tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15754841424873365562024-03-27T07:39:07.523-04:00MaxEvangelTo schedule Revivals, Missions Conferences, Special Days, and Pulpit Supply with Evangelist Wayne McCray please call 703-819-9747. Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.comBlogger431125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-55509240357170052282024-03-24T19:33:00.000-04:002024-03-24T19:33:42.285-04:00Plagues of Marriage<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsGA_rUeJlCk_i65WSOUSo8X7j-3UTeNrCmFn_Isp08H_wyq31tFo12_t8AGQa7U_8uC2xRSitYlqx4B3Cw64CjjWEStYy04TvMh1JrJWLp0lm7CSLugM4NCC7tqt1TOXykx62tPiTjMyZsBA9yYnhRUUW2ENbIrOysg02WZssnUVDe2iLWqQomVO-iLc/s1243/Marriage1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1243" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsGA_rUeJlCk_i65WSOUSo8X7j-3UTeNrCmFn_Isp08H_wyq31tFo12_t8AGQa7U_8uC2xRSitYlqx4B3Cw64CjjWEStYy04TvMh1JrJWLp0lm7CSLugM4NCC7tqt1TOXykx62tPiTjMyZsBA9yYnhRUUW2ENbIrOysg02WZssnUVDe2iLWqQomVO-iLc/s320/Marriage1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">GENESIS 2:18-25</span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">SUBJECT:
THE FOUNDATION OF MARRIAGE<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">THEME: <b><i>We
must Return to the Lord’s Plan and Design for the Help of Our Marriages and the
Preservation of Our Culture. God’s Plan Is over 6, 000 Years Old,
but it Still Holds out the Light of Hope and Fulfillment in this Age Darkened
by Family Confusion and Social Corrosion.</i></b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">RELEVANCE: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Is
There Any Hope for the Institution of "Marriage"?</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Some experts are saying
that marriage as we now know it is on the way out. As divorce rates continue to
climb, or at least stay at incredibly high levels, many people, in and out of
the church, are growing doubtful about marriage. Even for seemingly
"perfectly matched" couples, marriage has become more of a risk and
curse instead of a blessing (H. N. Wright).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">INTRODUCTION:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">What is
Marriage?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Marriage
is an exclusive relationship in which a man and a woman commit themselves to
each other in covenant for life, and on the basis of this solemn vow become
“one flesh” physically (Gen. 2:24; Mal. 2:14; Matt. 19:4-6). Christian
Marriage involves two Christians, a Covenant of Commitment to each other,
physical consummation of the union, and commitment to God’s plan for marriage.
Marriage is a gift from God, and it was not just for convenience, nor was it
brought about by any culture. It is wonderfully the Creator’s idea and He gave
instructions to His creatures regarding it administration.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Many of
the problems couples face in marriage persist because of ignorance, lack of
diligence, or a failure to adhere to these basic spiritual principles of
marriage. <b><i>There are five major changes taking place in the
institution of marriage today:</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> ·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">A
decline in understanding between marriage partners.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> ·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Acceptance
of the new morality, which is replacing Judeo-Christian values.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> ·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The
spread of secular humanistic philosophy, which rivals Christian truth. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> ·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The
loss of determination to stay married.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> ·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The
development of unrealistic marriage expectations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">LESSON:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">FIVE
CHANGES PLAGUING MARRIAGES.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">A.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> <b>Decline
of Understanding and Lack of Communication Go Together.</b> Many couples
today lack the kind of <i>communication skills</i> that produce the
understanding necessary for a marriage to grow strong, or even exist.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Learn
to Talk to Achieve Understanding. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Understanding in a marriage doesn't mean that there
are no differences. It does mean that you and your mate are able to talk about
the differences and come to an understanding of each other's views. Mutual
submission enables a couple to practice this form of communication (Eph. 5:21;
1Pet. 5:5). You are able to accept the fact that your partner was raised in a
different fashion and because of that will react differently than you. Just
because something was done in a certain manner in your home when you were
growing up does not mean that it has to be done that same way in your new home.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Learn
to Talk To Adjust to Each Other.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Two
people who love one another but are unable to understand each other suffer
pain—a continual biting pain in their relationship. Understanding may not come
easily, but a willingness to share views, to see the <i>"other side
of the question,"</i> to talk things out can help a husband and wife
adjust and adapt to their honest differences of opinion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">ILLUSTRATION: Someone
has likened this adjustment to two porcupines who lived in Alaska. When the
deep and heavy snows came they felt the cold and began to draw close together.
However, when they drew close they began to stick one another with their
quills. When they drew apart they felt the cold once again. In order to keep
warm they had to learn how to adjust to one another.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">B.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> <b>Acceptance
of the New Morality, which is Replacing Judeo-Christian Values. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Moral
refers to ideas of right and wrong behavior along with good and bad
motives. The ‘old morality’ was based on the Bible and the Ten
Commandments. However, the new morality rejects this absolute standard for
relativism, situation ethics, and whatever makes you happy. Remember, Paul
warned Timothy of the perils of deceivers and false doctrines and dangerous
philosophies (2Tim. 3:1, 6-9, 13; Col. 2:8).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I
believe the “new morality” is negatively affecting the American family.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> In fact, this supposed “new
morality” has led to a serious breakdown in traditional Judeo-Christian
morality. People are rejecting the Bible-based standards of moral
behavior and wholly embracing the culture-based standards.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Because
the culture-based standard of morality relaxes sensual prohibitions and
eliminates sexual taboos, society is now suffering the consequences. In fact
this ethical shift has resulted in a tremendous increase in sexually
transmitted diseases (STD), illegitimate births, and abortions. No-fault
divorces create millions of single-parent families that have inherent
difficulties. Single mothers entered the workforce by the millions
and latchkey kids have become a national concern. Homosexual behavior,
palimony, family violence, date rape, pornography, sexual harassment, drugs and
alcohol addictions, alternative family lifestyles are some of the additional
problems resulting from the disintegration of traditional morality.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">C.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> <b>The
Spread of Secular Humanistic Philosophy, which Rivals Christian Truth. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">What
is secular humanism. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">A
good working definition of secular humanism can be found in Webster’s
Dictionary, <i><u>“a system of doctrines and practices that reject any
form of religious faith and worship.”</u></i> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The
term secular humanists has been used to identify those who would remove
religious influence from the institutions of American society—government,
courts, education, economics, and media.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">In
addition others describe humanists thusly, “In their self-definition God does
not exist, and it is a destructive illusion to believe in him. They
promote a way of life that systematically excludes God and all religion in the
traditional sense.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">It
is “an anti-Christian system of thought that influences every decision and most
of a person’s actions. It is anti-God, anti-moral, anti-self
restraint, and anti-American.”—Tim LaHaye<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">We
must not confuse humanism for humanitarianism.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> It is interesting to
note that humanist masquerade as humanitarians, but their belief is actually
anti-human and they are the number one enemy of the traditional family.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">A
true humanitarian will promote human welfare and social reform, but secular
humanism inspires destructive relativistic value systems. They
firmly reject monogamous marriage as instituted by God. They fervently
encourage easy divorces, remarriage, serial polygamy, rejection of biblical
authority, situation ethics, hedonism, and extremes forms of women’s
liberation, legalizing abortion, and the elimination of
marriage. This is a literal portrayal of life in the last days as
Paul described it (2Tim. 3:1-5). People are lovers of themselves and
lovers of pleasure!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">There
are four basic convictions that distinguish secular humanism from Christian
humanism, “confidence in God and Christ; supernatural world-view; the power of
Christ acting through the church; and incarnational humanitarianism.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Francis
Schaeffer insisted that the conflict is between the Judeo-Christian view of God
with absolute values of right and wrong and a humanistic system “with only
personal, arbitrary, relative values.” The current conflict between
Christianity and humanism is the age-old struggle between God and Satan, right
and wrong, darkness verses light, sin against righteousness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">God
is the ultimate Final Reality. He is the infinite personal God who
is truly there. To the God of the Bible things are not
neutral. There are definitely absolutes; there is right and wrong in
the world. He authored the Ten Commandments!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Since
secular Humanists control the media, it would be helpful to beware of their
impact. Has television viewing had a negative influence on the
American family? How does it contribute to the violence in American
culture?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> The
impact of television on the American family is a net negative. Since
television programming is largely influenced by secular humanism, it is a moral
descent from filth, smut, and innuendo to depravity. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">It
is their aim to destroy the country’s moral fiber and with it the traditional
family. They manipulate this communication tool to control the way
people think and over exposure to secular input is “dangerous.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Many
parents use the television as a babysitting method, but this exposes the
children to sex, profanity, and violence. This is one of the leading
causes of aggressive behavior in preschool children according to the National
Institute of Mental Health. In addition the violence viewed on
television is being carried out in the homes, schools, and streets of the
nation. Generally, young people are desensitized to violence; this
is presently a cultural reality in America.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">D.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> <b>A Lack
of Determination to Stay Married Is Seen Today on Every Hand.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Quitting
Marriage is Alarmingly Common and Pervasive. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">To have had more than one husband
or wife is not considered at all unusual. As one woman filled out an
application for a new job, she came to the question, <i>"Married or
Single?"</i> Her answer: <i>"Between marriages."</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Impatience
is a Massive Character Flaw Among Modern Couples. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Many enter marriage with the
attitude that if they do not get along they can break the relationship and try
again. Many people are too impatient with their marriages. They do not want to
live <i>"happily ever after."</i> They want to live <i>"happily
right away"</i> and when this does not happen, they bail out. A grand
helping of ‘patience’ would do the average marriage a lot of good and help the
couple endure to finally experience fulfillment God’s way (Js. 1:2-7; 5:7-11;
Rom. 5:1-5).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">E.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> <b>Too
Many Young Couples Enter Marriage Blinded by Unrealistic Expectations.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Young
Couples Want Romance All the Time.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> They
believe the relationship should be characterized by <i>a high level of
continuous romantic love.</i> As one young adult said: <i>"I
wanted marriage to fulfill all my desires. I needed security, someone to take
care of me, intellectual stimulation, economic security immediately—but it just
wasn't like that!"</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Young
Couples Want a Cinderella “Magic.”</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> People
are looking for something <i>"magical"</i> to happen in
marriage. But magic doesn't make a marriage work: <i>hard work
does.</i> <b>When there are positive results in a relationship, it is
because of two people working together one step at a time.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Married
Couples Need to Return to God’s Enduring Plan for Marriage.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> This brings us back to the
potential of hope, fulfillment, and happiness. <i>What then is a
Christian marriage?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">F.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> <b><i>Why
should we be concerned about changes in the family?</i></b> Every one of
us should be concerned about changes in the family because the family does not
exist in a vacuum. It is interrelated with four other basic
institutions of society: religious, economic, governmental, and educational
institutions. Changes in the family will dramatically affect the
others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">CONCLUSION:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The
problem is not the institution of marriage, but our view of Marriage and Family
have greatly departed from God’s original plan.<b> </b>Our generation is
actually watching the death of marriage from a biblical and traditional
perspective. But, <i><u>God’s Enduring Plan for Married Life</u></i> still
shines like a beacon of hope to every couple and single alike. The preservation
of the institution of Marriage can only be realized in our culture as we submit
to God’s enduring plan. It’s time for Christian marriages and
families to demonstrate a way of living that is rewarding, meaningful, and
fulfilling. God’s Plan for couples should be evident to the world as it looks
at Christian marriages and families. As we realize God’s plan in our
lives we supply hope to the many others who need direction, counsel, and hope.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-75097915227248156142024-03-14T19:34:00.001-04:002024-03-16T08:04:45.543-04:00Is God Still Fair?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMhG7MoPq9vMEji79njt1K1Od3HTEceXgmZ78pDWm6vITDmUvZYxIpYXuow8zYdOJbAIEbsuM8dH6LMZMvDy4d_IwZ20j8qhgaE6edRKpnYAQ47WUsqq3L2_86viDY68IzGpIIGw5XpyywGVHHAeDz8_lQ-ajnWStYFOmbeVG0yFf9HSo7-nDhwk3I7fg/s1155/Fair.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1155" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMhG7MoPq9vMEji79njt1K1Od3HTEceXgmZ78pDWm6vITDmUvZYxIpYXuow8zYdOJbAIEbsuM8dH6LMZMvDy4d_IwZ20j8qhgaE6edRKpnYAQ47WUsqq3L2_86viDY68IzGpIIGw5XpyywGVHHAeDz8_lQ-ajnWStYFOmbeVG0yFf9HSo7-nDhwk3I7fg/s320/Fair.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">ROMANS 9:14-18 (VS
11)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">SUBJECT: ROMANS/ISRAEL’S
PAST</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">THEME: The entire redemptive
economy of God rests upon the unchanging foundation of his nature and
character. We can rest without any prospect of disappointment in his mercy,
power, and faithfulness.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">INTRODUCTION:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">If God is fair in his dealings
with the nation of Israel, then the rest of humanity can unreservedly entrust
their eternal future with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
if he was unfair in his dealings with Israel, then how can we as Gentile
Christians even begin to rest in him for our own eternal destiny? Can God be
trusted to be fair in all his dealing?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">Once again verse 9:11 says,<b><sup> <span style="color: red;">“</span></sup></b><span style="color: red;">(For the children
being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, <a name="_Hlk160554901">that the purpose of God according to election might stand</a>,
not of works, but of him that calleth;)</span>” points to the fact that God
holds the right to behave like God. The choice is with him alone to reject the
will, intentions, works, and goals of mere men that only his election purpose
will prevail. Again, “<span style="color: red;">that the purpose of God according
to election might stand.”</span> It is God that “<span style="color: red;">calleth</span>;”
referring to his declaration, statement, word, promise, provision, and will. Please
keep this fact uppermost in your mind as you work through this passage.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">There are a few questions I want
to answer from this passage:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">1) Can God select Israel while
rejecting Edom?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">2) Was God fair to Pharaoh?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">3) Have the promises of God failed
Israel? Can such promises fail in our case also?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">4) After looking at his record,
can God still be trusted today?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">MESSAGE:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.5pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">I.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">GOD’S CHARACTER
IN QUESTION.</span></i></b> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">IS IT FAIR FOR GOD TO SELECT ONE AND REJECT ANOTHER?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black;">VS
14-18 (GOD’S CHARACTER IS CONSISTENT WITH HIS PLAN)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">Rom 9:14,
What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">So, is
it fair for God to reject one and receive another? How can God justify
selecting between nations, Israel and Edom (</span><span style="color: red;">Rom.
9:12-13</span><span style="color: black;">)? God must be ‘unrighteous’ because he
did this. Again, justice from a human perspective may have missed the fact that
God’s actions were not unrighteous, inconsistent, or unfair…. God was behaving
in a manner consistent with his great plan involving election (</span><span style="color: red;">Rom. 9:11</span><span style="color: black;">). Electing a
person or a group of people is a divine prerogative. It is correct for God to
select a person, a group, a nation, or a people for whatever purpose he deems
necessary. Expect God the Creator to behave like God…to exercise God-size
rights and justices. This would be totally wrong for us mere human beings, but
this is the Creator acting like it.</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">Paul
here clearly and unreservedly rejects any idea of God being unfair (</span><span style="color: red;">Rom. 9:14</span><span style="color: black;">).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the same time he does not even attempt to
water down the reality that God is sovereign to make the truth more palatable
to those who would question God’s character and object to his right to
judge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The facts of this passage are
clear throughout Scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is never
unfair no matter how many people accuse Him of such folly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is consistent in His character and His
character is reflected in His redemptive economy—his plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He must redeem because of His compassion, and
He must condemn because of His justice!</span></p>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>God Determined to Pardon Sinful
Israel with Undeserved Grace. </u></b><o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">Rom.
9:15-16, For he saith to Moses, I will have<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">
mercy</b> on whom I will have<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> mercy</b>,
and I will have <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">compassion</b> on whom I
will have<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> compassion</b>. So then it is
not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> but of God that sheweth mercy</b>.</span></p>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none;">God
will Have Mercy on Whom He Wills. It is entirely up to Him and he is
govern by His nature and plan to show such mercy (Exo. 33:19). God made
this truth about himself known to Moses explaining his delight in being
merciful and compassionate. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none;">God
will Have Compassion on Whom He Wills. Once again God is determined to
pardon a sinful people…Israel who like us did not deserve his mercy or
compassion. It seems here that God exercised his unique prerogatives to
stick with his plan and expose us to His rich character. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none;">God’s
actions reflect his proclivity toward his very merciful character and
rejection of any human efforts, works, or achievements. It was not
something that Jacob did or didn’t do. It was not a matter of that Esau
did or didn’t achieve…. The reason God did it this way was to exclude
their activities entirely and to showcase his merciful character and plan.
Beloved, this is pure grace….</li></ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">God is
a merciful and compassionate God who desired to be merciful to Israel. Not
because they were good or deserved it, but because they did not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t be merciful to someone that is
deserving!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All men deserve Hell…if God
only choose to save two people, He would have been merciful and just at the
same time. He obviously opted differently! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not that God is unfair in condemning people,
we condemned ourselves in sin and God was moved to save undeserving sinners
because He is merciful! Beloved, a sovereign God sought to be merciful to us
sinners, and this allows him to be consistent with his merciful and compassion
nature and purpose!</span></p>
<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>God Determined to Punish Sinful
Pharaoh with Deserved Judgment.</u></b><o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">Rom.
9:17, For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> this same purpose</b> have I raised thee up, that I might shew my
power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.</span></p>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none;">An
Example of God Exercising His Power to Judge instead of showing Mercy. We
blame God for being unfair for judging Pharaoh and not giving him a chance
to be saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the truth of the
matter is that none of us <i>deserve </i>a chance to be saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were born deserving to go to
Hell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God in His sovereignty is
consistent with His Character, He hates Sin and Will Punish it without
mercy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pharaoh is a clear
illustration of this truth!<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none;">God’s
actions with Pharaoh demonstrates his capacity to judge deserving
individuals. In fact, it is with an understanding that God can choose to
be severe and punish mankind that we begin to appreciate his actions of
compassion and mercy. We only begin to see his mercy if we understand that
he can be severe also. This also demonstrates a real choice, a decision, a
select and the real exercise of grace towards believers and a clear choice
of judgment upon unbelievers on God’s behalf. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none;"><i>There
is no suggestion here that the Egyptian monarch was doomed from the time
of his birth. What happened was this. In adult life he proved to be
wicked, cruel, and extremely stubborn. In spite of the most solemn
warnings he kept hardening his heart. God could have destroyed him
instantly, but He didn’t. Instead, God preserved him alive in order that
He might display His <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">power i</span>n
him, and that through him God’s name might be known worldwide.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Is%20God%20Fair.doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></sup></b><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><o:p></o:p></i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none;"><i>The
Apostle Paul then presented his third illustration, the Egyptian Pharaoh
of the Exodus. To him God said through Moses, I raised you up (i.e.,
brought you onto the scene of history) to display My power in you and that
My name might be proclaimed in all the earth (cf. Ex. 9:16). God’s power
(cf. Rom. 9:22) was demonstrated as He freed the Israelites from under
Pharaoh’s hand. And other nations heard about it and were awed (Ex.
15:14–16; Josh. 2:10–11; 9:9; 1 Sam. 4:8). It is significant that Paul
introduced this quotation with the words, For the Scripture says, for he
equated the words of God with the words of Scripture. Paul concluded, God
has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy (cf. Rom. 9:15) and He hardens
whom He wants to harden (“make stubborn”; cf. Ex. 4:21; 7:3; 9:12; 10:27;
14:4, 8; cf. 14:17). Because of God’s choice, Pharaoh then hardened his
own heart (Ex. 7:13–14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 34–35). All this shows that
God chooses and works sovereignly, but not arbitrarily. Yet Pharaoh was
responsible for his actions.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Is%20God%20Fair.doc#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[2]</span></sup></b><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
</i><span style="color: red;">Rom. 9:18, Therefore hath he mercy on whom <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">he will have mercy</b>, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">whom he will he hardeneth.</b></span></li></ol>
<ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Some
Would Claim That God Was Unfair in Hardening Pharaoh's Heart</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. It should be noted that on at least
seven occasions in the book of Exodus we are told that God hardened the
heart of Pharaoh </i>(4:21; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">7:3; </i>9:12;
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">10:1,20, </i>27; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">11:10). How are we to understand this?
A partial (and only partial) answer may be found in the following
observation:</i></li></ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">ILLUSTRATION:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The manner in which a given object will react when confronted by an
outside influence is wholly dependent upon the nature of that object. For
example, imagine a winter scene and a frozen river. On either side is a bank of
yellow clay. Suddenly the sun comes from behind the clouds and shines brightly
down upon the river and the banks. What happens next? The reaction is this: The
ice will melt but the clay will harden. Thus we see in nature the some outside,
heavenly influence softening one object but hardening the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus the same sun that melts ice hardens
clay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same sun that bleaches cloth
tans the skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same God who shows
mercy to the brokenhearted also hardens the impenitent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grace rejected is grace denied.</span></i></p>
<ol start="6" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Furthermore, it Should Be Pointed out
That on Four Occasions We Are Informed That Pharaoh Hardened His Own Heart</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (Exod. 7:22; 8:15, 19; 9:35). The word
"hardeneth" in 9:18 </i>(kabed) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is translated "heavy" in Exodus 17:12; 18:18; Psalm
38:4; and Isaiah 1:4. Thus, God left his heart heavy with iniquities.</i></li></ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">Certainly,
a difficult area of Scripture is found in Romans 9:14-18 where the judgment of
God falls upon Pharaoh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Some have
mistaken God for hardening Pharaoh’s heart, but in reality he hardened his own
heart several times over before God hardened it in judgment</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In both cases this hardening has to do with
making the heart ‘hard,’ ‘heavy,’ and ‘firm.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In Exodus chapter three God merely predicted how unlikely Pharaoh’s
cooperation would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, as the
situation unfolded, it was Pharaoh who hardened his own heart during the
rod-to-serpent miracle in Exodus 7:13-14.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Clearly this was before the ten plagues of divine wrath were unleashed
on the nation. Even when the first five judgments were meted out it was the
king of Egypt who hardened his own heart (7:22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was after the sixth plague that the Lord
actually hardened Pharaoh’s heart (9:12<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if the
Lord hardened his heart with the very first miracle, He would only be treating
a sinner in the manner he deserves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
sinners, none of us deserve an opportunity for forgiveness, nor a chance of
mercy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sinners only deserve death and judgment,
this is pure justice.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it is
justice that does not fit the human representation of fairness, it is
never-the-less pure unadulterated righteous justice. God was already dealing
mercifully and patiently with Pharaoh from the very beginning. He did not owe
Pharaoh anything at all, except death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">B.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black;">WHAT ARE SOME
IMPLICATIONS FOR US?</span></b></p>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo6; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The Results of Witnessing these Two
Extraordinary Truths Should Move Everyone’s to Fear the Awesome Power of
the Wrath of God and Run to an All-Merciful God. </u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus Christ voluntarily took our sin and
guilt upon himself—he took the Father’s wrath for us…for me and you. Our
Lord embraced every bit of God’s wrath so that we might be spared it and
become recipients of God’s great bondless mercy instead! I think we should
love the Lord Jesus forever for this! Every sinner should run to God’s
mercy, compassion, forgiveness and redemption! The fact that all humanity
is at the mercy of a holy God is not something to threat about either, because
God is always righteous and fair in His dealings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be far worse to be at the mercy
of a fickle human being!</li></ol>
<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo6; mso-pagination: none;"><b><u>God
Gave Us the Scriptures to Interpret from a God-Centered Perspective</u></b>
(<span style="color: red;">2 Tim. 3:14-17; 2 Pet. 1:16-21</span>). God’s
fairness and righteousness is at the heart of this entire argument; we can
learn a great deal about Him and His plan from this chapter alone! The
written Word is the revelation of God and not primarily the origin, past,
presence, and future of humanity. The Bible contains great history and
science, but it is primarily focused on theology. In the Bible God
disclosed himself to mankind through many different types of revelations (<span style="color: red;">Heb. 1:1-3; Eph. 1:9-10</span>). The focal point of
every created thing is God in Jesus Christ. This encompasses our purpose
of life, this is why we pray, this provides our reasons for ministry, and
on we could go. A God-centered focus satisfies our ultimate need for
purpose, meaning, and significance in life. This is the point of Scripture
also. To view this universe from a man-centered perspective is backwards,
we could miss the very intent of God giving us the written Word in the
first place, and such miscarriages lies at the door of a humanistic
philosophy…even though we presume to handle the holy Word. This we must
never do, but we are correct in choosing a God-centered view of the
universe instead. There is much that can be learned about humanity from
the Bible, but the Scriptures are the revelation of God. Many Christians,
preachers, cults, and heretics have made the mistake of emphasizing Bible
ideas with a segment of society or with people in general at the heart of
their argument. This is an error! God alone must be the focal point to get
a correct conclusion about our responsibilities, obligations, and
benefits. And certainly, much needs to be learned by those who dismiss God
and humanity and exalt mere things or something else (<span style="color: red;">Rom. 1:18-32</span>)! No, Paul handles the anticipated
objections and counter arguments soundly by embracing and perpetuating
this God-centered focus of the Scriptures. We need the same persuasion
today. <o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<p></p><p class="MsoNormal">CONCLUSION:<o:p></o:p></p><div><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->
<p class="MsoNormal">The whole salvation program of God’s rest solidly upon the
foundation of his permanent nature and character. We can confidently live without any
fear of Him changing! God will exercise mercy, compassion, or judgment anytime he deems it appropriate. As our Creator he can do that! In the final analysis though he is all-powerful, he is also faithful to himself, his plan, and his character. He can
be trusted!<o:p></o:p></p>
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Is%20God%20Fair.doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
William MacDonald, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.Ro9.17&off=122&ctx=ited+as+an+example.%0a~There+is+no+suggesti"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a>, ed. Arthur Farstad
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1718.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Is%20God%20Fair.doc#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[2]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a> John
A. Witmer, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Ro9.14-18&off=826&ctx=can+earn+His+mercy.%0a~The+Apostle+Paul+the"><span style="color: blue;">“Romans,”</span></a> in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures</i>, ed. J. F.
Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 477.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div><p><br /></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-4492491475566656782024-03-12T20:22:00.001-04:002024-03-14T18:45:43.334-04:00God's Final Decision<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQgDHVQtPl_-4KELcj9BCtbXFkUv5JpcWbZ53tgvoW4j0hH1onu2_JvCZ0x7GW6hid4XOG4iIA8vMLgxOT9gcJ1W_LikbtEMP-efBj13dSDSJVuKloAhzFXkA72zrZhJN1nCa2JykZ_0G2cMu7Og_b_cBljNrTtZqKXN1bI6UsWNg8cUFhyphenhyphenIyvhTXH6Cd/s1122/Final%20Decision.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1122" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQgDHVQtPl_-4KELcj9BCtbXFkUv5JpcWbZ53tgvoW4j0hH1onu2_JvCZ0x7GW6hid4XOG4iIA8vMLgxOT9gcJ1W_LikbtEMP-efBj13dSDSJVuKloAhzFXkA72zrZhJN1nCa2JykZ_0G2cMu7Og_b_cBljNrTtZqKXN1bI6UsWNg8cUFhyphenhyphenIyvhTXH6Cd/s320/Final%20Decision.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Psalms 50:16-23<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Theme:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <b><i>The revival
of our churches begins with a renewal in our worship of God.</i></b> God’s
priority is to restore His people and then return them to heartfelt (spirit)
and genuine (truth) worship. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Relevance</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">:
the God of astonishing glory demands worship that work. The Christian lives in
this tension between rituals and reality! Too often our churches are accused of
hypocrisy: <i>“They don’t practice what they preach.”</i> We gather to merely
go through the motions of “worship.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Introduction:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In Psalms 50 formalism in worship and hypocrisy in
living are addressed. In prophetic fashion God exposes Israel’s sins: theft,
adultery, and lying (see verses 18–20). God sternly warns of judgment; however,
His promise of salvation is preferrable (see verses 22–23). There is something
here we desperately must learn now….<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Message:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in 0.5in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -.25in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>I.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">The Great
Judge’s Accusations (</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Ps. 50:16-21</span></i></b><b><i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">).<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">God demonstrates his rule and rejects
worship that is intensely insincere and flagrantly hypocritical. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">These “<span style="color: red;">wicked</span>”
individuals only paid lip service to God’s commandments while they habitually
violated them. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">A Rebuke for Hypocritical
Living (Rejecting God’s Word) (</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Ps. 50:16-17</span></b><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">).<o:p></o:p></span></b></h1>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">God
decried the nation’s hypocritical living. He addresses <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">the wicked</span></b>” </i>(singular) in
judgment, rebuking him for reciting His <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">laws
and speaking of His covenant as their profession of faith, while they actually
hated God’s instruction</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>(“discipline”).
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Only
the person with a heart for God has any right to approach Him (v. 15). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Though
these wicked people assembled with those who loved the Lord, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">God</span> knew their hearts.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/God%20Final%20Decision.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a> Jesus also
knew the hearts of the hypocritical Pharisees in Matt. 23. God knows the heart
still today.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“A
hypocrite is someone who not only does not practice what one preaches, but a
person who does the opposite of what one preaches. A parent holding a beer and
smoking a cigarette who admonishes a child not to drink or smoke, for instance,
may be viewed as being a hypocrite by the child.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Similarly, critics of Christianity
who raise the hypocrisy objection usually point to some moral failure in the
lives of Christians they know as examples of Christianity being false or at
least highly suspect. “See!” they exclaim. “There goes another hypocrite in the
church! How can I believe Christianity if the church is full of hypocrites?””</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
-Focus on the Family, What about Hypocrites in the Church? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">B.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">A Rebuke for Participating
in Theft (</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Ps. 50:18</span></b><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">).<o:p></o:p></span></b></h1>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
proof of this charge is given in verses 18. The wicked person “<b><i><span style="color: red;">consentedst</span></i></b>” with a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">thief.</span></b>” </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
verb for “consent,” meaning “to be pleased, to accept favorably,” of course,
violates at least the spirit of the eighth commandment, “<span style="color: red;">Thou shalt not steal</span>” (Ex. 20:15)<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Those
who were dishonest swindlers were just as much "thieves" as those who
swiped fruit from open baskets. The former thief was to no longer lie or
manipulate others, but personally work to provide for his own needs.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ephesians 4:28, Let him that stole steal no
more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is
good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">C.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">A Rebuke for Participating
in Adultery (</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Ps. 50:18</span></b><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">).<o:p></o:p></span></b></h1>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
wicked person has been <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">a partaker with adulterers.</span></b>” </i>To be a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“partaker” </i>here is to “have a portion”
with those who break the marriage vow, violating the seventh commandment. “<span style="color: red;">Thou shalt not commit adultery</span>” (Ex. 20:14).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
seventh Commandment deals with all immorality. If a married person
commits adultery, they have sex with someone they are not married to: Many
people in public life have committed adultery. Such involvement is a sin
against God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Cultural
values: American culture often places a high value on individualism and
personal freedom, which can sometimes conflict with traditional notions of
monogamous (one spouse) relationships. This may make it easier for people to
justify or explain infidelity.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">How
adultery affects society? Children may experience feelings of guilt, blame
themselves for the affair, or struggle with trust issues in their own future
relationships. The stability and cohesiveness of their family unit are
disrupted, affecting their overall well-being, academic performance, and future
relationships. (From MyWellBeing,com) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
command to refrain from adulterous relationships is foundational to the well
ordering of the marriage bond and the promotion of intimacy between husband and
wife.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> D.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">A
Rebuke for Participating in Lying (False Accusations) (<span style="color: red;">Ps.
50:19-20</span>).</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
wicked person has a deceitful and slanderous <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">tongue.</span></b>” </i>This includes <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“evil” </i>coming from his <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“mouth,” </i>his <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“tongue” </i>framing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“deceit,” </i>and
speaking <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">against</span></b></i><b><span style="color: red;"> thy<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> brother</i></span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">” </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">(Israelite)
in</span> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“slander.”</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This
violates the ninth commandment, “<span style="color: red;">Thou shalt not bear
false witness against thy neighbour</span>” (Ex. 20:16).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">E.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">A Rebuke for Practicing
Wrong Ideas and Injustices (</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Ps. 50:21</span></b><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">).<o:p></o:p></span></b></h1>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Previously,
God was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">silent </i>over this, and the
wicked took His silence as approval: “<b><i><span style="color: red;">thou
thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself.</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">” </i>However, they were wrong; God has come
in judgment to Israel and this is the time for Him to take action. The verb for
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">reprove</span></b>”
</i>(v. 21) means to <i>“judge, convict, correct.”</i> The judgment here then
is redemptive in its intention.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
case has been made, and God has <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">set</span></b>” </i>the evidence <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">in order before thine eyes</span></b>,” </i>as
in a legal case. Similarly, in Romans 2:17–24 Paul accuses the Jews of knowing
the law and yet disobeying it. While preaching against stealing, they steal.
While claiming to abhor adultery, they commit adultery. While hating idols,
they rob temples. Thus they “boast in the law” and break it at the same time.
The judgment of Psalm 50:15–17 retorts, “What business do you have declaring My
statutes, seeing you do not live up to My expectations? In fact, you hate My instructions!
The nerve of you…what right do you have?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Please
do not confuse God’s patience with His approval. God’s silence did not mean
that He agreed with their actions. No, the Lord would<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> rebuke</span> them directly for their sins.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/God%20Final%20Decision.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[2]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in 0.5in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -.25in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">II.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">The Great
Judge’s Decision (</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Ps.50:22-23</span></i></b><b><i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">).<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Offer God, our royal Ruler and Great
Judge, worship free of formalism and hypocrisy; offer Him heartfelt and since worship
(in spirit and in truth).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> A.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Notice
His Passion—The Urgency of Worship (<span style="color: red;">Ps. 50:22</span>). </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">God’s rebuke must be heard. If not,
He will come against those who <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“forget” </i>Him.
