Our Refuge #2: A Sermon by Dr Robert B Thompson

Описание: This sermon is part of a series of sermons by Dr. Thompson on the topic of the Letters to the Churches in Revelation. [Sermon Notes Below]

Sermon #2654, Recorded January 15, 1989

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Partial Sermon Summary:

Opening Passage: Revelations 3:18-22

Among other things, Dr. Thompson talks about...

God's plan for the Great Tribulation is to engage the fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles. To have us enter into that Secret Place.

Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty...

Christians have always suffered tribulation, and the Great Tribulation is no different, except that it will be worldwide. Tribulation is how we enter the Kingdom. God has always made provision for His saints to go through tribulation.

Christ says "Abide in Me..." it's actually something we have to do all the time, tribulation or no. People around you right now could be in that Secret Place, and you'd never know.

The way you find a secret is by looking for it. You need to look for God every day. He hides Himself. Every day He increases the level of difficulty in finding that Secret Place, tailored specifically for you. Whether you overcome the challenge or not is up to you. How important is it to you?

God needs you to be growing. There are things you can face today that you wouldn't have been able to face a year ago - IF you are growing. If instead you simply learn to make the moves, and keep a logical, practical division between your "church life" and your day-to-day business-as-usual life, you will never be able to stand during any real tribulation, much less the Great Tribulation.

God is calling out people who can see beyond the normal business-as-usual life. If you continue to entertain monkey business, all you'll be doing is delaying your own judgment, to your own detriment. "Endure hardness as a good soldier..."

The pursuit of the Secret Place will yield tremendous learning and insight into the Father.

The specter of torture, tribulation and death is so overwhelming to many of us because we're too comfy. Yet it is the standard of Christianity for two thousand years. There's something to be said for being a toughened Christian. "Nobody can scare me, I'm already dead."

Life is over, and life is beginning, at the same time.

Tribulation will only teach you patience. Temptation is a different matter. Satan can't get God's people by tribulation. He gets us with ""the dancing girls". With temptation. Lust, money, soft living. "Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil;..."

Pastor talks about the story of Balaam.

God judges deeds and words, not the conditions of our heart.

Battle is for the day, fear is for the night.

"A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand, but it will not approach you..."

Pastor talks against foolishness for a while. He says angels are spirits, and don't have souls, so they are not capable of foolishness. They're all business.

The Majesty of the Lord. It takes wisdom to know when to address the Lord and when to address an evil spirit. You need to be led of the Spirit. Sometimes you ask the Lord to heal someone, and sometimes you cast the devil out. Remember, Satan loves attention. It can swiftly turn to monkey business.

Jesus has all power. It isn't an "even battle" between Jesus and Satan. Jesus is in complete control - He keeps Satan active to test us and to accomplish His own purposes in us and in the world. Satan is a tool. We should fear Jesus, not the devil.

Pastor spends time talking about the spirit realm, and angels and demons.

Psalm 91:15-16: "He will call upon Me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life, I will satisfy him., and let him behold me salvation."

Pastor ends by talking about "satisfaction."

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For more information on Dr. Thompson and his ministry, or to explore his writings and audio sermon archives, visit www.WOR.org