Untitled Sermon (5)

CHURCH’S CONDITION / A BROKEN CISTERN

Jeremiah 2:13 (KJV 1900)

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

INTRODUCTION

While this Scripture was written by the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah; its truth can be applied to the people of God today. The question is often asked, “Why has the Church lost it’s power, it’s influence.

While this Scripture was written by the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah; its truth can be applied to the peoople of God today. The question is often asked, “T

America's Christian majority is shrinking, and could dip below 50% by 2070 The U.S.'s Christian majority has been shrinking for decades. A Pew Research Center study shows that as of 2020, about 64% of Americans identify as Christian. Fifty years ago, that number was 90%.Sep 15, 2022

The answer is to be found in the Word of God. There are three things that have a great deal to do with the powerlessness of our churches today.

I. THERE IS COMPROMISE INSTEAD OF CONVICTION.

A. There is compromise with the world. 1 John 2:15–17; James 4:4.

B. There is compromise with sin. Isa. 5:20.

C. There is compromise of Bible doctrine. 1 Tim. 4:1–4; 2 Tim. 4:1–4.

II. THERE IS COMPLACENCY INSTEAD OF EXPECTANCY.

A. The early Christians were looking for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostles preached it. Matt. 24:42; 25:13; Mark 13:34–37; Luke 21:25–28; John 14:1–3; Titus 2:13; 1 Thess. 4:13–18.

B. Turning to Acts we see how they reacted under this belief.

1. They were a praying church. Acts 1:14; 2:42; 4:23–31.

2. They were a witnessing church. Acts 2:5–7; 13:1–5.

III. THERE IS CONFUSION INSTEAD OF CONTENTMENT.

A. Today there is confusion as to belief. This is traceable to the fact that God’s people are failing to stand for the truth. John 7:17.

B. Confusion as to God’s plan for the ages. Luke 21:25, 26.

C. Confusion as to salvation, a readiness to die. 2 Tim. 4:6–8.

James H. Bolick, Sermon Outlines from the Word, Sermon Outline Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1987), 51.