Annie Poonen - What We Need In Times Like These
Speaker: Annie Poonen Title: What We Need In Times Like These Date: 07/25/2021 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)
Summary
In perilous times, Christians need a strong anchor, which the speaker identifies as the hope found in Jesus Christ. This anchor is secured by Jesus, who is the steadfast rock, and requires two components: the hope of His return and the personal commitment to purify oneself as He is pure. Following Jesus and taking up the cross are necessary to fully grasp both strands of this vital anchor.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The ship and the anchorThe speaker's son spoke about how our lives are like ships in stormy seas that need an anchor fixed to something strong to keep us from drifting or being destroyed.
These are perilous daysJesus warned in Matthew 24:3-14 that the last days would bring tribulations, dangers, and sicknesses—and the speaker sees this happening all around us today with constant news of people getting sick or dying.
A song born from crisisRuth Keys, a pastor's wife troubled by World War II, wrote the song 'In Times Like These' when the Holy Spirit gave her words expressing our urgent need for a savior during dark and dangerous times.
Drifting without an anchorWithout an anchor, a ship drifts without direction and may end in shipwreck; similarly, without God's anchor, our lives can end tragically without purpose or knowing the Lord.
The anchor is God's hopeBy reading Hebrews 6:16-20, the speaker understood that the anchor God has given us is the hope we have in him—something that will not fail.
A twin anchor with double strengthThe anchor has two strands making it extremely strong, and God himself gave both an oath and a promise to back it, ensuring it will never fail.
Fixed on something strongThe anchor must grip something secure to prevent drifting; our anchor is fixed on Jesus, who is steadfast, dependable, and will never be shaken.
Jesus our forerunnerJesus took this anchor through his flesh by crucifying it and placed it into God's presence in the most holy place, showing us the way and calling us to follow.
Jesus is coming soonThe first strand of hope is that Jesus will come quickly and our troubles will be over, a promise echoed throughout Christian life and confirmed in Revelation.
Purify yourself as he is pureThe second strand of hope, which the speaker had missed, is the call to purify ourselves as Jesus is pure—not just waiting for his return, but actively preparing ourselves to meet him.
Am I ready to meet the Lord?This realization prompts a urgent question: Am I ready for the Lord's coming? Time is running out, and the speaker wonders if there will be enough time to finish the work God has given.
Not burying our opportunitiesThe parable of the talents warns: are we wasting the opportunities God gives us to purify ourselves and be ready, or are we actively using them?
Take up your cross and followJesus shows the way to hold both strands: if you want to be his disciple, take up your cross, deny yourself, do the Father's will, and then your anchor will be strong and you'll be ready.
Jesus intercedes for usJesus is now our high priest in God's presence interceding for us—a truth from Hebrews that assures us we are not alone in our struggle.
You can make itJesus holds the anchor and tells us personally, 'You can come through; you can make it if you follow me'—a direct assurance of his presence and help.
In times like these you need a saviorThe song's central message is that in perilous times like these, you need a savior—and that savior is Jesus Christ.
You need an anchor and a BibleBeyond needing a savior, be very sure your anchor holds to the solid rock; also read and meditate on God's word in the Bible and do not be idle in these times.
This rock is Jesus—and it can be yoursThe speaker's testimony is that her anchor holds because this rock is Jesus; this same testimony can be yours, and the chorus affirms that in times like these, this rock is Jesus.
