Sermon Central
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Standing In The Gap
Contributed by Trae Durden on Apr 5, 2005 (message contributor)
Summary: Making a Difference in the world around us.
STANDING IN THE GAP
“The Lord says: Stand in the way and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in; then you will find rest for your souls.”
Book of Esther, tells of a plot by Haman to annihilate the Jews through out the kingdom. Mordecai, the Uncle of Queen Esther encourages her to reveal the plot to the king. Fearing for her life Queen Esther is reluctant to approach the king. And Mordecai says; “… who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for just such a time as this?” Mordecai forces Esther to deal with her mission and purpose in life, and to consider, God may have placed you in this exact position as Queen, at this exact time, and in this exact place to accomplish something extremely important for Him! Esther responds to the challenge, she does not remain silent, even though it might mean death she reveals the plot to the king. The king accepts her, the plot is turned, and Haman is hanged on the gallows that he had constructed for the hanging of Mordecai !!!
Queen Esther was brave and made a difference when and where she could, you might say she “stood in the gap between good and evil!”
In Psalm 94:16, God asks two questions: (1) Who will rise up for me against the evil doers? (2) Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
Will you take these questions personally this evening? Will you answer?
Will you like Esther respond to the challenge of allowing God to use you and your talents for His glory, right now, at this exact time and in this exact place?
Will you answer God’s two questions as if you were standing before Him in person? Will you rise up for Him, will you stand up for Him against evil and the workers of evil?
There are opportunities available! This evening we will explore some of those opportunities!
“I sought for a man among them who would build a wall, and stand in the gap for me…” Today, God is still seeking those who will stand in the gap!
1. Stand in the gap between Right and Wrong:
Right and wrong are being blurred together these days, Murdering innocent children is called “Pro-choice”. Sexual perversion is called “an alternate lifestyle”. And cheating is called “little white lies”.
We must choose the old paths, hold fast to God’s word, call sin, sin.
Isaiah 5:20, says, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil; Who put darkness for light and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”
We are told in Romans 12:21, “Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good!”
2. The gap between “Thus says the Lord” and “Thus says man”:
We’ve said “speak where the bible speaks, and be silent where the bible is silent” for years. We must not teach people as if these truths are our opinions! If a teaching is in the word of God, it’s God’s word! We should speak it with authority! No opinions, just scripture! Give me Holy scripture for doctrinal practices! What men may say is of no concern to your or my salvation!
Matthew 15:7-9, “Hypocrites, Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips, But their heart is far from me. And in vain they worship me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men!”
Contemporary worship services, addition of the instrument, praise teams to sing for us, women leading the church because the men won’t, salvation by faith alone – prior to baptism, the idea that elders have no authority but as good examples for us to follow, etc.
BY WHOSE AUTHORITY DO WE CHANGE, OR ADD OR DELETE WHEN GOD HAS SPOKEN?
Jesus said, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and my reward is with me to give to every one according to his work.” But be careful He says, “Do not add to my words or I will add to you the plagues written about in this book. Do not take away from my words, or God will take away your part from the book of life.” Revelation 22:12, & 18-19
3. Stand in the gap between Compromise and Commitment:
I have never read of a Sunday morning Christian in the bible! This is not just a nod to God!! Worship and fellowship is part of a commitment every Christian made to God when He made the commitment to save your soul from Hell! You were raised from that watery grave to walk in newness of life! So do it! Don’t be lukewarm, and don’t be cold, be on fire for God. Committed to His cause of saving the world!
