Why Encouragement Matters in a Combative Culture

In today’s world, amid the tragedy and turmoil we face every day, we need hope more than ever—true hope found in Jesus. Are you sharing this life-changing hope of the gospel with those around you?

You have the power to start another Jesus Revolution today. Pastor Greg Laurie shares more in today’s message.

Notes:

Focus verses: Ephesians 4, Romans 12
  
God has given spiritual gifts to each of us.
 
A spiritual gift is a supernatural ability to do something you would not normally do.
 
Romans 12:5–16 (KJV)
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,
 
God created you with purpose.
 
God gave you certain gifts so you could use them to glorify Him and to serve others.
 
We are here on this earth for three reasons:
1. The glorification of God (UPWARD)
2. The edification of the saints (INWARD)
3. The evangelization of the world (OUTWARD)
  
Ephesians 4:11–12 (NLT)
Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.
 
Ephesians 4:11–12 (NLT) (cont)
Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.
 
Read Romans 12:6–8
 
There is a God-given gift of exhortation.
 
Teachers tell you how to do it, exhorters make you want to do it.
 
Our culture has become more combative.
It's like the world has become a live version of X.
 
Our ultimate goal is to build up, not tear down.
 
If we really love one another, we must "speak the truth in love.”
Ephesians 4:15
 
Paul and Barnabus worked together, visiting the churches.
Acts 14:22
 
Hebrews 10:24–25
 
Romans 12:8
If it is giving, then give generously.
 
Scripture teaches each Christian should give.
1 Corinthians 16:2
 
Romans 12:8 (NLT)
And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
 
As we use these gifts, we grow spiritually.
Ephesians 4:15–16  
 
We are here for the evangelization of the world.
 
Isaiah 5:20 (NKJV)
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
 
The church is under attack right now.
  
This was a wake-up call for the church that went to fervent prayer.
Acts 12
 
Whenever we are doing the work of God we will face spiritual attack.
 
Charlie reminds me of another young man who was bold for his faith, Stephen.
 
When Charlie took his last breath on earth, he took his first breath in Heaven.
2 Corinthians 5:8
 
Who do we turn to at a time like this? We turn to God.
Psalm 46:1
 
We need to mourn when we lose a loved one.
 
As tragic as Charlie’s death is, it has been a wake-up call to a younger generation.
The same was true when Stephen died.
Acts 8:1
 
Acts 1:8 (NIV)
“…you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
 
After Steven’s death the church was scattered and got on with their mission.
And as the church today, we need to do the same!
 
Joshua 1:9
 
It’s time to reach this hopeless generation.
 
This could be your Jesus Revolution moment.
  
Sharing the gospel energizes and refreshes the Christian.
 
You need an outlet for the truth God is giving you.
 
You are blessed to be a blessing.
 
Discover and cultivate the spiritual gifts that God has given you.

---

Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org.

This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. 

Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.