Preparations (Car Sermon One)
By Kyle Blackwell
What is the greatest issue within the church today? There are many I could think of, but one stands out among all others. People visit church to hear a message from a man, while praising/proclaiming the name of Jesus, hearing the call of Jesus, and when it comes time to leave, they say goodbye to Jesus, parting ways with the truth, and ultimately denying salvation.
This was my church life for 22 years. Instead of placing faith within the power of Jesus’ Blood, I put my faith in a rinky-dink prayer. I was on the path leading straight to hell. There was nothing Godly inside of me, unless you’re speaking of the little “g” god. Oh, I had gods, and many of them.
The biggest issue with the church is duplicity. I would act holy at church, then be someone else in my alone time. Judgement was running rampant inside my heart. Lust filled my mind. Truth is, I thought I was a good person. Well, I didn’t smoke, drink or party.
I love the book of 1 John because it exposes fake christians better than any other book, in my opinion. Let me give you the Cliff notes version. If you look at other groups and say they are sinners, and that in comparison you are actually a “pretty good person”, chances are high that you are destined for hell. And that was my thinking for so long. Oh, and the fact that I said the “sinner’s prayer”, inviting Jesus to come into my heart. If Jesus is in you, and you in Jesus, it is not because you invited Him into your heart, but that He invited you. Now, that is Biblical.
Do you realize that in order for you to choose repentance, a miracle has to occur first? This is why I always get burdened for those who listen to my testimony, tell me they don’t have a testimony like mine. They are in awe of what I’ve been through, even though my story is no more incredible than any other. These kind of people feel as though their testimony is inadequate, and mine is superior. In reality, you may not be saved. Let me explain, they see the problems God has allowed me to overcome, not realizing their own depraved minds/actions.
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. -1 Corinthians 2:14
This verse explains the truth. If you are saved by the Blood of Jesus, it is a miracle. The natural man does not possess the qualities necessary for understanding their sinful nature, or even surrendering their lives to Jesus. It is impossible to fathom our wicked nature without Holy Spirit cultivating our hearts.
I see a world wide revival in the near future. I see a great awakening. And as a church, we better get ready. Changes are coming. I do not want you being the second person working in the field, while the first is rejoicing in Heaven (Matthew 24:40). We must get back to the heart of worship. We must rely on Christ’s Blood to cleanse us.
We need to get clean with Christ. Good works are not the root of your salvation, if you are indeed saved, but they are the fruit (James 2:17-20). However, Holy Spirit will do a working on you where you don’t enjoy the things you once enjoyed. You don’t talk the way you once talked. Now, this working should never promote a spirit of judgement, but it should remind you of where you once were, humbling your heart to the point you have a burden to tell others about the joy and freedom in which Christ has gifted you.
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. -1 Peter 4:7
All this sounds like I’m preaching, but if I am, I’m first preaching to myself. While reading my Bible at work, I stumbled upon this verse. The weight of that ton of bricks falling on my head felt like a freight train. I was humbled, and I had an hour of self preaching in the car ride home. I must cleanse myself of all unrighteousness, stepping into the will of God, if I expect God to answer my call for a Great Awakening.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. -Matthew 11:28
I always enjoy how Jesus places responsibility on God’s chosen people. Not only is Jesus calling upon the burdened, but He also desires for them to be laborers, not bench warmers. However, there is also something else we must explore.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. -Matthew 11:29
So, not only does Jesus call us to be laborers while we are burdened, which means that He does not want His people complaining about things, but we must utilize Holy Spirit to guide us as soul seekers wherever we travel; we must also take Jesus’ yoke upon us. Meaning, He desires a total surrender, trusting in Him and obeying His teachings. My personal “KCB” translation says this: Get clean, and be burdened, while laboring in God’s Holy Will.
One last thing and I’m done. The reason duplicity is a much larger issue than false teaching, or any other problem within churches across this country, is that a twofold “christian” offers excuses for others to never visit a church. While a pastor may teach an unbiblical message for 30 minutes, a fake christian preaches a false testimony from the time they leave church, until the time they return, presenting non-believers with this question:
Why should I go to church and believe in their god when they are no different than me?
-My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge -Hosea 4:6
