THESE CRUCIAL TIMES

1. CRUCIAL—FROM “CRUX”, LATIN FOR CROSS—SUGGESTS A POINT AT WHICH ALL THE CRITICAL MATTERS COME TOGETHER—A CROSSROADS—A TIME FOR DECISION.

(1)  “Crux of the matter”—What it’s all about.

(2)  Critical mass—The point at which things can happen.

(3)  “Crucial”—So serious as to be at a point of crisis—As in Pakistan now as result of the death of Bhutto.

(4)  America—and all the world—at a crisis point now!

(5)  A time of decision—2008 elections: which direction will we take?

(6)  A time of decision—Will she marry him?—What career choice will I make, etc.

(7)  Times when certain voices prevail—Lk. 23:23.

1. “But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed” (NKJV).  A familiar reality in our own time when certain (and few) voices prevail!

1. THESE CRUCIAL TIMES ARE TESTING US!

(1)  Times of fear!

1. But Matt. 10:28.

(2)  Times of timidity!—Are we speaking out?

1. THESE ARE CRUCIAL TIMES IN:

(1)  Moral conviction and commitment.

1. Homosexuality.
2. Premarital sex.
3. Adultery.

(2)  Family stability.

1. Husbands & wives not serious in their commitments.
2. Children not obedient to parents.
3. Parents not accepting their responsibility as parents.

(3)  Personal peace.

1. Emphasis on the material rather than spiritual.
2. Not recognizing that real personal peace is in Christ not the economy!
3. Workaholics—Why staying so busy?—Trying to avoid home life, thinking more money means more security, etc.

1. THESE CRUCIAL TIMES ARE ALSO TIMES OF:

(1)  Opportunity.

1. Esther 4:14.
2. Eccles. 9:13-18—A time of opportunity even for the “little man.”

(2)  Hope.

1. Psa. 42:1-5—Hope thou in God!
2. God is always on hand even in crucial times.

(3)  Faith.

1. 1 Jn. 5:4—Believe that faith is victory!—Then we can’t be defeated.
2. Depends on where faith is placed—Man is not the hope of the world (i.e.,  upcoming elections in America!)—God still in control.

(4)  Spiritual confidence.

1. 2 Cor. 10:4, 5.

CONC.

1. Crucial times?—Yes—But we have a God who helps us face these critical times.