The Greatest Church Problems Series: Weak Church, Weak Impact
July 26, 2024
Transcript: Perhaps the greatest problem in the American church today is weakness. The near irrelevance of the modern church -unlike the Early Church - is linked directly to the failure to live by biblical convictions anchored in Truth. Hello, I’m Sam Rohrer with another Stand in the Gap Minute. This week, we've discussed the greatest problems facing the American church including refusing to preach the full counsel of God’s Word and embracing false teachings, pride, and lawlessness. Our weak churches have led to a morally depraved culture. Can our dilemma be changed? Yes, but it must begin with you. By living obediently to God’s Word in the power of the Holy Spirit, you can bring change to your congregation—and beyond. Let me challenge you to lead a revival of prayer in your own congregation. Let it begin with you. Past great spiritual awakenings occurred when individuals like you and me repented, got right with God and devoted themselves to prayer. Discover more at American Pastors Network dot net.
The Greatest Church Problems Series: The Problem of Lawlessness
July 25, 2024
Transcript: One word describing our culture today is ‘lawlessness’. This is a serious problem for both our nation and the American church. Hello, I’m Sam Rohrer with another Stand in the Gap Minute. As crime and violence dominate our headline news, it confirms the growing civil and moral lawlessness in our nation. But the impact’s not limited to our culture; it also harms the church. What was once unthinkable to mention has become common even among believers. So dangerous, the apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:12 “it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.” And, the previous verse adds, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness.” Instead of condoning sin or becoming hardened toward evil, we’re called to live righteously – as unto the Lord. Believers must not be part of today’s rebellion toward God and Truth. We’re to be salt and light, bringing glory to our heavenly Father. Discover more at American Pastors Network dot net.
The Greatest Church Problems Series: Pride in the Church
July 24, 2024
Transcript: Did you know the first recorded death in the New Testament church resulted from the identical sin plaguing today’s American church? Hello, I’m Sam Rohrer with another Stand in the Gap Minute. In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira sold some property and gave the money to the church, but deceitfully keeping a portion for themselves. Both were judged by God with death. While we look at this story as a harsh punishment, the account addresses a common problem in today’s churches—the issue of pride and lying to the Holy Spirit. As we look at our own heart, it’s easy to spot ways we choose to look good among other Christians more than being honest with God. Well, what’s the answer? Certainly not waiting for God’s judgment! We’re called to humility before God and service to others. When we act obediently, we’ll discover not only the necessary discipline of God but the overwhelming blessing of God. Discover more encouraging resources at American Pastors Network dot net.
The Greatest Church Problems Series: The Problem of False Teaching
July 23, 2024
Transcript: Another major problem plaguing the American Church is Fake News! Not only impacting the internet; it’s weakened the church. Hello, I’m Sam Rohrer with another Stand in the Gap Minute. As we continue considering the greatest problems facing the American church, false teaching is one of the biggest. 2 Peter 2:1 notes, “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies.” Entire denominations have embraced unbiblical teachings to appear more inclusive, yet Peter noted these false teachings will bring “swift destruction.” We cannot compromise and expect God to bless the church. Instead, we’re called to hold fast to the truth, continuing in what we know is right as defined by God’s Word. Our good intentions must never include becoming like our culture, lest we become enablers of evil, promoters of heresy forcing God to spit us out. Discover more at American Pastors Network dot net.
The Greatest Church Problems Series: The Whole Counsel of God
July 22, 2024
Transcript: The American Church is sick. The root of this sickness has one main cause- and that’s the refusal to preach the full counsel of God’s Word! Hello, I’m Sam Rohrer with another Stand in the Gap Minute. The Apostle Paul in Acts 20:27 told the leaders in the Ephesian church, “I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” He taught all of Scripture in order to fully prepare these early believers to recognize false teachings. The need to teach the whole counsel of God remains vital today. Many congregations hear only the positive aspects of Scripture, with the pulpit neglecting the more controversial aspects of holy living and a biblical perspective of marriage and family. Shrinking from the duty to preach the whole counsel of God has become one of the greatest problems facing the American church, but it’s one that can be corrected—if the pulpit once again begins teaching all of God’s Word. Discover more at American Pastors Network dot net.
