This Heart Is Too Small - Part 1
The sermon emphasizes the importance of being honest and transparent before God, and living a life that reflects our faith.
This sermon delves into the message to the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3, emphasizing the importance of being true and faithful witnesses before God. It highlights the need to focus on our inner character rather than just outward appearances, as God sees through us like an x-ray, knowing our words and works. The speaker challenges the congregation to reflect on the fruit they are bearing and the sincerity of their faith.
Full Transcript
There are many people who love the cooler lawns out there. OK, so this hall is too small. Let us turn to Revelation 3rd chapter.
You know friends, some of these portions of scripture that I preach from I never imagined that I would ever have to preach from these scriptures to this fellowship. But amongst the seven churches, early churches, which were situated in modern Turkey, the last of them was Laodicea. And the severest of these warnings was given to that church.
And accompanied by one of the greatest elevations that anybody can receive, promise of elevation. So the 14th verse, unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans, write these things, say Amen. The faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.
Now, you know, faithful and true witnesses are not to be found these days. Faithful and true witnesses. And what does the one who is faithful and true witness about you and me? I have had down these many years, when I have spoken to many, I have had only one clear mode of conduct.
What is that? How do I appear before God? You know, the devil likes us to appear nice before people. But, somehow, the faithful and true witness is ignored. Now you can see these cameras, and they are recording every movement on this platform.
I cannot change the facial expression in the image which is being recorded. That camera is not going to flatter me and give me a fine head of hair. No.
But, there is a truer witness than that camera. The camera only speaks of my outside. But, the true witness shows you your x-ray picture.
And that must settle every argument. Because it sees you, the true witness sees you through and through. Now, what does this true witness say? 15th verse, I know your words.
Very often, we think religion is a very wordy matter. No. By their fruit, he shall know them.
What are the fruit you and I are bearing? I know your works. In other words, I have your record before me. My dear friends, we cannot therefore deceive God.
See, all of us are recording our words and our works before God.
Sermon Outline
- The speaker introduces the topic of the sermon and the scripture to be studied.
- The speaker discusses the church of Laodicea and the warning given to them.
- The speaker explains what it means to be a faithful and true witness, and how God sees us.
- The speaker uses the analogy of a camera to illustrate the difference between how we appear to others and how we appear to God.
- The speaker summarizes the main points of the sermon and encourages the listeners to reflect on their own lives.
Key Quotes
“Faithful and true witnesses are not to be found these days.” — Joshua Daniel
“By their fruit, he shall know them.” — Joshua Daniel
“My dear friends, we cannot therefore deceive God.” — Joshua Daniel
Application Points
- We must be honest and transparent before God, and not try to deceive Him with our words and actions.
- God sees us through and through, and knows our true nature, so we must live a life that reflects our faith.
- We must not rely on how we appear to others, but on how we appear to God, who sees our x-ray picture.