SHAWN A. AKERS - CHARISMA NEWS
In recent sermons, Harvest Christian Fellowship Pastor Greg Laurie has been sharing valuable insights on how Christians should navigate the complexities of the end times. In his latest message, Laurie draws inspiration from the biblical account of Noah to help Christians live as "last days believers."
In a world that is quickly coming apart, with many bowing down and following the enemy, Laurie emphasizes that Christians should be armed with the knowledge of the Word of God and with kingdom purpose in their hearts
Laurie reveals four ways Christians can live as last days believers in the end times:
1. Following Noah's Lead: Laurie begins his message by stressing that Christians possess knowledge the world does not, compelling believers to read the words of Hebrews 11:7 (ESV), which reads: "By faith, Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear, constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of righteousness that comes by faith."
"God revealed secrets to Noah. ... Noah was divinely warned of things not yet seen," Laurie says. "Christians know things that the world does not know. People in culture today don't understand why things are unraveling. They don't understand why government is expanding its control. They don't know why people are so depraved and do the horrible things that they do. They don't know why culture is collapsing, but we do because we know we're living in the last days."
Laurie especially urges believers to recognize that judgment is imminent. This knowledge sets them apart as a beacon of hope and truth.
2. Have great reverence for God: Just as Noah did, we must show reverence for God, Laurie says. Noah's deep respect and godly fear led him to build the ark, an act of obedience and faith. Christians, too, must reverence God and trust in His ultimate victory. Laurie reminds us that we have read the last page of the Bible, and it assures us we will ultimately triumph. This reverence provides strength and unwavering faith in the face of adversity.
3. We must walk with God: Noah's intimate relationship with God, as evidenced by Genesis 6:9, serves as an example for all believers. Laurie encourages Christians to walk with God in harmony, staying in sync with His plans. This means being attuned to God's timing and moving with Him rather than rushing ahead or lagging behind. It's a call to be spiritually attuned and obedient, trusting that God's guidance will lead them through the turbulent times of the end days.
4. We must be a witness for God: Noah was a witness for God, and Laurie says Christians should be no different. While not everyone may have a large platform, each believer has a sphere of influence. Laurie acknowledges that not everyone will reach multitudes, but like Noah, individuals can impact their families and communities. He reminds us that God values faithfulness over success and that we are called to be faithful witnesses for Christ. Whether in large or small ministries, faithfulness to God's calling is paramount.
"Did Noah reach a lot of people? Actually, he did not," Laurie says. "Maybe you'll only reach a handful of people. Maybe it will be a child or grandchild. But Noah did reach his family."
Laurie also touched on the significance of supporting Israel, emphasizing that America's blessings have been tied to its support of the nation of Israel, in accordance with God's promise in Genesis 12:3.
"One of the reasons God has blessed our nation is because we have been a faithful friend to the nation of Israel since she became a nation," Laurie says. "I pray we continue on that trajectory."
These principles provide guidance and hope as believers navigate a world in turmoil, confident that their faithfulness will be honored by God.
"When we stand before God, He's not going to say to us, 'Well done, good and successful servant,'" Laurie says. "He's going to say, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.'"
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Shawn A. Akers is the online editor at Charisma Media.
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