He will rip the wicked apart like a wild animal and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“tear </i>[<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">them</i>]<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> in pieces.” </i>No one will be able to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“deliver” </i>them.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> <b> </b></span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">God’s judgment will be swift,
violent, and final. He is not only against this form of hypocrisy, but he will
confront and deal with people on this. He is serious about this…are we?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> B.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Adopt
His Priority—The Glory of Worship (<span style="color: red;">Ps. 50:23</span>). </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">However,
those who worship God correctly, offering (“sacrificing”) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“praise” </i>will glorify Him and those who order [their]<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> “conversation” </i>(“way”) according to His
law will see <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“the salvation of God.”</i></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">How
then can hypocrisy be banished from our church? How can we have a “whole”
gospel? The answer, according to Psalm 50, is in worship and work, faith and
obedience. Offer real worship from a heart that is free of formalism and
hypocrisy.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a name="_Hlk152062629"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
revival of our churches begins with a renewal in worship.</span></i></b></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk152062629;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> Worship begins with the individual
being right with God. This is God’s priority</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk152062629;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">. When God restores His people, He
restores them to worship</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me</span></b>.”</i></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Asaph
instructed the hypocrites to <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">consider
their ways before it was too late. Again, he called on them to sacrifice thank
offerings</span> (cf. comments on v. 14) from hearts that are right with God.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/God%20Final%20Decision.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[3]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 0in 0.5in; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">C.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Believe His Promise—The
Salvation of Worship (</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Ps. 50:23</span></b><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">).<o:p></o:p></span></b></h1>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Those
who come to Him with sacrifices of thanksgiving glorify Him; all who walk in
this pathway of obedience will experience God’s marvelous deliverances in times
of peril.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/God%20Final%20Decision.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[4]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">When
our faith grows, obedience will come and God will fulfill His word: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">will I shew the
salvation of God.</span></b>”</i></span><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/God%20Final%20Decision.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span face=""Aptos",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[5]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Conclusion: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">So, the Psalm indicts God’s people for formalism in
worship and hypocrisy in living. <i>“Jesus’ advice to “<span style="color: red;">worship
in spirit and in truth</span>” (John 4:24) provides the proper correctives for
these faults.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/God%20Final%20Decision.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[6]</span></sup></b><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Why do we play the hypocrite at times? Are there
instances when we fail to live up to other’s expectations or our own standards?
Perhaps we all are morally smaller than we would like others to believe…so we
pretend or fake it until we make it? Perhaps we pretend when we are not
Christlike inside…when we are not filled with the Spirit of God. There is only
one way to truly live Christian and that is by Jesus Christ living through us. Listen
carefully to God’s Word:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">John 15:5, I am the vine, ye are the
branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much
fruit: <b>for without me ye can do nothing.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Galatians 2:20, I am crucified with Christ:
nevertheless I live; yet not I, <b>but Christ liveth in me:</b> and the life
which I now live in the flesh <b>I live by the faith of the Son of God, who
loved me, and gave himself for me.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Let’s start with being honest with God about our need
for Christ in all facets of life. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/God%20Final%20Decision.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span face=""Aptos",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
Allen P. Ross, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Ps50.16-17&off=10&ctx=50%3a16%E2%80%9317.+~Asaph%2c+announcing+God%E2%80%99s+second"><span style="color: blue;">“Psalms,”</span></a> in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures</i>, ed. J. F.
Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 831.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/God%20Final%20Decision.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span face=""Aptos",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[2]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
Allen P. Ross, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Ps50.18-21&off=212&ctx=er+(cf.+Ex.+20%3a16).+~He+warned+them+not+t"><span style="color: blue;">“Psalms,”</span></a> in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures</i>, ed. J. F.
Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 831.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/God%20Final%20Decision.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span face=""Aptos",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[3]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
Allen P. Ross, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Ps50.22-23&off=10&ctx=50%3a22%E2%80%9323.+~Asaph+instructed+the+hypocrite"><span style="color: blue;">“Psalms,”</span></a> in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures</i>, ed. J. F.
Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 831.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/God%20Final%20Decision.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span face=""Aptos",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[4]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
William MacDonald, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.Ps50.22&off=240&ctx=y+destroy+them.+But+~those+who+come+to+Hi"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a>, ed. Arthur Farstad
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 629.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/God%20Final%20Decision.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span face=""Aptos",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[5]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
Donald Williams and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/prcm13ps1?ref=Bible.Ps50.1-23&off=12359"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Psalms 1–72</span></i></a>,
vol. 13, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc,
1986), 378–384.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/God%20Final%20Decision.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span face=""Aptos",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[6]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
Allen P. Ross, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Ps50.22-23&off=203&ctx=are+right+with+God.%0a~So+the+psalm+indicts"><span style="color: blue;">“Psalms,”</span></a> in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures</i>, ed. J. F.
Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 831.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div><br /><p></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-70886234564335549542024-02-29T20:04:00.000-05:002024-02-29T20:04:05.774-05:00Who Did Sin?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJEiu2KiubWJ5aXL9dceqaOhNnqTTnoOHnhaXPLKII1z8hRWwegFy0EcGHL2pTksttPFQdIIBDPv5_2Eml76bTGdvxpFpczxnt1lW9aN32qWOAMmWRzUNWELSx0yd15GU8eW2XxO-chAqdBlPvEo6X5cledOMq699HpxTn09u0Wv2PYLp4Ry3vWf1Zgog/s1265/Who%20Sin%20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1265" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJEiu2KiubWJ5aXL9dceqaOhNnqTTnoOHnhaXPLKII1z8hRWwegFy0EcGHL2pTksttPFQdIIBDPv5_2Eml76bTGdvxpFpczxnt1lW9aN32qWOAMmWRzUNWELSx0yd15GU8eW2XxO-chAqdBlPvEo6X5cledOMq699HpxTn09u0Wv2PYLp4Ry3vWf1Zgog/s320/Who%20Sin%20.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 161.0pt 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">JOHN 9:1-7</span></b><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal">SUBJECT: ADVERSITY’S SOURCE</p><p class="MsoNormal">THEME: <b><i>Understanding that Sin is often the Source
of Our Troubles and Adversities Could Prompt Us to Make Decisions That Help Us
Avoid Some of Life’s Difficulties and Trials.
We Must Also Learn How to Respond to Adversity to Ensure That It is a
Help to Us and Not Our Ruin.</i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">RELEVANCY: How do we respond when various forms of testing
come into our lives? Do we complain bitterly against the misfortunes of life,
or do we rejoice and thank the Lord for them?
Do we advertise our trials or do we bear them quietly? Do we live in the future, waiting for our
circumstances to improve, or do we live in the present, seeking to see the hand
of God in all that comes our way? Do we indulge in self-pity and seek sympathy
or do we submerge self in a life of service for others? </p><p class="MsoNormal">INTRODUCTION:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">As Jesus and His disciples passed through Jerusalem, they
came upon a man who had been blind from birth. This surfaced a question in the
minds of the disciples that they must have been wrestling with for some time.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;">John 9:2, And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, <b>who did sin</b>, this man, or his parents,
that he was born blind?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Their Dilemma Was
Based upon a Wrong Assumption They Had Been Taught All Their Lives, Namely,
That Illness Is a Sign of God's Judgment.</b>
There was no question in their minds that someone had sinned. But who?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>The Disciples
Were Trying from Their Limited Perspective to Answer a Question We Often Find
Ourselves Asking. It Is the Why Question. </b>Why
did this happen? Who is responsible for this? Why did my son run away? Why did
my father contract cancer? Why did our house burn? Why did I lose my job? Why
was I sued? Subconsciously or
consciously, verbally or silently, these questions spring to our minds and
lips. Are they good questions to ask?</p><p class="MsoNormal">The questions are endless. Each of us has a specific
list. <b><i>Sometimes there is so much
emotion involved we dare not even allow ourselves to verbalize the frustration
we feel because asking for and finding no clear-cut answer threatens the
foundation of all we believe about God and His goodness. And yet, the questions
still linger.</i></b> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">We have already looked at the fact that God is sometimes
the source of our adversity, and we said that God always has our good in mind
when He is responsible for our troubles. We also admonished you to be sure to
respond to adversity with an attitude of trust in God’s plan and will working
in our in your lives. Today we want to look at another sources of adversity…sin.</p><p class="MsoNormal">MESSAGE:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">COULD SIN BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MY ADVERSITY?</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;">James 1:14-15, But every man is tempted, when he is drawn
away of his own lust, and enticed. [15] Then when <b>lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is
finished, bringeth forth death.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;">Matthew 15:19, For <b>out
of the heart</b> proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications,
thefts, false witness, blasphemies:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">God is not the only source of adversity. Oftentimes
adversity comes as a result of our own actions. Jesus’ disciples were not
completely off base in their approach to discerning the cause behind the man’s
blindness. <b>Adversity is in many cases
the result of sin.</b> In fact, <i><u>sin always results in adversity of some
kind</u></i>. James writes about it in chapter 1 verses 14 and 15.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">A. SIN ALWAYS RESULTS IN SOME FORM OF
DEATH.</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;">Genesis 2:17, But of the tree of the knowledge of good and
evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that <b>thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Certainly, sin results in eternal spiritual death—the final
separation of a person from God.
Sometimes it is immediate physical death, but usually it is more subtle.
Sin causes our relationships to die. It causes our self-esteem to die. Certain
sins kill healthy ambition and discipline. All of these forms of death result
in adversity to some degree. <span style="color: red;">1 Tim. 5:6, But she
that <b><i><u>liveth
in pleasure</u></i></b> is <b>dead while
she liveth.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">A Christian living in sin is wasting their lives and
utterly failing to fulfill the purpose for which God saved them. To be out of fellowship with God for a
Christian is a form of the living dead.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> <b><u>1.
Sin is the Source of Death in The Garden of Eden.</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;">Romans 5:12, Wherefore, as by one man<b> sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon
all men,</b> for that all have sinned:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">ILLUSTRATION: The
classic case would be <b>the story of Adam
and Eve</b>. Their lives were free of adversity. There was no sickness, death,
decay, or suffering of any kind in the Garden of Eden. There was no tension in
their relationship with each other. Neither was there any conflict between them
and the environment. They could not have wished for anything more. We are not
sure how long Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden. We are certain, though,
about why they had to leave-sin.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> <b><u>2.
Sin is the Original Source of Many Adversities.</u></b> <span style="color: red;">(Gen. 3:14-24)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">After they disobeyed God by eating of the forbidden fruit,
everything changed.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> a. Eve would experience pain in childbirth. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> b. There would be the potential for conflict
between the man and the woman. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> c. There would even be conflict between man and
his environment. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> d. To top it all off, man would have to
experience death and thus live his life under the shadow of that monumental
foe. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> e. Death brought with it fear, sorrow, doubt,
and insecurity. All of these were the result of sin. From that moment on, life
for Adam and Eve would be full of adversity-and all because of sin. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">B. SIN IS THE ROOT
OF ADVERSITY; THIS WAS NOT GOD’S ORIGINAL PLAN.</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="color: red;">(Gen. 1 & 2)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <b><u>1.
Adversity Is Not a Part of God’s Original Plan for Mankind.</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">This biblical narrative does more than simply illustrate
the possible connection between sin and adversity.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> <b>a.
This Passage Serves as the Foundation for Answering Many of Life's
Toughest Questions.</b> It is clear from even a casual reading of these first
few chapters that God never intended for man to experience the adversity and
sorrow brought about by our forefather’s sin.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> <b>b.
Death Was Not a Part of God’s Original Plan for Man. Death Is an
Interruption.</b> It is God's enemy as well as man's. It is the opposite of all
He desired to accomplish.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> <b><u>2.
Sickness and Pain Are Not a Part of God’s Original Plan for Mankind.</u></b>
<span style="color: red;">(Gen. 3:8-19)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Sorrow, Shame, Hiding, Fear, Blame Shifting, Strife/Enmity,
and Pain all came into the world as a result of man’s sin.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> <b>a.
Sickness and Pain Are Certainly No Friends of God.</b> There was no
sickness in the Garden of Eden. It was not a part of God's original plan for
man.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> <b>b.
The Ministry of Christ Bears Witness to this Truth.</b> Everywhere He
went He healed the sick. God shares our disdain for disease. Sickness is an
intruder. It had no place in God's world in the beginning; it will have no
place in His world in the end.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> <b>c.
Death, Disease, Famine, Earthquakes, War-these Things Were Not Part of
God's Original Plan.</b> Yet they are part of our reality. Why? Did God loose
His grip? Has He abandoned us? Is He no longer a good God? <b><i><u>No. Our reality has been
fashioned by Adam's choice to sin. And sin always results in adversity. </u></i></b><span style="color: red;">Romans 5:12, Wherefore, as by one man<b> sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon
all men,</b> for that all have sinned:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">C. GOD IS THE SOURCE
OF ALL GOODNESS; THIS IS STILL GOD’S PLAN.</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="color: red;">James
1:17, <b>Every good gift and every perfect
gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights,</b> with whom is
no variableness, neither shadow of turning. </span> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes we are quick to blame God for some of the
tragedies we face, when in reality we brought these things upon ourselves. When we blame God, we also question His
goodness and integrity.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> <b><u>1.
God's Goodness and Power Are Not to Be Measured in the Balance of the
Tragedy and Adversity We Experience Day in and Day Out.</u></b> If His goodness
is to be questioned, let it be done in light of His <i>original purpose</i> as well as His<i>
ultimate plan.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;">Rev. 21:3-4, And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying,
Behold, the <b>tabernacle of God is with
men, and he will dwell with them,</b> and they shall be his people, and God
himself shall be with them, and be their God. [4] And <b>God shall wipe away all tears</b> from their eyes; and </span><b><i><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">there shall be no
more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:
for the former things are passed away.</span></u></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">It is God who will wipe away every tear. It is God who will
do away with death, crying, pain, and sorrow.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> <b><u>2.
Many Times We Have Adversity Because We Are Reaping What WE Have Sown</u>!</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;">Galatians 6:7-8, Be not deceived; God is not mocked: <b>for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he
also reap.</b> [8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh<b> reap corruption; </b>but he that soweth to
the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">ILLUSTRATION: Jonah would have never ended up in a storm on
the seas nor in the belly of a whale if he had obeyed God in going to Nineveh
instead of going to Tarshish. (Jonah 1;
1-5, 7, 9, 12, 14-15, 17). He was
reaping what he had sown.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> <b><u>3.
God is Motivated to Bring About Good Because HE is Good!</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Why will He do these things? Because He is a good and
faithful God. How can He do such things? By the strength of His might. He is
the all-powerful Sovereign of the universe. Nothing is too hard for Him.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b> a.
God Has a Purpose for <i>Everything</i>
That Happens to You.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;">Romans 5:3, And not only so, but we glory in tribulations
also: <b>knowing that tribulation worketh
patience; </b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="color: red;">2 Cor. 4:17-18</span></u><span style="color: red;">, For our <b>light affliction</b>, which is but for a
moment, <b>worketh for us a far more
exceeding and eternal weight of glory; </b>[18] While we look not at the things
which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are
seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <b><i>1. Adversity Has a Positive Side.</i></b> I
realize that isn't a statement you are likely to hear very often. Your first
response may have been, <i>“Oh, really? You
don't know what I'm going through!”</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <b><i>2. Viewing Adversity as Helpful Demands Real
Faith.</i></b> To see the positive side
of adversity is not wishful thinking, denial of reality, or pie-in-the-sky
optimism. Rather, it is a statement of faith.</p><p class="MsoNormal">The positive side of adversity is rooted in two strong
beliefs:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i> </i>b. God Has a Plan
and a Purpose for the Life of Every Believer, Including You.</b> If you desire for God's plan and purpose to be
accomplished in your life, the Lord will go to whatever lengths are necessary
to see His plan and purpose fulfilled in your life. He will not go against your
will, but if your will is to desire His will, then the Lord will move heaven
and earth to see that His will is done in and through you. Believing this
means, of course, that God can use any adversity that comes your way for His
plan, to further your purposes on the earth or to work His purposes within your
life.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i> </i>c. Second, God Can
Turn Things to Good for You Regardless of the Situation You Are Facing Today.</b> You may think your life has derailed and crashed beyond
any repair. But the Scriptures say,<span style="color: red;"> “And we know
that all things work <b>together for good
to them that love God</b>, to them who are the called according <b>to his purpose.</b>” (Rom. 8:28).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">D. WE ALL ARE LIVING
EXAMPLES OF SIN LEADING TO ADVERSITY.</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span>The
idea that adversity is sometimes the result of sin hardly needs biblical
support. Each of us could give testimony to this principle.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> <b><u>1.
Every Day Life Is Filled with Examples of Sin Resulting in Adversity.</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">ILLUSTRATIONS: <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> a. Every <i>speeding
ticket</i> or fine we have ever paid serves as evidence. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> b. The last <i>argument
you had with your spouse</i>, parent, or child probably stemmed from sin in
some form or another. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> c. The sorrow and pain caused by a <i>divorce</i> or even separation are always
related in some way to sin. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> d. Sometimes it is <i>personal sin</i> that brings adversity into our lives. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> e. On other occasions the <i>sin of someone else</i> causes us difficulty. Jesus' disciples were not
completely wrong; adversity and sin do go hand in hand.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">As self-evident as this may seem, it is amazing how we
sometimes cannot see, or refuse to see, the relationship. We tend to want to
shift the blame on someone or something else.<span style="color: red;"> (Gen. 3:12-13).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">ILLUSTRATION: I
recently read about a mother who brought her teenage son to see a certain
pastor in Atlanta, Ga. The problem, as she saw it, was her son's involvement
with<i> "the wrong crowd."</i> She
went on to explain how her son's interaction with this group had caused him to
develop a bad attitude toward authority. As a result, he had become impossible
to live with.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">After several meetings, the truth finally surfaced. The
situation was one in which the boy's mother had left her husband (the boy's
father), and she was completely unwilling to work toward reconciling the
relationship. The boy wanted to live with his father, but his mother would not
hear of it. The pastor talked with the father on several occasions. He took
responsibility for his part in the conflicts at home. He was willing to do
whatever he had to do to get his family back together. His wife, on the other
hand, would not budge.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">When the pastor explained to the woman how a hostile
separation usually affects the children involved, she became angry. <i><span style="font-size: 13pt;">"I told you why he is acting the way he is,"</span></i><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span>she said, <i><span style="font-size: 13pt;">"It's his
friends."</span></i> Nothing that pastor said
made any difference. She could not (or would not) see any connection between
her son's behavior at home and her response to her husband. <b>As far as she was concerned, the problem
was her son's.</b> On several occasions she was willing to publicly request
prayer for herself in regard to the sorrow her son was causing her. But she
never came to grips with the fact that the conflict she was experiencing with
her son was directly related to her own sin.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> <b><u>2.
Over Half of Our Adversities Are Sin Related.</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">It is hard to put a percentage on this, but I would guess
that 60 to 70 percent of the people I counsel are suffering from the
consequences of their own sin or the sin of another.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> <b>a.
Our Sin Will Affect/Hurt Others.</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Some of the most difficult counseling situations I deal
with are those in which an innocent party is suffering from the disobedience of
another. It always seems so unfair. Yet part of coping with that type of
adversity is realizing its source-sin.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> <b>b.
Sometimes All We Can Do Is Suffer.</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I admit that this is not a very satisfying answer in some
cases. One reason is that if I am suffering because of someone else's sin,
there is really nothing I can do about it, except suffer! If it is my sin I am
suffering from, I can at least take some consolation in the fact that if I had
not erred in some way, I would not be suffering. But when it is truly someone
else's fault, the situation can be extremely frustrating.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Later on we will discuss how to respond to different types
of adversity. The point I am making here is that sometimes there is no
explanation for adversity other than the fact that we are feeling the effects
of our sin or someone else sin.</p><p class="MsoNormal">CONCLUSION:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Have you been so
hung up on trying to figure out why adversity has come your way that perhaps
you have missed God? </b>Has the adversity in
your life strengthened your faith, or has it weakened your faith? Adversity is
a reality that none of us can avoid. Therefore, it is in your best interest to
begin responding in such a way that the negative can be used, to accomplish the
will of God in your life. And as you begin responding correctly, perhaps you
will begin to understand why!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>The Lord Has a Way
of Arranging Things So That Good Comes from Bad. </b>That's His very nature as Redeemer—to take what attempts to
enslave us and to use it to free us. Not only that, but when the Lord redeems a
situation, He also sends a message to other people who observe what God is
doing in our lives. That message may bring about many different reactions—from
conviction to repentance to praise. What God does for good in our lives is
never limited to us; it is always for others, too.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Jesus taught this to His disciples through the healing of a
man who was blind in Jerusalem. There was purpose to the man's adversity. The
disciples saw his blindness as <i>being
caused</i> by something bad. Jesus taught that the man's blindness was <i>for the cause of</i> something good.<o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -9.35pt; margin-right: -.15in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -9.35pt -9.15pt 1.8pt 33.85pt 69.85pt 105.85pt 141.85pt 177.85pt 213.85pt 249.85pt 285.85pt 321.85pt 357.85pt;"> <o:p></o:p></p><p><br /></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-58608477381466050442024-02-29T18:38:00.000-05:002024-02-29T18:38:55.166-05:00A Choice Rooted in Grace<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUghDxXUDtXYJmUl8MGZj0sVuGw2OYznBrYmUOHGQV-5RpjymtWG5P4Lkj01NKoZCdlw0eOqinSOyYrwDAJPmx0KJ1BtcWj-uQDpcCPdOYfHZ9izeCpDngsYTkpw2ppmKR23_XT_S4k0qj3ZtKhxdtGgsjjakPjIsahp5Bdw6OXUGXZWXtU0Dk1433SSD/s1222/Grace%20Roots.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1222" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUghDxXUDtXYJmUl8MGZj0sVuGw2OYznBrYmUOHGQV-5RpjymtWG5P4Lkj01NKoZCdlw0eOqinSOyYrwDAJPmx0KJ1BtcWj-uQDpcCPdOYfHZ9izeCpDngsYTkpw2ppmKR23_XT_S4k0qj3ZtKhxdtGgsjjakPjIsahp5Bdw6OXUGXZWXtU0Dk1433SSD/s320/Grace%20Roots.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">ROMANS 9:6-13 (VS.
11)</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">SUBJECT: ROMANS/ ISRAEL’S PAST</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">THEME: God’s entire redemptive
economy rests on the foundation of his unchanging nature and character. As a
result, we are assured without any disappointment by his mercy, power, and
faithfulness.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">INTRODUCTION:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">Grace has been defined in several
ways to convey its undeserved nature and to express its freedom of choice.
Divine grace has historically and consistently conveyed God’s willingness to
deal with mankind in the most undeserved fashions. In each case the choice is
God’s as to whom he will show such unmerited favor to. When everyone of us deserved
to be condemned because of our sin, God intervenes to show mercy on some…those
who believe his promises…those who engaged him by faith.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">It is also true that we humans
get our inclinations for justice from God our Creator. He shared this trait
with humanity. But that does not automatically mean we are ‘just’ in our behavior
or that we hold fair views in all things. We all know there are times we actually
reject what’s pure, consistent, warranted, fair, right, and just. Obviously, at
times our system of justice needs to be updated and corrected to match our
Creator’s. Certainly, we correctly expect God to do right and be fair. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">Now there are a few questions I hope
to answer through this study:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">1) What does it mean when the
God of love says He loved Jacob but hated Esau?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">2) Was God fair in putting
Israel aside temporarily? What about all of God’s national promises?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">3) Have the promises of God failed
Israel? Can they fail in our case also?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">4) After looking at His record, can
God still be trusted today?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">LESSON:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">GOD’S
REDEMPTIVE PLAN IN THE HISTORY OF THE NATION OF ISRAEL. THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD
IN ISRAEL’S PAST SELECTION IS ACCORDING TO GRACE.</span></b> (Rom. 9:6-13)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">Rom.
9:11, (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or
evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works,
but of him that calleth;)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">The “</span><b><span style="color: red;">purpose of God according to election might stand</span></b><span style="color: black;">” is key to grasping the importance of this passage.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">“The
purpose of God according to election means His determination to distribute His
favors according to His sovereign will and good pleasure. This verse,
incidentally, disproves the idea that God’s choice of Jacob was based on His
foreknowledge of what Jacob would do. It specifically says that it was not made
on the basis of works!”<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/A%20Choice%20Rooted%20in%20Grace.doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[a]</span></sup></span></sup></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">Another
point that needs to be understood from the outset is this term, “</span><b><span style="color: red;">him that calleth</span></b><span style="color: black;">”.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">“God’s
plan (8:28; 9:11), and not man’s works (4:2–6), is the basis of His election.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/A%20Choice%20Rooted%20in%20Grace.doc#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[b]</span></sup></span></sup></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">GOD’S CALLINGS IN QUESTION: WHAT IS THE BASIS
FOR ALL OF GOD’S CALLINGS CONCERNING ISRAEL?</span></b><span style="color: black;">
GOD’S CALLINGS ARE CONSISTENT WITH HIS PLAN. </span><span style="color: red;">Rom
9:6-7, Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not
all Israel, which are of Israel: [7] Neither, because they are the seed of
Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">The significance
of “</span><span style="color: red;">seed</span><span style="color: black;">” contrasted
with “</span><span style="color: red;">children</span><span style="color: black;">”
is vital to our understanding. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Historically Who Did God Call?</u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a. God Called the Second-born Isaac Instead
of Ishmael.</i></b> The example of Ishmael and Isaac. </span><span style="color: red;">Rom. 9:6, Not as though the word of God hath taken none
effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">God’s
Callings is always effective, and God’s Word and Promises are never barren nor
voided.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">This
verse is the heart of this discussion, and it supports the credibility of all
of God’s claims, purposes and promises concerning Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And reassures the Believer that there will be
no breach of promise concerning our salvation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>1) They Are Not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All</i> Israel, Which Are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">of</i> Israel</u>. There is a difference
between the Physical Descendants and the Spiritual Children of Abraham. God’s
blessings did not belong to someone merely because they had the birthright or ethnically
traced their heritage back to Abraham. He had offsprings by Hagar, Sarah, and
Katurah, but the “Seed” was called in Isaac! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">Rom. 9:7,
Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In
Isaac shall thy seed be called</span><span style="color: black;"> (Rom. 9:6-7).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">God
chose Isaac (Abraham's son through Sarah) over Ishmael (his son through
Hagar).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isaac in this usage is the
“Promised Seed” of Abraham and as such, he is a picture and type of the Lord
Jesus Christ the Promised Seed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as
in Isaac shall the seed be called also in Christ shall we be counted for the
seed—heirs of God and children of promise!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">Gal 4:28,
Now <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">we</b>, brethren, as Isaac was,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> are the children of promise.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><u><span style="color: red;">Gal
3:26-29</span></u><span style="color: red;">, For ye are all the children of God <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">by faith</b> in Christ Jesus. [27] For as
many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. [28] There is
neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male
nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] And if ye be Christ's,
then are ye<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Abraham's seed,</b> and<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> heirs according to the promise.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2<u>) The Children of the
Promise Are Counted for the Seed</u>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">Rom. 9:8,
That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children
of God: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">but the children of the promise
are counted for the seed.</b> [9] For this is the word of promise, At this time
will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nationally: Nationality and Being Born a Jew
or a Descendant of Abraham has never been the basis for a person becoming an
heir to the promises of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s
sovereign election was never based on physical lineal descent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because a person was born a Jew, does
not automatically mean that they are saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has always been salvation through faith and therefore we see how God
can now justify Gentiles who believe on Christ.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>b)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spiritually: The principles of salvation are
set forth in the calling and sovereign election of God because of His grace and
through faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That means that salvation
is not according to the products of the flesh or human desires, works, and
efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who believe the “promise”
concerning the Seed Christ, are the Spiritual Children of Abraham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are the saved according to the grace of
God and not according to their works!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God Called the Second-born Jacob Instead of Esau</span></i></b><span style="color: black;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The example of
Esau and Jacob <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">Rom.
9:10-13, And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by
our father Isaac; [11] (For the children<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">
being not yet born</b>, neither having <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">done
any good or evil</b>, that the purpose of God according to election might
stand,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> not of works, but of him that
calleth</b>;) [12] It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. [13]
As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">God
chose Jacob (second-born twin of Isaac) over Esau (firstborn twin). Some have
been troubled over Paul's statement here in verse 13: “</span><span style="color: red;">As it is<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>written,
Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.</span><span style="color: black;">” It
should be noted that<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>the statement <b><u>obviously
does <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not </i>refer to the two boys, but
to the nations they<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>founded, namely,
Israel and Edom</u></b>. This Old Testament prophet Obadiah clearly tells us <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">why </i>God hated Edom.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">“God’s
“love” for Jacob was revealed in His choice of Jacob and God’s “hatred” for
Esau was seen in His rejecting Esau for the line of promise. Hatred in this
sense is not absolute but relative to a higher choice (cf. Matt. 6:24; Luke
14:26; John 12:25).”<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/A%20Choice%20Rooted%20in%20Grace.doc#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[c]</span></sup></span></sup></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">“The words
Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated must be understood in the light of
the sovereign decree of God that stated, The older shall serve the younger. The
preference for Jacob is interpreted as an act of love, whereas bypassing Esau
is seen as hatred <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">by comparison</i>. It
is not that God hated Esau with a harsh, vindictive animosity, but only that He
loved Esau less than Jacob, as seen by His sovereign selection of Jacob.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">This
passage refers to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">earthly blessings</i>,
and not to eternal life. God’s hatred of Edom doesn’t mean that individual
Edomites <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can’t</i> be saved, any more
than His love of Israel means that individual Jews <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">don’t</i> need to be saved. (Note also that Esau <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">did</i> receive some earthly blessings, as he himself testified in Gen.
33:9.)”<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/A%20Choice%20Rooted%20in%20Grace.doc#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[d]</span></sup></span></sup></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s Callings Demonstrate His Absolute
Sovereignty!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">In
each case here (9:6-13), God rejected men who had been <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">firstborn</i> into patriarchal families. In each case the parent<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>wished to see the rejected one inherit
the promise. Abraham pleaded for Ishmael (Gen. 17:18) and Isaac attempted to
pass the blessing on to Esau (Gen 27:1,4, 30, 33).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">In
both cases God rejected the ideas, desires, works, efforts, physical origin,
and plans of men to accomplish His sovereign will!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is it then, difficult to accept the fact
that UNBELIEVING Israel has been set aside?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The point here is simple, God’s callings in the past are consistent with
his present work in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His plan
of redemption still stands on the same principles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Salvation by Grace through Faith!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">CONCLUSION:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 21.0pt 383.0pt;"><span style="color: black;">The entire redemptive economy of God rests upon the
foundation of his unchanging nature and character, therefore we can rest
without any prospect of disappointment! God is merciful, all-powerful, and
faithful. He can be trusted!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 21.0pt 383.0pt;"><span style="color: black;">God’s fairness with Israel can be observed in the believing
minority and with the blinded majority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was God’s fathomless wisdom (Rom. 11:2-4) and finished work (Rom. 11:5-6)
which served as the main factors among the believing minority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In contrast, the blinded majority rejected
Christ and fell under God’s judgment in the form of a national stupor, snares,
and servitude in accordance with verses seven through nine of chapter
eleven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of this demonstrates the
fairness and consistency of the Lord in dealing with Israel. God governs
Himself by fixed principles and pure righteousness always.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 21.0pt 383.0pt;"><span style="color: black;">After looking at his record, can God still be trusted
today?<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The answer is absolutely…yes
of course! </u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has been faithful
to His redemptive plan as demonstrated throughout the history of Israel. Therefore,
we have every reason to believe He will be faithful to His promises to us.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/A%20Choice%20Rooted%20in%20Grace.doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[a]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
William MacDonald, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.Ro9.11&off=288&ctx=ts+of+the+subjects.+~The+purpose+of+God+a"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a>, ed. Arthur Farstad
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1717.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/A%20Choice%20Rooted%20in%20Grace.doc#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[b]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a> John
A. Witmer, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Ro9.10-13&off=782&ctx=+in+1%3a6%3b+8%3a28%2c+30).+~God%E2%80%99s+plan+(8%3a28%3b+9%3a"><span style="color: blue;">“Romans,”</span></a> in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures</i>, ed. J. F.
Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 477.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/A%20Choice%20Rooted%20in%20Grace.doc#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[c]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a> John
A. Witmer, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Ro9.10-13&off=1216&ctx=%3a47%3b+2+Kings+14%3a7).+~God%E2%80%99s+%E2%80%9Clove%E2%80%9D+for+Jac"><span style="color: blue;">“Romans,”</span></a> in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures</i>, ed. J. F.
Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 477.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/A%20Choice%20Rooted%20in%20Grace.doc#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[d]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
William MacDonald, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.Ro9.13&off=681&ctx=ndividuals+as+well.%0a~The+words+Jacob+I+ha"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a>, ed. Arthur Farstad
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1717.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div><br /><p></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-32786578131705488092024-02-02T18:58:00.001-05:002024-02-02T19:06:07.587-05:00So, You Have a Few Challenges<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMCSk9pUjpl3bJlHqd2HuMWakg9Gn3qREwt6WoZWUpWjccofNS3Kzo1PjVzgi3m0Qs1r7TTjkIfyDh3CCAVnS64R0zgyVr6o6fAhVj-pvBcJQDiIQ-gmuUyDWEQkP3TXgS8WIlQvN2M6cowY0dbepqjC5NRqKPhhaiVLjhzapu-UOEdJz8irAWv4PI2dG/s1232/Trust%20God%20Through%20Challenges.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1232" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMCSk9pUjpl3bJlHqd2HuMWakg9Gn3qREwt6WoZWUpWjccofNS3Kzo1PjVzgi3m0Qs1r7TTjkIfyDh3CCAVnS64R0zgyVr6o6fAhVj-pvBcJQDiIQ-gmuUyDWEQkP3TXgS8WIlQvN2M6cowY0dbepqjC5NRqKPhhaiVLjhzapu-UOEdJz8irAWv4PI2dG/s320/Trust%20God%20Through%20Challenges.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Psalm 62:1-12<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Subject:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Trusting God<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Theme:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Place your Trust
in God instead of man-made schemes and strategies to have security and
protection from threats. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Introduction:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Fear in the form of insecurity can become a vicious
circle. If you feel bad about how you look or doubt your value, you may shy
away from interpersonal situations or shun experiences that would examine or
assess your aptitude, reasoning, and abilities. And in doing so, you cripple or
even wreck your potential for effectiveness, victory, and interrelationship.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How else may you be impacted by being insecure? 1) You’ll
have difficulty trusting others. 2) You may feel paranoid in many things and
worry people are coming over to get you. 3) You may be mistakenly perceived as superior
or conceited when trying too hard to cover up your insecurities. 4) You may feel
at times like panicking over small issues and exaggerating the problems.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Relevance: <a name="_Hlk157442126">This
Psalm contrasts the security of trusting God with the insecurity of relying on man-made
strategies. </a></span></b><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk157442126;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are often tempted to give in to our fears
and insecurities, but the Lord presents Himself as the only viable alternative
to the devices that threaten us. <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Psalm 62 says trust God instead. </span>The Psalm is
a healthy reminder for troubled times…when we feel threaten as we live a God-focused
life. I<span style="background-color: #fcff01;">n Psalm 62, David affirmed that the Eternal God of heaven is the
Source of his personal security, therefore David could not be shaken…he was
secure!</span> Likewise, God is our Deliverer, our Rock, our Defense, and our Refuge, always
trust him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk157442126;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Message:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">I.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God’s Character Invites
Our Trust—this is Why we Trust Him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Lord is the Source of our Deliverance (v. 1). </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Why
rest in God this way? Why Him? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Psalm
62:1, says, “<span style="color: red;">from him cometh my salvation.</span>” David
is ruthlessly making himself silently wait to overcome his insecurities. By
waiting in silence, David is physically placing his confidence in God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">David
is <i>“on purpose”</i> enduring, persevering, and trusting God with absolute
certainty that God will answer, and God will come through because it is who God
is. We are urged on to quiet victory by trusting God alone. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This
same kind of confidence is also detailed in the Word of God. There are several
verses that can encourage us in Him (Ps. 23; 91; 27; 90; 86; 42; 63; 136)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">B.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yet,
the Lord is Rejected by Some for Poor Reasons (v. 3 & 4). </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Remember
trusting God is the key! “This psalm reflects David’s confident trust in the
Lord in spite of opposition. In silence he waited for God, his Strength and
Security, to deliver him from his deceitful enemies.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Trusting%20God%20Instead%20of%20Fears.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
those who “<span style="color: red;">imagine mischief</span>” …overthrowing…toppling
the <i>perceived vulnerable</i> king.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
those who will “<span style="color: red;">be slain</span>” because of their weakness
and susceptibility.</span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
those who come together to Dethrone the King using Lies and Deceit.</span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">They
hoped to accomplish this through lies. They blessed David with their words, but
in their hearts they cursed him.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Trusting%20God%20Instead%20of%20Fears.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[2]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Let
us understand David’s action under the bitter attack of Shimei. While David was
on the throne, Shimei bowed like the rest of them; but, when he was free to
express his heart of hatred, we find him cursing David and hurling rocks after
him as he fled from Jerusalem. David had a loyal captain by the name of
Abishai, a son of Zeruiah, who said to the king, “… Why should this dead dog
curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head” (2
Sam. 16:9).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My
friend, if you want an example of what the Scripture means by “… Vengeance is
mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom. 12:19), listen to David as he replies
to his captain: “And the king said … so let him curse, because the Lord hath
said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?”
(2 Sam. 16:10). In other words, David tells him “God has permitted him to curse
me; you let him curse me.” Have you ever stopped to think, my friend, that God
has given you certain enemies for a definite purpose to test you that you might
become a better Christian? Do not become alarmed at the presence of enemies and
difficulties that God has permitted to cumber your path. He is not bearing hard
on you. Would that we would trust God to the extent that we would not cry out
at a time like that!<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Trusting%20God%20Instead%20of%20Fears.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[3]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">C.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Lord is the Focus of our Trust for Many Reasons. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">These
are just some of the incredible ways that God is presented to us. He is portrayed
as….</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As
the Source of our Salvation (v. 2, 6, 7).</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> What is “<span style="color: red;">salvation</span>” referring to in Psalm 62? </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">David testifies that his trust is only in God; there is
no greater source of safety or confidence (Psalm 62:2). The same is true of
salvation, which is found only in the Lord (Psalm 3:8; 146:3–5). <u>David
anticipates deliverance from his enemies because God is capable.</u></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As
Our Rock (v. 2, 6, 7). </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By mentioning metaphors such as “rock,”
David points to the stability, reliability, strength, impregnability, and
solidity of God—the secure foundation. </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -2.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“<i>That
is the central truth of the psalm. That is the central truth of David’s life.
That is the dynamo that ran his life. That is the thing that caused him to
stand head and shoulders above other men on the horizon of history. It has
caused him to cast a long shadow down the corridor of time. “He only is my rock.</i>”<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Trusting%20God%20Instead%20of%20Fears.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[4]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -2.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">David emphasizes
the unshakable nature of his deep faith in this unshakable God. He encourages
others to make the same choice: trusting the Lord with sincerity (Ps. 62:8).
David asserts that he places all trust and faith in the Lord God alone.</span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As
Our Defense (v. 2, 6).</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> The Lord is like a fortress, and it
refers to a secure high place or a safe retreat (See Exo. 15:2; Ps. 89:18;
94:22). We remain or become unshakable when the Lord is our defense. </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As
the Foundation of our Expectation or Hope (v. 5). </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This
refers to the Lord’s anticipated outcomes. He is the bases and reason for
hopeful results. We can anticipate good outcomes when God is our expectation. </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As
Our Glory (v. 7).</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> 156 times this Hebrew word is translated “glory.”
It often refers to God’s abundance, dignity, honor, wealth, and reputation that
he shares with those who call upon him in trust (v. 8). Our ‘honor’ depends on
God’s ability to render the enemy ineffective (v. 6). </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As
Our Refuge (v. 7, 8).</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> God is our stronghold and shelter during
the storms, dangers, and challenges. We can find safety and security in Him;
run to him even now! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As
the Source of Power (v. 11).</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> God is the source of our
political, social, and personal strength or ability. “<span style="color: red;">Power
belongeth unto God</span>”</span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As
the Fountain of Mercy (v. 12). </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Refers to the goodness,
kindness, and faithfulness of God. </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">II.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Things We Tend to Trust
Instead of God.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There are six other
objects in which people often trust, but such trust is sure to be disappointed.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">People.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“<span style="color: red;">Surely men of low degree <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">are</i> vanity</span>” (v. 9).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“Men of low degree</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">,”
or common people, those who adopt a mob or herd mentality, subjects of
groupthink… they are fickle, given to changing, and capricious! They are as substantial
and transitory as a <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">vapor</span>. “<span style="color: red;">Vanity</span>” refers to a lack of significance or the
fleeting nature of life (Ps. 39:4-6).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The psalmist
warned that it is foolish to trust in humans. He described how transitory life
is, whether a person is of low or high position. People <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">are nothing but a breath</span> (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">heḇel</i>,
“a vapor”; cf. 39:5, 11; 144:4 and comments on Ecc. 1:2). They are so
insignificant that, if weighed, the scales would not even move. Their might is
powerless against God. Therefore one should not trust in the powerful advances
of the wicked.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Trusting%20God%20Instead%20of%20Fears.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[5]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">B.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Leaders.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“<span style="color: red;">Men of high degree <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">are</i>
a lie</span>,” (v. 9).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">These
“<span style="color: red;">men of high degree</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">”</span> are rulers or wealthy people…they are prominent in society…some
are distinguished and famous…well known stand outs…they enjoy positions, power,
and influence! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">These
are also a delusion in that they seem to offer help and security, but they are
not dependable. Put the rabble or the elite in the scales and they are
weightless as far as trustworthiness is concerned.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“And
this is the first thing that a new Christian must learn—not to look to men but
to God. Many new Christians have become discouraged, disappointed, and
disillusioned, for they have their eyes set upon a man. A young Christian told
me recently that he had gotten his eyes on a man, and it had all but made
shipwreck of his faith. David knew all of the time that he could not trust men,
so his faith was fixed utterly upon God. He rested upon a Rock that could not
be moved.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Trusting%20God%20Instead%20of%20Fears.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[6]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">C.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Abuses.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“<span style="color: red;">Trust not in oppression</span>” (v. 10). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Oppression</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> is riches obtained
by persecution, fraud, and violence…cruel and unfair treatment…prolonged unfair
control…a corrupt exercise of power and authority.<sup> </sup>This is a foolish
method to depend on; “it reeks with God’s curse.” (Based on W. McDonald)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Oppression
is what happens when people grow their own sense of power, comfort, and
security at the expense of others. It's the use of violence, coercion, and
corruption that makes life easier for some and harder for others. And it's one
of the main problems addressed in the Bible, from beginning to end.” (From
Youtube.com) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">D.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Stealing.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“<span style="color: red;">And become not vain in robbery,</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This
is cheating others, charging exorbitant taxes, unashamed swindling, or over
charging. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Robbery</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> might seem to be a quick
route to power and wealth, but ill-gotten gain is doomed to the judgment of
God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">E.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Money</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <span style="mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">“<span style="color: red;">If riches increase, set
not your heart <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">upon them</i>.”</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Riches</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> are not to be trusted either (cf. Prov. 11:28; 23:5;
27:24).”<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Trusting%20God%20Instead%20of%20Fears.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[7]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Not
only are oppression and robbery, which are wicked means of wealth, no grounds
of boasting; but even wealth, increasing lawfully, ought not to engross the
heart.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Trusting%20God%20Instead%20of%20Fears.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[8]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“…make
not the wealth of the world your chief good and highest end: in short, do not
make an idol of it.” This we are most in danger of doing when riches increase.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Trusting%20God%20Instead%20of%20Fears.docx#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[9]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">F.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Hard Work</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Even</i> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">riches</i></b>
gained through honest industry should never take the Lord’s place in our
affections and service. (From W. McDonald)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Being
persistent, dedicated, resilient, and diligent are all desirable traits, but we
cannot afford to be independent of God. Hardworking involves constantly,
regularly, or habitually engaging in earnest and energetic work… it is being industrious,
and diligent. We need more of this, but not at the expense of trusting God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">F.
B. Meyer wrote: “How often have we looked for help from men and money in
vain—but God has never failed us.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Trusting%20God%20Instead%20of%20Fears.docx#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[10]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">III.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Results of Placing
Our Trust in God.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What are the results of
placing your confidence and trust in God? These ideas have been developed already
to a large degree, so I will reserve my comments in this light. These are the
results of trusting the Lord:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We
Shall Not be Greatly Moved (v. 2).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">B.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We
will have Boldness to Rebuke our Enemies (v. 3).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">C.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We
can see Through our Enemies’ Strategies (v. 4).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">D.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We
Shall Not Be Moved (v. 6). Life becomes stable and solid to the trusting saint!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">E.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We
will want Others to know the Joy of Trusting God (v. 8).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Trust
God Always and in Every Situation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pour
out your Heart in Prayer to Him with Confidence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Regard
Him as our Refuge—the place we run to for shelter and safety.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Come
to Him boldly, persistently, and honestly; you can rely on God to meet your
need. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Conclusion:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As we end this thought, we are often tempted to give
in to our fears and insecurities resorting to people, leaders, abuses, money, stealing,
and even hard work. However, and repeatedly the Lord presents Himself as the
only viable alternative to our reservations. <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Whether insecurities related to
physical appearance, spiritual growth, relationships, financial stability, or
even professional skills, Psalm 62 says trust God instead. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So,
bring whatever insecurities surrounding your appearance to the Lord….<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bring
whatever needs you have for growth in the Lord, whether patience, kindness,
selflessness, love, servanthood….<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bring
your inability to communicate, your shunning people while preferring social
media, your awkwardness that drives you to your cell phone instead of towards people….<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bring
your inabilities, inadequacies, limitations, flaws, needs, and perceived defects
and trust the Lord Jesus with them all. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Through these thoughts, David asserts to us that the
Eternal God of heaven is the Source of his personal security, therefore David
could not be shaken!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His life became
stable, secure, full of assurance, and conviction…secure. Where there was fear,
it is replaced by God’s love, where there were worries, they were replaced with
Christ-centered affirmations, and where there were anxieties, they are replaced
with God’s control. <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Uncertainties and insecurities have evaporated in the
brilliant light of our great Creator, Ruler, and Judge—Elohim!</span> Certainly, there
are struggles to overcome and perspectives to embrace, but trusting God should
be at the top of our lists. Dear, believer in Jesus Christ, trust Him alone. Find
rest in our powerful God instead of human devices.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Finally, one more truth about trust should be
observed. One evidence that we all have sinned is the fact that we die
physically. This NO ONE can deny. Physical death is also indicative of a pervasive
human condition of spiritual separation from God (Rom. 5:12). Eternal death is
suffering forever in the Lake of Fire (Rom. 6:23). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God promises to save all who will acknowledge their
sins to Him while trusting Jesus Christ as their Savior (Rom. 3:21-26). You
see, sin is defined as violations of God’s Laws (Rom. 3:9, 19, 20, 27-31). It
is against God that we have sinned. We have put idols before the true and
living God. We are guilty of taking God’s Name in vain. We have not honored our
parents fully and always. We have not treated people with real love and respect
exclusively. We do not measure up to the perfections of God’s standard of
morality, the Law. We NEED His forgiveness...He offers us sinners forgiveness
not condemnation. With this being the case...condemnation is something you
chose by refusing Christ (John 3:15-21).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We are all guilty of transgressing God’s Law. We all
have gone beyond the limitations established by God in the Bible, and we must
now be punished for our awful sin. We are all facing the death penalty. The
only hope is God’s forgiveness made available to each of us through faith in
Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Beloved, it was Jesus who died for our sins, was
buried because he actually died to satisfy the death penalty against sin. He
also rose again the third day exactly as he repeatedly stated he would (1 Cor.
15:1-4). Yes, the Lord Jesus Christ conquered death, hell, sin, and Satan
through his cross and resurrection (Luke 24:44-49). He is alive to save you if
you turn to him confessing your sin and receiving his sacrifice for you (Rom.
10:8-17). He saved me and he can save you too. Trust the living Lord Jesus as
Savior to be forgiven as God promised. <br />
<br />
Jesus is not motivated to condemn us, but to help us see our incredible NEED
for God’s forgiveness. Please do not place your trust in a church, a
membership, a denominational affiliation, a ritual or ceremony, a work of
service, yourself, or a religious creed. These methods will only fail…. Trust
Jesus, the Savior now.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Trusting%20God%20Instead%20of%20Fears.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
Allen P. Ross, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Ps62&off=9&ctx=Psalm+62%0a~This+psalm+reflects+David%E2%80%99s+con"><span style="color: blue;">“Psalms,”</span></a> in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures</i>, ed. J. F.
Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 839.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Trusting%20God%20Instead%20of%20Fears.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[2]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
Allen P. Ross, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Ps62.3-4&off=280&ctx=ght+was+vulnerable.+~They+hoped+to+accomp"><span style="color: blue;">“Psalms,”</span></a> in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures</i>, ed. J. F.
Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 839.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Trusting%20God%20Instead%20of%20Fears.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[3]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
J. Vernon McGee, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/thru-bib?ref=Bible.Ps62.4&off=150&ctx=.+Selah+%5bPs.+62%3a4%5d.%0a~Let+us+understand+Da"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Thru the Bible
Commentary</span></i></a>, electronic ed., vol. 2 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson,
1997), 778.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Trusting%20God%20Instead%20of%20Fears.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[4]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
J. Vernon McGee, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/thru-bib?ref=Bible.Ps62.6&off=88&ctx=e+moved+%5bPs.+62%3a6%5d.%0a~That+is+the+central+"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Thru the Bible
Commentary</span></i></a>, electronic ed., vol. 2 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson,
1997), 779.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Trusting%20God%20Instead%20of%20Fears.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[5]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
Allen P. Ross, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Ps62.9-10&off=9&ctx=62%3a9%E2%80%9310.+~The+psalmist+warned+that+it+is+"><span style="color: blue;">“Psalms,”</span></a> in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures</i>, ed. J. F.
Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 839.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Trusting%20God%20Instead%20of%20Fears.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[6]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
J. Vernon McGee, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/thru-bib?ref=Bible.Ps62.9&off=326&ctx=not+be+leaned+upon.+~And+this+is+the+firs"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Thru the Bible
Commentary</span></i></a>, electronic ed., vol. 2 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson,
1997), 779.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn7" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Trusting%20God%20Instead%20of%20Fears.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[7]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
Allen P. Ross, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Ps62.9-10&off=434&ctx=nces+of+the+wicked.+~Riches+are+not+to+be"><span style="color: blue;">“Psalms,”</span></a> in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures</i>, ed. J. F.
Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 839.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn8" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Trusting%20God%20Instead%20of%20Fears.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[8]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/jfbcomm?ref=Bible.Ps62.10&off=4&ctx=ther+(Ps+34%3a3).%0a10.+~Not+only+are+oppress"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Commentary Critical
and Explanatory on the Whole Bible</span></i></a>, vol. 1 (Oak Harbor, WA:
Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), 365.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn9" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Trusting%20God%20Instead%20of%20Fears.docx#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[9]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
Matthew Henry, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/mhenry?ref=Bible.Ps62.8-12&off=4982&ctx=and+others+by+them%3b+~make+not+the+wealth+"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Matthew Henry’s
Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume</span></i></a>
(Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 831.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn10" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Trusting%20God%20Instead%20of%20Fears.docx#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[10]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
William MacDonald, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.Ps62&off=806&ctx=trusting+God+(v.+8)%0a~There+are+five+other"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a>, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville:
Thomas Nelson, 1995), 643.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div><br /><p></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-11396925351961896952024-02-01T18:46:00.001-05:002024-02-01T18:46:29.749-05:00Can God Really Do That?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetughfp5AB0l8e4f6xGOiiLxf85ahbiAVqC0Nz46R1BFotfztkQGnttfuk2d067u4f5QBDizHXxQpbJYZf13f9biU0j2RfoDfr_ilpWem_9uImDmFdSIK1LshoL_5isfBNyV1K2ogLSA9BCRJht43fK1e8OGTg1-kJMR11lekIoqIoGG32PdJ03ocIW_P/s1241/God%20Sovereignty%20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1241" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetughfp5AB0l8e4f6xGOiiLxf85ahbiAVqC0Nz46R1BFotfztkQGnttfuk2d067u4f5QBDizHXxQpbJYZf13f9biU0j2RfoDfr_ilpWem_9uImDmFdSIK1LshoL_5isfBNyV1K2ogLSA9BCRJht43fK1e8OGTg1-kJMR11lekIoqIoGG32PdJ03ocIW_P/s320/God%20Sovereignty%20.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Can God Really Do That?</span></i></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">ROMANS 9:1-5 (Vs
14)</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">SUBJECT: ROMANS/ ISRAEL’S PAST</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">THEME: the foundation of God’s
entire economy of redemption rest upon his nature and character; therefore, we
can breathe easier without any probability of disappointment in his mercy,
power, and faithfulness.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">INTRODUCTION:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">If God is fair in his dealings
with Israel, then the rest of humanity can unreservedly entrust their eternal
future with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, if he was
unfair in his dealings with the nation of Israel, then how can we as Gentile Christians
even begin to rest in him for our own eternal destiny?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">There are several questions I hope
to answer from this passage and this chapter in Romans:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">1) Is salvation based on our
good works or is it based on the calling and compassion of God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">2) What does it mean when the God
of love says he loved Jacob but hated Esau?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">3) How can we reconcile God’s
sovereignty with human responsibility?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">4) Have the promises of God
failed Israel? Will they fail us also?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">5) After looking at his record,
can God still be trusted today?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">RELEVANCE: Basically, God
exercises the prerogatives of a sovereign God and man functions within the
orbit of God’s will as a free moral agent. In both instances neither violates
the opportunities and choices of the other. It is this understanding that sets
the stage as we come into Romans chapter nine.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">MESSAGE:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b style="text-indent: -0.5in;"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></i></b><b style="text-indent: -0.5in;"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">A Sincere Desire to See the Nation of Israel Saved.</span></i></b><i style="text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> <b>Vs 1-4. </b></span></i><i><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Paul’ s burdened for the salvation of his kinsman, the nation of Israel.</span> </b></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">Rom 9:1,
I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in
the Holy Ghost,</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt;">II. Yet, The Nation of
Israel Is Not Saved. Vs 4-5.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Paul
recounts the privileges of Israel, but still they are not saved nationally.</span></i></b><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">Rom
9:4-5, Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and
the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the
promises; [5] Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ
came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THE DIVINE FAVOR, GOD’S GRACE, ON THE NATION
OF ISRAEL</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">This
section places great emphasis on divine sovereignty and human
responsibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Romans 9 deals primarily
with His Sovereignty and Chapter 10 will balance things out concerning Human
responsibility. Notice that God extended his sovereignty to grant Israel’s
opportunities rooted in his grace.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They Were Privileged with
Divine Adoption</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: red;">Vs 4, ...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to whom
pertaineth the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">adoption</b>....</span><span style="color: black;"> Adoption has to do with the placing of a son and God had
adopted the nation of Israel to be His son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was a father to Israel.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">Exod
4:22-23, And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Israel is my son, even my firstborn:</b> [23]
And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to
let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><u><span style="color: red;">Jer
31:9, </span></u><span style="color: red;">They shall come with weeping, and with
supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of
waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.</b></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Hos. 11:1; Deut.
14:1)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">APPLICATION:
What a Privilege is Ours to be the very Sons of God, Adopted into His family
and made </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Joint Heir with
Jesus Christ!</span><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Romans 8:15-17, For ye have not received the spirit of
bondage again to fear; but <b>ye have received the Spirit of adoption</b>,
whereby we cry, Abba, Father. <b><sup>16 </sup></b>The Spirit itself
beareth witness with our spirit, that <b>we are the children of God:</b> <b><sup>17 </sup>And
if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ;</b> if so
be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><u><span style="background: white; color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Eph. 1:4</span></u><span style="background: white; color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Having <b>predestinated us unto the adoption of children
by Jesus Christ to himself</b>, according to the good pleasure of his will, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1 John 3:1-2</span></u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that
we should be <b>called the sons of God:</b> therefore the world knoweth us not,
because it knew him not. <b><sup>2 </sup></b>Beloved, now are we the sons
of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he
shall appear, <b>we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They Were Privileged with Divine
Accompaniment</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: red;">Vs 4, ...and the glory</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">The
Glory Cloud or Shekinah Glory that visible luminous appearance of God's
presence. It was a symbol of God presence, guidance, and protection of His
earthly people Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a privilege
to have God’s Leadership as a Nation!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It led them across the wilderness (Exod.
13:21-22; Num. 9:17-22).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It protected them at the Red Sea (Exod.
14:19-20,24).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It filled the tabernacle during Moses'
dedication (Exod. 40:34-38).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>D)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It filled the temple during Solomon's
dedication (1 Kings 8:10-11; 2 Chron.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">5:13-14).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>E)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was removed during Ezekiel's time (Ezek.
10).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">APPLICATION:
What Great Privilege is Ours to Have the Glory of God in Us; to be indwelt by
the Holy Ghost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have Power for living
in the Filling of the Spirit, Guidance in life, and the very Presence of God
With us always</span><span style="color: red;">. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, What?
know ye not that <b>your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you,
which ye have of God</b>, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a
price: <b>therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are
God's.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They Were Privileged with the Divine
Agreements</u></b> </span><span style="color: red;">Vs 4, ...and the covenants</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A) The Abrahamic
Covenant-Promising a Mighty Nation (Gen. 12:2-3,7;13:14-17; 15:5, 18; 17:8).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B) The Palestinian Covenant-Promising
the land from Egypt to the Euphrates<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gen. 15:18; Deut. 30:3<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C) The Davidic
Covenant-Promising an Eternal Kingdom (2 Sam. 7:12-16; 23:5;2 Chron. 13:5).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>D) The New Covenant-Promising
New Hearts (Jer. 31:31-34).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">APPLICATION:
As New Testament (New Covenant) Saints We Will share in all the Blessed
Promises with the saved Nation of Israel at the time of their National
Redemption. </span><span style="color: red;">Hebrews 9:14-15, How much more shall
the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without
spot to God, <b>purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? <sup>15 </sup>And
for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament</b>, that by means of
death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the <b>first
testament</b>, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal
inheritance. </span>Christ offered His own blood as the sacrifice for our sins,
He is the mediator of a new covenant (see Heb. 8:6). He focuses on God's
promise of forgiveness of sins under the new covenant. <b>Christ is not an
abandonment of these Jewish roots. Instead, he is a fulfillment of that
heritage</b>. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They Were Privileged with The Divine Articles</u></b>
</span><span style="color: red;">Vs 4, ...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and the giving of the law</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">Israel
alone were the recipients of the Holy Law of God</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red;">Deut. 5:1–22</span><span style="color: black;">).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><i><span style="color: black;">It
was to Israel that the law was given. They and they alone were its recipients.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Can%20God%20Really%20Do%20That.doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></sup></b></span></sup></a></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><i><span style="color: black;">It
was to them that the ceremonial and judicial law were given, and the moral law
in writing pertained to them. It is a great privilege to have the law of God
among us,<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Can%20God%20Really%20Do%20That.doc#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[2]</span></sup></b></span></sup></a></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">APPLICATION:
We today have the entire preserved Word of God. We have the privilege of the
great example of Believers from the past to inspire us to live for God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have the privilege of knowing what God
thinks is important, and what God values.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We can know exactly what to do to please God from the Bible. Also, I always
use a KJV Bible, and I hardily recommend that you secure one if you belong to
the English-speaking world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every scrap
of solid evidence, and genuine Christian History points to the KJV Bible as
God’s preserved Word in English.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They Were Privileged with The Divine
Administration</u></b> </span><span style="color: red;">Vs 4, ... and the service
of God<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></i><span style="color: black;">They
performed services for God (ministering in both tabernacle, temple, and the priesthood).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">This
had to do with the worship of the tabernacle and temple. They were to be a
kingdom of priests. “</span><span style="color: red;">And ye shall be unto me a
kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt
speak unto the children of Israel</span><span style="color: black;">” (Exod.
19:6). The nation failed God, but God did not give up His purpose that they
should be priests. God took the tribe of Levi and gave them the responsibility
of serving and caring for the tabernacle and, later, the temple. In the future,
in the millennial kingdom, the nation of Israel will once again be God’s
priests upon the earth.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Can%20God%20Really%20Do%20That.doc#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[3]</span></sup></span></sup></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">APPLICATION:
it is still a privilege to serve God in the local church, through the in-resident
local assembly today. To worship God, teach, be a member of, send the gospel to
the world, to assemble, disciple, to encourage each other, to hear the Word
preached/explained, and to pray and call upon God in the church body is what we
are to do. The great properties of belonging, fellowship, and purpose that people
look for in other organizations can be found in a proper church body in most
cases. What great privileges we take for granted as members of a church of our
Lord Jesus Christ! What pleasures we take for granted by being a part of
Christ’s functional body on earth. How honored we are to be a part of our Lord’s
sweet precious bride, the church!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">1 Cor
12:26-28, And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one
member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. [27] Now<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> ye are the body of Christ,</b> and members
in particular. [28] And God hath set some in<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> the church</b>, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly
teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments,
diversities of tongues.</span><span style="color: black;"> (See Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor.
12:12, 14-20; Eph. 1:23; 4:12; 5:23; 5:30; Col. 1:18 & 24)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They Were Privileged with The Divine
Affirmations</u></b> </span><span style="color: red;">Vs 4, ... and the promises….</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">In
addition to the covenants mentioned above, God made innumerable <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">promises to</span> Israel of protection,
peace, and prosperity.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Can%20God%20Really%20Do%20That.doc#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[4]</span></sup></span></sup></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">APPLICATION:
We who are saved have the promises of an eternal inheritance; eternal life,
eternal home, and eternal glory. </span><span style="color: red;">Heb 9:15, And
for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death,
for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament,
they which are called might receive <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the
promise of eternal inheritance.</b></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">“</span><span style="color: red;">The promise of the eternal inheritance</span><span style="color: black;">” takes us back to the inheritance that God promised
to Abraham, where we become heirs through having the same faith as
Abraham. It includes justification by faith, being part of a spiritual nation, a
new immortal body, and eternal life. (See </span><span style="color: red;">Gal.
3:15-18, 29; Rom. 8:15-17; 1 Cor. 15:50-58</span><span style="color: black;">)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They Were Privileged with Their Human
Ancestry</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: red;">Vs 5, ...Whose are the fathers, ... (See Matt. 1:1-16). </span>This
is the Jewish heritage and family line.<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">The
Jewish people rightfully claim the patriarchs as their own—Abraham, Isaac,
Jacob, and the twelve sons of Jacob. These were the forefathers of the nation.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Can%20God%20Really%20Do%20That.doc#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[5]</span></sup></span></sup></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">Later
in New Testament times we as Christians can point to Matthew, Paul, Peter, John
etc.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">APPLICATION
1: If you have parents that brought you up in church and on the Bible, then you
should make a point of frequently thanking them for their faithfulness to the
Lord. They have given you one of the most valuable gifts, a spiritual family
heritage in Christ. We should appreciate them for not quitting on us, not
resorting to other philosophies, and not allowing themselves to get out of
church and backslidden. You have a steadfast heritage because of their faith. This
is a wonderful gift!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">APPLICATION
2: Perhaps you don’t have the family history I just described. In fact, you experienced
quite the opposite! Though you have the pain and scares from the past, it still
all can begin with you. You can be the “Abraham” in your family lineage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one who believes God and separates from
the old trends and ways of the family looking to the promises and provisions of
God as you journey to the land of promise! You can be the “David” in your home
who leads your family to victory after victory through the many battles of
life. The one who leads your family to having a heart for God. By the grace of God,
it can begin with you regardless of the challenges and unfavorable
circumstances! Relinquish the grip of victimhood and embrace the hope of
responsibility under God’s economy!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">APPLICATION
3: We too have the privilege of a great spiritual ancestry in the servants of
God of yesteryear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In people like D. L.
Moody, Billy Sunday, Charles Spurgeon, Charles Finney, George Whitfield, Hudson
Taylor, Jim Elliotte, Corrie Ten Boom, C. T. Studd, John R. Rice, Amy Carmichael,
W. W. Wiersbe, and many others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
men and ladies trusted God, believed God to work in their lives and He
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My how this should create a hunger
and thirst in our souls to see revival come to our hearts, to our churches, and
to our nations. It happened with these men and women, why can’t it happen with
us!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They Were Privileged with The Highest Aim</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: red;">Vs 5, . .
.and of whom as concerning the flesh <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Christ
came</b>, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">They
are the nation that God chose to bring our Savior into the World, the Lord
Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Messiah Himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How would you like to be the people from
which the Sovereign of the Universe was born, the eternally blessed God of
Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is through the Messiah that
all of the promises and privileges afforded Israel will realize their ultimate
fulfilment and consummation!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">APPLICATION:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Divine Favor is not enough to make salvation
complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God did all that He did with
Israel because of a Sovereign Choice, but that alone didn’t save them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, great privilege means great
responsibility. Thus, we learn that even when God acts Sovereignly in our lives,
we are still accountable and held responsible for our actions. We are still liable
for our failures.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">Basically,
God implements the choices of a sovereign God and humanity acts within the path
of God’s will as a free moral agent. In neither case do the parties violate the
opportunities and options of the other. It is this dynamic that Romans chapter
nine seeks to highlight.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THE DOWNFALL OF THE NATION OF ISRAEL INSPITE
OF GOD’S GRACE</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">Rom
9:31-33, But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not
attained to the law of righteousness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their Works and Self Righteousness Was One
Reason for Their Downfall</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">Rom 9:32,
Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of
the law.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their Willful Rejection of the Savior Was
Another Reason for Their Downfall</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">Rom. 9:32,
For they <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">stumbled at that
stumblingstone;</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">Rom 9:33,
As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">
a stumblingstone</b> and rock of offence: and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">whosoever believeth on him </b>shall not be ashamed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">APPLICATION
1: The primary focus of this entire chapter is the Sovereignty of God, but from
the very start of the chapter we see strong testimony here to the
responsibility of man in the matter of salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is difficult to reconcile these two
doctrines, however, both are clearly taught here and will be in the next
chapter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God may give us today great privileges,
blessings and benefits, but in the end it all boils down to whether or not we
have trusted Him in a saving capacity or have we rejected His grace for our own
works and self-righteousness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">APPLICATION
2: As Christians we can fail in our responsibilities to trust and serve God.
God in His sovereignty has blessed us richly as Americans, but are we taking
advantage of the privileges He has afforded us to trust Him to work in our
lives and through our lives individually and institutionally?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With great privilege comes great
responsibility and we as Christians have a wealthy heritage, the power of God,
and the blessings of God. Are we executing his will with gratitude? God is not about
to change because he is absolutely faithful; it seems the ball is in our court
now.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">CONCLUSION:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">God’s
past dealings with the nation of Israel are based on two things, <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">His grace and government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His grace refers to his character and nature</span>.
His dealings with them in grace involved the privileges of being Israelites,
the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the law, promises, the service in the
tabernacle, and the fathers. The most important blessing is Christ, the
Messiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s governmental dealings
with Israel involved His wisdom, will, and Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">God was governed by fixed principles and not capricious whims.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b><span style="color: black;">The
basis of God’s entire economy of redemption rest upon the foundation of his
nature and character, therefore we can be assured without any possibility of
disappointment in his mercy, power, and faithfulness.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">Furthermore,
the Scriptures say that we all are sinners. Unless God, pure and righteous,
take our place and suffered the penalty for our sin, we would have to bear that
penalty ourselves. The Apostle Paul explained this in </span><span style="color: red;">Romans 3:10–18</span><span style="color: black;">: </span><span style="color: red;">As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: [11]
There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. [12]
They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there
is none that doeth good, no, not one. [13] Their throat is an open sepulchre;
with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their
lips: [14] Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: [15] Their feet are
swift to shed blood: [16] Destruction and misery are in their ways: [17] And
the way of peace have they not known: [18] There is no fear of God before their
eyes.</span><span style="color: black;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">Jesus’
death on the cross for us never needs to be repeated, and neither does anyone
else ever have to suffer and die as He did. He is the sacrificial,
substitutionary, all-sufficient atonement (</span><span style="color: red;">Romans
5:20-21; 6:10-11</span><span style="color: black;">). Yes, Christ died for us.
Jesus came so that you and I might transfer our guilt to Him, and accept, by
faith, that He is the guiltless One who has received our sin and taken it to
Himself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">So, in
this light, the only thing you need to do to receive salvation is to literally receive
God’s forgiveness. And when you do, you truly have made a choice for life. <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">We
cannot simply believe anything about Jesus or be forgiven for any reason though.
