July 5, 2015

The Prescription for America

Pastor: Shannon Ford Scripture: Acts 20:17–20:21

The Prescription for America
(Acts 20:17-21)

Download blank sermon notes to print and complete HERE.

Decline of America’s Values

1) The Decline of the Family
2) The Decline of Education
3) The End of Male and Female
4) The End of Right and Wrong
5) The End of Religion

Direction of America’s Churches

1. Churches love their model more than the mission
2. Consumer Christianity is more important than selfless discipleship
3. Sundays are more about what we get than what we give.
4. Churches are producing casual, comfortable Christians instead of courageous, convicted Christ followers.

Danger of America’s Future

1. Tolerance and political correctness will reign supreme over Biblical truth.
2. All different cultures and religions in America are worthy in their own right and are of equal value.
3. The genders will be more indistinguishable and sex will be more perverse.
4. The American life is more complicated and empty. People are suffering from…

  • TMI (Too much information)
  • TMC (Too much choice)
  • TMT (Too much technology)

5. Americans will live in a constant state of anxiety because of civil unrest, terrorism and economic uncertainty.
6. This current generation is the last Christian generation in America.

What is the prescription for America? Share the love of Jesus

"From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. When they arrived, he said to them: “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews. You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.  I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus." (Acts 20:17-21)

1) The Believer’s Manner - Attitude (Acts 20:18-19)

a) Consistency (You know how I lived the whole time I was with you…)

  • •Faithfulness is an essential ingredient to effective Christian service.

b) Compassion (Served the Lord with great humility and with tears…)

  • As Paul labored for the Gospel, he watered his work with his tears.
  • Love for lost souls will result in a desire to tell them about Jesus.

c) Courage (Although I was severely tested…)

  • It takes courage to share the Good News of Jesus in today’s secular society.
  • Tell people what they need to hear not what they want to hear.

2) The Believer’s Method - Approach (Acts 20:20)

a) Personal Demonstration (I have not hesitated to preach…)

  • Much of what you say will be heard on the basis of the kind of Christian life-style you demonstrate in front of others.

b) Public Proclamation (Taught you publicly…)

  • God has promised that His Word that goes out of our mouths will not return to Him empty.

c) Private Visitation (From house to house…)

  • The spiritual battles of this generation will be won one conversation at a time.

3) The Believer’s Message - Appeal (Acts 20:21)

a) Turn from sin - Repentance

  • Repentance is an inner change of mind and heart which results in an outer change of conduct.

b) Turn to Jesus – Faith

  • Faith is more than believing in Jesus intellectually. Faith is turning over one’s life to Jesus.

“I have a dream, that all the world will meet You, and know You, Jesus, in Your living power. That someday soon all people will hear Your story and hear it in a way they understand. So many who have heard forget to tell the story. Here I am, Jesus: teach me. I cannot speak, unless You loose my tongue; I only stammer and I speak uncertainly; but if You touch my mouth, my Lord, then I will sing the story of Your wonders.” (Caedmon - 7th century)