A Wake Up Call For America

Introduction:

· Where is God? - Illustration

Where is God?

l The same place He was when our country voted to take Prayer out of our Public Schools.

l The same place He was when our country voted murder hundreds of thousands of unborn babies each year.

l The same place He was when our country decided to take the Ten Commandments out of our courtrooms.

l The same place He was when our country voted to limit the freedom of speech in our pulpits concerning politics . . . Warning Pastors that they will loose tax exemption.

l The same place He was when our country decided to edit our schools textbooks taking God out of Biology & History.

l The same place He was when our country decided to tell our schools Val Victorians that they cannot mention Jesus in their speeches.

· A Key Point to Remember – God’s hasn’t Moved – America has made conscious decisions to stray from God & His Truth.

1. Wake Up with COMFORT: 2 Cor. 1:3-7

A. The Source of Comfort is from God Himself -- v. 3 comfort = “one who comes along side to help”

B.It’s Purpose is so we can comfort others--v. 4

C.Afflictions purpose is not for Self Pity but for God’s Glory v. 6

2. Wake Up with COMPASSON:

Matthew 9:12-13, 36; Luke 19:41

A. God desires Compassion -- Matt. 9:12-13

B. Seeing People as “lost” brings this compassion-- v. 36

C. This kind of Compassion brings Tears -- Luke 19:41

Illustration: Filling up gas/Pizza Hut – Middle East Origin. I was filling my car up with gas the day after the attack on America. When I went to pay I found myself face to face with a man from a Middle East origin. I found an anger welling up in me and I did not like it. This man was innocent and I need to see him as Jesus would see him . . . with compassion.

3. Wake Up with CONVICTIONS: 1 Thess. 1:2-10

Illustration: Pennsylvania Plane – men moved on terrorist – sacrifice.

A. This Conviction bring us to have …

· A “Work of Faith” – fulfillment of ministry duties by ALL.

· A “Labor of Love” – from the heart, not an I have too spirit!

· A “Steadfastness of Hope” – God is in Control.

· A “Full Conviction” – not to waver with conditions of man

· A Life that becomes “an Example” – how??

a. They shared their faith verbally.

b. They turned from idols.

c. They served Jesus ONLY . . .

. . . Our Nation has Turned to Pluralism of Faith

. . . the word GOD has Lost its meaning!!

. . . Our God is a Jealous God . . . no Pluralism!!

· Ex. 20:5-6

· Ex. 34:14

· Deut. 4:24

· Deut. 6:15

· Joshua 24:19-20

Conclusion: Revelation 3:16-20