Cry Aloud. Spare Not.

Pastor Aaron Rios | Garden City Church | Sept 14th, 2025

Cry Loud, Spare Not: Why the Church Must Speak Now

"Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the descendants of Jacob their sins." — Isaiah 58:1 (NIV)

After last week’s message, a deep conviction settled in: many believers don’t know what to say in public. In a time of confusion, compromise, and spiritual cowardice, God is calling His people to rediscover their voice. The Church has been silent for too long. The spirit of Absalom thrives in the vacuum of spiritual leadership. But God is restoring a prophetic voice—rooted in His Word and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

What Are We Speaking?
Jesus declared, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses..." (Acts 1:8 NASB). That power isn’t just for Sunday services; it’s for bold witness in a broken world. But if we’re not grounded in the Word or spending time in God’s presence, we can’t speak with Kingdom authority.

Many Christians today are unsure of their beliefs. And where conviction is absent, silence reigns. We are not called to echo opinions—we are called to declare truth.

"If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God..." — 1 Peter 4:11 (NIV)

No Word, no power. No presence, no boldness.
Sin can silence your voice. So can fear. But the Holy Spirit doesn’t just stir emotions—He brings divine recall (John 14:26) and holy boldness.

Let’s be clear: Kingdom truth will often sound like hate speech to a culture in love with sin. Not all hate speech is Kingdom truth, but real truth confronts sin, injustice, and immorality. And yes, it offends.

We don’t speak to provoke—we speak to liberate.
"The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving..." — 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NASB)

What the Word Speaks To
The Bible speaks with clarity on today’s pressing issues. If God spoke, we must echo Him.
1. Life, the Womb, and Human Dignity
Life begins in the womb and is sacred:

• Jeremiah 1:4-5
• Luke 1:15
• Psalm 139:13–16

Abortion is not merely political—it’s a Kingdom concern. And if you've walked that road, know this: there's mercy at the cross. Jesus restores.

2. Marriage, Sexuality & Family
Marriage is God’s design—one man and one woman:

• Genesis 2:24
• Matthew 19:4-6

Sexual purity isn’t cultural—it’s divine. If you're wrestling with identity, know that freedom is found in Jesus.

3. Immigration & Compassion
God commands care for the vulnerable:

• Amos 5
• Deuteronomy 10:18
• Exodus 22:21

But compassion is not chaos. We welcome the foreigner, but we do not bless crime or laziness. Kingdom compassion includes justice and wisdom.

4. Justice, Order & Safety
God is a God of order:

• 2 Thessalonians 3:10
• Proverbs 25:28
• Nehemiah 4 & 6

Loving others does not mean self-destruction. Stewardship matters. Justice matters.

5. Kingdom Economics
The Bible teaches stewardship over ideology:

• Matthew 22:21
• 1 Timothy 5:8
• 2 Corinthians 9:6
• Luke 13:6-9

Work hard. Be generous. Bear fruit. Grace doesn’t erase responsibility.

6. Israel & God's Covenant
God’s covenant with Israel still stands:

• Psalm 122:6
• Joel 3:2
• Romans 11:17

Support for Israel isn’t about politics—it’s about promise.

7. Salvation, Holiness & Living Right
Salvation transforms how we live:

• Titus 2:11-12
• 2 Timothy 3:16

Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and live in righteousness.

Kingdom vs. Culture
Some believers want to keep faith separate from politics. You may have heard the term "Christian Nationalism." Let’s be real—you can’t legislate salvation. But if I follow Jesus, I must align my vote and values with His Word - i am unashamedly a patriot. I am unashamedly a Christian. These do not necessarily have to be two separate postures. They can be one identity - however, my allegiance is to the kingdom of Heaven.

This creates tension. It may cost us friends, influence, or favor. But we’re not here for popularity—we’re here for Kingdom alignment.

Takeaways:

• Truth offends because it confronts sin.
• If you speak boldly, you’ll be labeled. Praise God.
• We’re not here to please culture—we’re here to preach Kingdom.
• The world doesn’t want separation of church and state—they want separation of truth from influence.

The Church’s Role: Cry Loud, Spare Not
Jesus confronted sin. We must too. We’re confused on Kingdom truth because we’re unfamiliar with the Bible. What grieves the Father should grieve us.

So How Should We Pray?
"Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." — Matthew 6:10 (NIV)
We pray for godly leaders, teachers, parents, and Kingdom clarity. And even if opposition comes—we won’t back down.

We don’t stand on opinion. We stand on the Word.
It’s time to rise. Cry loud. Spare not.
Let the Holy Spirit empower your voice.
Let the Word of God illuminate your understanding.
Let’s go speak what God is speaking.