How can we "sound the trumpet" to warn others of spiritual danger today? The Original Call to Sound the Trumpet “Announce in Judah and proclaim in Jerusalem: ‘Blow the trumpet throughout the land.’ Cry aloud and say, ‘Assemble yourselves and let us flee to the fortified cities!’” (Jeremiah 4:5) Why the Warning Is Still Needed • Sin still provokes God’s righteous judgment (Romans 1:18). • The enemy still “prowls around like a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8). • People remain spiritually dead until they hear and believe the gospel (Ephesians 2:1–5; Romans 10:14–15). • The Lord desires none to perish but all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). What the Trumpet Should Sound Like Today • Clear, unashamed proclamation of the gospel of Christ crucified and risen (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). • Honest warning of God’s coming judgment and the reality of hell (Hebrews 9:27; Matthew 10:28). • Compassionate invitation to repent and receive mercy (Isaiah 55:6–7; Acts 3:19). • Loving confrontation of error inside and outside the church (Jude 3; Revelation 3:19). • Steady encouragement to persevere in holiness (Hebrews 12:14). Practical Ways to Lift the Horn 1. Speak up one-on-one – Share personal testimony (Mark 5:19). – Ask friends what they believe and offer biblical truth. 2. Teach and preach faithfully – “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). – Refuse to dilute or edit difficult passages (Acts 20:26–27). 3. Leverage modern channels – Write, post, record, and broadcast Scripture-saturated content (Psalm 68:11). – Use social media to spotlight truth, not to win arguments. 4. Model a counter-cultural lifestyle – Shine as “salt and light” so deeds back up words (Matthew 5:13–16). – Cultivate integrity; hypocrisy muffles the trumpet. 5. Intercede before you intervene – Pray for boldness and open doors (Ephesians 6:18–20; Colossians 4:3). – Ask the Spirit to convict hearts (John 16:8). 6. Guard the flock – Elders and parents must identify false teaching quickly (Titus 1:9–11). – Provide resources that equip believers to recognize deception. 7. Rescue the wavering – “Save others, snatching them out of the fire” (Jude 23). – Offer counsel and accountability to those flirting with sin. 8. Maintain a prophetic edge – Address cultural issues biblically—life, marriage, justice, idolatry (Isaiah 58:1). – Refuse the pressure to stay silent for acceptance or safety. Motivation to Keep Blowing the Trumpet • Love for God, who first loved us (1 John 4:19). • Love for people, created in His image (Matthew 22:39). • Accountability as watchmen—“his blood I will require at your hand” (Ezekiel 33:6). • Hope that some will hear, repent, and live (Luke 15:10). Confidence as We Sound the Alarm “The Lord’s word does not return void” (Isaiah 55:11). “The gospel is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16). “He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). |
    |