Time to Pray

Time to Pray

October 26, 2008

Introduction

As we approach Election Day, I urge you to pray. As we consider the church, I urge you to pray. As we think of the lost, I urge you to pray. As we think of our families, I urge you to pray.

But what does the Bible say? “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;” (1 Tim 2:8 NKJV)

Body

I. I believe more hangs on this election than perhaps any election in my life.

(1 Tim 2:1-4 NKJV) Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, {2} for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. {3} For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, {4} who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

A. Abortion is an issue that has been around for so many years that many have become too accepting of it.

B. The matter of taxation becomes very important.

1. One man called some taxation, legal plunder.

2. Taxes are necessary, but they can become legal theft of what belongs to someone else.

C. We need to elect someone who believes in God and respects God, not someone who belittles our faith and the Bible

D. We need determine our political beliefs based on our Christian faith and principles before party affiliation.

E. We need to have a President who believes in our country and believes in defending it from all outside attacks.

F. A special need as we are at a time when early voting has already begun.

II. We need to pray for the church.

A. Jesus warned of perilous times that would be coming our way.

(Luke 18:8 NKJV) "I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"

B. The church is beset by many problems.

1. Lukewarmness is a serious problem.

2. Many churches are seemingly more interested in entertainment than the Bible.

C. What is happening to the church?

1. Too many are too busy to take church seriously.

(Mat 13:22 NKJV) "Now he who received seed among the thorns is he, who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

2. Bible knowledge has become very weak.

(Hosea 4:6 NKJV) My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.

III. We need to pray for the lost.

A. Jesus asked that we pray for reapers.

(Mat 9:37-38 NKJV) Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. {38} "Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

1. Will we work to help answer the need for more workers?

2. Can we really sing that song, “Here am I send me?”

B. Do we have a true love and concern for the lost?

IV. We need to pray for our families.

A. We are losing many of our children.

1. Many churches are losing most of their children.

2. We are losing some of ours.

B. Many marriages are breaking up.

C. Many young people are living together without marriage.

D. The home is God’s first institution.

1. Strong Christian homes build strong churches.

2. Strong Christian homes build strong nations.

Conclusion

I. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

II. Are you a Christian today?

III. Are you a praying Christian?

IV. If you are not a praying Christian because you are not a Christian, you can before one today.

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