#249(7/1)- Sunday Special > "Will the Church Forget?"

[FYI - My GENday is Sept. 19th. What is yours?]

[NOTE: The following is one of the most powerful sermons delivered by the late Dr. Kennedy. (Please consider asking your own pastor and other believers to check out the message below. I trust that it would truly challenge him.) It is an example of what you will hear everytime you listen into one of his sermons and why I tell you each Sunday to either tune into the weekly broadcast of "Truth That Transforms" as they present one of his sermons as well as an updated report on the state of our country and culture. You will be hard pressed to find a better half-hour of inspiring an informative programing. Once again, in Orlando, tune in to "Truth That Transforms" at 5 pm, ch. 55, or else check your listings. Also, you can find the program at www.truthinaction.org - Stan]

- by (the late) D. James Kennedy, posted on June 1, 2012 at>
http://www.truthimpact.me/index.php/2012/06/will-church-forget/#more-584

On Memorial Day we remember those who have fallen in the great fight for freedom—those who have given their lives or limbs so that we might worship without hindrance. But will the Church forget what a great many thousands have fought for, and those who gave the last full measure of devotion to defend? Will the Church forget the principles upon which this nation was founded, principles of liberty, godliness, piety, and morality?
I’m afraid that not only will the Church forget them, but to a large degree the Church has already forgotten them.

The media makes a mockery of Christians, the Christian faith and Christian values, and those who speak out for the sacredness of life are branded as extremists . . . And 300,000 pulpits are silent. Christian morality cannot be taught in schools, but atheistic immorality is . . . And 300,000 pulpits are silent. Rock music fills the airwaves and our children’s minds with music which legitimizes rape, murder, sadomasochism, adultery and even satanic worship . . . And 300,000 pulpits are silent. A majority of states now have lotteries and gambling is no longer a crime . . . And 300,000 pulpits are silent.

The Church hasn’t always been silent. Through the centuries churches have moved to get rid of most of the great evils of our world. It was through the work of Christians that slavery was eliminated from Great Britain. Two-thirds of the members of the Abolition Society in New England were Christian clergymen. No, the Church was not always silent. The Church spoke out on child labor laws and wives being beaten and abused. The Church has spoken out about prison reform and reform of asylums for the insane.

God needs men who will speak out on the issues of the day. Martin Luther said something to the effect, “Though we be active in the battle, if we are not fighting where the battle is the hottest, we are traitors to the cause.” Be not afraid, Christ is with you! If the Church doesn’t speak out, who will?I have debated and confronted face-toface the leaders of the abortionist movement, the leaders of the homosexual movement, the leaders of the feminist movement, the atheists, the evolutionists, and all of the left-wing cadre—and they are all full of passionate intensity.

If right now this country were suddenly filled with passionate intensity for the cause of Jesus Christ, for the spread of His Gospel, and for the advance of His morality throughout the nation, next Sunday the churches of the land would be packed to overflowing!

Where is the intensity? Let me tell you. They have it! One historian said that the people who have that intensity are the people who always win. Ultimately it is going to be a decision as to which side lacks conviction and which side is filled with passionate intensity. Will it be those who oppose Christ, or those who are for the kingdom of Jesus Christ? Christ says “…seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness…”(Matt 6:33 KJV).

Pray that God will fill you with intensity to do whatever you can to become involved, to get out of the bleachers and onto the playing field, and become a participant in the greatest struggle in the history of the world—a struggle for goodness, a struggle for godliness, a struggle for Christ against Satan. That is the battle we are in [!].

[bold and italics emphasis mine]

[P.S.-"...These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation [Jesus]. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! so, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Rev.3:14-16) Heavenly Father, make each of us PASSIONATELY INTENSE while there is still time!]