25-0427a - Detailed Summary

Tom, the sermon speaker, introduces himself, noting that he is part of a rotation of five preachers who deliver sermons monthly. He shares a personal note about his mother’s recent passing due to a brain tumor she battled for over 20 years, expressing gratitude for the congregation’s prayers and support over the past 15 years. Tom confirms his readiness to preach despite his loss, as affirmed by Jim. He then explains his sermon preparation, inspired by a colleague named Scott who used Grok, an AI tool from X, to refine his sermon. Tom admits that Grok improved his previous sermon by streamlining it and cutting unnecessary content, and he used it again for this sermon, titled "Stand Up for Jesus, a Call to Bold Faith." He notes that while Grok shortened the sermon, it retained essential points and enhanced its clarity.

Tom introduces the sermon’s central theme: the need for Christians to stand firm in their faith amidst a world experiencing moral decline. He describes challenges such as shifting cultural norms, opposition to biblical values, and hostility toward truth, which demand courageous proclamation of the gospel. Referencing Matthew 28:19, he emphasizes the duty to make disciples of all nations. Tom argues that silence is not an option, as Romans 10:14 questions how people can believe without hearing the gospel. He stresses that living a good Christian life alone is insufficient; verbal proclamation is essential for others to understand salvation, using the example of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:31) to illustrate the need for clear explanation of scripture.

Tom draws inspiration from the early church, which preached fearlessly despite persecution, imprisonment, and death, citing Acts 17:6 to highlight their world-changing impact. He contrasts their courage with modern Christians’ hesitation to share faith due to fear of discomfort or ridicule, especially given the freedoms they enjoy. He then addresses the rising tide of evil, using Galatians 5:9 to warn that a small amount of sin can corrupt society, likening it to yeast leavening dough. Tom asserts that unchecked immorality has spread rapidly, corrupting culture because Christians have not spoken out enough against it.

Tom uses the boiling frog analogy to describe the gradual moral decline in society, where slow changes go unnoticed until the situation becomes critical. He notes that issues once unthinkable are now normalized due to Christians’ reluctance to stand for righteousness. He calls for action, as groups promoting unbiblical agendas, such as homosexuality and abortion, amplify their messages loudly despite being minorities. Tom then presents Jesus as a bold preacher who confronted hypocrisy directly, calling out the Pharisees (Matthew 23:13) and earning the title of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Revelation 5). He urges Christians to emulate Jesus’ courage, as Proverbs 28:1 describes the righteous as bold as lions.

Tom highlights the apostles’ boldness, focusing on Paul’s perseverance through beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks (2 Corinthians 11:24-28) and Stephen’s powerful sermon before his martyrdom (Acts 7:55-56). He emphasizes that Jesus stands with those who stand for him, citing Deuteronomy 31:8. Tom challenges modern Christians to overcome fear of ridicule and share their faith, referencing Ephesians 6:11 to underscore the spiritual battle against dark forces. He stresses that every Christian has a role and cannot rely on pastors or politicians to fulfill their duty. Quoting 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, he calls for strength and love in sharing the gospel, assuring that such efforts are not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). The section concludes with the promise that Jesus stands with those who stand for him, as seen in Stephen’s vision of Jesus during his martyrdom.

Tom continues by referencing Stephen’s vision during his martyrdom, where he saw Jesus standing at God’s right hand, signifying Jesus’ support for those who stand for him (Acts 7:55-56). He cites Matthew 10:28 to remind the congregation not to fear those who can only harm the body but cannot touch the soul, emphasizing that ultimate loyalty belongs to God, who holds authority over both body and soul. Tom challenges the fear of human judgment, pointing out that the worst outcome—death—leads believers to heaven, rendering human threats insignificant compared to God’s power.

Tom underscores the importance of fearing God rather than man, noting that Jesus will return, and those who stand firm will receive a crown of righteousness, as promised in 2 Timothy 4:7-8. He contrasts the joy of faithful believers at Christ’s return with the fear of those who reject him, referencing Isaiah 2:19. Tom urges the congregation to decide now whom they will serve, emphasizing the eternal stakes and the urgency of choosing to stand for Jesus in a world that is watching.

In his conclusion, Tom passionately calls for Christians to take responsibility for standing up for Jesus, questioning whether they are waiting for others to speak out or are hindered by fear of judgment from family, friends, or coworkers. He stresses that believers should prioritize God’s opinion over human opinions, especially in a country increasingly filled with evil. Quoting Joshua 1:9, Tom encourages strength and courage, assuring the congregation that God is always with them, reinforcing the promise that God supports those who stand for him.

Tom concludes by urging the church to emulate the early church’s fervor and boldness, citing Romans 12:11 to inspire a passionate, spirited proclamation of the gospel. He calls Christians to recommit to sharing the gospel with courage and love. For non-believers, he offers an opportunity to repent and accept salvation. Tom invites anyone to come forward during the closing hymn to confess faith in Christ, seek prayer, or rededicate their life to boldly standing for Jesus, rallying the congregation to rise together and proclaim, “Stand up, stand up for Jesus.”