the next level. The messages I have preached have been challenging. They have called us out of our comfort zone. God has said, “This is your set time.” A set time is a time of visitation from God. It is a time of decision. There is place for neutrality when God visits a people.
Deuteronomy 30:19, Today, I have given you the choice between life and death…I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, that you and your descendants might live. (NLT)
There is urgency in Moses’ voice.
This is no small matter.
Life and death are heavy issues.
There is a compelling tone in these words.
The consequences of their decision are not insignificant.
The future is riding on their choice.
Revelation 3:1-6, Write this to Sardis…I see right through your work. You have a reputation for vigor and life, but you’re dead, stone dead…Up on your feet and take a deep breath…Your condition is desperate…If you pull the covers back over your head and sleep on, oblivious to God, I’ll return when you least expect it…
This is a church in trouble. It is dead!
It died despite the fact that it had no…
Doctrinal problems
Persecution
Internal strive
Shortage of activity or resources
It died because it had become a coasting church.
A church living on its past glory and reputation
A Church in a comfort zone
A church which had lost its vision
Four stages of a church’s life:
1. The birth stage
2. The developmental stage
3. The maturity stage
4. The decaying stage
…We will embrace the vision to pastor our city.
…We are willing to pay the price in prayer, servanthood, and giving.
…We really get serious about the Great Commission.
…We will change what needs to be changed.
…We are will pour our lives into the next generation,
Now is our set time. This is the day of the Lord’s visitation.
It is time for us to choose.