We must believe the Son of God, Jesus Christ, died for our sins, was buried,
and God raised Him up again from among the remaining dead people the third day
for our justification before The Father (see </span></span><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><span style="color: red;">1 Cor. 15:1-4</span><span style="color: black;"> and </span><span style="color: red;">Rom 3:21-31</span><span style="color: black;">). I need you to <b>understand
that it is faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel that is the power of God that
saves us…that grant us eternal life through Christ (</b></span><b><span style="color: red;">Rom. 1:14-17</span><span style="color: black;">).</span></b></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"> Again, receive God’s salvation even now. You can
experience God’s spiritual new birth right now!</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Can%20God%20Really%20Do%20That.doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
William MacDonald, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.Ro9.4&off=878&ctx=Jer.+31%3a31%E2%80%9340).%E2%80%9D%EF%BB%BF35%0a~It+was+to+Israel+tha"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a>, ed. Arthur Farstad
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1716.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Can%20God%20Really%20Do%20That.doc#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[2]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
Matthew Henry, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/mhenry?ref=Bible.Ro9.1-5&off=6632&ctx=+giving+of+the+law.+~It+was+to+them+that+"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Matthew Henry’s
Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume</span></i></a>
(Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 2216.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Can%20God%20Really%20Do%20That.doc#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[3]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a> J.
Vernon McGee, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/thru-bib?ref=Bible.Ro9.5&off=3620&ctx=The+Service+of+God.+~This+had+to+do+with+"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Thru the Bible
Commentary</span></i></a>, electronic ed., vol. 4 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson,
1997), 711.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Can%20God%20Really%20Do%20That.doc#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[4]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
William MacDonald, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.Ro9.4&off=1095&ctx=+as+the+priesthood.%0a~In+addition+to+the+c"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a>, ed. Arthur Farstad
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1716.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Can%20God%20Really%20Do%20That.doc#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[5]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
William MacDonald, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.Ro9.5&off=4&ctx=and+prosperity.%0a9%3a5+~The+Jewish+people+ri"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a>, ed. Arthur Farstad
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1716.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div><br /><p></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-13960615371386226132024-01-29T18:45:00.000-05:002024-01-29T18:45:32.742-05:00Trusting God Instead of Fears<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1wjy1sghgbtxzcKOKVUeIY6nA7PAnTU4HsgTQ3cgqsEjm9iSFwbbUurex_XMkA5-ZoIcCW7dJbNkdWfNzuxISuGZbK9lEjifaefydmufkBdCGa-QzwYQ2zZnTQeBa3knAk_FFZNX-Qh8JAKTi3QA51L-Ut7H4BnEPk41WFb4bOsxkCr-GfEDq3wq8vdS/s1232/Trusting%20God.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1232" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1wjy1sghgbtxzcKOKVUeIY6nA7PAnTU4HsgTQ3cgqsEjm9iSFwbbUurex_XMkA5-ZoIcCW7dJbNkdWfNzuxISuGZbK9lEjifaefydmufkBdCGa-QzwYQ2zZnTQeBa3knAk_FFZNX-Qh8JAKTi3QA51L-Ut7H4BnEPk41WFb4bOsxkCr-GfEDq3wq8vdS/s320/Trusting%20God.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Trusting
God Instead of Fears<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Psalm 62:1-2<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Subject:</b> Trusting God<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Introduction:</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Are you feeling inadequate or uncertain about yourself?
Do you feel insufficient about your physical appearance, spiritual growth, relationships,
financial stability, or even professional skills? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Failures can drive feelings of insecurity encouraging
us to become too critical/extremely faultfinding of ourselves. Even though we
may be talented and treasured, you tell yourself otherwise.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Fear in the form of insecurity can become a vicious
circle. If you feel bad about how you look or doubt your value, you may shy
away from social situations or shun experiences that would test your abilities.
And in doing so, you cripple or even wreck your potential for effectiveness,
victory, and interrelationship.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What is the further impact of being insecure? 1) You’ll
have difficulty trusting others. 2) You may feel paranoid in many things and
worry people are coming over to get you. 3) You may be mistakenly perceived as superior
or conceited when trying too hard to cover up your insecurity. 4) You may feel
at times like panicking over small issues and exaggerating the problems.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Relevance:</b> <a name="_Hlk157442126">We are often
tempted to give in to our fears and insecurities, but the Lord presents Himself
as the only viable alternative to our fears. Psalm 62 says trust God instead. The
Psalm is a healthy reminder for troubled times…when we feel threaten as we live
a God focused life. Psalm 62 is for us. David affirmed that the Eternal
God of heaven is the Source of his personal security, therefore he could not be
shaken! Likewise, He is our refuge, the place we run to hide.<o:p></o:p></a></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk157442126;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Message:</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Psalm 62:1, Truly my soul waiteth upon God:
from him cometh my salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“<span style="color: red;">Truly</span>” implies the
presence of fears, worry and anxiety rooted in a measure of uncertainty. There
appears to have been a battle with such fears, but the Psalmist emerges with a
sense of affirmation. He is now asserting the reality of his exclusive confidence
trust in the Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">I.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Fears are the Basis for
These Challenges. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Fear</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.
Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or
something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. To fear is to be
afraid of (someone or something) as likely to be dangerous, painful, or
threatening. <a name="_Hlk157209517">(from Oxford Languages)</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">B.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Worry.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Worry
is a state of anxiety and uncertainty over actual or potential problems. Worry
gives way to anxiety or unease; allows one's mind to dwell on difficulty or
troubles. (from Oxford Languages)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">C.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Anxiety</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.
Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. It might cause you to
sweat, feel restless and tense, and have a rapid heartbeat. It can be a normal
reaction to stress. For example, you might feel anxious when faced with a
difficult problem at work, before taking a test, or before making an important
decision. (From MedlinePlus)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Why
do I feel the need to be in control? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Several
things can drive controlling behavior. The most common are anxiety and
personality disorders. People with anxiety disorders feel a need to control
everything around them in order to feel at peace. They may not trust anyone
else to handle things the way they will. (from WebMD)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">D.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Uncertainty.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Uncertainty
encompasses something that is uncertain or that causes one to feel uncertain.<span style="background: white; color: #4d5156;"> It is </span>suspicion expressing a
lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or
someone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It
is </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">doubt, skepticism, suspicion, or mistrust
pointing to a lack of sureness about someone or something. Uncertainty may
range from a falling short of certainty to an almost complete lack of
conviction or knowledge especially about an outcome or result. (From Merriam-Webster)
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What
brings uncertainty? </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Uncertainty is
the result of having limited knowledge about an occurrence or event,
making it difficult to control, plan, or predict a future outcome, which can
often be distressing. (From umich.edu) </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">E.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Insecurity.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Insecurity
is uncertainty or anxiety about oneself; it is lack of confidence.<span style="background: white; color: #202124;"> It is a vulnerability, </span>the mindset
of being open to danger or a threatening condition. Insecurity is a perceived lack
of protection. (from Oxford Languages)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It
is often a feeling of inadequacy (not being good enough) and uncertainty.
It produces anxiety about your goals, relationships, and ability to handle
certain situations. Everybody deals with insecurity from time to time. It can
appear in all areas of life and come from a variety of causes. (from WebMD)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Lord called Gideon a “<span style="color: red;">mighty man of valor</span>” (Jud.
6:12) even though he was insecure and fearful. Jesus likened Peter a stable and
steadfast rock even though he was a pebble and kept crumbling. God called
Abraham “<span style="color: red;">father of many nations</span>” when he had no
children. Sarah was called a “<span style="color: red;">mother of nations</span>”
even though she “<span style="color: red;">laughed</span>” and mocked the Lord
for being childless. (Based on Gen. 17 & 18 and Insight for Living)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God knows
that people are insecure for various reasons. Moses, Gideon, and
Abram expressed their insecurities in different ways. But, what does
God says about insecurities? We</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> can
conquer insecurity the same way we do any temptation rooted in our carnality
and flesh. </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 Corinthians 10:13, There hath no
temptation taken you but <b>such as is common to man:</b> but <b>God is
faithful,</b> who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but
will with the temptation also make a way to escape, <b>that ye may be able to
bear it.</b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level3 lfo2; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -2.0in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God
promises that we can, in the power of the Holy Spirit, respond to any given
temptation by resisting it. Finally, Paul adds to this promise that God will
always make a way of escape out of whatever temptation stands before us. So, we
not only come to it, but we can go through it also! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level3 lfo2; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -2.0in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What
is the prayer for 1 Corinthians 10:13? Father, </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">forgive me O Lord for my past sin, and by your grace and
through your Word, strengthen me with your Holy Spirit so that I too may
overcome the temptations that Satan uses to sever my fellowship with you.
Through the name of my Protector and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, I ask this. Amen.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">II.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God Answers our Fears and
Insecurities with Promises. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What
causes our insecurity</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">? </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">There is no one cause of insecurity; many factors can lead to the
condition. Insecurity may stem from a traumatic event, crisis such as divorce
or bankruptcy, or a loss. It can also result from one’s environment, as
unpredictability or upset in daily life can cause anxiety and insecurity about
ordinary, routine events.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">B.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What
Does the Bible say when I’m feeling insecure?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Some
Supportive Verses against Fears and Insecurity….</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ephesians 1:4-6</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. Remember who you are in the Lord,
your spiritual identity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Romans 8:31-32</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. Count on the fact that God is for you.
He is with, in, and for you! If he is for you, then nothing can stand against
you. He's given his Son for you. And not just in the past. Jesus, the risen Son
of God right now is at the right hand of God interceding for you. And nothing
in this world can separate you from his love for you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 John 3:1</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. Take God’s view of yourself as a person
he loves and calls His child. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What
is the love of the father? </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The
Father's love for us is nowhere clearer and more compelling than in the sending
of his only Son—freely, unprompted, and undeserved. The same Scriptures
proclaiming Christ's love in dying also reveal the immense love of the Father
as the sending source. He so loved us that he gave his only begotten Son (John
3:16).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How
great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be
called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does
not know us is that it did not know him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 John 4:18</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. Embrace the truth that God’s perfect
love removes all kinds of fears. The ultimate punishment or fear is separation
from God. Thankfully, for those who believe in Jesus, that fear has passed. We
need to learn to accept the reality of His love for us, so that our fears do
not control us. If you're afraid of facing a person or a situation in your
life, God's love can help you put your fears to rest.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 Corinthians 6:11</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. Take inventory of what you have in
Christ as a person who is washed, sanctified, and justified.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Matthew 10:29-31</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. Do not fear the circumstances
because God values his people greatly. His involvement, power, control,
meticulousness, and wisdom prove he highly values us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Psalm 139:13-14</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. Devote yourself to worship and
praise God for victory. I will dedicate myself to God’s praise because he is my
Creator and I marvel at his exploits. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">III.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God Wants Us to Place our
Faith in Him in the Most Unique and Complete Way.<a name="_Hlk157146471"><o:p></o:p></a></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk157146471;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This Involves an Inner Trust.</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk157146471;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk157146471;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Psalm 62:1, says, “<span style="color: red;">My soul waiteth upon God</span>”…. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“<span style="color: red;">My soul</span>” speaks of the inner life or a person…the seat
of our emotions and passions and the activity of the mind. Trusting God includes
the essence of the real me. I cannot fake this or pretend with him…this must
come from my soul…my heart and resolve are to be available NOW! My expectations,
my inner life, my interior being is present instantly, attentively, and
immediately! Fix your mind and heart on the Lord. Focus on him instead of your
fears and insecurities. He provides a healthy place to concentrate your
thoughts and emotions. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“<span style="color: red;">Waiteth</span>” points to rest or finding rest. It is a
silent, still, repose of still waiting quietly on the Lord for deliverance. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To
wait quietly entails believing God will triumph someday if not today. In his
timing he will make thing right. I am to get out of the way but be responsible
to trust him to exercise good judgment, fairness, and justice.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Why
wait on the Lord? The Psalmist speaks of the longings of his soul when he says,
“<span style="color: red;">My soul waiteth upon God</span>” (Psalm 62:1). This
recognizes God’s authority which helps me to be patient and to anticipate God’s
work/timing with assurance. Waiting is also about what we will become as we
wait. In calling us to wait, God is rescuing us from our bondage to our own
plan, our own wisdom, our own power, our own control. Then we wait because the
Lord has orchestrated our lives; our times are in the hands of the Lord, and we
know it. We are hemmed in by God, totally given over to Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What
is the power of waiting upon the Lord? </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Waiting upon the Lord prepares us to receive the blessings He wants to
give us. God will fulfill His promises in our lives, and as we wait patiently,
we will receive what he promised (<span style="color: red;">Heb. 6:15; Ps. 37:9;
Matt. 5:5</span>). Trust him to renew spiritual strength, the strength to
endure, stand and carry on.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">B.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This
Involves a Complete Trust.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Again Psalm 62:1, says, “<span style="color: red;">upon God</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“<span style="color: red;">God</span>” in this verse is viewed as our <i>Creator, Ruler,
and Judge</i>. This is not merely waiting on anyone or anything, but our unique
Creator, Ruler, and Judge, Elohim alone and only (see also verse <span style="color: red;">2, 5, 6-8</span>).</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> The one who created me
for himself, rules over me by his standard, and who holds me accountable is
worthy of our trust. Our help is the all-powerful eternal God of heaven!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Then
in Psalm 62:2, it says, “<span style="color: red;">He only is my rock and my
salvation” </span>then verse 5, says, “<span style="color: red;">my soul, wait
thou only upon God.</span>” Rest in God alone, because “<span style="color: red;">my expectation” </span>or hope “<span style="color: red;">is
from him</span>” that is it comes from Him. God is our only true refuge! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Compare
verse 2, “<span style="color: red;">I shall not be greatly moved</span>” with
verse 6, “<span style="color: red;">I shall not be moved</span>”, and we
immediately notice an improvement or a progression. The Psalmist moves from a
more tenuous condition to a position of assurance and affirmation. We can
expect to follow a similar pattern as we grow in our ability to trust God
completely with our fears and insecurities. God is pleased with such growth. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Conclusion:</span></b></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As we end this thought, we are often tempted to give
in to our fears and insecurities, but the Lord presents Himself as the only
viable alternative to our fears. Whether insecurities related to physical
appearance, spiritual growth, relationships, financial stability, or even
professional skills, Psalm 62 says trust God instead. David asserted to us that
the Eternal God of heaven is the Source of his personal security, therefore he
could not be shaken! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Finally, one more truth about trust should be
observed. The evidence that we all have sinned is the fact that we die
physically. Physical death is also indicative of a human condition of pervasive
spiritual separation from God. Eternal death is suffering forever in the Lake
of Fire. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God promises to save all who will acknowledge their
sins to Him while trusting Jesus Christ as their Savior. You see, sin is
defined as violations of God’s Laws. We have put idols before the true and
living God. We are guilty of taking God’s Name in vain. We have not honored our
parents fully and always. We have not treated people with real love and respect
exclusively. We do not measure up to the perfection of God’s standard of
morality. We NEED His forgiveness...He offers us forgiveness not condemnation.
With this being the case...condemnation is something you chose by refusing
Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We are all guilty of transgressing God’s Law. We all
have gone beyond the limitations established by God in the Bible, and as a
result we must now be punished for our awful sin. We are all facing the death
penalty. The only hope is God’s forgiveness made available to each of us
through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Beloved, it was Jesus who died
for our sins, was buried because he actually did die and satisfied the death
penalty against sin. He also rose again the third day exactly as he repeatedly
stated he would. Yes, the Lord Jesus Christ conquered death, hell, sin, and
Satan through his cross and resurrection. He is alive to save you if you turn
to him confessing your sin and receiving his sacrifice for you (Rom. 10:8-17).
Trust the living Lord Jesus as Savior to be forgiven as God promised. <br />
<br />
Jesus is not motivated to condemn, but to help us see our incredible need for God’s
forgiveness. Do not put your trust in a church, a membership, a denominational
affiliation, a ritual or ceremony, a work of service, yourself, or a religious
creed. These methods will only fail…. Trust Jesus, the Savior.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
<br /></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-83736950290420315652024-01-28T16:20:00.000-05:002024-01-28T16:20:11.747-05:00Now that's a Burden!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1lUpeBKBL6LZ8M3on4ao91nc1XYH2WX4e8iZTdB2Q581tEFdo6ctNt0gvQ9GQlR7f3ioG0Skvpxoa0oqXVlr02jaGdoLY0cuwvw8sWtJLGf6Ja6L6WSdJDPnkmkiAhgGRL4319lMYJTZoOb8Gbi_zkfcA8E8NxchIKIlI31CJKnbxFHSpakBqgmPq2un/s1218/Burden.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1218" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1lUpeBKBL6LZ8M3on4ao91nc1XYH2WX4e8iZTdB2Q581tEFdo6ctNt0gvQ9GQlR7f3ioG0Skvpxoa0oqXVlr02jaGdoLY0cuwvw8sWtJLGf6Ja6L6WSdJDPnkmkiAhgGRL4319lMYJTZoOb8Gbi_zkfcA8E8NxchIKIlI31CJKnbxFHSpakBqgmPq2un/s320/Burden.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">ROMANS 9:1-5 (Vs
14)</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">SUBJECT: ROMANS/ ISRAEL’S PAST</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">THEME: the basis of God’s entire
economy of redemption rest upon the foundation of his nature and character,
therefore we can rest without any prospect of disappointment in his mercy,
power, and faithfulness.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">INTRODUCTION:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">If God is fair in his dealings
with Israel, then the rest of humanity can unreservedly entrust their eternal
future with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, if he was
unfair in his dealings with the nation of Israel, then how can we as gentile Christians
even begin to rest in him for our own eternal destiny?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">There are several questions I hope
to answer from this passage and this chapter in Romans:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">1) Is salvation based on our
good works or is it based on the calling and compassion of God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">2) What does it mean when the God
of love says he loved Jacob but hated Esau?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">3) How can we reconcile God’s
sovereignty with human responsibility?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">4) Have the promises of God
failed Israel? Will they fail us also?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">5) After looking at his record,
can God still be trusted today?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">MESSAGE:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">Romans 8:29-30 is one of the
most difficult passages in all of Scripture because it deals with the subjects
of moral responsibility of mankind and sovereign prerogatives of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The key to unlocking this blessed passage is
some understanding of the words “foreknow,” “predestinate,” “called,”
“justified,” and “glorified.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
words stretch all the way from eternity past through fleeting time and on into
eternity future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They focus the mind on
the difficulty of reconciling divine election with human free will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be sure this is a topic of great
difficulty, but both concepts are clearly taught throughout the Word of
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a name="_Hlk157348879">Basically,
God exercises the prerogatives of a sovereign God and man functions within the
orbit of God’s will as a free moral agent. In both instances neither violates
the opportunities and choices of the other. It is this understanding that sets
the stage as we come into Romans chapter nine.</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">I.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">A Sincere Desire to See the Nation Saved.</span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> <b>Vs 1-4</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Paul’ s burdened for the salvation of his kinsman, the nation of Israel.</span></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">Rom 9:1,
I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in
the Holy Ghost,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">By
repetition in positive and negative terms (internally attested by the witness
of his own conscience [cf. comments on 2:15] in the presence of the Holy Spirit)
Paul affirmed his deep anguish of heart over the rejection of the gospel by the
vast majority of Jews. <a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Can%20God%20Really%20Do%20That.doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">His conscience,
in fellowship with the Holy Spirit, attests the truth of what he is saying.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Can%20God%20Really%20Do%20That.doc#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[2]</span></sup></span></sup></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>PAUL POSSESSED A HUGE LASTING BURDEN FOR
ISRAEL</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">Rom 9:2,
That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It Was a Cosmic Burden</u></b>
“</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Great</span><span style="color: black;">”</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"> (Big, Large,
Mighty, Strong)</span></i><span style="color: black;"> and “</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;">heaviness</span></i></b><span style="color: black;">” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Grief, Sorrow)</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It Was a Continuous Burden</u><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> “</i></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Continual</span><span style="color: black;">”</span></i></b><span style="color: black;"> (Permanent or
Without Ceasing) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Sorrow</span><span style="color: black;">”</span></i></b><span style="color: black;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Consume Grief of Mind)</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">When
he thinks first of Israel’s glorious calling, and now of its rejection by God
because it rejected the Messiah, his heart is filled with great sorrow and
continual grief.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Can%20God%20Really%20Do%20That.doc#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[3]</span></sup></span></sup></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">It is
impossible for us to appreciate adequately the anguish of this great apostle
for his own nation. His patience in the presence of their persistent
persecution is an indication of it. He knew how they felt toward Christ and
toward Christianity, for he once felt that way himself. He had been a Pharisee,
a leader; he longed for them to come to Christ as he had.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Can%20God%20Really%20Do%20That.doc#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[4]</span></sup></span></sup></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>PAUL POSSESSED THE HIGHEST FORM OF BURDENS
FOR ISRAEL</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">Rom 9:3,
For <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I could wish that myself were
accursed from Christ for my brethren</b>, my kinsmen according to the flesh:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">When<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>Paul thinks of Israel’s glorious
calling and the purpose for with God had chosen them, and now their rejection
by God because they had rejected their Messiah, his heart is filled with sorrow
and grief.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul Shared the Compassion
of Moses Over Israel's Sinful Condition.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">Exod
32:30-32, And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people,
Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I
shall make an atonement for your sin. [31] And Moses returned unto the LORD,
and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of
gold. [32] <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Yet now, if thou wilt forgive
their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book</b> which thou
hast written.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul Shared the Compassion
of Christ Over Israel's Sinful Condition.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">John
15:13, Greater love hath no man than this, that<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> a man lay down his life for his friends. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">(Matt.
23:37)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><u>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul’s Compassion Was So
Great That He Was Willing to Be Cut off from Christ If His Forfeiture Would
Result in the Salvation of His Kinsman Nationally.</u></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe this is
the highest form of Human love or should I say divine love working in a human
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember, these are the same
people who wanted Paul dead for preaching the Gospel!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">Accordingly,
then (Romans 9:1-3) Paul had great anguish concerning reaching his Jewish
brethren for Christ and he made an incredible, yet true, statement regarding
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul clearly was willing to be
accursed from Christ–devoted to perdition–if in exchange it would mean the
salvation of the Jewish people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
not speaking merely about being excommunicated nor death, but actually being
damned to Hell for all eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
a description of his soul-winning passion among his countrymen; he was honestly
willing to suffer eternal separation from Christ if by so doing his Jewish
brethren would be saved through faith in their Messiah.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>PAUL POSESSED A NATIONAL BURDEN FOR ISRAEL</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: red;">Rom 9:4,
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Who are Israelites</b>; to whom
pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, . . ..</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">Paul declared
his great heartbreak that his people by birth, the Jews, have rejected Christ.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><i><span style="color: black;">As
Paul weeps over his people, their glorious privileges pass in review. They are
Israelites, members of God’s ancient chosen people.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Can%20God%20Really%20Do%20That.doc#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[5]</span></sup></b></span></sup></a></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">APPLICATION:
Paul had a burden for all sinners that lead to being completely selfless. His
yearning was for a specific ethnic group and there is nothing wrong with such
today as long as we realize the world still needs to be reached with the gospel
(</span><span style="color: red;">Matt. 28:19-20</span><span style="color: black;">).
We Christians are called to reach the world with the hope in Christ Jesus. But
there is something else here that is noteworthy about Paul’s specific and special
burden that all of us can glean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
believe if we have a burden for someone in particular (an individual) and not only
generally for everyone then we will witness to that person. We will also pray
for that individual, and perhaps even see them saved. It matters what our
primary focus is on. It is not wrong to witness to the masses, but a targeted
burden is better for reaching a person with the gospel. If we don’t already have
anyone specifically on our hearts to share Christ with, then think about family
members, cousins, friends, and work associates, people at the grocery store and
such. Go ahead and get out among the lost and ask God to provide opportunities,
open your heart and speak to some lost sinner. Everyone can reach one and then
move on to the next prospect. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span>CONCLUSION:</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">God’s
past dealings with the nation of Israel are based on two things, His grace and
government. His dealings with them in
grace involved the privileges of being Israelites, the adoption, the glory, the
covenants, the law, promises, the service in the tabernacle, and the
fathers. The most important blessing is Christ,
the Messiah. God’s governmental dealings
with Israel involved His wisdom, will, and Word. God was governed by fixed principles and not capricious
whims. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>The
basis of God’s entire economy of redemption rest upon the foundation of his
nature and character, therefore we can be assured without any possibility of
disappointment in his mercy, power, and faithfulness.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Furthermore,
the Scriptures say that we all are sinners. Unless God, pure and righteous,
take our place and suffered the penalty for our sin, we would have to bear that
penalty ourselves. The apostle Paul explained this in <span style="color: red;">Romans 3:10–18</span>: <span style="color: red;">As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: [11]
There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. [12]
They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there
is none that doeth good, no, not one. [13] Their throat is an open sepulchre;
with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their
lips: [14] Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: [15] Their feet are
swift to shed blood: [16] Destruction and misery are in their ways: [17] And
the way of peace have they not known: [18] There is no fear of God before their
eyes.</span> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Jesus’
death on the cross for us never needs to be repeated, and neither does anyone
else ever have to suffer and die as He did. He is the sacrificial,
substitutionary, all-sufficient atonement (<span style="color: red;">Romans
5:20-21; 6:10-11</span>). Yes, Christ died for us.
Jesus came so that you and I might transfer our guilt to Him, and accept, by
faith, that He is the guiltless One who has received our sin and taken it to
Himself.</p><p class="MsoNormal">So, in
this light, the only thing you need to do to receive salvation is to literally receive
God’s forgiveness. And when you do, you truly have made a choice for life. We
cannot simply believe anything about Jesus or be forgiven for any reason though.
We must believe the Son of God, Jesus Christ, died for our sins, was buried,
and God raised Him up again from among the remaining dead people the third day
for our justification before The Father (see <span style="color: red;">1 Cor. 15:1-4</span> and <span style="color: red;">Rom 3:21-31</span>). I need you to <b>understand
that it is faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel that is the power of God that
saves us…that grant us eternal life through Christ (</b><b><span style="color: red;">Rom. 1:14-17</span>).</b> Again, receive God’s salvation even now. You can
experience God’s spiritual new birth right now!<o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Can%20God%20Really%20Do%20That.doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a> John
A. Witmer, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Ro9.1-5&off=39&ctx=9%3a1%E2%80%935.+~By+repetition+in+positive+and+neg"><span style="color: blue;">“Romans,”</span></a> in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures</i>, ed. J. F.
Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 476.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Can%20God%20Really%20Do%20That.doc#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[2]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
William MacDonald, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.Ro9.1&off=290&ctx=h.+He+is+not+lying.+~His+conscience%2c+in+f"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a>, ed. Arthur Farstad
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1716.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Can%20God%20Really%20Do%20That.doc#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[3]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
William MacDonald, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.Ro9.2&off=4&ctx=t+he+is+saying.%0a9%3a2+~When+he+thinks+first"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a>, ed. Arthur Farstad
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1716.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Can%20God%20Really%20Do%20That.doc#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[4]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a> J.
Vernon McGee, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/thru-bib?ref=Bible.Ro9.2"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Thru the Bible
Commentary</span></i></a>, electronic ed., vol. 4 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson,
1997), 709–710.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Can%20God%20Really%20Do%20That.doc#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[5]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
William MacDonald, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.Ro9.4&off=4&ctx=n%E2%80%9D+(Ex.+32%3a32).%0a9%3a4+~As+Paul+weeps+over+h"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a>, ed. Arthur Farstad
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1716.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div><br /><p></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-88685746233464282792024-01-27T17:16:00.000-05:002024-01-27T17:16:12.316-05:00Awakened by Reminders<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOxiftWTTxchyphenhyphenMYqw_HDf45iFCfqkrsVJ4hBFO46G3Ncew0uCdV3sCF9osiiu2wYHvrcQUKnTwtRJcgGqaWQ9h-ZXeapORGqghfLVcYw4DowZNhZdACsk_UJvd_8wCdDg2YvHhGk5dsD2WLsj57Q22-VgSVXAp-Dv4alMeX8S_4JsQqqEoQrawUeF-dwU/s1228/Awakened.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="1228" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOxiftWTTxchyphenhyphenMYqw_HDf45iFCfqkrsVJ4hBFO46G3Ncew0uCdV3sCF9osiiu2wYHvrcQUKnTwtRJcgGqaWQ9h-ZXeapORGqghfLVcYw4DowZNhZdACsk_UJvd_8wCdDg2YvHhGk5dsD2WLsj57Q22-VgSVXAp-Dv4alMeX8S_4JsQqqEoQrawUeF-dwU/s320/Awakened.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Awakened by Reminders<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2Peter 1:12-15<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Subject:</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Spiritual Growth <b><i><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Theme:</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> <a name="_Hlk157266096">submit to Bible instructions to
continue growth in Christian character.</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Introduction:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Peter transitions from a focus on the work of God in
believers’ lives (1:3-11) to the Word of God as the mechanism for character
cultivation (1:16-21). He starts with
his personal yearning for believers to retain all God has communicated through
him (1:12-15). Peter knew his days were numbered; therefore, he urged these
believers to hold on tight to the precious truth. In fact, he uses the word “<span style="color: red;">remembrance</span>” (1:12, 13, 15) three times to signify
this most vital need. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">He was not being critical, nor did he suggest they
were wavering in their faith. His
purpose was preventive and not corrective. He wanted them to stay that way.
Currently a major problem in many churches is not that believers do not know
what God expects of them, but they either forget (2 Peter 1:9) or are unwilling
to live out the truth they have.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Continuation in and </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">adherence to God’s Word is absolutely essential to our
spiritual progress (2Pet. 1:12-21). The Bible is the God provided instrument
for nurturing continuous Christ-like living.
So how do we help believers learn the Bible and then practice what they
know? How do we impress believers with
what is actually essential to spiritual growth? <a name="_Hlk157266404">(Based
on W. W. Wiersbe)</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Message:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">I.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Peter Repeatedly Emphasized the Need to Develop
Christian Character (<span style="color: red;">2Pet. 1:12-18</span>).<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">As he
considered the present and eternal implications of spiritual growth, Peter
determined to keep on reminding believers of the importance of developing
Christian character. Even if we already knew this, we needed to be constantly
reminded. But why was Peter so adamant about this? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">A.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">To Awaken Believers from Spiritual Slumber (<span style="color: red;">2Pet. 1:13-15</span>).
<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;">Peter not only had good
intentions, but he believed it his duty <i><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">to stir…</span></i><span style="color: red;"> <i>up</i></span> the saints through
frequent reminders for the rest of his
life (1:13). The phrase “<i><span style="color: red;">stir you up</span>”</i>
means “to wake up, to awaken, to arouse.” Peter desired to do a thorough job of
arousing their minds and render them active. This same word is used to describe
a storm on the Sea of Galilee! (John 6:18) Peter knew that our minds have a
tendency to get accustomed to truth and then to take it for granted. We forget
what we ought to remember, and we remember what we ought to forget! But, Peter purposed to do this by reminding
them of the things which they had been taught. He would arouse their minds to
action by reminding them of the truth they had learned from the Word of God. (Based
on W. W. Wiersbe)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>1.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">By Means of
Personal Reminders (<span style="color: red;">1:13-14</span>). <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">i.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Notice His
Method (1:13).</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Peter said, “<span style="color: red;">Yea, I
think it meet</span>,” that is he personally felt the fitness of keeping them
from spiritual drowsiness as he approached the close of his life (1:13).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 2.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->a.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->What was it that Peter wanted to accomplish?
The answer is found in the word that is repeated in 2 Peter 1:12–13 and 15—<i><span style="color: red;">remembrance</span>.</i> Peter wanted to impress his readers’
minds with the Word of God so that they would never forget it! “I think it
meet... to stir you up by putting you in remembrance” (2 Peter 1:13). –Wiersbe,
Warren<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 2.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">b.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">And so do we. Even though we are<b> </b><i>“<span style="color: red;">established in the present truth</span>”</i><b> </b>(1:12), there
is always the danger of a preoccupied moment or a forgetful hour. So the truth
must be constantly repeated. Even when
believers are grounded, there is need for motivation and exhortation (<span style="color: red;">Rom. 15:14-15</span>). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 2.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">c.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Peter was a preacher with a passion for stirring
believers out of their spiritual slumber and awakening them to the truths of
God’s word and the related responsibilities.
I personally need someone in the pulpit, who is burning hot for Jesus
Christ, filled with the love of God, and who takes the Bible and “stir me up!” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">ii.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Notice His
Motive (1:14).</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Life is short. The <i>“<span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Lord</span><span style="color: red;">
Jesus Christ</span>” 1:14) </i>had already revealed to Peter the <i>fact</i>
that he would die and the <i>manner</i> in which he would die (John 21:18, 19).
Many years had elapsed since then. The aging apostle knew that in the normal
course of events, his death was near. This knowledge gave added impetus to his
determination to care for the spiritual welfare of God’s people during whatever
time remained. The fact is none of us have very long to serve the Lord because
time is running out.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 2.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">a.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Death is a putting <i>“<span style="color: red;">off this my tabernacle</span>,”(1:14)</i> a laying aside of
our earthly dwelling or putting off our physical body <b>(</b>1:14). Just as a
tent is a temporary dwelling for travelers, so the body is the structure in
which we dwell during our pilgrimage on earth. In death the tent is taken down.
At the Rapture, the body will be raised and changed. In its eternal, glorified
form the body is portrayed as a permanent dwelling—a building and a house (2
Cor. 5:1).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 2.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">b.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Both Peter and Paul used this expression when
referring to the body. Paul wrote, “<span style="color: red;">For we know that if
our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God,
an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens</span>” (2 Cor. 5:1). A
tent is a pretty flimsy sort of thing, and if you don’t believe that your
little tent is flimsy, you step out on one of these rainy days and allow
yourself to get soaking wet.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 2.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">c.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Paul also says, “<span style="color: red;">We are
confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be
present with the Lord</span>” (2 Cor. 5:8). That is the way both Peter and Paul
speak of death. This little tent we live in is put down into the grave. It goes
to sleep, but the soul never dies. And, of course, the soul is never raised
from the dead since it never dies. The word <i>resurrection</i> refers to the
body. In the Greek it is <i>anastasis</i>, which means “to stand up,” and
obviously that refers to the body.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 2.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">d.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Peter uses the word <i>“<span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">decease</span>”</i> (1:15) and it is related to the
word <i>exodus</i>. It is the same word used to describe the death of Christ in
Luke 9:31. Death is not the cessation of being but the departure from one place
to another. Simon Peter knew that shortly he would move out of his body and
into God’s presence, he had spoken of the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ, and longed to be with Him there. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 2.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">e.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Therefore, we cannot afford to keep putting off
serving the Lord and touching other lives with His Word. Life is short, and we need to always be
preparing and serving others because we are running out of time. <a name="_Hlk157266517">(Based on Dr. W. McDonald)</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">iii.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Notice His
Manner (1:14)</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">. Peter is referring to what Jesus had told him
that morning when He had prepared breakfast for them on the shore of the Sea of
Galilee after His resurrection. He had said, “<span style="color: red;">Verily,
verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and
walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch
forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou
wouldest not.</span>” Then John comments, “<span style="color: red;">This spake
he, signifying by what death he should glorify God …</span>” (John 21:18–19).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 2.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">a.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">This passage in 2 Peter has been one of the most
important sections in the entire Word of God.
