WILL HE FIND FAITH?

Text; Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Intro; This is a rhetorical question. It requires no answer for the answer is obvious. It was asked because of man's propensity to turn away from God.

I. The Promise. Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

A. This promise is assured, being beyond the power or men or angels to alter it. Psa 119:89 . For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

B. It is assured until the end of the age. Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

C. It continues through following ages! Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

II. The Problem. 1 Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;All around us we see churches declining, disbanding and disspirited.

A. Because of sin not repented of.

B. Because of 'legalistic straitjackets'; 'we have the truth and we have to protect it.'

C. Because of the seductive spirit of compromise.

1. In order to be 'soul winners'.

2. In order to 'reach out'. [joint services].

3. To be more accepted or 'correct'.

III. The Paradigm. [Ideal]

A. We must be hard headed. Ezek 3:9 As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.

B. We must be soft hearted. Ezek 3:10 Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, all my words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears.

A church which will endure, is one which will take an uncompromising stand and yet yearn for souls to be saved. To turn aside from either is to court disaster.