Resisting Evil Series: Confront Evil with Obedience
July 19, 2024
Transcript: Our current lawless society marked by violence, the attacking of churches and pregnancy centers and generally clamoring for the right to murder the unborn, but don’t faint. God’s given us the plan for Divine response in these evil days. Hello, I’m Sam Rohrer with another Stand in the Gap Minute. Psalm 7:9 teaches God establishes the righteous. Psalm 34:15 adds, "The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous." When it comes to the righteous, we must choose to obey the commands of God, live out the commands of God, genuinely know the Truth then unapologetically live and proclaim the truth. If we want God’s blessing to return to our nation, it will require confronting evil, not running from it. Advancing God's standards for a godly and orderly society after first starting in our own lives then extending broadly into our culture. Only then can God's blessing on our lives and our nation be expected. Discover more at American Pastors Network dot net.
Resisting Evil Series: Do Right Today
July 18, 2024
Transcript: We must all resist the lawlessness and the increasing evil in our nation today. Sometimes that’s refusing to bow to an immoral or ungodly government dictate. Sometimes it’s writing a letter to an elected official about how they should vote or letting them know we’re not happy with what they’ve done or not done. Sometimes it’s just refusing to think unbiblically though the ungodly culture would have us do otherwise. Hello, I’m Sam Rohrer with another Stand in the Gap Minute. As this world rushes to a 1 world anti-Christ government and undermines our constitution and attacks the right of Christians to live our lives and raise our children as the Bible says, then we must resist the evil and obey God rather than man. Don't back down when evil advances – because it is advancing. Raise up the standard of God’s word and do right where God has placed you today. Discover more at American Pastors Network dot net.
Resisting Evil Series: Actively Resist
July 17, 2024
Transcript: Have you considered that to remain silent in the face of evil is to promote evil? So how can we resist the sin we witness in today's culture? Hello, I’m Sam Rohrer with another Stand in the Gap Minute. Proverbs 28:4 teaches, "Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them." At the American Pastors Network, we intentionally band together to faithfully stand for biblical truth in the public square. This includes preaching passionately the whole counsel of God, praying fervently, encouraging congregations, and engaging together as ministers. The lawlessness in our time is too great for only a few to oppose. As believers, pastors and congregations, we must together oppose evil and provide bold witness for truth in our culture. Join with us through prayer, encouragement, and sharing information on key issues as we resist the evil of our day. Discover more at American Pastors Network dot net.
Resisting Evil Series: Stand Under Fire
July 16, 2024
Transcript: Being fired for refusing to wear an LGBT rainbow or refusing to take a death shot is reality. So what’s the believer's responsibility in opposing beliefs which oppose our faith? Hello, I’m Sam Rohrer with another Stand in the Gap Minute. In the case of many employees or soldiers, Christians are fired, then rightly choose to pursue a legal settlement. This conflict reminds me of the words of Isaiah 7:9 that read, "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." God is clear that silence is not an option in response to evil. We must take bold action and oppose sin. Otherwise, we are complicit participants of our surrounding culture. When you face opposition to your beliefs today, don't shrink back. Stand firm! The one who died and rose from the grave will give you the power to resist evil no matter what you face today. Discover more at American Pastors Network dot net.
Resisting Evil Series: Respond with Salt
July 15, 2024
Transcript: Resisting evil is something every Christian is obligated to do. Sometimes that evil confronts us personally through words of hatred or animosity because of our biblical convictions. The apostle Paul instructs our response through a word picture related to salt. Hello, I’m Sam Rohrer with another Stand in the Gap Minute. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of our role as being salt and light. In the ancient world, salt was the primarily preservative. Salt burns in a wound but it heals as a result. Likewise, light chases darkness but illuminates the way for others so they won’t stumble on the path. And the darker the culture, the brighter our light shines when we speak truth to the evil around us. And speak the truth we must since silence is endorsement. Only then will we serve as the salt and light our Lord intends. Discover more at American Pastors Network dot net.
Truth in Tough Times Series: Truth in Troubled Times
July 12, 2024
Transcript: The final words of Jesus included the command to make disciples of all nations. But how can we help others spiritually when we face troubled times? Hello, I’m Sam Rohrer with another Stand in the Gap Minute. As we've discussed truth in troubled times this week, we've seen how our greatest strength is found in relying on the Lord and His truth to overcome temptation, stand firm, and look forward to Christ's return. When we do, we can thrive in troubled times, while also helping others grow spiritually. God has gifted you to impact your family, your community, and the world. You are a missionary making disciples where God has placed you. Consider how the Lord would have you serve those near you through practical actions and spiritual encouragement. As you do, you'll impact your life—and the lives of others—for eternity. Find more helpful resources at American Pastors Network dot net.
Truth in Tough Times Series: Our First Love
July 11, 2024
Transcript: What does it mean to return to our first love as followers of Christ? Hello, I’m Sam Rohrer with another Stand in the Gap Minute. In Revelation two, Jesus told the Ephesian Christians they were faithful, yet had left their first love. Instead of living for God with passion, they were going through the motions of life. He said, "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen. Repent and do the things you did at first." God desires more for our lives! Think about the time when you first believed in Jesus. How did you feel? How was your life changed? How strongly did you share your faith? Return to that same desire, giving God your full attention and affection. As you do, you'll discover newfound power for your daily life today. Discover more helpful resources at American Pastors Network dot net.
Truth in Tough Times Series: Encouragement in Struggles
July 10, 2024
Transcript: How can the difficult times in our society be an encouragement? The answer is found in the prophecies of Scripture. Hello, I’m Sam Rohrer with another Stand in the Gap Minute. The struggles and apostasy in our society can easily discourage us. Yet we can also look at these negatives in a positive manner. In Matthew 24, Jesus spoke of many falling away from the faith, wars and rumors of war, and other world problems as the beginning of birth pains. In other words, when we see these problems increasing, it should encourage us that the Lord's return is near. We know Jesus could come any day—even today—giving us the hope we need to stand firm through today's trials. If we are ready to meet Him, we are prepared to face any challenge in our world today. Let's focus on what is eternal as we face life's battles. Discover more helpful resources at American Pastors Network dot net.
Truth in Tough Times Series: Handling Difficult Circumstances
July 9, 2024
Transcript: How should we respond when people criticize or malign us for speaking the truth? Hello, I’m Sam Rohrer with another Stand in the Gap Minute. When the apostle Paul addressed this issue with Timothy, he shared in 2 Timothy 3:12: "Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." First, we must expect persecution. If we live for God, those who oppose Him will oppose us. Second, we must endure persecution. Instead of caving to the pressures of our society, we are to stand firm. Third, we must be equipped to fight persecution. To stand for the truth, we must know it. The truth will "set us free." Fourth, we must rely on God's power when persecuted. His power is sufficient to strengthen us during our greatest struggles. His Spirit will help us to endure and respond with supernatural strength. Discover more helpful resources at American Pastors Network dot net.
Truth in Tough Times Series: Truth in Culture
July 8, 2024
Transcript: Can we know the truth in a culture of fake news? Hello, I’m Sam Rohrer with another Stand in the Gap Minute. Today's online headlines increasingly twist information to deceive viewers and capture attention. Yet Scripture calls us to discern all things. We are not to follow a herd mentality, but seek the truth and apply it accordingly. Consider when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. Satan used Scripture in an attempt to trick Jesus. He used correct information, but twisted it for his own purposes. So how did Jesus respond? By quoting Scripture. The best way to counter falsehood is with God's truth. As Jude 1:3 declares, we’re to contend for the faith and all that’s true. Recognize the misinformation around you and compare it with God's Word – the only unchanging standard. As you do, you'll better fight temptation and stand for what is true. Discover more helpful resources at American Pastors Network dot net.