Bible Text: MIcah 1 | Preacher: Rev. Dr. Lou Saldiveri | Series: Sunday Morning Worship

Everyday, we see trouble and distress in our homes, schools, places of work and the public square. What should we do? How should we respond?

–Pastor Lou’s Notes —

Intro: Many people in our country in some in churches believe we have come a long way both culturally and/or theologically, There are many who would say that the federal and state redefinition of marriage is progress. Some would say that the institution of marriage is old fashioned and antiquated. Others would say that the unborn lives are either not life or a person. Some would also say that church and worship are no longer relevant. Let me ask you a question? How many of you believe that we as a nation have gone in the right direction?

It seems at every turn, we are faced with rapidly increasing violence, racial tensions, , moral erosion, the destruction of families, lack of respect for legitimate authorities, fiscal irresponsibility, and eroding integrity. These issues seem to be epidemic or even pandemic in our nation. Please listen to me. The church needs to take some responsibility for the decline. Can we admit that many of the failures we see in our country and culture are a result of the evangelical church either being to silent, non-authentic, prayerlessness, and unconfessed sin? Generally speaking, can we also admit the we have lost two generations of young people to our increasingly decadent and godless culture?

What should we do? How should we respond?

If we are to answer these difficult questions, we need to start with one basic truth: God takes these things seriously. When we live in spiritual carelessness, God will ultimately bring judgement starting with the church, then to the country.

1. God is the witness and judge 1:1-2
1. The Judge’s calls the court to order
1. Listen- important information
2. Hear- understand
3. Look- undivided attention
1. Illustration: Jury Duty

2. The Judge issues the indictment and judgement to Israel and Judea 1:3-7; 2:1-2
1. Spiritual Adultery
2. Idolatry
3. Social Sins 2:1-2: the plans of man!
4. The Sentence 1:15; 2:3-5; the plans of God!
1. Captivity
2. Destruction
3. Future generations in jeopardy

3. The Call for Repentance
1. Sin must be confronted, confessed, and repented 1:8-16
1. Sin unchecked will spread like a plague

2. Sin should be mourned corporately
1. We can grow numb to sin and its consequences
2. We can rationalize sin

4. Beware of false prophets 2:6-11
1. They are ear ticklers not interested in proclaiming the truth
2. They are only interested in their self-gain and fame

5. There is the promise of deliverance and restoration 2:12-13
1. The promise to the nation of Israel at the Second Coming of Christ
2. The promise to all of the grace in Christ

Closing:
Part of our response to our current situation as a country and culture must start with us. As we come to the communion table, are we willing to:

1. Confess and repent of the sins of the church?
2. Confess and repent of the sins of our nation?
3. Confess and repent of our own sin?
4. Be more lovingly vocal about the cross of Christ and the Word of God?
1. God always stands ready to forgive the humble and contrite heart.
2. I agree with Franklin Graham that our only hope as a nation is Jesus Christ
3. We are richly blessed by God when we lovingly obey His Word by faith in Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit.