In today's dynamic world, where complexities abound and truth often seems clouded, the cry for clarity and boldness in the church echoes loudly. Pastor Travis Johnson's recent sermon at The Non-Prophet Church is a profound reminder of the role that truth and prophecy play in our spiritual lives and communities.
The Non-Prophet Church: A Misunderstanding?
From the outset, Pastor Johnson cleverly plays on the homophones "profit" and "prophet." He isn't discussing a 501c3 non-profit church but rather a church lacking the prophetic voice—referencing figures like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Elijah. This wordplay sets the stage for a deeper exploration into the necessity of speaking truth boldly within our churches and families.
Fear Not the Truth: A Declaration Against Silence
A pressing issue addressed is the "plague" of Christians and preachers who know the truth yet fear speaking it. Pastor Johnson stresses that the truth, however uncomfortable or offensive, is vital for spiritual growth and liberation. Cowering in silence only perpetuates misunderstanding and deception, much like a mist in the pulpit creating fog in the pews.
Prophecy in Action: Building, Calling, Pushing Forward
Central to the sermon is the scriptural understanding of prophecy, particularly from 1 Corinthians 14:3, where to prophesy is to speak for edification, exhortation, and consolation. Johnson breaks down these concepts:
Edification: To build up and encourage.
Exhortation: To call out and lift up, urging believers to rise to their potential.
Consolation: To push forward, celebrating advancement in faith and life.
In essence, prophecy is about actively engaging with God's word and sharing it to foster spiritual, emotional, and communal growth.
Choosing the Right Prophet: Elijah or Jeremiah?
Pastor Johnson presents a choice between two prophets: Elijah, the wartime prophet who challenges and disrupts, and Jeremiah, the weeping prophet mourning a nation's downfall. He emphasizes the importance of having prophetic voices that confront and challenge us, aligning with God's truth to prevent spiritual captivity.
A Call to Arms: Empowered by Truth
In closing, Pastor Johnson passionately calls for a revival of boldness in declaring God's truth, not only in churches but in homes and personal lives. The transformative power of speaking truth, guided by the Holy Spirit, is envisioned as a driving force for personal and communal revival.
Conclusion: Stand Boldly
At the core of Pastor Johnson's message is a rallying cry for Christians to reject the notion of being a "non-profit" church. Instead, he encourages embracing a prophetic identity—one that bravely proclaims truth, builds up communities, and ushers in God's kingdom on earth. This sermon is more than a call to action; it is an invitation to rediscover the power of God's word boldly proclaimed in every facet of life.
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