Basilea Schlink passionately urges believers to turn back to God with repentant hearts and wholehearted love to withstand the apostasy and spiritual darkness of our times.
In this devotional sermon, Basilea Schlink addresses the alarming rise of apostasy and spiritual rebellion in the world today. She calls believers to respond by turning wholeheartedly to God through sincere repentance and a deep, enduring love for Jesus. Schlink emphasizes that this love, born from a contrite heart, is the source of strength needed to withstand the trials and spiritual darkness of our age. Listeners are encouraged to renew their commitment and find joy in God's presence.
Full Transcript
God lives and works today, and He loves. That is why He is grieved when man departs from Him. In view of today's widespread apostasy, we cannot remain apathetic.
What can we do? The answer lies in today's meditation by Basilea Schlink called, Turn to God. Unleashed are evil forces sent from below. Demonically increasing, hell's evil powers grow.
The nations hate each other, and they persecute those who still honor God. The great apostasy has been prophesied for our times. In the history of mankind, there has never been such a falling away from God.
Revolutionary trends are gaining the upper hand. They oppose all authority, declaring that we, the people, should be the sole authority, and that nothing should be above us. This rejection of authority is ultimately revolt against God, the supreme authority.
While so many are turning their backs on God, we should be turning towards God, dedicating ourselves anew to Him, and strengthening the bond of love. For love is the only force that can endure, that's stronger than death. Do we want to be amongst those who have fallen away? All who do not love Jesus now with their whole heart, who are not inspired by love to follow His path, they will be drawn over to the enemy's side.
Without realizing it, they will fall into the hands of Satan. Yes, this is why there is nothing more important in our present age than love for Jesus. As we've experienced since the founding of our sisterhood, this love breaks out wherever there is contrition and repentance.
Tears of repentance contain great blessing. For as we weep over our sins and repent deeply of our faults and failures, we find true joy and happiness. Time and again people come to us and ask, Sister, why are you so happy? And we can reply, because I love Jesus, who is the fairest in heaven and on earth.
But this love is born out of repentance. Repentance comes when I can recognize the wrong that I have done to my sister, my neighbor, and can say, I'm truly sorry. Please forgive me.
Repentance means to have a contrite, broken heart. And it is written in the scriptures that God will enter such a heart. He will dwell there.
Yes, out of this repentance comes love for Jesus, a love which is greater than that of a bride for her bridegroom. This love for Jesus will give us strength to endure in the midst of the tribulation that is coming upon us. Therefore, let us oppose the apostasy of our times by turning again to our Lord Jesus with our whole hearts, by calling upon him for this repentance, which will open the way for him to come and dwell in our hearts.
Jesus, Lord, to love you only, I shall live for that alone. To your heart some comfort bringing, all your suffering making known. You have been listening to a program written by Basilea Schlink of the Little Land of Canaan.
To learn more about how God lives and works today, visit us at our website, www.canaan.org. That's K-A-N-A-A-N dot org. If you contact us, we would be happy to send you a free inspirational booklet. If you do not have access to the web, please contact this radio station for our postal address.
God bless you.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Reality of Apostasy
- Widespread falling away from God in our times
- Increasing evil and demonic forces at work
- Rejection of all authority as rebellion against God
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II. The Call to Turn to God
- Dedicate ourselves anew to God with whole hearts
- Strengthen the bond of love for Jesus
- Oppose apostasy by repentance and contrition
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III. The Power of Repentance and Love
- Tears of repentance bring blessing and joy
- God dwells in a contrite heart
- Love for Jesus gives strength to endure tribulation
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IV. Living for Jesus Alone
- Commit to loving Jesus above all
- Bring comfort to His heart by sharing His suffering
- Stand firm in faith amid spiritual challenges
Key Quotes
“While so many are turning their backs on God, we should be turning towards God, dedicating ourselves anew to Him, and strengthening the bond of love.” — Basilea Schlink
“Tears of repentance contain great blessing. For as we weep over our sins and repent deeply of our faults and failures, we find true joy and happiness.” — Basilea Schlink
“Jesus, Lord, to love you only, I shall live for that alone.” — Basilea Schlink
Application Points
- Examine your heart for areas of rebellion and turn to God with sincere repentance.
- Cultivate a daily love for Jesus that strengthens you against spiritual challenges.
- Renew your commitment to live solely for Jesus and share His love with others.
