Man
Will Graham warns against man-made ministry, emphasizing the need for God-ordained, Spirit-led preaching that confronts apostasy and hypocrisy within the church.
This sermon emphasizes the need for God-ordained ministers who preach the true gospel, highlighting the dangers of man-made ministry represented by actors, hypocrites, tax collectors, and prostitutes in the church. It calls for a return to tears, brokenness, and zeal for the glory of God, urging believers to stand against the perversion and apostasy in contemporary Christianity. The message concludes with a call to seek God's guidance and to pray for the rise of faithful ministers who will preach the unadulterated word of God.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to man-made ministry and its dangers
- The contrast between God-ordained and man-made ministry
- The importance of exposing spiritual wounds before healing
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II
- Definition of a man-made minister as an actor or hypocrite
- The deception and self-centeredness of false ministers
- Jesus' condemnation of hypocrisy in the Sermon on the Mount
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III
- The burden of preaching the true word of God
- Examples of biblical prophets who endured hardship for God's word
- The failure of man-made ministers to carry this burden
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IV
- The consequences of man-made ministry on the church and society
- The need for genuine revival that changes lives and communities
- A call to discernment and faithfulness in ministry
Key Quotes
“The single greatest curse that can come to any land that has ever known the gospel is something by the name of man made ministry.” — Will Graham
“The word of the Lord is a burden strong upon the shoulders of the man or the woman of God.” — Will Graham
“If God wants a man to fall on the floor with an overwhelming sense of his presence, let God be God. Let him do it. I'll let man be man.” — Will Graham
Application Points
- Discern carefully the authenticity of ministry and reject teachings that are self-centered or deceptive.
- Embrace the burden of God's word by committing to faithful and Spirit-led service despite challenges.
- Pray and seek genuine revival that transforms both the church and society according to biblical standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is man-made ministry?
Man-made ministry refers to ministry that is centered on human agendas, deception, and hypocrisy rather than being led and ordained by God.
Why does Will Graham emphasize the burden of preaching?
He highlights that true ministry carries a heavy burden to faithfully proclaim God's word, often at great personal cost, unlike superficial or hypocritical preaching.
How does Will Graham describe a hypocritical minister?
As an actor who deceives others by pretending to be holy for personal gain, seeking fame and applause rather than serving God.
What biblical book does the sermon focus on?
The sermon primarily focuses on the book of Jude, which warns against apostasy and false teachers.
What is the call to the church in this sermon?
The church is called to reject man-made ministry, embrace true revival, and uphold the glory of God through faithful, Spirit-led preaching.