Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Proverbs 29:18 (06/08/23)
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TITLE: Storm Warnings! | Previous Challenge Entry
By LINDA GERMAIN
06/15/23 -
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As international slaughter, self-indulgence, hate, blatant lying, treachery, and extreme anger increased daily, he felt like the book of Revelation was playing out before his eyes.
With a burdened heart, the well-liked minister was compelled to make a big change in the way he preached--a thing a lot of his congregation probably would resist.
Everyone seemed so content and proud of the ingrained order of service, happy social events, and beautifully landscaped grounds. Even non-members asked to be married in the sweet little church with a bell tower and steeple.
After much prayer for guidance, he called together the dozen or so congregants who kept things running so well. Miss Doralee, having gone there since a child, was an elderly beloved character. She still wore a hat on Sundays and loved red shoes.
As he made fresh coffee in the basement fellowship hall and set up a long table, the group began to drift in and set umbrellas in the corner to dry.
Miss Doralee stated the obvious as she took off her little plastic rain hat. “Good weather for ducks.”
Deacon Jim, slightly grumpy at being called to a meeting, had a different take. “Harumph. Startin’ to hail. Would knock any sensible duck winding.”
After everyone was settled in their chairs, Pastor Josh began with breathtaking bluntness.
“We can no longer ignore our commission as Christians. We must step up with boldness to teach the real meaning of end times.”
A few at the table fidgeted, a little mystified about where this was going. Joshua paced back and forth as he tried to make his point clear.
“God wants us to open our eyes to the deadly evil and immorality crushing the whole world. It will get worse.”
Jim’s voice rose above the murmuring. “What’s wrong with you, Pastor Greenwood? This church is doing just fine.”
Without warning, Josh fell to his knees, tears streaming, pleading with his sheep to please listen and follow. Hands grasping coffee cups stopped in midair, eyes wide waiting for the next dramatic proclamation.
“There’s a raging spiritual war in the heavens. I believe multitudes of angry demons are running rampant in every direction to make a final stand against God’s people! Scripture predicted how in the end times, right would be wrong and wrong would be right. Are we so desensitized that we don’t see what’s happening now? We live in a world of foul sewage!”
A few nodded but no none spoke.
“Humans seem to be hypnotized. Even some churches dish out unrepentant toxicity wrapped in sugar-coated affirmations of what they say is love.”
Mable Dixon, his loyal secretary, ventured a shy comment. “You mean we should not teach about love?
“Of course, I don’t, Mable. That’s the heart of the Gospel message. I’m saying we’ve learned Biblical history and acknowledged the birth and death of our precious Savior, but we seem to close our eyes when we bump up against the stunning prophetic truths found in Revelations.”
Even Jim, a nominal believer, seemed to be drinking in every word of the distraught pastor. “So, what are you planning?
Joshua stood up, arms outstretched to them.
“It’s time to get off the comfortable fence and take a serious stand in God’s Army. People need to hear and understand. Time is short! Any of us are one heartbeat away from facing our Maker. Without knowing and serving Jesus, untold numbers will be forever separated from the God who created them. We need to march into battle to witness before it’s too late.”
That’s when they heard a loud roaring sound, like a runaway train. As the lights dimmed Pastor Greenwood yelled, “Get under the table, NOW!”
In a split second, pouring rain pummeled the basement room. The church was ripped out by the roots like the ancient trees around the building. Amid the sirens and screams all were praying.
Deacon Jim helped the pastor pull the others over to the wall and give them cover from the raging storm. Miss Doralee was found curled up in the corner, wearing one red shoe.
Pastor Greenwood’s next sermon, held outside, was entitled, In the end, obedient believers will go to Heaven. Sadly, many who never knew the TRUTH will not be so blessed.
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Proverbs 29:18 (NIV)
Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction
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