It is his deathbed statement. When a man is on his deathbed, he is apt
to say something of importance. It is interesting that the Word of God attaches
some importance to deathbed statements. Let me illustrate this from the Old
Testament.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 2.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">b.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">When Moses knew that he would not enter the Promised
Land but would die on Mount Nebo in the land of Moab, he gathered the twelve
tribes about him and blessed each of them before his death. It was a very
important discourse that he gave to them at that time. The Book of Deuteronomy is the message. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 2.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">c.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">When Joshua was old and ready to depart from this
life, he also gathered the tribes of Israel together and delivered to them his
final charge. Then he challenged them to follow God and gave the testimony of
his own life: “… <span style="color: red;">as for me and my house, we will serve
the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span></span>” (Josh. 24:15).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 2.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">d.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Then, in the New Testament when the Lord Jesus came
into Jerusalem for that last Passover, He made it very clear to His own in His
Upper Room Discourse that it was His last time with them—before He would die
and rise again in a glorified body. Oh, what tremendous truths He gave to them
on that last evening! (Based on Dr. W. McDonald)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 2.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">e.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The apostle Paul, as we have seen, gave his final
epitaph in 2 Timothy. Notice what he said: “<span style="color: red;">For I am
now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought
a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth
there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous
judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also
that love his appearing</span>” (2 Tim. 4:6–8).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 2.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">f.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Now Simon Peter says, “<span style="color: red;">Knowing
that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle</span>.” He knows that he has
come to the end of his earthly life. Tradition tells us that he was crucified
with his head down. Peter felt himself unworthy of dying in the same manner his
Lord died; so he died upside down.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 2.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">By Means of
Permanent Reminders (<span style="color: red;">1:15</span>).</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Not only did the apostle determine personally to
remind the saints of the importance of spiritual progress, he also arranged to
leave a reminder<b> </b>behind
in permanent written form (1:15). Through his writings, believers are able to
remind themselves at any time. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">i.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">He Gave Us
Scripture.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Resultantly, Peter’s
Letters have shed light on the path of men and women encouraging them to
spiritual growth now for over nineteen centuries, and will continue doing so
till the dawn of the eternal age. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 2.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">a.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In addition, reliable ancient tradition says that the
Gospel of Mark is essentially the eyewitness account of the Apostle Peter. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 2.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">b.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The importance of written ministry is clear here. It
is the written word that lasts. Through the written word, a man’s ministry goes
on while his body is lying in the grave. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">ii.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">He Gave Us a
Priority.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> These verses have special value to us because
they show what is important to a man of God who is living in the shadow of
death. Believers must frequently expose themselves to the Word of God;
participate in private and family devotions, the teaching, preaching, and Bible
study opportunities of the church, and good Christian literature as good
approaches to spiritual development. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">B.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">To Impress Believers with the Need for Fundamental
Teachings (<span style="color: red;">2Pet. 1:12, 15</span></span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">). <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>1.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Notice His
Focus.</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">“<i><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">These things</span></i>” occurs four times—verses 8, 9, 12 and 15. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">i.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">On Growth
and Commitment (<span style="color: red;">1:8</span>).</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Failure to
persevere in the development of Christian character leads to barrenness,
unfruitfulness, blindness, shortsightedness, and forgetfulness (<span style="color: red;">1:8-10</span>). Saints must grow in grace, lest spiritual
senility set in. There are Christians today—and I am sure you have met some of
them—who are actually spiritually <i>senile</i>. They are shuffling around
without all of their faculties. When this happens we know we are failing to
grow. We must commit ourselves to growth. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">ii.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">On Belief
and Behavior (<span style="color: red;">1:12</span>).</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> “<span style="color: red;">These things</span>” relates to both Christian character and
fundamental teachings. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 2.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">a.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Peter connects beliefs with behavior, convictions to
conduct, and commitment to character. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 2.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">b.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Fundamental teachings provide the fuel for character
transformation. Think about the basic
teaching on the “blood of Christ” as the full payment for sin, the fact that
Jesus Christ is the “Son of God,” or the truth that the Bible is “inspired.”
All three truths provide confidence, cleansing, power, and grace for Christian
living! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">iii.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">On Living
and Dying (<span style="color: red;">1:15</span>).</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> “<span style="color: red;">These things</span>” refer
to the great, basic truths of the Christian faith, which still have enormous
value even when seen from the borders of the eternal world (<span style="color: red;">1:15</span>). Peter
didn’t need a new teaching as he was preparing to die, no, the same doctrines
that proved sufficient to live by are sufficient to die by! When we have proved
the value of the truth in life, it is easier to rest in those same truths when
facing death! Peter’s focus did not change, it was strengthened even while
facing death. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Notice His
Diligence.</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span>“<span style="color: red;">Wherefore I will not
be negligent to put you always in remembrance</span>.” (1:12) (See <span style="color: red;">Eccl. 9:10; Rom. 12:11; 1Cor. 15:10; Col. 3:23</span>)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">i.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">To Provide
an Example.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> The importance and advantage of progress and
perseverance in grace and holiness made the apostle to be very diligent in
doing the work of a minister of Christ, that he might thereby excite and assist
them to be diligent in the duty of Christians. If ministers be negligent in
their work, it can hardly be expected that the people will be diligent in
theirs; therefore Peter <i>will not be negligent</i> (that is, at no time or
place, in no part of his work, to no part of his charge), but will be
exemplarily and universally diligent, and that in the work of a remembrancer.
This is the office of the best ministers…. From Matthew Henry<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->ii.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><b>To
Provide the Word.</b> Peter was diligent to complete Letters
(Scripture) to provide ongoing written testimony of the truths so close to his
heart. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->iii.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><b>To
Provide Preachers.</b> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 2.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->a.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Clearly his own life and ministry was
extended into the lives of others, as Silas (1Pet. 5:12) and Mark, who would
carry on his work after he died. And certainly Peter wanted to be sure that the
Lord’s people would not forget God’s work and God’s Word.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 2.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">b.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">When David was about to die, he called Solomon to him.
David said to Solomon, “I go the way of all the earth.” (What a picture that is
of death! I don’t know who you are or where you are, but I can tell you the
road on which you are traveling. You are going the way of all the earth, and
that is to the cemetery. I realize that this doesn’t sound very good, but all
of us are on that route.) Then David charged Solomon with the responsibility of
building the temple of God, and he exhorted all Israel to help him, for “…
Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the
work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> God” (1 Chron. 29:1).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 2.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">c.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Through their preaching and teaching, the Apostles and
New Testament prophets laid the foundation of the church (Eph. 2:20) and we in
later generations are building on that foundation. However, the men were not
the foundation; Jesus Christ is the Foundation (1 Cor. 3:11). He is also the
chief Cornerstone that ties the building together (Eph. 2:20). If the church is
to last, it cannot be built on mere men. It must be built on the Son of God.<i>
–The Bible Exposition Commentary</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>3.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Notice His
Emphasis. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->i.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><b><i><u>Peter constantly calls attention to Jesus
Christ and the Word of God.</u></i></b> I too want to be a Jesus
preacher and a Word of God preacher! <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->ii.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->In fact, it is challenging to distinguish
between the written Word (the Bible) and the incarnate Word (Christ) in Peter
emphasis throughout the remainder of the chapter. They are both major avenues
of God’s revelation (<span style="color: red;">Ps. 19:7-11; John 1:18; Heb. 1:2</span>)
and therefore both come into focus throughout the remainder of this chapter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Conclusion:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The preacher
and teacher should be an intense student of the Word, bringing to the church
fresh, new truth with the dew of heaven upon it. But there is a place for the
repetition of the old truths which the saints know well. Much of it has not yet
been put into practice, and the fact that it is repeated gives the Holy Spirit
an opportunity to make it experiential in the life of the believer. <b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Submit to
Bible instructions to continue growth in Christian character.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><br /></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-31204476120407478142024-01-25T20:22:00.000-05:002024-01-25T20:22:02.354-05:00Who's Responsible for This? <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_KUsjZ6tSMdAIqTF2kfrnPyLXayMkAnxazmOhoXIc_oOHECJt4NfYJo0zeRG4gzcbibmdIznG3QgzvhDu7MeUva-Kl-chdOwmxxUFbUuxRKc32ShBsUGUTdvAbrmkm7IGHFcYMKVZC2S3HU6y0ntVhOaS_7WZT6cvd9gZc5O_DnnlYNJl9KAVQW-T_8i/s1233/Who's%20Responsible%20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1233" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_KUsjZ6tSMdAIqTF2kfrnPyLXayMkAnxazmOhoXIc_oOHECJt4NfYJo0zeRG4gzcbibmdIznG3QgzvhDu7MeUva-Kl-chdOwmxxUFbUuxRKc32ShBsUGUTdvAbrmkm7IGHFcYMKVZC2S3HU6y0ntVhOaS_7WZT6cvd9gZc5O_DnnlYNJl9KAVQW-T_8i/s320/Who's%20Responsible%20.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="WordSection1">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -16.55pt; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -16.55pt 144.45pt 163.45pt 199.45pt 235.45pt 271.45pt 307.45pt 343.45pt 379.45pt 415.45pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Who’s Responsible for This?</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -16.55pt; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -16.55pt 144.45pt 163.45pt 199.45pt 235.45pt 271.45pt 307.45pt 343.45pt 379.45pt 415.45pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">JOHN 9:1-7</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 161.0pt 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black;">SUBJECT: Source Of Adversity</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 161.0pt 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black;">THEME: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Remember there is also a Divine Design Behind our
Adversities. God Will Accomplish Good ends when He is in control! Give Him
Control.</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 161.0pt 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Relevance: </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">understanding the
source of our adversities can certainly help us and lead to peace as well as
avoid and appreciate some of the associated difficulties. By identifying the
source or broadening our categories, we move closer to securing God’s answers
and directions.</span></i> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 161.0pt 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black;">INTRODUCTION:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText">As Jesus and His disciples passed through Jerusalem, they
came upon a man who had been blind from birth. This surfaced a question in the
minds of the disciples that they must have been wrestling with for some time.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 9.0pt 45.0pt 81.0pt 117.0pt 153.0pt 189.0pt 225.0pt 261.0pt 297.0pt 333.0pt 369.0pt 405.0pt;"><span style="color: red;">John 9:2, And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who
did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: -116%; margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 9.0pt 45.0pt 81.0pt 117.0pt 153.0pt 189.0pt 225.0pt 261.0pt 297.0pt 333.0pt 369.0pt 405.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their Dilemma Was Based upon a Wrong
Assumption They Had Been Taught All Their Lives, Namely, That Illness Is a Sign
of God's Judgment.</span></u></b><span style="color: black;"> There was no
question in their minds that someone had sinned. But who?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -1.8pt 0in 12.2pt .6in 1.1in 1.6in 2.1in 2.6in 3.1in 3.6in 4.1in 4.6in 5.1in 5.6in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Disciples Were Trying from Their Limited
Perspective to Answer a Question We Often Find Ourselves Asking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It Is the “Why” Question.</span></u><span style="color: black;"> </span></b><span style="color: black;">Why did this happen?
Who is responsible for this? Why did my son run away? Why did my father
contract cancer? Why did our house burn? Why did I loose my job? Why was I
sued?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Subconsciously or consciously,
verbally or silently, these questions spring to our minds and lips. <i>Are they
good questions to ask?</i> The questions are endless. Each of us has a specific
list.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -1.8pt 0in 12.2pt .6in 1.1in 1.6in 2.1in 2.6in 3.1in 3.6in 4.1in 4.6in 5.1in 5.6in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Sometimes there is so much emotion involved we dare not
even allow ourselves to verbalize the frustration we feel because asking for
and finding no clear-cut answer threatens the foundation of all we believe
about God and His goodness. And yet, the questions still linger.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -1.8pt 0in 12.2pt .6in 1.1in 1.6in 2.1in 2.6in 3.1in 3.6in 4.1in 4.6in 5.1in 5.6in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span>MESSAGE:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -1.8pt 0in 12.2pt .6in 1.1in 1.6in 2.1in 2.6in 3.1in 3.6in 4.1in 4.6in 5.1in 5.6in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes We Ask …Why!<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><b><span style="color: black;">A. A COMMON NOTION IS TO ASKS THE QUESTION, “WHY?”</span></b><span style="color: black;"> In many cases, there are very good reasons to ask <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">why</i> in our world today! <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why</i>
is one of the most potent questions any person can ever ask about anything.</b>
It is the question at <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>the root of
curiosity and discovery</u></i> —a question that can lead to wonderful
insights, creative applications, theories, inventions, and solutions.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.15in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">When we ask <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">why</i>
in the face of adversity, however, our question is nearly always couched in
highly personal terms: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<u>Why did this
happen to me?”</u></i> The focus is less on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">why</i>
and more on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me</i>.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.15in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The More Valid Perspective, of Course, Is
Probably to Ask, “Why <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Not</i> Me?”</span></b><span style="color: black;"> We live in a fallen world. Sin abounds. The human heart
has evil intent. ‘Accidents’ occur. Nobody is perfect. The devil is real, and
the Scriptures tell us that he is continually walking about</span><span style="color: red;"> “as a roaring lion, . . . seeking whom he may devour” (1
Peter 5:8).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord Never Promised to Keep You or Any of
His Children from All Adversity, or to Adjust All Circumstances for Your
Exclusive Benefit and Pleasure.</span></b><span style="color: black;"> Rather,
the Scriptures tell us that the Lord </span><span style="color: red;">“....maketh
his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and
on the unjust. (Matt. 5:45). </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">The circumstances of life are just that—the circumstances
of life. Problems, needs, and troubles plague all of humankind. No one is
immune to them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We Cannot Assume That the Lord Will Keep Us
Free of All Adversity and Harm, but We Can Count on the Lord's Being with Us in
Times of Adversity, Calamity, Tragedy, Hardship, and Pain.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2in .7in 1.2in 1.7in 2.2in 2.7in 3.2in 3.7in 4.2in 4.7in 5.2in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">Most of us are familiar with </span><span style="color: red;">Psalm 23:4, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">for thou art with
me</b>; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">We hear that psalm during funeral services or recall it in
times of severe illness or tragedy, but the psalmist does not say the “valley
of death”—rather, it's the </span><span style="color: red;">“valley of the shadow
of death.”</span><span style="color: black;"> The shadow of death refers to
situations and circumstances that may cause us harm, loss, defeat, destruction,
discouragement, pain, sorrow, suffering and, ultimately, death itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shadows are gloomy and threatening, so even
the fear of potential adversity can be included in our interpretation of the </span><span style="color: red;">“valley of the shadow of death.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><b><span style="color: black;">4. The Correct Attitude toward Adversity is Faith Not Fear!</span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Note further that
the psalmist's intent is not to instill fear about such a valley but to
proclaim, </span><span style="color: red;">“I will fear no evil; for thou are
with me.”</span><span style="color: black;"> That's the right approach toward
adversity.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">When adversity hits us, as it surely will at some point in
life, we are wise to say, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“No matter what
I may experience, the <u>Lord is with me.</u> He is walking through this with
me. He is right here by my side. He knows the situation, and He knows the way
through the situation to a brighter and better tomorrow!”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember the three Hebrew boys! <a name="_Hlk157102564">(Based on Dr. C. Stanley)</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .05in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THE BETTER <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">WHY</i> QUESTION TO ASK IS, “WHY THIS?” in Other Words, . . ..</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .05in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why Did <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This</i> Happen as Opposed
to Other Things That Could Happen? </span></b><span style="color: black;">There
is an explanation—apart from an accusation of faultfinding—for most things that
happen to us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyTextIndent2" style="tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;">ILLUSTRATION:
A person may lose a house in a mudslide and have to face the fact that he
bought a home on the side of a hill in an area prone to mud slides. A person
may have a serious illness and learn as a result that she should have made
different choices about her health ten or twenty years ago. A couple may face
marital difficulties and look back and see where they could have communicated
better, given more selflessly, or sought out pastoral counseling much earlier
in their relationship. A person may be in an automobile accident and learn a
great deal about how to improve his life and driving skills.<span style="text-indent: 0.15in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
Other Times, the Explanation for the Adversity May Be Something That Is Totally
Outside a Person's Control or Influence.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even so, an explanation can be beneficial to
bringing a sense of completion to a situation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">ILLUSTRATION: A person may experience a loss from a
hurricane, flood, or tornado, and the explanation simply may be that he lives
in a place where hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes are likely to occur. A person
may suffer a financial loss on the stock market, and the explanation is
ultimately that stock market investments have risks associated with them, even
if he chooses the most reputable and seemingly stable companies in which to
invest.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.15in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.8pt; margin-right: -.05in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in list 31.8pt left .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Ask “Why” to Keep Learning and to Avoid Making the Same
Mistakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><u><span style="color: black;">Getting to the foundational reason or the logical
explanation for adversity can be beneficial to us because such an explanation
can provide valuable information about what not to do in the future.</span></u><span style="color: black;"> If there is a spiritual root to the adversity, the Lord
desires that we face our sinfulness, repent of it (which means literally to
change our ways and begin to walk according to God's way), learn from our
experience, or have that particular root of evil or problem pulled out of our
lives by the healing, cleansing, redeeming power of the Holy Spirit. Yes, we
can learn from adversity and, in so doing, refuse to put ourselves into a
position to repeat adversity.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 13.8pt; margin-right: -.05in; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.8pt; margin-right: -.05in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in list 31.8pt left .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">We Should Ask, “Why This?” until We Get the Best Possible
Answer. </span></b><span style="color: black;">Even as We Do So, We must
Recognize That<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <u>Some Problems and
Difficulties Have No Answer Now.</u></b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 67.8pt; margin-right: -.05in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in list 67.8pt left 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">They may have an
answer someday, especially as our understanding of God's word increases. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 67.8pt; margin-right: -.05in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in list 67.8pt left 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">But the cause or cure
for a particular disease may elude us today. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 67.8pt; margin-right: -.05in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in list 67.8pt left 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">We may never
understand fully the motivation for another person to act the way he/she does. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 67.8pt; margin-right: -.05in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in list 67.8pt left 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">We may not have the
capacity to comprehend all the factors that have contributed to a problem. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 67.8pt; margin-right: -.05in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in list 67.8pt left 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">We are not omniscient,
and we never will be.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Best Recourse Is This: Trust God for an Answer That Will Bring You to a Place
of Peace in Your Heart and Mind.</span></b><span style="color: black;"> That is
what you should pursue above all in asking the <i>why</i> questions related to
adversity. Ask the Lord to give you an explanation to the best of your ability
to receive and understand it, and then ask Him to give you the faith to trust
His love and to rely on His all-knowing ability to under gird your life so that
you have peace to cover your lack of understanding. (Based on Dr. C. Stanley)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">II. Sometimes...God is Responsible for My Adversity.</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -2.05pt 0in 12.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in; text-indent: .15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WE TEND TO VIEW ADVERSITY TOO NARROWLY.</span></b><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Jn. 9:3)</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">Like
the disciples, we are prone to squeeze all troubles into one bigoted category.
We turn on ourselves and begin an often-fruitless journey into our recent-and
sometimes not-so-recent-past. Our purpose is <u>to find the reason for the
adversity we face</u>. The thought may arise:<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> “Surely this is God's way of paying me back.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If, however, we are convinced that nothing we
have done deserves the intensity of our adversity, we have no choice, it seems,
<u>but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">to question the goodness and
faithfulness of God</i></u><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -2.05pt 0in 12.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1. We Must Develop a Broader Perspective
When It Comes to The Reasons for Our Suffering.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -2.05pt 0in 12.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">In His response to the disciples' question, Jesus revealed
yet another error that plagued the theology of the day. But His answer did much
more than that.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -2.05pt 0in 12.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It Enlightens Us and Offers a Much Broader
Perspective on Suffering than That Held by Many.</i></b> His answer brings hope
to those who have thus far been afraid to ask <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">why</i>.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.15in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -2.05pt 0in 12.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in; text-indent: .15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It Allows Us to Look Beyond Ourselves-and
That Is Always an Improvement!</span></i></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -2.05pt 0in 12.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">c.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We Need To Explore Other Possibilities or
Causes For Our Troubles.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -2.05pt 0in 12.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 9:3, Jesus
answered, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Neither hath this man sinned,
nor his parents:</b> but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -2.05pt 0in 12.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">Jesus did not mean that the man had not sinned, or that his
parents had not sinned. Rather, He meant that the blindness was not a direct
result of sin in their lives. God had allowed this man to be born blind in
order that the man might become a means of displaying the mighty <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">works of God.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Who%20is%20Responsible.doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[a]</span></sup></span></sup></a></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -2.05pt 0in 12.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><!--[if supportFields]><span
style='color:black'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>ADVANCE \d 3</span><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span
style='color:black'><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="color: black;">In other words, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Your
thinking is too narrow. You need some new categories."</i> I believe many
well-meaning Christians need some new categories when it comes to the subject
of adversity. Thinking too narrowly on this subject sets one up for needless
guilt and nervous breakdown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as in
the case of Jesus' disciples, it warps one's perspective on the suffering of
others. (Based on Dr. C. Stanley)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -2.05pt 0in 12.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God Had a Purpose in This Man’s Suffering; There Was a Divine Design
Being Worked Out In This Man’s Experience.</u></b></span><span style="color: red;"> John 9:3, Jesus answered, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents:</b> but that the works
of God should be made manifest in him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: -116%; margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 2.05pt 38.05pt 74.05pt 110.05pt 146.05pt 182.05pt 218.05pt; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">The implications of that statement are staggering. The
phrase </span><span style="color: red;">"but that the works of God"</span><span style="color: black;"> denotes <u>purpose</u>. There was a purpose to this man's
blindness!</span><span style="text-indent: 0.15in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: -116%; margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 2.05pt 38.05pt 74.05pt 110.05pt 146.05pt 182.05pt 218.05pt; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We Primarily View Adversity as the Result of
Our Actions.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: -116%; margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 2.05pt 38.05pt 74.05pt 110.05pt 146.05pt 182.05pt 218.05pt; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">The disciples saw his blindness as the <i>result</i> of
something. In fact, they saw all illness in terms of <i>result</i> (</span><span style="color: red;">Gal. 6:7</span><span style="color: black;">). Jesus, however,
let it be known in no uncertain terms that this blindness was not the result of
something the man did. This man's blindness was a part of, God's purpose. In
other words, <u>this man's blindness was from God</u>. That was a difficult
conclusion to come to, much-less believe.</span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus Viewed This Adversity as
Having a Divine Design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a Cause
Not and Effect. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: -.05in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -2.05pt 0in 12.0pt .5in 1.0in list 1.25in left 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="color: black;">Is it possible
that adversity can originate with God?</span></i><span style="color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: -.05in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -2.05pt 0in 12.0pt .5in 1.0in list 1.25in left 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">All of us would be
more comfortable if Jesus had said,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
"This man is blind because he sinned, but God is going to use it
anyway." </i>(</span><span style="color: red;">Rom. 8:28-29</span><span style="color: black;">). That would be a much easier pill to swallow. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: -.05in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -2.05pt 0in 12.0pt .5in 1.0in list 1.25in left 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">But Jesus leaves
us no escape. Sin was not the direct cause of this man's blindness;<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> God was</b>. It Is Possible That Some of
Our Adversities Come from God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in; text-indent: .15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GOD WAS PRIMARILY RESPONSIBLE FOR PAUL’S
ADVERSITY! </span></b><span style="color: red;">(2 Cor. 12:1-10)</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyTextIndent2">I am aware that such a statement flies in the face
of the prosperity theology so prevalent today. Yet, a statement such as this
one in the gospel of John makes it perfectly clear that God is the engineer of
some adversity. We cannot let our theological biases (which we all have)
interfere with the clear teaching of Scripture. Fortunately for us, this blind
man is not the only scriptural example of God's engineering adversity.<span style="text-indent: 0.15in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -2.05pt 0in 12.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Paul’s Adversity with a Thorn in the Flesh.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -2.05pt 0in 12.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">In </span><span style="color: red;">2 Corinthians 12</span><span style="color: black;"> the apostle Paul describes his struggle with adversity. He
clearly identifies God as the engineer behind his suffering:</span><span style="color: red;"> 2 Cor. 12:7, And <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">lest
I should be exalted above measure</b> through the abundance of the revelations,
there was given to me <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">a thorn in the
flesh</b>, the messenger of Satan to buffet me,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> lest I should be exalted above measure.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 335.0pt 356.0pt 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Purpose of This Adversity Reveals the
True Source.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: -116%; margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -2.05pt 0in 12.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">One might argue, </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: -116%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">"But
it says it was a messenger of Satan."</span></i><span style="color: black;">
Right! But notice the purpose of Paul's adversity: </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">“lest I should be exalted above measure.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black;">In other
words,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> "To keep me from exalting
myself in arrogance."</i></span><span style="text-indent: 0.15in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: -116%; margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -2.05pt 0in 12.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do You Think Satan Would Engineer a Plan to
Keep Paul from Exalting Himself? </i></b>Of course not. Satan’s goal is to
cause us to exalt ourselves. He is certainly not going to work against his own
destructive purposes. One of his strongest appeals to fallen man is through our
prideful hearts (</span><span style="color: red;">1Jn. 2:15-17</span><span style="color: black;">).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So how does all
this fit together?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: -116%; margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -2.05pt 0in 12.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in; text-indent: .15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It Would Seem That God Wanted to Cause Paul
Some Pain in Order to Keep Him Humble. </span></i></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To accomplish this, God sent <i>a messenger of
Satan</i> into Paul's life. What exactly this was, we do not know. One thing is
certain, however; <u>the idea originated with God</u>. It was His plan, and He
used His resources to carry it out.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2pt 11.15pt .6in 1.1in 1.6in 2.1in 2.6in 3.1in 3.6in 4.1in 4.6in 5.1in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">As difficult as it may be to grasp, the Bible depicts God
as the instigator of some adversity. In the remaining studies we are going to
expand upon the relationship between God and adversity. I realize that for some
people I have raised many more questions than I have answered. That is all
right, as long as you keep listening to the Word!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2pt 11.15pt .6in 1.1in 1.6in 2.1in 2.6in 3.1in 3.6in 4.1in 4.6in 5.1in; text-indent: .15in;"><i><span style="color: black;">God has created you and me for His glory. He did not create
us that we might try to be a somebody down here. He created us for His glory.
If we miss that, we miss the entire purpose of our creation. These trials and
sufferings come to us because they bring about the glory of God. This blind
man, through the healing of his blindness, will bring about the glory of God.
Not only will this blind man see (and think how much he would enjoy seeing all
the rest of his life), but also he will see Jesus Christ and come to know Him
as his Savior.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Who%20is%20Responsible.doc#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[b]</span></sup></b></span></sup></a></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 65.0pt 75.95pt 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in; text-indent: .15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS
TO YOU.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">Adversity has a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">positive</i>
side for every Believer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has a
purpose in the pain!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">I realize that isn't a statement you are likely to hear
very often. Your first response may have been, </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“Oh,
really? You don't know what I'm going through!”</span></i><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">To see the positive side of adversity is not wishful
thinking, denial of reality, or pie-in-the-sky optimism. Rather, it is a <i><u>statement
of faith.</u></i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">The positive side of adversity is rooted in two strong
beliefs:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><u><span style="color: black;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, God Has a
Plan and a Purpose for the Life of Every Believer, Including You.</span></u></b><span style="color: black;"> If you desire for God's plan and purpose to be
accomplished in your life, the Lord will go to whatever lengths are necessary
to see His plan and purpose fulfilled in your life.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He Will Not Go Against Your Will, but If Your
Will Is to Desire His Will, Then the Lord Will Move Heaven and Earth to See
That His Will Is Done in and Through You.</span></i></b><span style="color: black;"> Believing this means, of course, that God can use any adversity that
comes your way for His plan, to further your purposes on the earth or to work
His purposes within your life. (Based on Dr. C. Stanley)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
Truth is Beautifully Illustrated in the History of Israel’s Turbulent 40 Year
Wilderness Experience.</i></b></span><span style="color: red;"> Deut. 8:2-3 And
thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">thee these forty years</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">in
the wilderness,</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>to humble thee</u></i></b> </span><span style="color: black;">[Taught
Them Humility</span><span style="color: red;">], and<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u> to prove thee</u></i></b> </span><span style="color: black;">[Tested Their Sincerity]</span><span style="color: red;">, to
know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or
no. [3] And he humbled thee, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">suffered
thee to hunger,</b> and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither
did thy fathers know; </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">that he might make
thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that
proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live. </span></u></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[He Strengthened
Their Faith]</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">Through adversity God taught them Humility, He Tested Their
Sincerity, and He Strengthened Their Faith!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This too is a part of God’s plan for your life Child of God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><u><span style="color: black;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second, God Can
Turn Bad Things to Good for You Regardless of the Situation You Are Facing
Today.</span></u></b><u><span style="color: black;"> </span></u><span style="color: black;">You may think your life has derailed and crashed beyond any
repair. But the Scriptures say,</span><span style="color: red;"> “And we know
that all things<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> work together for good</b>
to them that love God, to them who are the called according to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">his purpose</b>.” (Rom. 8:28).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord Has a Way of Arranging Things So
That Good Comes from Bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b>That's
His very nature as Redeemer—to take what attempts to enslave us and to use it
to free us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not Only That, but When the Lord Redeems a
Situation, He Also Sends a Message to Other People Who Observe What God Is
Doing in Our Lives.</span></i></b><span style="color: black;"> That message may
bring about many different reactions—from conviction to repentance to praise.
What God does for good in our lives is never limited to us; it is always for
others, too.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">Jesus taught this to His disciples through the healing of a
man who was blind in Jerusalem. <u>There was a grand purpose to the man's
adversity</u>. The disciples saw his blindness as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">being caused</i> by something <u>bad</u>. <b>Jesus taught that the
man's blindness was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for the cause of</i>
something <u>good.</u><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyTextIndent2" style="tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus said that God had a purpose higher than
anything the disciples had considered. God intended to use the miracle to bring
about something positive and eternal in the man's life and in the lives of the
people who witnessed his healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
puts an entirely new light on any type of adversity we may experience.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">CONCLUSION:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2pt 11.15pt .6in 1.1in 1.6in 2.1in 2.6in 3.1in 3.6in 4.1in 4.6in 5.1in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">Have you been so hung up on trying to figure out <i>why</i>
adversity has come your way that perhaps you have missed God? Has the adversity
in your life strengthened your faith, or has it weakened your faith? Adversity
is a reality that none of us can avoid. Therefore, it is in your best interest
to begin responding in such a way that the negative can be used, to accomplish
the will of God in your life. And as you begin responding correctly, perhaps
you will begin to understand why!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2pt 11.15pt .6in 1.1in 1.6in 2.1in 2.6in 3.1in 3.6in 4.1in 4.6in 5.1in; text-indent: .15in;"><i><span style="color: black;">That the man was <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">blind
from birth pointed out his seeming hopelessness. This illustrates man’s
spiritual blindness from birth (9:39–41; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:1–3).<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Who%20is%20Responsible.doc#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[c]</span></sup></b><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2pt 11.15pt .6in 1.1in 1.6in 2.1in 2.6in 3.1in 3.6in 4.1in 4.6in 5.1in; text-indent: .15in;"><i><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The blind who come to sight are
those who, admitting their helplessness and inability, trust Jesus for
salvation. Those who see and become blind are those whose self-trust and pride
blinds them to the wonders of Jesus. He does not condemn them by making them
blind; they blind themselves by rejecting Him and Satan contributes to that
blinding (2 Cor. 4:4).<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Who%20is%20Responsible.doc#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[d]</span></sup></b></span></sup></a></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2pt 11.15pt .6in 1.1in 1.6in 2.1in 2.6in 3.1in 3.6in 4.1in 4.6in 5.1in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">While there is good reason to be concerned about what
causes adversity, our greater concern must always be with what results from
adversity. Do we allow adversity to throw us back, defeat us, or pull us down?
Or do we see adversity as something that can make us stronger, better, and more
whole?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2pt 11.15pt .6in 1.1in 1.6in 2.1in 2.6in 3.1in 3.6in 4.1in 4.6in 5.1in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">Do we regard adversity as a destroyer? Or do we see it as
having within it the seeds that can produce something beneficial and helpful?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2pt 11.15pt .6in 1.1in 1.6in 2.1in 2.6in 3.1in 3.6in 4.1in 4.6in 5.1in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">Do we see adversity as linked to death? Or do we see it as
linked to growth and eventually to eternal life?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2pt 11.15pt .6in 1.1in 1.6in 2.1in 2.6in 3.1in 3.6in 4.1in 4.6in 5.1in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">Do we look for the results caused by adversity to be
negative or situation bound? Or do we look for the results of adversity to be
part of God's miracle-working, for-our-good plan? (Based on Dr. C. Stanley)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2pt 11.15pt .6in 1.1in 1.6in 2.1in 2.6in 3.1in 3.6in 4.1in 4.6in 5.1in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">This study is concerned with how we can <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">advance</i> through adversity. Adversity can
be a teacher. From adversity, and especially as we work through adversity by
our faith and according to God’s Word, we can learn valuable lessons that
prepare us fully to be the people God created us to be.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2pt 11.15pt .6in 1.1in 1.6in 2.1in 2.6in 3.1in 3.6in 4.1in 4.6in 5.1in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">Yes, God has a plan and a purpose for your life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2pt 11.15pt .6in 1.1in 1.6in 2.1in 2.6in 3.1in 3.6in 4.1in 4.6in 5.1in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">And yes, God can use whatever comes against your life for
your good.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2pt 11.15pt .6in 1.1in 1.6in 2.1in 2.6in 3.1in 3.6in 4.1in 4.6in 5.1in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;">Reflect on these questions as we move forward. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Who%20is%20Responsible.doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[a]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
William MacDonald, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.Jn9.3&off=4&ctx=+has+committed.%0a9%3a3+~Jesus+did+not+mean+t"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a>, ed. Arthur Farstad
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1520–1521.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Who%20is%20Responsible.doc#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[b]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a> J.
