Alt: Pastor Allen Jackson speaking about Christian love and freedom.
It’s a challenging time. Our world seems to be constantly changing, with threats and uncertainties swirling around us. Long-held values and institutions appear to be dissolving. Yet, amidst this turmoil, God’s love remains constant, and His church continues to grow. He calls each of us to play a part in His unfolding purpose. This message focuses on walking in the freedom that comes from understanding and embracing Christian love.
We’ve been exploring spiritual warfare, particularly as it relates to the end times. This conflict isn’t a hidden theme in the Bible; it’s a central narrative woven from Genesis to Revelation. God’s purposes for humanity are constantly challenged, and as Christians, we are called to participate in this spiritual battle. The end times present unique challenges, and we’ll delve into those here.
We need wisdom to understand our times, like the men of Issachar in 1 Chronicles 12. We’re living in a season of unprecedented and rapid global change, with a constant barrage of information and shifting moral landscapes. This can be disorienting and leave us feeling overwhelmed.
Alt: Pastor Allen Jackson discussing the importance of living a life guided by Christian love.
The silence of the church has contributed to this societal shift. While anger and violence are not the answer, we must live with greater awareness and courageously stand for our biblical worldview. We must be willing to speak truth, even when it’s unpopular. Morals, ethics, and justice originate from God, not from governments. We’ve allowed the secularization of our society to diminish the influence of faith in the public square.
This societal shift didn’t happen overnight. It’s a result of the church’s reluctance to engage with the world and speak out against injustice. We’ve prioritized comfort and tolerance over truth and righteousness. We need to acknowledge our complacency and take responsibility for the current state of our society.
Alt: Pastor Allen Jackson emphasizing the power of faith and action in the face of adversity.
Simply hearing God’s Word is not enough; we must believe and act upon it. Our faith should be evident in our actions and how we live our lives. We shouldn’t judge or critique God’s Word, but rather yield to it in obedience. Like medical professionals who practice despite not knowing everything about the human body, we must practice our faith even when we don’t have all the answers.
This time of change presents unique opportunities. This is not about power, but about truth. God will work through us if we have the courage to stand with Him. We must cultivate awareness, not fear. Jesus questioned his disciples’ fear in Mark 4:40, highlighting the importance of faith over fear. We need a church that embraces truth and stands in the authority of Jesus.
Alt: Pastor Allen Jackson reminding us of the importance of maintaining a spirit-filled life.
We must also live Spirit-filled lives, as Paul encourages in Ephesians 5. This means speaking to one another with encouragement and wisdom rooted in scripture, carrying a constant conversation with the Lord, and giving thanks for everything. It also means submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Finally, we must resist evil. 1 Peter 5:8 instructs us to resist the devil, standing firm in our faith. Peter describes the devil as a roaring lion, seeking to devour us. Our task is to stand firm, resisting his attempts to intimidate and deceive us. Humility, a behavior often misunderstood, is key to our spiritual growth. True humility recognizes our strengths and weaknesses, allowing God to work through us.
In closing, I pray for perseverance and determination for each of us, remembering that the Spirit within us is greater than any challenge we face in this world. Let us walk in freedom, guided by Christian love and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
