Summons Radio

When we look around us and see the suffering and struggle that is happening all over this world, it's hard not to ask the question, where are you God? A prophet, Habakkuk asked the same question. And we'll learn today that God answered him. The answer wasn't what Habakkuk expected...but an answer non the less.

There is a window of time that God has given every man, woman, and child. Each of us have been given an opportunity to repent of our sins and accept Jesus as our personal Savior. And if you continue to reject God's free gift of salvation, He will eventually honor your decision. He will never force Himself upon you.

Again as we go through the minor prophets there's an ominous and foreboding vein of similarities between the judgment that God wrought against His enemies, specifically their cities, and the state or moral decay in our own country, the United States. Oh, that our country would fall on their faces and repent before the Living God!

God's hand of protection is so far beyond our understanding! His blessing of abundance and provision is amazing! The United States of America is the most blessed nation on the face of the earth. But, could that blessing be coming to an end? Has God started to remove His hand of blessing because of the wickedness He sees in this country?

Pastor Terry says a number of times in this study of Micah how alarming some of the details are! Listen carefully to the judgment that came upon the people in this book and pay attention as to whether you don't hear some similar reasons that exist here in the United States. Friends, judgment is coming...are you ready?

How we treat the poor and those are needy around us is a type of spiritual barometer. If we're only concerned about adding that new one thousand fit game room addition onto our houses and have no concern about those in need, we need to seriously consider where we're at with the LORD.

Like Jonah, we can slip into the tendency of believing that there are certain people in this world that simply cannot be forgiven. Perhaps a rapist, a murderer, or even a pedophile. But, is that what the Bible says? ...that only certain people can be saved? No, the Gospel is for anyone who will confess, repent, and believe in Jesus!

Is that you Summons listener? What Pastor Terry just describing you a moment ago? Have you made what you think is an unforgiveable mistake? That thought is from the enemy. As long as you're above ground and breathing, you have the opportunity to confess and repent of any sin that you've committed.

When we hear the details of Jonah's experience in the belly of the great fish, it seems almost impossible to believe. But, as we'll hear from Pastor Terry, this is not an allegorical event...this is a real event that actually happened. We need to be careful to take the Bible as literally as we possibly can at all times.

Stop and think about your testimony in the workplace. What do people know about you? Do they even know that you believe in Jesus? Have you shared the truth of the Gospel with your co-workers? This is the testimony of Jonah. We need to take heed and be the lights in this dark world that God has called us to be.

The things of this world will pass away. And many times we act like and pursue the things of this world as if we'll be able to take them with us into eternity. Heed the words of our Savior...store up treasures in heaven where moth and rust cannot touch them...invest in the eternal kingdom.

It's been said time again, sin makes us stupid. And yet the stupidity of sin is only clear on the other side of it. It's amazing how deceitful our fleshly desires can be. We can make ourselves believe almost anything. But, once God has brought us to confession and repentance, we look back with shame at the foolishness of some of the things we've done.

It's vitally important that we as believer's in Jesus Christ treat our enemies different than the world expects. The world expects revenge and retribution and every turn for those that wrong us. But, is that what Jesus did? No, Jesus laid down His life for you and I while we were yet sinners.

When we talk about global super powers, who comes to mind? China, the European Union...how about the United States? Of course! We are considered to be the greatest super power that has ever existed. But, we must beware! As pride has crept into our culture, we can only expect God to judge and humble those who have exalted themselves.

The book of Proverbs says that pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. And the people of Edom are one of the best examples of this principle. We need to carefully listen to the judgment that came down upon Edom because of their pride and begin humbling ourselves before the LORD.

Many of the prophecies that we're reading about through the minor prophets have already happened and some seem to be right around the corner. This should be an exciting time for us as believer's! We are seeing the truths of the Bible come alive before our very eyes. And the best part of this is that it culminates in the return of Jesus.

It's important that we really apply ourselves when considering the prophecies in the Bible. It's easy to misapply prophecies. Pastor Terry just mentioned three keys to successfully understanding Biblical prophecy. One, you must know the history. Second, you must know the nature. Finally, you must recognize replacement theology and how it has affected interpretation.

If God made promises to the nation of Israel and then He decided to change His mind...how could we trust Him for anything else? The answer is, we couldn't! God's Word, especially His promises, cannot and will never change. He is the same today as He was yesterday as He will be until we see Him face to face...He does not change!

In spite of what Hollywood and the latest blockbuster movie has to say...death is utterly and completely final. There is no coming back. So, the decisions that we make in the here and now need to be considered through that lens. In matters whether you choose a life of holiness or not.

Because God is perfectly Holy, just, and pure...He has a responsibility to judge all that is not. Otherwise, He wouldn't be Holy, just and pure...He would be something else...something more like us, unholy, unjust and pure...He would be a mere man that judges only based upon external principles.

Pastor Terry just made a powerful point that deserves to be repeated. Many people believe that the judgment of God is because God is harsh and mean. But, that's not the case at all. God MUST judge unholiness BECAUSE He's Holy! If He left unrighteousness go, this would directly contradict His very existence.

God has blessed the churches in the United States with so much! One of the greatest blessings is the amount wealth that we enjoy. And yet, how are we using that wealth? Stop and ask yourself that same question, how am I using the resources that God has blessed me with...am I using them for this kingdom or the kingdom to come?

The scenario that Pastor Terry just described is fairly indicative of most of us...we almost always think of someone else when encountering the truths of God RATHER than considering how it might apply to us. We need to approach God and His Word with the thought, 'How does this apply to me Father?'

Did you hear that a moment ago Christian? God does not see as man sees. So, maybe you're listening today and you don't fit the cultural role of the beautiful...so what!!! God is so much bigger than the external principles of this kingdom! He can use ANYONE for WHATEVER He likes...because He is the source of power.

Even though most of the nation of Israel right now is considered secular, there is coming a time in the not too distant future where the entire nation of Israel will experience a revival. This revival will be marked by repentance and a turning towards God through His Son Jesus Christ, the true Messiah of Israel.