Vernon McGee, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/thru-bib?ref=Bible.Jn9.5&off=1456&ctx=%2c+while+it+is+day.%E2%80%9D%0a~God+has+created+you+"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Thru the Bible
Commentary</span></i></a>, electronic ed., vol. 4 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson,
1997), 423.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Who%20is%20Responsible.doc#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[c]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
Edwin A. Blum, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Jn9.1&off=182&ctx=reign+in+His+works.+~That+the+man+was+bli"><span style="color: blue;">“John,”</span></a> in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures</i>, ed. J. F.
Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 307.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/Who%20is%20Responsible.doc#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[d]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
Edwin A. Blum, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Jn9.39&off=269&ctx=dge+(cf.+5%3a22%2c+27).+~The+blind+who+come+t"><span style="color: blue;">“John,”</span></a> in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures</i>, ed. J. F.
Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 309.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div><br /><p></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-54445703766959878552024-01-15T13:20:00.001-05:002024-01-15T13:25:00.898-05:00Royal Scrutiny<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FcMTUT7zNtezbWafjh2BSz28BWWPdGlKlXaDGY2h_r3yeVtmB3S3dxj-nqUogsqc7iSCNmftrBqp1umk7vwn_jlrJIAQFBMmcGcFOky1PYg8BeTs9LSAdzg2L01zkPi-2WY1EZZdltYrFmb8XgSHizL47UJKji1IwxmYDMZJ1KUg8ZcHEdqjt0MhIkmb/s1191/Royal%20Scrutiny%20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1191" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FcMTUT7zNtezbWafjh2BSz28BWWPdGlKlXaDGY2h_r3yeVtmB3S3dxj-nqUogsqc7iSCNmftrBqp1umk7vwn_jlrJIAQFBMmcGcFOky1PYg8BeTs9LSAdzg2L01zkPi-2WY1EZZdltYrFmb8XgSHizL47UJKji1IwxmYDMZJ1KUg8ZcHEdqjt0MhIkmb/s320/Royal%20Scrutiny%20.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Royal
Scrutiny<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Psalm 50:8-15<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Theme:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <b><i>The revival
of our churches begins with a renewal in our worship of God.</i></b> God’s
priority is to restore His people and then return them to heartfelt (spirit)
and genuine (truth) worship. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Relevance</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">:
the God of astonishing glory demands worship that work. The Christian lives in
this tension between rituals and reality! Too often our churches are accused of
hypocrisy: <i>“They don’t practice what they preach.”</i> We gather to merely
go through the motions of “worship.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Introduction:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In Psalm 50 formalism in worship and hypocrisy in
living are addressed by God. He is never happy with mere customary habits, religious
formalities, ‘spiritual’ observances, ‘Christian’ religious ceremonial practices,
or procedures rooted in rites, routines, and stereotypes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Additionally, we cannot afford to merely “go through
the motions.” Away with worship that is formally correct but empty of a heart
that is eager to love and praise God. In these verses of Psalm 50, God examines
the activities of his people and finds them observing routines while ignoring
him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Message:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<h1 style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; mso-text-indent-alt: -.25in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>I.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">The Royal
Judge’s Examination (</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Ps. 50:8-15</span></i></b><b><i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">).<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a name="_Hlk151305450"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">God’s scrutiny reveals
worship, though correct in many regards, it is still formal and ritualistic. <o:p></o:p></span></i></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk151305450;"></span>
<h1 style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Reflecting on the
Worship Israel Offered (</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Ps. 50:8-13</span></b><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">).<o:p></o:p></span></b></h1>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">God
does Not Rebuke them for Continuous Sacrifices and Offerings (v. 8)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">.
He affirms their sacrifices: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt
offerings</span></b>” </i>(see Ps. 40:6), given in the temple <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">continually.</span></b>”
</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Most of them were doing the right
things at the correct times consistently. Some people were quite exact about
this.</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">But
God Noticed the Worship Israel Offered was Formal and Ritualistic.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“Formalism
refers to a tendency in religious thought and practice to shift focus away from
the abstract, the spiritual, the personal, or the ethical principles in a
religion and toward the outward forms that embody that religion. Outward forms
can refer to: the sacred buildings or shrines in which worship occurs.”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
-David McCallum<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Formal
type worship contains structures, set prayers, readings, or rituals. Typically,
it is deceptive, prideful, hypocritical, devoid of commitment, it is not
heartfelt, or indicative of real spiritual devotion to God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Lord Jesus rebuked the Scribes and Pharisees sharply for their hypocritical
worship and pretentious lifestyles in <b><span style="color: red;">Matt. 23</span></b>.
See Gal. 6:13-15; Lk. 11:37- 54.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">God
does Not Need Israel’s Sacrifices and Offerings (vs. 9 -11)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">.
Truthfully, God does not need the sacrifices, but Israel does. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">God
refuses to go looking for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">a bullock out of thy house</span></b>” </i>or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">goats</span></b>,”
</i>when He owns all the <b><i><span style="color: red;">beasts</span></i></b><i>
</i>in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">forest</span></b>”
</i>and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">the
cattle upon a thousand hills</span></b>” </i>(v. 10). Also, He has a<i> </i>superintending
relationship with all <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">the fowls of the mountains</span></b>” </i>and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">the wild beasts
of the field.</span></b>” </i>Why then if God has vast herds and flocks would
He need a single bull or goat? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">So,
it is ridiculous according to verse 12, that God waits for any sacrifices to be
offered to Him for a meal! God does not need Israel to feed Him, a common
notion both ancient and modern religions held toward their gods or ancestors.
Thus, He mockingly asks: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?</span></b>”
</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">(Based on D. Williams, The
Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 13)</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">But the trouble was that they thought
these rituals completely discharged their obligations to Jehovah. They were
like girls who treat their mother indifferently throughout the year, then
smother her with chocolates on her birthday! Or like sons who never thank their
father for all he does for them, then give him a gift tie on Father’s Day!<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">So Jehovah protests that while they
had loaded His altar with sacrificial animals, they had treated Him personally
with cold neglect. As to the technical details of the offerings, His people had
been punctilious. But when it came to a warm, personal relationship with the
Lord Himself, they were seriously lacking. F. B. Meyer writes:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The Psalm is a severe rebuke of the
hypocrite who contents himself with giving a mere outward obedience to the
ritual of God’s house, but withholds the love and homage of his heart.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/The%20Royal%20Judge%20Scrutiny.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[1]</span></sup></b></span></sup></a></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Sacrifices
are not to be offered for God’s sake, but for Israel’s, as a sign of the
covenant, as an act of surrender, and as a substitute for sin.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">We
should treasure Christ Jesus even more because of the New Covenant, His willing
surrender, and his complete Sacrifice for our sin.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">1 Corinthians 1:29-31, That no flesh should
glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is <b>made
unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:</b>
that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.</span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Hebrews 9:12, Neither by the
blood of goats and calves, but by <b>his own blood he entered in once into
the holy place, having obtained eternal</b> redemption for us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Hebrews 9:26-28, For then must he often have suffered since the
foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he <b>appeared
to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.</b> 27 And as it is appointed unto
men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So <b>Christ was once offered
to bear the sins of many; </b>and unto them that look for him shall he appear
the second time without sin unto salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Hebrews 1:9-10, Then said he,
Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. <b>He taketh away the first, that he may
establish the second. </b>10 By the which will <b>we are sanctified through the
offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h1 style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">B.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Reflecting on the
Worship God Desires (</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Ps. 50:14-15</span></b><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">).<o:p></o:p></span></b></h1>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Offer
Thanksgiving (v. 14).</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> True worship is defined in verse 14. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It
begins with the heart: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">Offer unto God thanksgiving</span></b><span style="color: red;"> </span></i>[sacrifice].” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">True
worship also includes the heartfelt obedience of simple gratitude for His
person and blessings. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">How
may we express gratitude to God?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level4 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Begin
the day with thanksgiving to God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level4 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Thank
Him in your daily and public worship. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level4 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Speak
of all of His benefits to family, friends and work associates. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level4 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Thank
Him as you read His Word, especially when he speaks to your heart in an obvious
way.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level4 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Thank
Him for the hard things.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> Through
the eyes of faith we can look beyond our present-day challenges. Being grateful
in our circumstances is an act of faith requiring trusting God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">No
gift can ever take the place of simple gratitude. Too often we are like the
family that took their queenly mother for granted, then after her death
attempted to atone for their thanklessness by dressing her body in a
two-thousand-dollar Dior original!<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/The%20Royal%20Judge%20Scrutiny.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[2]</span></sup></b></span></sup></a></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Pay
Vows (vs. 14).</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> Thus <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">vows</span></b>” </i>must be paid <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">unto the Most High</span></b>.” </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A “vow” is any kind of promised gift
to God. He is the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">Most High</span></b>,” </i>a title used by Melchizedek, king
of Salem, who blesses Abraham (Gen. 14:18). It means “God above all other
gods.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Fulfilled
vows includes</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">vows
of love, worship, service, and devotion.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/The%20Royal%20Judge%20Scrutiny.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[3]</span></sup></span></sup></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Offer
Prayers (v. 15).</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> When worship is from the heart and
exhibited in obedience, God promises that His people may <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">call upon</span></b><span style="color: red;"> </span></i>[<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Him</i>]<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <b><span style="color: red;">in the day of
trouble.</span></b>” </i>He will <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<span style="color: red;">deliver</span>” </i>them and they will <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">glorify</span></b>” </i>Him. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">When they were walking in obedience they
can call on the Lord in a time of trouble and God promised to deliver them. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This includes both the glory manifested in
the rescue itself and the resulting praise from Israel (v. 15).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This is a wonderful insight into the heart
of God. He loves to hear His people pray, and He loves to answer those prayers.
He cherishes an intimate, tender relationship between His people and Himself.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/The%20Royal%20Judge%20Scrutiny.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[4]</span></sup></span></sup></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A
Great Deal of Stuff we do in the Name of worship is not Listed Here!</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Ritualistic singing, simply going through
the motions, and mindless ‘participation’ in the services should be eliminated.
The songs are a part of worship, not just preparation for preaching. Worship
centers on God as the focus and not the Bible as the object. Experiences are
validated by the Word.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Allowing familiarity and routine to
replace spiritual involvement; allowing whatever distractions to steal our
attention and concentration. We must be present in the moment in order to
worship God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">‘Praying’ to instruct people instead of praying
to God; being more of a judge and inspector instead of a participant and
worshiper. Allowing local traditions to trump truth and biblical
standards/requirements. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Don’t use fire, dancing, secular
music/songs, pride, irreverence, jealousy, and cynicism as they greatly hinder
worship.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; mso-text-indent-alt: -.25in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">II.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">The Royal Judge’s
Explanation.</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The Scriptures are abundantly clear
that only God deserves true worship, not angels, mere other human beings,
or idols (Exodus 20:3, Matthew 4:10). True worship involves the heart—God
wants sincere worshipers, not people who just go through the motions…not just
external actions (John 4:24, Psalms 51:16-17).</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Worship
embraces giving our deepest affections and highest praise to God yielding
our heart, soul, mind, and bodies to Him.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Worship then is an extreme form of love — it’s a type of whole-hearted
devoutness.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">True worship also
involves expressions of obedience, praise, honor, adoration, and gratitude
offered by regenerate believers who know and love him personally.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">B.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">As
God’s people, we are sometimes guilty of using a “Christian” ritual while we
mentally zone-out during a worship service resulting in a hateful form of hypocrisy.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <i>“Jesus’
advice to “<span style="color: red;">worship in spirit and in truth</span>” (John
4:24) provides the proper correctives for these faults.”</i></span><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/The%20Royal%20Judge%20Scrutiny.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[5]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">C.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Clearly,
we need the Lord Jesus in all facets of our lives if we hope to be fruitful and
productive—this includes our worship.</span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">John 15:5, I am the vine, ye are
the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much
fruit: <b>for without me ye can do nothing.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Galatians 2:20, I am crucified
with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, <b>but Christ liveth in me:</b>
and the life which I now live in the flesh <b>I live by the faith of the Son of
God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. </b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Again, we must be
honest with God about our need for Christ in all facets of life. Forsake pridefulness,
self-sufficiency, egotism, self-reliance, and independence.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">D.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Beloved,
we must view Worship as something we Need and not what God Needs</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">.
We cannot afford to miss this application. Too often we think that God needs
us. He needs our money, our time, our service, our insight, our strength, and our
worship. After all, what would He and His church do without us?<b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b>This attitude is checked by the Judge in two
respects. <b><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">First, it presupposes a weak God. But
He is the sovereign <b><i><span style="color: red;">Mighty God even the LORD</span></i></b>!
He owns the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">cattle
upon a thousand hills</span></b>.” </i>He needs neither us nor our money (<span style="color: red;">Mal. 3:8-12</span>). Second, it expresses too high a view of
ourselves. Pride enters in and the proud cannot stand in the presence of the
Holy God. “<span style="color: red;">Behold, the nations are as a drop of a
bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance …. All nations before
Him are as nothing</span>” (<span style="color: red;">Is. 40:15 & 17</span>).
<a name="_Hlk156138301">(Based on D. Williams, The Preacher’s Commentary
Series, Volume 13)</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">E.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Our
Worship must be a Living Sacrifice of heartfelt devotion, loyalty to truth, and
obedience to God.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> The offering of oneself fully and
completely to God is what he is after…this is real worship…and this is for our
good!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Deut. 6:4-5, Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: and <b>thou
shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy might.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a name="_Hlk156138777"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Deuteronomy 10:</span></a><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">12, And now, Israel, what
doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but <b>to fear the Lord thy God, to walk
in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy
heart and with all thy soul,<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Deuteronomy 10:16, Circumcise therefore the foreskin of <b>your
heart, and be no more stiffnecked.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">John 4:24, God is a Spirit: and they that worship <b>him must
worship him in spirit and in truth.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Romans 12:1-2, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of
God, that ye<b> present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto
God, which is your reasonable service. </b>[2] And be not conformed to this
world:<b> but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove
what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Conclusion:
<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Again,
this is a personal and heartfelt (from the heart) offering indicated by Psalm 50!
We are not dealing with a matter of constraint, compulsion, or reluctance (see
2Cor. 9:7). As our capable Judge, God points to the formalism in our worship
and hypocrisy in our lives! And in many cases, we are guilty as charged. We now
know that worship flows from a heart of love for God…from people who deeply
want to please God; there is no motivation to merely do one’s duty or to check
the box. We literally cease to operate purely out of a sense of obligation (<b><span style="color: red;">Matt. 22:37-40</span></b>). Beloved, worship needs to be our
focus!<i> His people must bring sacrifices of thanksgiving from obedient,
trusting hearts.</i></span><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/The%20Royal%20Judge%20Scrutiny.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><i><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[6]</span></sup></b><!--[endif]--></span></sup></i></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/The%20Royal%20Judge%20Scrutiny.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
William MacDonald, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.Ps50.8&off=159&ctx=ir+burnt+offerings.+~But+the+trouble+was+"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a>, ed. Arthur Farstad
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 628.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/The%20Royal%20Judge%20Scrutiny.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[2]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
William MacDonald, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.Ps50.14&off=79&ctx=ings%3a%0aThanksgiving.+~No+gift+can+ever+tak"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a>, ed. Arthur Farstad
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 628.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/The%20Royal%20Judge%20Scrutiny.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[3]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
William MacDonald, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.Ps50.14&off=334&ctx=llar+Dior+original!%0a~Fulfilled+vows.+%E2%80%9CPay"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a>, ed. Arthur Farstad
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 628.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/The%20Royal%20Judge%20Scrutiny.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[4]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
William MacDonald, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.Ps50.14&off=535&ctx=+shall+glorify+Me.%E2%80%9D+~Here+we+have+a+wonde"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a>, ed. Arthur Farstad
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 628–629.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/The%20Royal%20Judge%20Scrutiny.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[5]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
Allen P. Ross, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Ps50.22-23&off=203&ctx=are+right+with+God.%0a~So+the+psalm+indicts"><span style="color: blue;">“Psalms,”</span></a> in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures</i>, ed. J. F.
Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 831.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/The%20Royal%20Judge%20Scrutiny.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[6]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
Allen P. Ross, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Ps50&off=364&ctx=+then+declared+that+~the+Lord+had+indictm"><span style="color: blue;">“Psalms,”</span></a> in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures</i>, ed. J. F.
Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 831.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div><br /><p></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-75152326302865448212024-01-13T14:14:00.001-05:002024-01-13T14:34:52.651-05:00The Royal Judge's Arrival<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTis7lRPYy4Q9N1k9IT5weE1Ajxg4ucPadg0IaaBHtahSNENuGFrCBpS1HPDFCoCQkn9Az4cK7FmpFaSqhl4ZKjDvBP5IFrvmBkcMj2RV-NLHyazqcQ1LLKk5SAU-64OUMR6w0z00H7v7NG42fSXaU6UroKInRW_7kz0DXcAA7_f7x28stbv96EEgSrDJ/s1307/Judge%20Arrival.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1307" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTis7lRPYy4Q9N1k9IT5weE1Ajxg4ucPadg0IaaBHtahSNENuGFrCBpS1HPDFCoCQkn9Az4cK7FmpFaSqhl4ZKjDvBP5IFrvmBkcMj2RV-NLHyazqcQ1LLKk5SAU-64OUMR6w0z00H7v7NG42fSXaU6UroKInRW_7kz0DXcAA7_f7x28stbv96EEgSrDJ/s320/Judge%20Arrival.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Royal Judge’s Arrival<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Psalms 50:1-7<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Theme:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <a name="_Hlk156042612"><b><i>The revival of our churches begins with a renewal in
our worship of God.</i></b> God’s priority is to restore His people and then return
them to heartfelt (spirit) and genuine (truth) worship. <o:p></o:p></a></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk156042612;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Relevance</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">:
the God of astonishing glory demands worship that work. The Christian resides
in this tension between rituals and reality! Too often our churches are accused
of hypocrisy: <i>“They don’t practice what they preach.”</i> We gather to
merely go through the motions of “worship.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Introduction:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In Psalms 50 formalism in worship and hypocrisy in
living are addressed. God, the Creator and the Covenant-God of Israel, calls creation
to witness His judgment of His people (v. 4). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">God is never happy with worship that merely “goes
through the motions”—worship that is formally correct but empty of a heart that
is eager to love and praise Him. This is the focus of Psalm 50.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Message:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<h1 style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-text-indent-alt: -.25in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>I.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">The Royal
Judge’s Manifestation (</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Ps. 50:1-7</span></i></b><b><i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">).<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">God’s Majesty provides the basis for our
worship of Him as the great and royal Judge. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<h1 style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">God’s August Arrival
(</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Ps. 50:1-3</span></b><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">). This awe-inspiring
scene prepares us for what follows…. </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></h1>
<h1 style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
Person (v.1)</span></b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">. This is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i></span><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">the Mighty God, even the LORD</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">” (El, Elōhı̂m, Yahweh). <o:p></o:p></span></i></h1>
<h1 style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Compound
Names.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Compounding
God’s names gives an awesome sense of His majesty, holiness, magnificence,
grandeur, sovereignty, and authority. This stunning God will Judge!<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></h1>
<h1 style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Creator.</span></b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> He
speaks and calls the entire <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i></span><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">earth</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">” they must</span></i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> appear before Him <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i></span><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">” Every human being must respond as
one of his creatures. </span></i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">He alone has
the power, authority, and wisdom to call all peoples including the heavens and the
earth to his judgment.</span></h1>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Covenant-Keeper God (vs. 5) </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“<b><i><span style="color: red;">those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice</span></i></b>.”
He has been faithful to His covenant, but the nation has not. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">God is to be worshipped according to His greatness…as
this Psalm demands! </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">This
dazzlingly brilliant display demands worship and inform our senses of the
incredible scene taking place right before our shocked and unbelieving eyes. Read
<b><span style="color: red;">Psalms 48:1-3, 8, 14</span></b>. Great is the
Yahweh, and greatly to be praised! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h1 style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
Place (v. 2).</span></b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> God speaks <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i></span><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Out of Zion</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">”…. </span></i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<h1 style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1.25in; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">His holy mountain, where His temple is located. The “</span><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">perfection
of beauty</span></i></b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">” reminds us of </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Psalms 48</span><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">
and the glory of God shinning forth from Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<h1 style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1.25in; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Zion</span></i></b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">” is perfect because God is at her heart. In His holiness and
majesty He radiates light—“</span><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">God hath shined</span></i></b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">.”
This is the reason Moses came from the Lord’s presence on Sinai with his face
shining, reflecting God’s glory (Ex. 34:29).<o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Our
“<i><span style="color: red;">Zion</span></i>” may be the front seat of your
truck, the backseat of your car, a place beside your bed, the altar of your
church, or any place you can get alone with God and tell Him all about it. You
are not limited to a time or place!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Also,
with regards to place…God can speak through our lives, testimonies, and
influences. He has a platform through which he can work through you and me. We
can glorify and magnify God’s message by telling others about how He
changed us. Share your testimony in truth about what you know and the
difference the Lord has made in your life. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">We
are instructed to always be ready to share our testimony when asked, and to do this
with gentleness and respect towards others. Be careful to emphasizes the
importance of respectfully sharing your testimony as a witness of Christ and
the hope we have in Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">1 Pet. 3:15, But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: <b>and be
ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the
hope</b> that is in you with.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The Proceeding (v. 3)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> “<b><i><span style="color: red;">Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence….</span></i></b>”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">God
was patient, tolerant, flexible, and permissive. He remained at a distance for
a while/season, and He refused to address the situation perhaps waiting for Israel
to repent…make some adjustments/corrections or allowing for some discretion. This
statement guarantees He will deal with this matter. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
time to remain somewhat patient and tolerant is over; it is time to confront
this sin. Historically God has been patient, but please do not think of him as
passive or weak. It would be an error to view God as passive, non-assertive,
merely letting things happen, and resigning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level4 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">God
will personally deal with this failure—he is quite assertive in this role. Certainly,
with appropriate tact, but with fortitude and without any fear he will deal
with the issues. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level4 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">That
which is quietly ignored or overlooked by Israel in the Law will be forcefully
exposed and detailed before the entire universe to see/witness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h1 style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> 4. The Portrayal (v. 3).</span></b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-left: 1in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Light</span></i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <i>is also a form of revelation…a declaration or disclosure.
When God shines, He speaks, </i>and he is ready to Judge Israel for their failed
worship, hypocrisy, and disastrous lifestyles. Our God revealed Himself in the
Scriptures and the Lord Jesus Christ (See </span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Heb.
1:1-3; 4:12-16</span></b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">). <o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-left: 1in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">He comes like a devouring
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i></span><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">fire</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">,” </span></i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">that is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i></span><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">very tempestuous</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[“whirling”] </span><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">round about Him.</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">” </span></i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-left: 2in; mso-list: l1 level4 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">On Sinai God descended in
“</span><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">fire</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">” </span></i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">with a great earthquake (Ex. 19:18). The visible manifestations
of His glory and perfection mirror this. “These phenomena, frequently
accompanying theophanies, signify His consuming judgment.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/The%20Royal%20Judge%20Arrival.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level4 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">God’s appearance shows his seriousness,
and it will awaken dread and sobriety among God’s</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">people!</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<h1 style="margin-left: 1in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i></span><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">fire</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">” </span></i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">and the wind suggest His
holiness, the consuming fire of His Spirit in judgment. Contrast this with the comforting
supernatural phenomena of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost in </span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Acts 2:1–4</span></b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">. The occasion before us in
Psalm 50, is solemn indeed!<o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">B.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">God’s Awe-Inspiring Court
(</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Ps. 50:4-7</span></b><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">). This judicial court
of law is far beyond a normal tribunal setting. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Defendants (vs. 4, 5)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">. God is ready to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">judge His people</span></b>,” </i>Israel;
these are the guilty defendants in this case. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
command is: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">gather
My saints</span></b>” </i>(v. 5). They are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">saints</span></b>,” </i>not because they are “saintly,” but
because God has called them, and they have been bound to Him. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">They
are defined as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice</span></b>.”
They have made a commitment to God and failed to live out the particulars of
that promise, now God is taking this occasion to confront the nation on this
matter. </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The basis for this is the Sinai
covenant in Exodus 24:1–8 where Israel promises to obey all things written in
the Book of the Covenant. This is then sealed by a blood sacrifice. God’s
people are now gathered because they have failed to live this out. <span style="color: red;">Exo. 24:3-8, And Moses came and told the people all the words
of the Lord, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice,
and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do. <sup>4 </sup>And
Moses wrote all the words of the Lord, and rose up early in the morning, and
builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve
tribes of Israel. <sup>5 </sup>And he sent young men of the children of
Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen
unto the Lord. <sup>6 </sup>And Moses took half of the blood, and put <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">it</i> in basons; and half of the blood he
sprinkled on the altar. <sup>7 </sup>And he took the book of the covenant,
and read in the audience of the people: and they said, <b>All that the Lord
hath said will we do, and be obedient. <sup>8 </sup>And Moses took the
blood, and sprinkled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">it</i> on the
people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made
with you concerning all these words.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It
is extremely uncomfortable when God visits to judge and chasten his people (See
Heb. 12).</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The Bailiffs (vs. 5).</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> It
is probable that the command to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">gather</span></b>” </i>Israel is addressed to the angelic armies
of the Lord (see Ps. 103:20–21; Mark 13:27). The angels are servants of God
that regularly appear with him to execute His will.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Ps. 103:20-21. <b><sup> </sup></b>Bless the Lord, ye <b>his
angels,</b> that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto
the voice of his word. <b><sup>21 </sup></b>Bless ye the Lord, all <b>ye
his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Mark 13:27, And then shall he send <b>his angels</b>, <b>and shall
gather together his elect</b> from the four winds, from the uttermost part of
the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">There
is much we can learn from angels about submission, obedience, focus, responsiveness,
execution, and exactitude… (<span style="color: red;">Matt. 22:29-30</span>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Witnesses (vs. 4, 6).</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> This is what God wanted in verse 1. “<b><i><span style="color: red;">Heaven</span></i></b>” and “<b><i><span style="color: red;">earth</span></i></b>,”
the whole of creation, the cosmos, supernatural and natural, are summoned. As
they come, the psalmist urges the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">heavens</span></b>” </i>to witness to God’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">righteousness.</span></b>”
</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">They
know His nature; His faithfulness to His law and covenant relationships assures
us that His judgments are just: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">For God is Judge Himself.</span></b>”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“The heavens are called to bear witness to the
righteousness of God’s judgments. The fact that God Himself is the Judge</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
means that He has perfect knowledge of all the facts, that He is absolutely
impartial, and that all His verdicts are wise and equitable.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/The%20Royal%20Judge%20Arrival.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[2]</span></sup></b><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">God
comes in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b><span style="color: red;">righteousness</span></b>”
</i>and the outcome of His judgment will be completely fair, ethical, proper,
impartial, and true. There will be no disagreement with the record, no
exclusions of evidence, no misjudgments based on ethical factors or
stereotypes, zero excuses for underperformance, and no one will justify their
own behavior. The stage is set for divine court to be held. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Rev. 19:1-2, And after these things I heard a great voice of much
people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and
power, unto the Lord our God: [2] <b>For true and righteous are his judgments</b>:
for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her
fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Plaintiff (v. 7)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">. God is issuing a complaint! The accused
are His covenant people before the God of heaven and earth. Above all else,
Israel’s worship is on God’s heart. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">God
now assumes the position of prosecuting attorney, testifying against His
people, Israel. In human affairs it would be unthinkable for the judge to also
serve as prosecutor, but in this case it is altogether proper, for the Judge is
none other than God the Most High.<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/The%20Royal%20Judge%20Arrival.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[3]</span></sup></b><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">To
love Him wholly is the essence of the Great Commandment in <b><span style="color: red;">Deut. 6:5</span></b>, which say, “<span style="color: red;">And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy might</span>.” The Ten Commandments
essentially rest on this foundational principle, and it is to be deeply
engrained in our minds and executed throughout our lives! Correctly understood,
we must love God more than our own lives. If there is a choice between our own
lives and our obedience to God, we are to choose obedience to God. Nothing is
to come between us and God. In Matthew 10:28 Jesus said, “And fear not them
which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul”….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Thus,
God speaks, and Israel is to listen as He <i>testifies against them</i>. Again,
God identifies Himself: “<b><i><span style="color: red;">I am God, even thy God!</span></i></b>”
He is the faithful covenant God, and all creation can testify to that fact.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-text-indent-alt: -.25in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">II.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">The Royal Judge’s Message.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Why do we play the hypocrite at times or as a
lifestyle? Are there instances when we fail to live up to other’s expectations?
Or to our own standards, expectations, requirements, and needs? Perhaps we all
are morally smaller than we would like others to believe…so we pretend or fake
it until we make it? Perhaps we pretend also when we are not Christlike
inside…when we are not filled with the Spirit of God as we should be always. I
feel a measure of guilt and shame about being a “Christian” that is not
controlled by the Spirit of God constantly. Perhaps we have downplayed real “Christianity”
so long that we no longer recognize ‘the real thing’ anymore. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Hypocrisy is really a form of deflection to avoid
dealing with our own problems because we don’t want to be judged by others we
respect. We certainly do not want to be judged by the royal Judge, God himself.
Sometimes those problems are material, and yet in other instances they are
spiritual. At the heart of hypocrisy is a strong desire to be loved and
accepted by our peers…by God. The fear of humiliation, rejection, guilt, and
judgment are so powerful, that we use blaming others, doublethink, second guessing,
claiming to have or be something we are not, and cognitive dissonance (contradictory
values and perspective) to avoid facing the reality of ourselves. But the Royal
Judge knows us completely…deeply. He loves us enough to confront us with this malady.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">We need real revival<i> in our churches
beginning with individuals and resulting in a renewal in our worship of God.</i>
God’s priority is to restore real believers and then return us to heartfelt and
genuine worship. We can start by being transparent with the God who knows us
completely anyway.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Conclusion: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">So, the Psalmist indicts God’s people for formalism in
worship and hypocrisy in living. <i>“Jesus’ advice to “<span style="color: red;">worship
in spirit and in truth</span>” (John 4:24) provides the proper correctives for
these faults.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/The%20Royal%20Judge%20Arrival.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[4]</span></sup></b><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">There is only one way to truly live Christian and that
is by Jesus Christ living through us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">John 15:5, I am the vine, ye are the
branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, <b>the same bringeth forth much
fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Galatians 2:20, I am crucified with Christ:
nevertheless I live; yet not I, <b>but Christ liveth in me:</b> and the life
which I now live in the flesh <b>I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved
me, and gave himself for me.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Philippians 4:13, I can do all
things through Christ which strengtheneth me.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Let’s start with being honest with God about our need
for Christ in all facets of our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/The%20Royal%20Judge%20Arrival.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
Allen P. Ross, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Ps50.1-3&off=393&ctx=d+a+raging+tempest.+~These+phenomena%2c+fre"><span style="color: blue;">“Psalms,”</span></a> in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures</i>, ed. J. F.
Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 831.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/The%20Royal%20Judge%20Arrival.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[2]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
William MacDonald, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.Ps50.6&off=5&ctx=d+(vv.+16%E2%80%9319).%0a50%3a6+~The+heavens+are+call"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a>, ed. Arthur Farstad
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 628.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/The%20Royal%20Judge%20Arrival.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[3]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
William MacDonald, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.Ps50.7&off=5&ctx=lism+(50%3a7%E2%80%9315)%0a50%3a7+~God+now+assumes+the+"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a>, ed. Arthur Farstad
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 628.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/McCra/OneDrive/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20PREACHING/Hot%20Messages/The%20Royal%20Judge%20Arrival.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">[4]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
Allen P. Ross, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Ps50.22-23&off=203&ctx=are+right+with+God.%0a~So+the+psalm+indicts"><span style="color: blue;">“Psalms,”</span></a> in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures</i>, ed. J. F.
Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 831.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div><br /><p></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-1341577607518935652023-12-29T10:06:00.000-05:002023-12-29T10:06:58.915-05:00Why Does God Forgive People?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DCzb4tsWoUiQ2O_JpBY86MRq_EG2nzBzSmMTy3Bfa5D97KDCrID6IgEO7NQjZ8iwCX4cTjjdvoWV0JOV6t7vnYclH-I6OmoZg8i1uw3eJuvPk5SfWd77YkH_9kphtnmmzG4R3s0Lr1j2_9AlamBo3-SsWDyCt2AnJEpv7kNYx1njyGBooHXJxDsbdfJa/s1103/Why%20God%20Forgives.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="1103" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DCzb4tsWoUiQ2O_JpBY86MRq_EG2nzBzSmMTy3Bfa5D97KDCrID6IgEO7NQjZ8iwCX4cTjjdvoWV0JOV6t7vnYclH-I6OmoZg8i1uw3eJuvPk5SfWd77YkH_9kphtnmmzG4R3s0Lr1j2_9AlamBo3-SsWDyCt2AnJEpv7kNYx1njyGBooHXJxDsbdfJa/s320/Why%20God%20Forgives.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="WordSection1">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-indent: .15in;"><!--[if supportFields]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:22.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1</span></i></b><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span
style='font-size:22.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><span style='mso-element:
field-end'></span></span></i></b><![endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Why Does God Forgive People?</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">ROM. 3:21-26</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">SUBJECT:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THE FOUNDATION OF FORGIVENESS</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">THEME:
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Only Thing That Motivates God to Forgive Fallen Humanity is His Great Love and
the Fact That All Sin Was Paid for in the Death of Christ. God Pardons Us When
We Receive His Grace, and Jesus Christ’s Sacrifice Provides the Basis, or
Foundation for Forgiveness.</i></b><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">RELEVANCY:
God’s wants you to experience <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">complete</i>
forgiveness of your sins and to receive full restoration in your relationship
to the Lord God. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If you are looking for forgiveness based on your pleas, promises, and
performance, then I can guarantee you will remain in sin and guilt. If you
accept Christ’s sacrifice on your behalf, you will receive the fullness of God’s
life-giving forgiveness.</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">INTRODUCTION:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
the base of every modern skyscraper you will find a foundation or platform on
which it is built.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often this would involve digging down deep
into the ground to ensure that a good substructure or basis is established. This
will prevent the skyscraper from sinking into the ground, tipping over, improving
the structural integrity, and strengthening the building. It provides a more
stable basis. Simply stated a good foundation must be laid if that building
structure is to last. <a name="_Hlk154584756">(Dr. C. Stanley)</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Likewise, when it comes to building our lives we must have a solid
foundation, some things that will not give away during the pressures of life.</span></b><span style="color: black;"> In the matter of our salvation, it is vitally important
that it be based on the correct foundation. A failure to lay a reliable
foundation will certainly result in an eternity in the lake of fire. This is
extremely important to us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s
foundation for Forgiveness is the finish work of Jesus Christ.</span></b><span style="color: black;"> <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">One
of the key words in our text is the word </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; color: red; mso-highlight: yellow;">“Propitiation”.</span></i></b><span style="background: yellow; color: black; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which basically means <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">to satisfy justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>God
accepted the blood of Christ as the complete and satisfying sacrifice for all
human sin, thus establishing the only method of reconciliation between God and
Man. Again, God expressed his entire righteous anger against our sin on Christ
on the cross to the point of death, paying what we owed in full. This gift of
the sacrifice of God’s own Son to atone for our own sin must be received to be
forgiven. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The finished work of Christ is the reliable, dependable, eternal,
trustworthy, unfailing, and guaranteed foundation for our forgiveness of sins.</i></b></span><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: red;">Romans 3:25, Whom God hath
set forth to be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">a propitiation</b> </span><span style="color: black;">[fair complete payment] </span><span style="color: red;">through
faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>the remission </u></b></span><span style="color: black;">[forgiveness]</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red;"> of sins</span></u></b><span style="color: red;"> that are past, through the forbearance of God;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">MESSAGE:
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I. What Does Not Motivate God to Forgive
(</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Rom.
3:21-23</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">).</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">What if
someone asked you, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Why does God forgive people?”</i></b> I have encountered many people
who have given me answers implying that God <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">has</i>
to forgive people for this reason or that. God doesn’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">have</i> to do anything! God certainly does not forgive us for any of
these reasons:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HE DOESN’T FORGIVE US BECAUSE WE ARE GOOD
PEOPLE.</span></i></b><span style="color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">We all
know that we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">aren't</i> good. Even Jesus
said, </span><span style="color: red;">“There is none good but One, that is, God”
(Matt. 19:17)</span><span style="color: black;">. We live in a fallen world, and
we are born in a fallen state. The apostle Paul taught the Romans,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2in .7in 1.2in 1.7in 2.2in 2.7in 3.2in 3.7in 4.2in 4.7in 5.2in;"><span style="color: red;">Romans 5:12-14, Wherefore, as <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>by one man sin entered into
the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men,</u></i></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">for that all have sinned:</b> [13] (For
until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no
law. [14] Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that
had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure
of him that was to come.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2in .7in 1.2in 1.7in 2.2in 2.7in 3.2in 3.7in 4.2in 4.7in 5.2in;"><span style="color: black;">The Bible truth is clear; we are Adam’s heirs. We are born
in a sinful state, separated from God and in need of God’s forgiveness and
reconciliation to Himself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2in .7in 1.2in 1.7in 2.2in 2.7in 3.2in 3.7in 4.2in 4.7in 5.2in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HE DOESN’T
FORGIVE US BECAUSE WE PROMISE NEVER TO SIN AGAIN.</span></i><span style="color: black;"> </span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2in .7in 1.2in 1.7in 2.2in 2.7in 3.2in 3.7in 4.2in 4.7in 5.2in;"><span style="color: black;">In all probability, we will sin again, and God knows it
even if we won’t admit it to ourselves.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2in .7in 1.2in 1.7in 2.2in 2.7in 3.2in 3.7in 4.2in 4.7in 5.2in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HE DOESN’T
FORGIVE US BECAUSE WE GO TO CHURCH OR GIVE MONEY TO WORTHY CAUSES.</span></i><span style="color: black;"> </span></b><span style="color: black;">Our works, as noble
as they may be, have nothing to do with our salvation. We see this clearly in </span><span style="color: red;">Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith,
and that not of yourselves; it is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>the gift of God, not of works,</u></i></b>
lest any man should boast.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2in .7in 1.2in 1.7in 2.2in 2.7in 3.2in 3.7in 4.2in 4.7in 5.2in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HE DOESN’T
FORGIVE US BECAUSE HE IS HAVING A GOOD DAY AND FEELS KINDLY TOWARD HUMANKIND.</span></i></b><span style="color: black;"> God is not capricious, bestowing forgiveness on one day
and withholding forgiveness on the next. God’s nature doesn’t change; He isn’t
ruled by whim; He doesn’t operate according to an emotional barometer. When
things go well, some people comment, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“God
was smiling on me today.”</i> The fact is, God is always smiling on us. (Dr. C.
Stanley)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2in .7in 1.2in 1.7in 2.2in 2.7in 3.2in 3.7in 4.2in 4.7in 5.2in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">E.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HE DOESN’T
FORGIVE US BECAUSE WE ASK HIM TO FORGIVE US.</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2in .7in 1.2in 1.7in 2.2in 2.7in 3.2in 3.7in 4.2in 4.7in 5.2in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God forgives us <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">when</i> we ask Him to forgive us, but He doesn’t forgive us <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">because</i> we ask Him. That would imply
that God is in a state of unforgiveness toward us until we ask, which simply
isn’t the case. God is always extending an offer of forgiveness to us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2in .7in 1.2in 1.7in 2.2in 2.7in 3.2in 3.7in 4.2in 4.7in 5.2in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our plea for forgiveness doesn’t move God to
action; He has already moved toward us—all the way from Heaven right to the
place where we live in our sin—and He is waiting for us to turn to Him and
receive the forgiveness He offers.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2in .7in 1.2in 1.7in 2.2in 2.7in 3.2in 3.7in 4.2in 4.7in 5.2in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">F.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HE DOESN’T
FORGIVE US BECAUSE HE IS A GOOD GOD AND WOULD NEVER SEND ANYBODY TO HELL.</span></i></b><span style="color: black;"> That’s one of the foremost heresies of our time. I hear it
often: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“God is a good God, and He’d never
condemn a person to an eternity without Him.”</i> That isn’t what the Bible
teaches. </span><span style="color: red;">John 3:16</span><span style="color: black;">—the salvation verse that tells us that </span><span style="color: red;">“whosoever
believeth”</span><span style="color: black;"> will have everlasting life—is
followed by these words: </span><span style="color: red;">John 3:17-19, For God
sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world
through him might be saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[18] He that
believeth on him is not condemned: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">but
he that believeth not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>is condemned
already</u></i>, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten
Son of God.</b> [19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the
world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our actions condemn us. Primarily the sin of
unbelief!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God doesn't desire that any should perish,
but He will not override our will. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If someone chooses to reject God's offer of
forgiveness, then he or she has chosen his/her eternal destiny without God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">APPLICATION: If you have been offering these reasons to God
as to why He should forgive you of your sin then please stop today because you
are wasting your time and energy. God is the one who establishes the basis for
Forgiveness and <u>this rest within His own Holy nature!</u> There is nothing
that we could do to motivate God to forgive us! (Dr. C. Stanley)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">II.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What Motivates God to Forgive? (</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Rom. 3:24-25</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">)</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">The motivation for God’s forgiveness lies totally within
God Himself. He forgives us because He has a basis to forgive—the </span><b><i><span style="color: red;">propitiation</span></i></b><span style="color: black;"> of
Jesus Christ. But, what are the specifics?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GOD IS MOTIVATED BY HIS LOVE; FORGIVENESS IS
ROOTED IN GOD’S LOVE.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">1 John 4:8-10, He that loveth not knoweth not God;<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <u>for God is love</u>.</b> [9] In this
was manifested the love of God toward us, because that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God sent his only begotten Son</b> into the world, that we might live
through him. [10] <b><u>Herein is love</u>,</b> not that we loved God, but that
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">he loved us, and sent his Son to be the
propitiation for our sins. </b></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">God forgives out of His unconditional, eternal love. John
tells us that God’s very nature is love, and forgiveness flows from His nature
(1 John 4:8–10). We are forgiven because it is God’s will to forgive.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GOD IS MOTIVATED BY HIS GRACE; FORGIVENESS IS
BASED ON GOD’S GRACE.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Romans 5:15, But not as the offence, so also is the free
gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> the grace of God, and the gift by grace,
which is by one man, Jesus Christ, </b>hath abounded unto many. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Rom. 5:17, For if by one man's offence death reigned by one;
much more they which<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> receive abundance
of grace</b> and of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the gift of
righteousness</b> shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GOD IS MOTIVATED BY HIS MERCY; FORGIVENESS IS
GROUNDED IN GOD’S MERCY.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Ephes. 2:4-5, But <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God,
who is rich in mercy,</b> for his great love wherewith he loved us, [5] Even
when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye
are saved;)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">APPLICATION: Since God’s Forgiveness is rooted in His very
Nature and since He is the unchanging God, then we have a consistent unchanging
bases for forgiveness. God does not change in his nature. That means if He
forgives you for what you view as a little sin, then by the same motives He
will forgive a big sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as He
forgave you for your few sins, He can forgive the worst criminal ever known by
the same motives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">quantity </i>nor the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">quality,</i> nor the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">impact</i>
of our sins neither encourage nor discourage God from forgiving us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forgiveness is based in His very nature, He
is Merciful, Loving, and Gracious these are the principles that motivate Him to
forgive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Dr. C. Stanley) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> the same</b> yesterday, and to day, and for ever. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">James 1:17</span></u><span style="color: red;">, Every good
gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of
lights, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">with whom is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning. </b></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">How does it make
you feel to know that God forgives because He wants to forgive, and not as a
result of anything that you do?</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">III. God Sets the
Rules for Forgiveness (</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Rom. 3:24-26</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">).</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Because forgiveness is totally at God’s initiative and
subject to God’s will alone, we must ask, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Has God established any rules or protocol
for forgiveness?”</i></b> He certainly has.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THE HOLY NATURE OF GOD WILL NEVER CHANGE.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">We must recognize that God is a holy God, which means He is
separate from humankind in nature. God has no capacity for sin, and He cannot
have fellowship with sin. God is totally pure, righteous, and without fault. He
cannot coexist where sin is present.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Light and dark do not exist simultaneously. In a similar
manner, your sin cannot exist in God's presence. God consumes or destroys sin
just as light consumes darkness. And in that, we find a picture of our
vulnerability before God when we are filled with sin. We are subject to being
consumed by Him, having the innermost being vaporized by His fire of
righteousness. In a word, we are subject to death.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Hebrews 12:14, Follow peace with all men, and </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">holiness, without
which no man shall see the Lord:</span></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GOD’S PERFECT PROVISION IS JESUS CHRIST.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Romans 3:25, Whom <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>God hath set forth</u></i> to be a propitiation
through faith in his blood,</b> to declare his righteousness<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> for the remission of sins</b> that are
past, through the forbearance of God;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">God made a provision, however, for us to be cleansed of sin
so that we might have fellowship with Him. Literally, Jesus satisfied the wrath
of God against us sinners and our sin…and it was God himself who “</span><b><span style="color: red;">hath set forth</span></b><span style="color: black;">” this
reality. God presented Christ as the atonement, and that provision was in the
form of a blood sacrifice. Through the cross God demonstrated His righteous
nature though he endured our sin for a season. No doubt, someone will say, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“But I don't like this idea of blood</i>.”
The idea of blood sacrifice was not our idea—it was God’s idea. It is not
within our prerogative to choose another means for reconciliation with God. God
sets the rules in this matter, and God established Christ’s blood sacrifice as
a means of reconciling us to Him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There Is No Forgiveness Without Blood
Sacrifice</span></u></b><span style="color: black;">. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">This theme is in the Bible from cover to cover. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Hebrews 9:22, And almost all things are by the law purged
with blood; and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">without shedding of
blood is no remission.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Cain and Abel made sacrificial offerings
to God, the offering that was accepted by God was the blood sacrifice of a
lamb. (See Gen. 4:2–5.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sacrifices that atoned for sin under the
law of Moses were blood sacrifices. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>c.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In like manner, the blood of Jesus shed on
the cross of Calvary is the sacrificial, substitutionary, all-sufficient
atonement for our sins. Each of the words in the previous sentence is important
to our understanding of the forgiveness made available to us through the death
of Jesus Christ. (Dr. C. Stanley)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">1 Peter 1:18-19, Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not
redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain
conversation received by tradition from your fathers; [19] But with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb
without blemish and without spot:</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We Must Accept God’s Provision and Not Seek to Establish Our Own</u></b>.
(See Rom. 10:1-5)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Romans 3:24, Being justified freely by his grace <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">through the redemption that is in Christ
Jesus:</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">“</span><b><span style="color: red;">Being justified freely</span></b><span style="color: black;">,” describes the worldwide opportunity for every precious
soul. God has made it possible for us to be justified—declared righteous and
sinless—by His grace. Such salvation is only through faith and reliance on God’s
pure unmerited favor, not through our good deeds or performance.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GOD’S RULES FOR FORGIVENESS SATISFY HIS
REQUIREMENTS.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>1. Rule #1: The Sacrificial Death of
Christ. </u></span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Jesus gave His life on the cross as a sacrifice. He wasn’t merely
put to death by the Romans or the Jewish leaders. On the contrary, Jesus
appeared in history to </span><span style="color: red;">“put away sin by the
sacrifice of Himself” (Heb. 9:26)</span><span style="color: black;">. Jesus gave
His life, as an act of His will conforming to the Father’s will, as the </span><span style="color: red;">“Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Rev. 13:8). </span>While
religious and political leaders of that time bear their responsibility for the
murder of Christ (Acts 2:22-24, Jesus was on a mission to sacrifice himself for
our sin.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
Dying Sacrifice.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Hebrews 9:26, For then must he often have suffered since the
foundation of the world: but now once <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">in
the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by </b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">the sacrifice of
himself. </span></u></i></b><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
Predetermined Sacrifice.</b></span><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Rev. 13:8</span></u><span style="color: red;">, And all that
dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book
of life of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the Lamb slain from the
foundation of the world.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">His death was not an accident nor a mere act of the will of
the Jewish and Roman officials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
the will of God as determined before the world was created that took place on
Calvary 2,000 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was God
radically making provision to rid His universe of sin!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rule #2: The Substitutionary Death of Christ</u></span></b><u><span style="color: black;">.</span></u><span style="color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">1 John 2:1-2, My little children, these things write I unto
you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous: [2] And <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">he
is the propitiation for our sins:</b> and not for ours only, but also <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">for the sins of the whole world.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He Died in Our Place.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Jesus took your place and mine on the cross. He died in
your place and in my place and in the place of everyone you know.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Penalty for Sin Is Death. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">And we are all sinners. Unless God, pure and righteous, take
our place and suffered the penalty for our sin, we would have to bear that
penalty ourselves. The apostle Paul explained this in </span><span style="color: red;">Romans 3:10–18</span><span style="color: black;"> by citing
several verses from the Old Testament: </span><span style="color: red;">As it is
written, There is none righteous, no, not one: [11] There is none that
understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. [12] They are all gone out
of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth
good, no, not one. [13] Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues
they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: [14] Whose mouth
is full of cursing and bitterness: [15] Their feet are swift to shed blood:
[16] Destruction and misery are in their ways: [17] And the way of peace have
they not known: [18] There is no fear of God before their eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rule #3: The All-Sufficient Death of Christ.</u></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Work That Jesus Did Was Definitive.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">We no longer need to offer blood sacrifices in
acknowledgment of our sin. We need only have faith in Jesus Christ and accept
what He has done on our behalf. The writer of Hebrews says that God took away
the first means of blood sacrifice that He might establish the second means,
the sacrifice of Jesus. (Heb. 9:15-28)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His Sacrifice Was Made Once and For All Time.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">The sacrifice of Jesus was the only one necessary. The
phrase that is used is a powerful one: </span><span style="color: red;">“once for
all.” </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Hebrews 10:10-14, By the which will </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">we are sanctified
through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ </span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">once for all</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">.</span></u></i></b><span style="color: red;"> [11] And every priest standeth daily ministering and
offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: [12]
But this man, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">after he had offered one
sacrifice for sins for ever</b>, sat down on the right hand of God; [13] From
henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. [14] For </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">by one offering he
hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.</span></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>4. Rule #4: The Atoning Death of
Christ.</u></span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Romans 5:1, Therefore being justified by faith, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">we have peace</b> with God through our Lord
Jesus Christ:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Atonement</span></i><span style="color: black;"> is a word that means
“reconciliation”—at-one-ment</span></b><span style="color: black;">. Jesus' death
on the cross made it possible for the gap between God and people to be bridged.
Romans 5:1 speaks of atonement in terms of peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Christ’s Death is THE Atonement. </b></span><u><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Romans 5:11</span></u><span style="color: red;">, And not only
so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now
received</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
the atonement.</span></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">What Jesus did on the cross, He never needs to do again,
and neither does anyone else ever have to suffer and die as He did. He is the
sacrificial, substitutionary, all-sufficient atonement (Romans 5:20-21;
6:10-11). Christ died for us. Jesus came so that you and I might transfer our
guilt to Him, and accept, by faith, that He is the guiltless One who has
received our sin and taken it to Himself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">CONCLUSION:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">If you are expecting forgiveness
based on your pleas, promises, and performance, then you will remain in sin and
guilt. But, if you accept His blood sacrifice on your behalf, you open yourself
to receiving the fullness of God’s life-giving forgiveness.</span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; color: black; mso-highlight: yellow;">The Only Thing that
Motivates God to Forgive Fallen Humanity is His Great Love and the Fact That
All Sin Was Paid for in the Death of Christ. God Pardons Us When We Receive His
Grace and Jesus Christ’s Sacrifice Provides the Foundation for Forgiveness.
Beloved, this is the only reason why God forgives people.</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you need God’s
forgiveness you may come and receive Christ and his work!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you think you
have gone too far to be forgiven, you need to remember forgiveness rests in the
nature of God, not in the quality and quantity of your actions. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div><br /><p></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-83326913379964835302023-12-27T13:57:00.000-05:002023-12-27T13:57:26.545-05:00Christmas, A Witness<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0_R3I-Yk5BceRQY3MFGbA5QAHKe5Ln4MM4GRUR4GgBR7OmRvxCRuqJhRbfdlYRWz6RtfiodyoLG836LZb04JAGjF1uB1M4rdjHgC_OdoW9Hy1T5Q4HSglG-VFXo3gjUcIw74q-M4SV_6kpuxJc7bp7wxIpKsCzJPCus4ekP4fcaijnGHUCjEmmrSz4LJ/s1288/Christmas%201.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1288" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0_R3I-Yk5BceRQY3MFGbA5QAHKe5Ln4MM4GRUR4GgBR7OmRvxCRuqJhRbfdlYRWz6RtfiodyoLG836LZb04JAGjF1uB1M4rdjHgC_OdoW9Hy1T5Q4HSglG-VFXo3gjUcIw74q-M4SV_6kpuxJc7bp7wxIpKsCzJPCus4ekP4fcaijnGHUCjEmmrSz4LJ/s320/Christmas%201.png" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-indent: .25in;"><!--[if supportFields]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:22.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1</span></i></b><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span
style='font-size:22.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt'><span style='mso-element:
field-end'></span></span></i></b><![endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Christmas, A Witness!</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MATT. 1:21-23; PS. 19:7-11;
33:11; JN. 12:44-50; 2Tim. 3:15-17</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span></span>SUBJECT:
PROPHECY/BIBLE CREDIBILITY </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">THEME:
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Inspired Word of God is Completely Reliable and Trustworthy Throughout. We Will
Set Forth the Bible’s Credentials by Examining One Aspect of the Christmas
Story and Ancient Bible Predictions. By Analyzing These Irrefutable Proofs, We
Support the Bible’s Claim to Be God’s Word and Recommend its Truth as the Final
Authority for Our Generation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">RELEVANCY:
Clearly Scripture declares that its Word’s are God’s Words and that God
promised to Preserve His Words forever in complete purity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">INTRODUCTION:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black;">1) The Bible is On Trial, and We Need a
Strong Defense.</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine You Are in a Court of Law and the
Bible Is on Trial.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Accusation is that the Bible is not true and therefore unreliable
for salvation, instruction and guidance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You are counsel for the defense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What witnesses can you call to give
testimony to the truthfulness and accuracy of the Bible?</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Who can
prove that the Scriptures are free of errors and mistakes—thus an authoritative
infallible Bible?</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But who could we
call on?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who could give a testimony that
would be completely believed and received by us all? </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We will look at the witnesses of Christmas itself today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Certainly, we are celebrating a literal
historical event about a life that transformed and shaped the course of
subsequent history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus Christ was God born into this world to die for our sins is the
significance of his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The important
thing to note here is that all of this was wonderfully predicted in the Bible.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It Is True That the Lord’s </b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">“Pure Words”</span><span style="color: black;"> are </span><span style="color: red;">“Purified Seven Times.”
(Ps. 12:6-7)</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">For
the English-speaking world, the Bible is accurate, and perfectly preserved for
us and for every generation in the KJV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This much is clearly taught, and we believe it with our whole
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But
how can we convince others that the Bible is 100% Reliable, Credible,
Trustworthy, and the Final Answer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
supporting arguments would be completely plausible evidence?</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black;">2) The Dominate Attitude of Our Age Demands
Evidence.</span></u></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">Is it
any wonder then that people question the authority of the Bible? As an
Evangelist I can say, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The Bible is the
absolute authority for English-speaking people. It is inerrant, effective, and
absolutely authoritative. It is the final word on how we should all live.”</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People Still Want to Know For themselves.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>People Still Say, “Show Me.”</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">We
will answer the skeptics’ questions from Bible Prophesy as it relates to the
Life of Christ and His Birth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">MESSAGE:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in; text-indent: -.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">I.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Consider Fulfilled Prophecies. </span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Fulfilled
prophecy is a witness to the Bible’s trustworthiness. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><span style="color: red;">Matthew 1:22-23, Now all this was done, that it might be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">fulfilled</b> which was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">spoken of the Lord by the prophet</b>,
saying, [23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son,
and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>* Note The Clear
Statement of Inspiration for the Scriptures and The Prophets. The Bible’s Words
and Message Came from God through men.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>* Note the Clear
Statement of Bible Prophecy Fulfilled through the Birth of Christ. A Specific 700-year-old
prediction about the birth of Christ fulfilled in detail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Perhaps the
strongest objective argument for the validity of Scripture comes from fulfilled
Bible prophecy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fulfilled
predictions of the Bible lend powerful support to its being the Word of God.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">The Bible is the only book in the world that has specific
prophecies clearly fulfilled hundreds of years after they were given.
Two-thirds of the Bible is made up of prophecies. Prophecy is history written
in advance. Many of these prophecies have been fulfilled, and all fulfilled
prophecy has been literally fulfilled -- fulfilled to the very letter. In the
Bible we have prophecies relating to places, to events and to persons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most helpful approach to this subject of
the prophecies of the Bible would be to study the prophecies of the Old
Testament which relate to the Person of Christ and see them literally fulfilled
in His birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection and ascension. The prophecies
that validated the deity of The Lord Jesus are exactly the same as those that
validate the Bible as the word of God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b><span style="color: black;">For example, over thirty prophecies relating to His arrest,
trial, and crucifixion were all literally fulfilled within twenty-four hours
when He died. What is the explanation of the power of this book to predict the
future? The explanation is this: The Bible is a credible book.</span></b><span style="color: black;"> <a name="_Hlk154498497">(Based on M. Anders)</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THE BIRTH OF CHRIST WAS A FULFILMENT OF
PROPHECY.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Jesus fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies, some of them
more obvious than others. For our purposes, we will focus on the more obvious
ones. So that you can see them most clearly, I’ll state the Old Testament
prophecy briefly, and then its fulfillment in the New Testament. Let the record
speak for itself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1. Prophecy: The Messiah Would Be Born
of a Virgin.</u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Prediction:</b> </span><span style="color: red;">Isaiah 7:14, Therefore
the Lord himself shall give you a sign;<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son,</b> and shall call his name
Immanuel. </span><span style="color: black;">(This prophecy was given (7) seven
centuries before it was fulfilled.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Also </span><span style="color: red;">Gen. 3:15</span><span style="color: black;">).<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Fulfillment:</span></b><span style="color: black;"> the Lord Jesus was
born of Mary the young virgin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Matthew 1:18, Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise:
When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">before they came together,</b> <b>she was found with child of the Holy
Ghost.</b> </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Matthew 1:21-23</span></u><span style="color: red;">, <b>And
she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus:</b> for he
shall save his people from their sins. [22] Now all this was done, that it
might be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">fulfilled which was spoken of
the Lord by the prophet,</b> saying, [23] Behold,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son,</b> and
they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Matthew 1:25</span></u><span style="color: red;">, And <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">knew her not</b> till she <b>had brought
forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2. Prophecy: The Messiah Would Be Born
into the Family of King David.</u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Prediction:</b> </span><span style="color: red;">Jeremiah 23:5,
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">unto David a righteous Branch,</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">and
a King</b> shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in
the earth. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Isaiah 9:7</span></u><span style="color: red;">, Of the
increase of<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> his government</b> and peace
there shall be no end, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">upon the throne
of David,</b> and upon <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">his kingdom</b>,
to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth
even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Fulfillment:</span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the genealogies in the Gospels of Matthew
and Luke, Jesus is listed as being in the lineage of David. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Matthew 1:1, The book of the generation of Jesus Christ,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> the son of David,</b> the son of Abraham. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Matthew 1:17</span></u><span style="color: red;">, So all the
generations from Abraham to<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> David</b>
are fourteen generations; and from <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">David</b>
until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the
carrying away into Babylon unto <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Christ</b>
are fourteen generations. </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Luke 1:32</span></u><span style="color: red;">, He shall be
great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give
unto him <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the throne of his father David:
</b></span><span style="color: black;">(Also see </span><span style="color: red;">Luke
3:23, 31</span><span style="color: black;">)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>3. Prophecy: The Messiah Would Be Born
in the City of Bethlehem.</u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Prediction:</b> </span><span style="color: red;">Micah 5:2, But thou, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bethlehem</b> Ephratah, though thou be
little among the thousands of Judah, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">yet
out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel;</b>
whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Fulfillment:</span></b><span style="color: black;"> Jesus was born in
Bethlehem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Luke 2:4, And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the
city of Nazareth, into Judaea, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">unto the
city of David, which is called Bethlehem;</b> (because he was of the<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> house and lineage of David:</b>) </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Luke 2:11</span></u><span style="color: red;">, For unto you is
born this day in the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">city of David</b> a
Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">These prophecies have to do with the birth of Jesus, the
Messiah.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THE DEATH OF CHRIST WAS A FULFILLMENT OF
PROPHECY.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Other remarkable prophecies concern His death, some of them
in the Old Testament, and some of them in the Gospels.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>1. Prophecy: The Messiah Would Be
Tortured and Crucified.</u></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Prediction:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Isaiah 53:5, But he was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">wounded
for our transgressions, he was bruised</b> for our iniquities: the chastisement
of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Zech. 12:10</u>,
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem,
the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">they have pierced,</b> and they shall mourn
for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him,
as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Fulfillment:</span></b><span style="color: black;"> Jesus was beaten
and then crucified. </span><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Matthew 27:26, Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when
he had <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">scourged Jesus</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">he delivered him to be crucified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">John 19:34</span></u><span style="color: red;">, But one of the
soldiers <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">with a spear pierced his side</b>,
and forthwith came there out blood and water.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>2. Prophecy:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus Would Rise from the Dead.</u></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Prediction:</span></b><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: red;">Psalm 16:10, For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to
see corruption. </b></span><span style="color: black;">(Also Ps. 49:15)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Fulfillment:</span></b><span style="color: black;"> Jesus rose from
the dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Matthew 28:5-6, And the angel answered and said unto the
women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. [6] He
is not here: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">for he is risen, as he
said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Mark 16:6</span></u><span style="color: red;">, And he saith
unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here:</b> behold the place
where they laid him. </span><span style="color: black;">(Acts 2:27, 30-31)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">We could continue with many more prophecies and fulfillments.
I have selected only a few of the major ones to give an idea of Jesus'
remarkable life as it fulfilled one after another of the prophecies that told
of the Messiah, in some cases, thousands of years before He was born.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: -.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">II.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Consider
Fulfilled Prophecy as Convincing.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">The Fulfillment of These Prophecies Is Not Mere Chance nor
Coincidence. </span></i></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>FULFILLED PROPHECY PROVES THE BIBLE IS GOD’S
PURE WORD.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Consider The Highly Reliable Standard for Determining God’s Predictions.</u></b>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Jeremiah 28:9, The prophet which prophesieth of peace, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">when the word of the prophet <u>shall come
to pass</u>,</b> then shall the prophet <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>be
known, that the Lord hath truly sent him.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Ezekiel 33:33</span></u><span style="color: red;">, And when
this <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">cometh to pass, (lo, it will come,</b>)
then shall <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">they know that a prophet hath
been among them.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b><span style="color: black;">The Bible itself makes it clear that fulfilled prophecy
attests to the supernatural origin of the words of its</span></b><span style="color: black;"> <b>prophets (</b></span><b><span style="color: red;">Jeremiah
28:9</span><span style="color: black;">).</span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the details of a Divine Prophesy are
fully consummated it lends credence to the Bible as being of Divine
origin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only God can accurately predict
the future hundreds and thousands of years into the future.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Conclude that Prophesy Does Verify that the Bible Came from God.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Jeremiah 28:9, The prophet which prophesieth of peace, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">when the word of the prophet shall come to
pass, then shall the prophet be known</b>, that the Lord hath truly sent him. </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Deut. 18:20-22</span></u><span style="color: red;">, But the
prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not
commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even
that prophet shall die. [21] And if thou say in thine heart, </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">How shall we know
the word which the Lord hath not spoken?</span></u></i></b><span style="color: red;"> [22] <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">When a prophet
speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass,
that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken</b>, but the <b>prophet hath
spoken it presumptuously</b>: thou shalt not be afraid of him. </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Fulfilled prophecy proved God’s Word is the pure Word of
God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>FULFILLED PROPHECY IS NOT A MATTER OF CHANCE.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Birth and Life of Jesus Christ Was No Mere Chance.<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Consider Josh
MacDowell’s Arguments to Helps Us Realize that Prophesy Was Literally and
Divinely Fulfilled.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Again, in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Evidence that Demands a Verdict”</i></b>
(167), we see that the chance that any man might have lived down to the present
time and fulfilled just eight of the major prophecies that Jesus fulfilled are
1 in 10 to the 17th power. That is, one in 100,000,000,000,000,000.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">ILLUSTRATION: In order to help us comprehend these
staggering odds, suppose we take this many silver dollars (10 to the 17th
power) and lay them on the face of Texas. Now, as you know, Texas is a big
state. If you could flip Texas west using El Paso as a hinge, Houston would
land in the Pacific Ocean. If you could flip Texas east, using Houston as a
hinge, El Paso would land in the Atlantic. If you could flip Texas north using
the top of the panhandle as a hinge, the lowest part of Texas would land just
short of the Canadian border. Texas is a big state. This many silver dollars
(10 to the 17th power) would cover the entire state two feet deep in coins.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Now imagine that one of those silver dollars was painted
red. Blindfold a man and tell him that he can travel anywhere in the state he
wants to, and pick up one silver dollar. Keep in mind that traveling at seventy
miles per hour, he could not drive across Texas in a day. His chances of
getting the marked silver dollar are approximately the same as a person
fulfilling eight major prophecies of the Messiah by chance. (Based on M.
Anders)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Birth and Life of Jesus Christ Was No Mere Accident.<o:p></o:p></u></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="background: yellow; color: black; mso-highlight: yellow;">God was acting in
pure mercy and grace when He sent His Son into the World, there was no other
way for man to be saved from the consequences of his sinful heart. This was no
accident, but God executing a precision plan to rescue eternal souls from
eternal suffering in Hell.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Birth of Christ Reflect a Divine Design and Determination.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ Came to Save Sinner, Especially Israel
a Privileged Nation.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Matthew 1:21, And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt
call his name Jesus: for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">he shall save
his people from their sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">John 3:16,</span></u><span style="color: red;"> For God so
loved <b>the world,</b> that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">he gave his
only begotten Son,</b> that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>whosoever</u></b>
believeth in him <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">should not perish,</b>
but have everlasting life. </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">John 10:10</span></u><span style="color: red;">, The thief
cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> I am come that they might have life,</b> and that they might have it
more abundantly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Acts 3:26</span></u><span style="color: red;">, Unto you first
God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">in turning away every one of you from his
iniquities. </b></span>(See also Acts 4:12; Acts 5:31; Acts 13:23, 13:38-39)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ Came to Save Sinners, Because Israel’s
Guilt Proved the World’s Guilt.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Romans 3:19, Now we know that what things soever the law
saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">every mouth may be stopped, </b>and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>all the world</u></b> may become guilty before God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Romans 3:9</span></u><span style="color: red;">, What then? are
we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and
Gentiles, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">that they are all under sin;</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ Came to Save Sinner, By Dying in Our
Stead, That We Could Be Saved Through Faith.</span><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Romans 3:23-26</span></u><span style="color: red;">, For <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">all have sinned, </b>and come short of the
glory of God; [24] Being justified freely by his grace <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:</b> [25] Whom God hath
set forth to be a propitiation through <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">faith
in his blood, </b>to declare his righteousness for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the remission of sins</b> that are past, through the forbearance of
God; [26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">that he might be just, and the justifier of
him which believeth in Jesus.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">B. The Odds of These Prophecies Being
Accidentally Fulfilled Are Virtually Zero.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, Consider That Jesus Fulfilled<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u> Forty-eight Prophecies</u></i>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">The odds that any one man fulfilled all forty-eight by
chance are 10 to the 157th power. There is no practical way even to illustrate
that number.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">ILLUSTRATION:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let's
just say that there is about as good a chance of a tornado going through a junk
yard and assembling a perfect automobile. When we look at the fulfilled
prophecies in the life of Christ, the Bible becomes a very convincing book, and
Jesus becomes a very convincing Messiah, God the Son. (Based on M. Anders)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of Course, These Prophecies Deal Only with
the Lord Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">But many more prophecies in the Bible were fulfilled.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These Are Not Fortune-cookie Prophecies.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">We all have read things like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“an attractive person will soon come into your life,”</i> or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“things will soon begin looking up for you.”</i>
No, <u>these are specific and verifiable</u>. The Bible itself makes it clear
that fulfilled prophecy attests to the supernatural origin of the word of its
prophets (</span><span style="color: red;">Jeremiah 28:9</span><span style="color: black;">). If a prophet ever spoke anything that did not come true,
he was not a true prophet (</span><span style="color: red;">Deuteronomy 18:20–22</span><span style="color: black;">) and was to be stoned. (Based on M. Anders)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But Look at the Record of the Psychics in the Tabloid Papers.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one is able, on any level of credibility,
to prophesy things that come true. <b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Yet the Bible is full of such prophecies. They create a
set of odds so remarkable that, if the prophecies are believed, they validate
the Bible as the word of God.</span></b> Only if you do not want to accept that
conclusion do you dismiss them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: -.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">III.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Consider Fulfilled Prophecy as Authoritative. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Fulfilled
prophecy is a witness to the Bible’s authority. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Since what the Bible says about Christmas is true, then all
its other claims, and prophecies are just as authoritative and trustworthy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ACCEPT CHRISTMAS AS A WITNESS TO BIBLE
AUTHORITY. </span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Matthew 1:22, Now all this was done, that it might be<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by
the prophet</b>, saying,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Christ’s Birth Was History Given In Advance.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Since the Bible is given to mankind by inspiration of God
then it is not merely the writings of men, but they find their source in
Jehovah. The reliability of the scriptures rest in the Power, Sovereignty, and
Wisdom of an All-Mighty God, and not human strength or frailty! <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Christmas is much more than a
holiday, it historically marks the fact that God had mercy on sinners and sent
a Savior to die for our sins. The scriptures do not only record the historical
fulfillment of these facts, but they also literally predicted the history
before it happen.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We Must Truly Be Sinners in Need of a Savior.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><u><span style="color: red;">2 Tim. 3:15,</span></u><span style="color: red;"> And that from
a child thou hast known the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">holy
scriptures, </b>which are able to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>make thee wise unto salvation through
faith which is in Christ Jesus. </u></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">2 Tim. 3:16</span></u><span style="color: red;">, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">All scripture is given by inspiration of
God, and is profitable</b> for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Meaning of Christmas is a Final Reality.</u></b></span></i><span style="color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">A Final Reality describes <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the fact that the universe and reality exist in a certain form and are
not subject to popular opinion.</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In other words, final reality is what is
real and true.</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">ILLUSTRATION: The facts that Jesus Christ was born, lived,
died, and rose again from the dead is a final reality. Whether or not people
choose to accept this does not alter the reality that it happened. That is
final reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture inform us of
this truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact that we are sinners
destine for Hell does not have to be a final reality, receive the gift of
Christmas—Jesus Christ the Savior.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ACCEPT THE BIBLE AS YOUR FINAL AUTHORITY. </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">The Bible Is the Final Authority in Our Lives!</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Bible Is to Be the Final Authority in the Believer’s Life.</u></b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Numbers 23:19-20, God is not a man, that he should <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">lie</b>; neither the son of man, that he
should <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">repent</b>: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>hath he said, and shall he not
do it?</u></i></b> or <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>hath he spoken, and shall he not make it
good?</u></i></b> [20] Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he
hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b><span style="background: yellow; color: black; mso-highlight: yellow;">This by application
means that ultimately, we should choose to believe and obey what the Bible
says, not the opinions of men. The reason for this belief in the Bible as the
final authority is not that we choose to be religious legalists whose minds are
shut from other opinions or that we are frightened of creative thinking.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
Believe That the Bible Is the Word of God and Divinely Inspired.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.
Therefore, We Choose to Believe it above the Opinions, Philosophies, and
Writings of Men, Which Constantly <u>Change.</u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">ILLUSTRATION: If you have ever studied Psychology which
most college students are at least introduced to the subject. Then you can
recall that each theorist differed fundamentally from the other in His
teachings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rogerian Methodology</i> or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Freudian
Principles</i> they contradicted each other. I am not surprised nor amazed to
find that every major psychological theorist contradicted or markedly disagree
with his predecessors. Since psychology is being taught as a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">science</i>, it is hard to understand why
its proponents disagreed so vastly with one another. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The reason they did is that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">their
theories were based on their subjective belief systems. In contrast, the Bible
is based on what God has to say and not on the opinions of men.</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God’s Word is a Final Reality!</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Psalm 119:89-91, For ever, O Lord, </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">thy word is
settled</span></u></i></b><span style="color: red;"> in heaven. [90] <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thy faithfulness</b> is unto <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">all generations</b>: thou hast established<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> the earth</b>, and it abideth. [91] <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">They continue</b> this day according to
thine ordinances: for </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">all are</span></u></i></b><span style="color: red;"> thy
servants.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">The word “</span><b><span style="color: red;">settled</span></b><span style="color: black;">” means <i>“to bring to rest; to establish or secure
permanently.” </i>God’s Law is eternal and unchanging it is fixed and
established forever. In our ever-changing world nothing is established or
secured permanently. But God’s Word is forever “</span><b><span style="color: red;">settled”</span></b><span style="color: black;"> or established
and secured permanently in Heaven!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This Means Our Bible is True Throughout!</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Here we see that the Bible, God’s Word, is final reality. <b><u><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">In other words, it is true—not
just in religious or spiritual matters.</span></u></b> It is true in every area
of life because God created all of life and the universe. He understands how it
functions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: red;">Psalm 119:160, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thy
word is true</b> from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments
endureth for ever. </span><span style="color: black;">(Ps. 19:7-11)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is Important to Understand That Christianity Is Truth and Not a Religion!</b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">God’s Word is not just true because you and I choose to
believe in it. It is true, because on an objective scientific basis it simply
is “true.” When we understand this reality, it should give us confidence in our
daily living and relating to our society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It should give us confidence as we preach, teach, read, study, and
witness with it. It should give us confidence as we build our homes, and other
relationships by it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should reassure
us that we are indeed saved and secure in Jesus Christ as our Savior and that
we don’t need Confucius, Mohammad, Buddha nor any other religious philosophy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">CONCLUSION:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Prophecy is evidence that proves that the Bible is the word
of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weight of all such proofs
taken together enables a person to believe that the Bible is the word of God.
It takes a mind prejudiced in favor of the anti-supernatural not to agree that
the evidence for the Bible's being the word of God is strong indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-11642600000796041352023-12-25T10:37:00.000-05:002023-12-25T10:37:54.854-05:00Forgiveness is a Matter of Life and Death<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiULU4N_u7ikHyqrUPxL5YCpy9xEDqIDt5nfmQe0iJGzgd4nkWoCA3OXkpRc3Pl3aJdFl3WqavhdnUoBbAMSYVGy6XBSNttVSTqvsDLcBCBhT39Pr9BvP7LJYlTgWyikYSsXd5IefriQSwctLXtSNs6tyVMTJKrQjtyssoL5iATe5OF_2n-KOFCfqZSWi/s1282/Forgiveness%20Life%20and%20Death.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="1282" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiULU4N_u7ikHyqrUPxL5YCpy9xEDqIDt5nfmQe0iJGzgd4nkWoCA3OXkpRc3Pl3aJdFl3WqavhdnUoBbAMSYVGy6XBSNttVSTqvsDLcBCBhT39Pr9BvP7LJYlTgWyikYSsXd5IefriQSwctLXtSNs6tyVMTJKrQjtyssoL5iATe5OF_2n-KOFCfqZSWi/s320/Forgiveness%20Life%20and%20Death.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="WordSection1">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-indent: .15in;"><!--[if supportFields]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:20.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1</span></i></b><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span
style='font-size:20.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt'><span style='mso-element:
field-end'></span></span></i></b><![endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"> Forgiveness Is a Matter of Life and Death!</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">ROM. 3:19-23; 6:23</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">SUBJECT:
FORGIVENESS/ SALVATION</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">THEME:
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God
Can Forgive Anyone and Everyone Who Receives His Forgiveness…even those with
False Guilt. Forgiveness, a Matter of Eternal Life and Death, helps us
Understand Why we Need the Savior.</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">RELEVANCY:
Forgiveness is a matter of life and death, eternal life and death. There isn't
anything more important that you can do than to receive God's forgiveness and
be reconciled to Him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">INTRODUCTION:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">I
think that all of us are familiar with several concepts about sin and
forgiveness. I want to build on this in this message and take you into a fuller
understanding of what the Bible teaches about sin, guilt, and our need for a
Savior.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">You
may be a Christian and therefore believe that you don't need to know anything
more about sin and guilt. Well, as a Christian, you should be talking to people
who are sinners about their need for forgiveness. This message can give you
some insights into what to say about sin and forgiveness, and how to encourage
a person to accept Christ as Savior.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">MESSAGE:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True Or False Guilt Should be Distinguished.</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Many people are walking under a dark cloud, feeling God's
displeasure or sensing that they should be feeling God's displeasure. Some have
a false sense of guilt. Let's recognize several facts about guilt.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">A. GENUINE GUILT.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Romans 3:19, Now we know that what things soever the law
saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped,
and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">all the world may become guilty
before God.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">First, genuine guilt is the way we feel when we have
sinned. It is the normal response to sinful behavior. Sin causes guilt.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B. FALSE GUILT.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">But not all guilt comes from sin. The guilt we feel is
sometimes false guilt. It did not originate is something God said or required.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">ILLUSTRATION:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Consider for a moment the young woman who is a victim of incest or rape.
She may struggle for years with a sense of guilt because she has been a party
to a sin. But she was neither the initiator of nor a willing participant in
that sin. She is a victim of someone else’s sin. The guilt she feels is false
guilt.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DIVINE ACCOUNTABILITY.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is this guilt false when sin has been
involved and a person has been associated with sin?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is false because from God’s perspective,
there is no accountability placed upon that person for what happened.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True guilt is associated with <u>willful sin</u>,
not sin that is against one’s will.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">II.
Accountability Involving the Will Increases our Understanding of Guilt.</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Genuine guilt arises when we <u>willfully act</u> in a way
that we know is contrary to God's law.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A SENSE OF ACCOUNTABILITY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An accountability ladder involving the will
looks something like this:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">forgiveness<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">sin and guilt<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">knowledge<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">moral conscience</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forgiveness presupposes sin and its attendant
guilt. In other words, if you feel no guilt of sin, you feel no need for
forgiveness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guilt presupposes knowledge. If you don't
know that you have sinned, you don't feel guilty.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowledge presupposes <i><u>a moral
conscience</u></i>—that you have within you the capacity for determining right
from wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— If you
don't have a moral conscience, you don't know whether you are doing wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— If you
are unable to determine right from wrong—perhaps because you are <u>mentally
disabled</u>—then you cannot be held accountable for your actions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Romans 2:14-15, For when the Gentiles, which have not the
law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law,
are a law unto themselves: [15] <b>Which shew the work of the law written in
their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the
mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THE ROLE OF THE WILL.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">In this entire chain of presuppositions is the concept of
the will.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put the process in reverse. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have the capacity to know right from
wrong, and you know something is wrong but you do it anyway, you will feel
guilty and have a need for forgiveness. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have acted out of your will to do
something that you know not to do. You have willfully acted in a way that is
wrong, and you are, therefore, accountable for your actions.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may say, “Are you telling me that if I
don't know something is wrong, I'm not accountable for that sin?” That's
exactly what I'm saying, but hear me carefully when I say that very few people
fall into that category. Very young children or someone who is mentally
disabled for instance.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of us know what to do. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of us know what not to do. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And most of us choose, at some points in our
lives, to do what we know not to do. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is true for all people. Human beings
around the world have an intuitive sense of what is right and wrong, and they
know when they are choosing wrong (</span><b><span style="color: red;">Rom. 1:18-23</span></b><span style="color: black;">).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">ILLUSTRATION: Consider for a moment a three-year-old child
who is told specifically, “Don't touch Mommy's special vase.” The child is
brought into the living room and told, “In this room, I want you to look at
things but not touch them.” The child may even be shown the vase and be allowed
to touch it under the careful supervision of her mother as Mommy says, “This is
the vase I don't want you to touch, except when I am with you and we are
touching it just as we are touching it right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">The mother asks the child, “Do you understand what I am
telling you?” The child nods yes and may even say, “I won't touch your vase,
Mommy.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">The next hour, what does Mommy hear from the living room?
The crash of her favorite vase.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Now, nobody had to teach that little girl to disobey. We
teach our children to obey, but they are born with the ability to disobey.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WE ARE BORN WITH A REBELLIOUS HEART.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">And even when we know that we aren't to do certain things
because God has commanded us not to do them, we sometimes choose to do those
things. Paul wrote, </span><span style="color: red;">“Because the carnal mind is
enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can
be.”</span><span style="color: black;"> (</span><span style="color: red;">Rom. 8:7</span><span style="color: black;">).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">We are born with a rebellious nature. And we are
accountable for our deeds performed in rebellion against God's commandments.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: black;">Again, guilt is true guilt when it is the by-product of our
willful sin. Guilt is false guilt when it is the by-product of another person's
willful sin.</span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WHAT TO DO WITH FALSE GUILT.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What should a person do if he discovers he
has been carrying a load of false guilt?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He should come before his heavenly Father and
say, “I confess that I have been carrying a burden that isn't mine. I give this
burden of guilt to You today, Lord Jesus. I turn it over to You completely and
ask You to carry it. I receive Your forgiveness, and by my faith, I accept the
fact that I am free of this guilt and any aspect of sin associated with it. I
put my trust in Your Holy Spirit to help me walk in freedom and confidence that
I bear no penalty for that incident in my past. In Jesus' name, amen!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">III.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Definition of Sin Helps Us Appreciate the
Savior.</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SIN IS MISSING THE MARK.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">James 2:10, For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet
offend in one point, he is guilty of all.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Some people define <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sin</i>
as “missing the mark”—just as an arrow misses a bull's-eye on a target. God's
commandments are the target, and we miss God's ideal when we sin.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We Miss the Mark of God’s Standards.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the O.T. the Ten Commandments are God’s
Perfect Standards and in the New Testament, Jesus Christ is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we are as perfect and flawless as Jesus
Christ then we are good enough to go to Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But none of us are, we actually miss the mark of Christ!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We Miss the Mark of God’s Character.</u></b> Secondly, God’s Holy
Character is the target, He is absolutely perfect and His demands are
exacting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He cannot tolerate even the
smallest deviation from the standard of morale perfection and rectitude.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One Sin Makes a Man a Sinner!</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A man may live and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘extremely good
life,’</i> but he will still miss the mark that God’s own Holiness demands.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SIN IS FALLING SHORT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Romans 3:23, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory
of God;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Others define <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sin</i>
as “falling short” of God's perfect will. God's desire is that we live in
wholeness and follow Him explicitly in all His commandments and directives. We
fail to do so in our imperfection, and that is sin.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SIN IS TRESPASSING.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">2 Cor. 5:19, To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the
world unto himself, not imputing their <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">trespasses
</b>unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Col. 2:13</span></u><span style="color: red;">, And you, being
dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened
together with him, having forgiven you <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">all
trespasses</b>;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Still others define <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sin</i>
as “trespassing.” God has areas of behavior that He designates off-limits to
us, and we trespass into those territories and are subject to penalty. Or we
trespass against another person. We have sinned against God and others.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SIN IS REJECTING.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">My personal favorite definition of sin comes from </span><span style="color: red;">Jeremiah 2:13</span><span style="color: black;">, which says, </span><span style="color: red;">For my people have committed two evils; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">they have forsaken me</b> the <b><u>fountain of living waters</u>,</b>
and hewed them <b>out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rejecting a Free and Abundant Supply.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— Cisterns are
wells that are dug into the earth, usually into solid rock, with the intention
of holding water. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— God is
painting a fascinating word picture in these words of the prophet. He is
saying, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“You have rejected Me as a
fountain of living water for your life.” </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— A fountain
is an artesian spring—one that bubbles up from the earth with an unending
supply of fresh, pure water. A fountain gives water that is free for the
asking.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rejecting an Opportunity to Ask Christ for
Living Water.</u></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">ILLUSTRATION: Jesus encountered a Samaritan woman by the
well of Sychar, and in the course of His conversation with her, He said of
Himself,</span><span style="color: red;"> “If thou knewest the gift of God, and
who it is who saith to thee, ‘Give Me to drink,’ thou would have asked of Him,
and <b>He would have given thee living water”</b> (John 4:10). </span><span style="color: black;">Jesus is painting this same word picture about Himself—He
has life to give that is eternal and is freely offered. His forgiveness—and the
eternal life associated with it—is a fountain from which we can draw in an
unending fashion. His forgiveness is free for the asking.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>3. Choosing One’s Own Actions for
Satisfaction</u></span></b><span style="color: black;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">“But” </span></i><span style="color: black;">God says through Jeremiah, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“instead of choosing My living water, you have chosen to build
cisterns.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— To build is
an act of the will. The cistern builders rejected the artesian spring for a
well of their own making. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— And the
Lord noted with sadness but with certainty, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“It
is a broken cisterns.”</i> There is a crack in the cistern, which means that it
won't hold the water.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">APPLICATION: “Everything you try to do to achieve your own
forgiveness is futile,” God is saying. “You can dig and dig, you can make
cistern after cistern, you can strive and struggle all you want, and it will
never bring you forgiveness.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">The only forgiveness we can ever experience is God's
forgiveness, granted God's way. Anytime we attempt to meet any of our needs or
accomplish anything by means other than God's means, we are setting ourselves
up for eventual failure. We are building a broken cistern. If we want to be our
own savior, rather than accept the Savior whom God has provided, we will fail
in our attempt.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">IV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sin is A Willful Choice Against God’s
Forgiveness.</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IT WILL RESULT IN DEATH.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Ultimately, people's willful choices against God can form a
pattern that leads to eternal death. God doesn't want to send people to hell.
People choose to go there. They choose to trample upon the blood of Jesus; they
choose to walk nonchalantly by the cross; they choose to avoid the empty tomb.
They choose to ignore the songs of redemption they have heard a thousand times.
They choose to harden their hearts to the prayers of others on their behalf.
They choose to turn a deaf ear to sermons that speak of salvation and to the
witness of Christ's love from friends and strangers. They choose to ignore and
repress the countless promptings of the Holy Spirit tugging at their hearts.
They choose to rebel.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IT IS A REFUSAL OF FORGIVENESS. </span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">My friend, you really have to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">work</i> to refuse God's gift of forgiveness. But some do. They refuse
to give up their pride and to submit to doing things God's way. They refuse to
drink from the fountain of His living water freely made available to them, and
they strive instead to build cisterns—cisterns that inevitably will break and
fail to satisfy the deep thirst of the soul.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">V.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forgiveness Is an Eternal Gift from God.</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Throughout the New Testament, forgiveness is pictured as a
gift of God. </span><span style="color: red;">Romans 6:23</span><span style="color: black;"> tells us, </span><span style="color: red;">“The wages of sin
is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A GIFT IS FREE TO YOU. </span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">You don't have to do something significant or ordinary to
earn it. You just simply <i>receive</i> it. God is presenting eternal life to
you…take it, receive it…it is paid for by God for you. That's the way God
offers forgiveness to you. He extends it to you as a gift. You cannot earn your
salvation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DEATH IS WHAT WE’VE EARNED.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Note that “</span><span style="color: red;">the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wages</i> of sin is death.</span><span style="color: black;">” Forgiveness does not belong in the same category as earning
what you deserve, taking a payment, or obtaining the gross or profit of our
labors. The lake of fire is earned! Death is earned through repeated
disobedience and rejection of God’s forgiveness. You can earn the consequences
for disobedience, but you can never earn forgiveness. It is God’s free gift—His
living water.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>RECEIVE GOD’S FORGIVENESS TODAY.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">The only thing you have to do to receive forgiveness is to
receive forgiveness. And when you do, you truly have made a choice for life. Again,
we cannot simply believe anything about Jesus or be forgiven for any reason. We
must believe the Son of God, Jesus Christ, died for our sins, was buried, and
God raise Him up again the third day for our justification before The Father (see
</span><span style="color: red;">1 Cor. 15:1-4</span><span style="color: black;">
and </span><span style="color: red;">Rom 3:21-31</span><span style="color: black;">).
I beg you to understand that it is faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel that is
the power of God that saves us…that grant us forgiveness (</span><span style="color: red;">Rom. 1:14-17</span><span style="color: black;">). Again,
receive God’s forgiveness even now. This is how we experience God’s spiritual
birth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Remember, you are not beyond God’s forgiveness. No matter
what you have done…no sin is too extreme, too undeserving, too awful, or too pervasive
for God to forgive. It does not matter who you are…no person is so deep in sin,
so firmly implanted in maliciousness, so ingrained in a lifestyle, so deeply
rooted in wickedness, so steeped in evil, that he or she cannot be saved. Any
sin and sinner, including you and yours, can be forgiven by God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b><span style="color: black;">CONCLUSION: </span></b><span style="color: black;">I invite
you to read carefully the words of an Old Testament prophet who knew about the
nature of sin, guilt, and the obstinacy of the human will when it is turned
against God. Daniel wrote profoundly about sin, yet with the hope and belief
that God not only does forgive, but will forgive. Let his words speak to your
heart today. Make them your prayer.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Daniel
9:3-10,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I set my face unto the Lord
God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and
ashes: [4] And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said,
O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that
love him, and to them that keep his commandments; [5] We have sinned, and have
committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by
departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: [6] Neither have we hearkened
unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our
princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. [7] O Lord, righteousness
belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men
of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are
near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven
them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee. [8] O
Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to
our fathers, because we have sinned against thee. [9] To the Lord our God
belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him; [10]
Neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in his laws,
which he set before us by his servants the prophets. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Daniel 9:16</span></u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, O Lord,
according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy
fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our
sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are
become a reproach to all that are about us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Daniel 9:19</span></u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, O Lord, hear; O
Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God:
for thy city and thy people are called by thy name. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div><br /><p></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-88567953309493750702023-12-24T14:50:00.000-05:002023-12-24T14:50:40.221-05:00Can God Forgive This Sin?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9blSdqHAosKbXUkLqmE-FDwLtTYLDfP4ltMxTqlSNoXTZJUJbRyBWpoOFVWkUP7DC67ceLHFfSCJrnfZHHlqurKpM8j5NQVtdJo4awibwX1HH7TXv1QLSs51Gd6nX_Ce3xwZ6bqnzw6y1G0W7RT7cd3vey-YOqwPAVhQ4brl63QuqfVZWra_um_kFa04N/s1303/Forgive%202.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="1303" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9blSdqHAosKbXUkLqmE-FDwLtTYLDfP4ltMxTqlSNoXTZJUJbRyBWpoOFVWkUP7DC67ceLHFfSCJrnfZHHlqurKpM8j5NQVtdJo4awibwX1HH7TXv1QLSs51Gd6nX_Ce3xwZ6bqnzw6y1G0W7RT7cd3vey-YOqwPAVhQ4brl63QuqfVZWra_um_kFa04N/s320/Forgive%202.png" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .25in; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><!--[if supportFields]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:20.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1</span></i></b><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span
style='font-size:20.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt'><span style='mso-element:
field-end'></span></span></i></b><![endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Can God Forgive This Sin?</span></i></b> </p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 COR. 6:9-11; 1 JOHN 1:9</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">SUBJECT:
FORGIVENESS/ SALVATION</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">THEME:
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God
can forgive anyone and everyone who will receive His forgiveness. No individual
and certainly no sin is beyond His realm of divine pardon. </i></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN;">God is no longer angered over
your sin or merely offended by your actions, flaws, mistakes, and sin. He
offers forgiveness!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">RELEVANCY:
I can say without any reservations that God wants you to experience <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">complete</i> forgiveness! That is forgiveness
of your sins and a full establishment of your relationship to the Lord God,
forgiveness of others who have wronged you, and even the forgiveness of
yourself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">INTRODUCTION:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">A “Limited
Forgiveness” Will Never Do.</span></b><span style="color: black;"> Complete (comprehensive,
thorough, all-encompassing) forgiveness is required if you are to know
personally and fully that God is your loving heavenly Father, and if you are
ever to reach your personal destiny in this life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">I have good news for you today! God will forgive you of
your sin. You can be released today from all your sin, no matter what they are,
if you will do what God says to do. (Dr. C. Stanley)</span><span style="text-indent: 0.15in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">MESSAGE:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I. It is Vital
to Understand the Very Nature of Sin.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Psalm 51:5, Behold, I was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">shapen in iniquity</b>; and in sin did my mother conceive me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Earlier in the message, I defined <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">forgiveness</i> as <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“the act of setting someone free.” </i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sin</i>, by contrast, is “the state of being
in bondage—in need of being set free.” This state is described in </span><span style="color: red;">Psalm 51</span><span style="color: black;"> as the result of
transgressions, iniquity, sin, and evil.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE WE ARE SINNERS.</span></b><span style="color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Our sinful actions further seal the fact that we are
sinners. Our being and doing are cyclical. We may not always admit to being
sinners, but deep down inside, we recognize that we are sinners, and we have an
awareness that we have sinned or are sinning.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">The sinner knows—at some level, intuitive or conscious—that
he or she is sinning. Sin involves the will, and because it involves the will,
it also affects the memory. We remember our sins. They don't just float by
unnoticed or ignored. The psalmist is very open about this: </span><span style="color: red;">“For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever
before me” (Ps. 51:3).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HOW DO WE KNOW THAT WE ARE SINNERS OR THAT WE
HAVE SINNED?</span></b><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: red;">(Rom. 2:14-16)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God Built into Each One of Us an Alarm System Called the Conscience. </u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">It sounds each time we do something, or are about to do
something, that we know is wrong. If we ignore the alarm system, our
sensitivity to evil becomes dull, and eventually, we never hear the alarm. Be
very concerned if you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">never</i> hear that
still small voice inside you saying, “This is wrong and you know it.” A healthy
conscience is something to cherish and to nurture. (Dr. C. Stanley)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Flaw in the Conscience, However, Is That it Is Based on Human
Understanding of What Is Right and Wrong.</u></b> Right and wrong are something
we learn. Unfortunately, some people are taught that right is wrong and wrong
is right. They make decisions and behave in ways that are sinful without having
a great deal of regret or remorse. Until, that is, they are confronted with the
truth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">The conscience always is pricked to some degree in the
presence of the pure expression of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus
Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. He stands in sharp contrast to all
that leads to destruction, is a lie, or contributes to death. In the presence
of the gospel, even the most warped conscience is confronted with God's
absolutes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Best Thing You Can Instill in Yourself and Your Children Is the
Knowledge of the Gospel of God's Word.</u></b> The best thing you can do to
keep your conscience alive is to steep it in the Word of God. If you were
taught a faulty perspective of right and wrong, read God's Word without ceasing
in order to bring about a transformation in your mind.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BELIEVERS ALSO HAVE A SIN ALERT SYSTEM. </span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">What about believers? Believers in Christ Jesus have a dual
alarm system. We have the natural conscience that has been given to every
person, and we also have the Holy Spirit indwelling us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Holy Spirit Provides Strong Counsel That We Are Acting, or Are about
to Act, in a Way That Is Contrary to God's Desire. </u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">The Holy Spirit always points us toward Jesus and to the
fullness of the Word of God. Jesus called the Holy Spirit the “Spirit of
truth,” our divine counselor (John 14:15–17; 15:26).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">John 14:15-17, If ye love me, keep my commandments. [16] And
I will pray the Father, and he shall give you <b>another Comforter</b>, that he
may abide with you for ever; [17] Even <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the
Spirit of truth; </b>whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not,
neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in
you. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">John 15:26</span></u><span style="color: red;">, But when the <b>Comforter
is come,</b> whom I will send unto you from the Father, <b>even the Spirit of
truth,</b> which proceedeth from the Father,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> he shall testify of me:</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Holy Spirit Will Never Quit Speaking to You Once You Have Received
Him into Your Life.</u></b> Your spiritual ears may become dull, but you can
never completely silence the Holy Spirit. If you don't feel the Holy Spirit
pricking your heart from time to time, you may need to ask, Am I really saved?
Have I really received forgiveness from God for my sinful state?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Listen to your conscience and to the Holy Spirit today. He
will tell you whether you are in need of forgiveness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">1 John 4:4-6, Ye are of God, little children, and have
overcome them: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">because greater is he
that is in you, than he that is in the world.</b> [5] They are of the world:
therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. [6] <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth
us;</b> he that is not of God heareth not us. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">D. THE SINNER CAN
FINALLY REJECT GOD’S FORGIVENESS.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">The sin that grieves the Holy Spirit today (Eph. 4:30), and
that can quench the work of the Spirit in your life (1 Thess. 5:19), is: a
refusal to receive the forgiveness that God freely offers to you. You can
refuse God's offer of forgiveness to the point that you have a hardened heart.
You can become calcified, hardened as bone tissue, to the gospel over time. Hardening
causes a disruption in the normal process of the gospel. And that creates an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">unpardonable state</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">God will not reach beyond the boundaries of your own
stiff-necked, hard-of-heart will and save you against your will! You can die in
an unpardonable state, but it won't be because you have committed an
unpardonable sin.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">As I stated above, no sin is unforgivable on this side of
death. It is equally true that no sin can be forgiven on the other side of the
grave.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">The only thing that can keep people from being forgiven is
the refusal to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">accept and receive</i>
what Jesus Christ has done for them on the cross. Refusing to believe in the
forgiveness made available to humankind by the death of Christ brings about
everlasting death. Accepting what Jesus did on the cross—believing in Him as
Savior—brings about everlasting life.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">II.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Receive God’s Forgiveness for Sin Immediately.</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>FORGIVENESS IS YOURS TO RECEIVE—YOU ONLY NEED
TO BELIEVE!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><span style="color: red;">John1:11, He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12, <b>But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of
God, even to them that believe on his name:</b> 13, Which were born, not of
blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.</span></p>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b><u>Believing
on Christ is Receiving Him for Salvation</u>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b> </li></ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;">By
believing in “<b><span style="color: red;">his name</span></b>;” is exercising <b><i>faith
in receiving Jesus Christ</i></b> as the Word, and Son of God, as the Messiah,
Savior, and Redeemer. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;">So
now Jesus offers Himself to you, and if you receive <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Him, He gives to you the “<span style="color: red;">power</span>,”</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">or <i>the privileged or authority</i> to become a child of God. Only by
this means do we become children of God. Beloved, it is</span> not by good
works, not by church membership, not by doing your best—but <b><i>by receiving H</i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i>im</i></b>, <b><i>by believing in His
Name.</i></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Becoming a child in a physical sense, is a
matter of birth. So, also, to become a child of God (in a spiritual</span>
sense), you must experience a second birth. This is known as the new birth, or
conversion, or being saved. It is through belief in the name of Jesus that we are
born again…birthed into God’s spiritual family as sons, born of God. (based on Holman
KJV Study Bible)</p>
<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b><u>Receiving
Jesus is a Personal Decision for Forgiveness. <o:p></o:p></u></b></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><span style="color: red;">Ephes. 1:7, In whom we have redemption through his blood, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the forgiveness of sins</b>, according to
the riches of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">his grace;</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Have you made a decision to accept and receive Jesus as
your personal Savior and Lord? To “accept and receive”—that's all that's
required for you to be forgiven by God, regardless of the nature, magnitude, or
deep entrenchment of your sins.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">To “accept” is to believe with your mind that what the
Bible says about Jesus and His death on the cross is true—that Jesus died for
your sins and He rose to give you new life in Him. To “receive” is to say, “I
don't merely accept what Jesus did on the cross as a fact of history or as a
statement of sound theology, but I accept His sacrificial death on the cross as
being for me personally and individually—the sacrifice that was made for my
sins. I invite the Holy Spirit to indwell me, to cleanse me of all my past
transgressions, iniquities, evil, and sin, and to make me a new person in God's
eyes. I receive the work of the Holy Spirit in me that gives me a completely
restored relationship with my heavenly Father.” (Dr. C. Stanley)</span></p>
<ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b><u>Remember
Salvation is based on God’s Mercy and Grace and not ours!<o:p></o:p></u></b></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Titus 3:5-7, Not by works of righteousness which we have
done, <b>but according to his mercy he saved us, </b>by the washing of
regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; [6] <b>Which he shed on us
abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;</b> [7] That being justified by
his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">It is the Spirit who regenerates us and gives us new life
when we trust Christ. We cannot save ourselves no matter how good, sincere, or
diligent we are.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GOD WANTS TO FORGIVE YOU RIGHT NOW.</span></b><span style="color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Have you taken Him up on His offer? If not, will you accept
and receive Jesus Christ today? Will you receive God's forgiveness?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just
to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b><span style="color: black;">C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YOU CAN EXPERIENCE
GOD’S SPIRITUAL BIRTH IMMEDIATELY.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">You must consciously opt to place your faith/trust in Jesus
Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection as the full payment for your sin. We
acknowledge that God accepted Christ’s redemptive work by raising Him from the
dead. Therefore, you must accept what God accepts as the fair and complete
payment for our sins.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Consider what the Lord Jesus said to Nicodemus in </span><span style="color: red;">John 3:14-18</span><span style="color: black;">, </span><span style="color: red;">And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, <b>even
so <i><u>must</u></i> the Son of man be lifted up:</b> 15, That
whosoever <b>believeth</b> <b><i>in him</i></b> should not
perish, but have eternal life. 16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his
only begotten Son, that whosoever <b>believeth</b> <b><i>in him</i></b> should
not perish, but have everlasting life. 17, For God sent not his Son into the
world to condemn the world; but that the world <b><i>through him</i></b> might
be saved. 18, He that <b>believeth</b> <b><i>on him</i></b> is
not condemned: but he that <b>believeth not</b> is condemned already,
because he hath <b>not believed</b> <b><i>in</i></b> <b>the name
of the only begotten Son of God.</b></span><b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Each person must utterly depend upon Christ as the One who
fully paid our sin debt. Thus, we believe the gospel of Christ—to believe means
to trust Christ. We entrust our eternal salvation and forgiveness to Jesus
Christ the Son of God without any reservations. You must believe on Christ
Jesus who died in our place and for our sins!<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Paul outlines in </span><span style="color: red;">Romans
10:9-10</span><span style="color: black;">, writing, “</span><span style="color: red;">That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and
shalt <b>believe in thine heart</b> that <b>God hath raised him
from the dead, thou shalt be saved.</b> 10, For with the heart man <b>believeth
unto righteousness;</b> and with the mouth confession is made unto
salvation.</span><span style="color: black;">” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">We cannot simply believe anything about Jesus or be
forgiven for any reason, we must believe that the Son of God, died for our
sins, was buried, and God raise Him up again the third day for our
justification before The Father (</span><span style="color: red;">1 Cor. 15:1-4
and Rom 3:21-31</span><span style="color: black;">). It is vital that we
understand that it is faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel that is the power of
God that saves us that grant us forgiveness (</span><span style="color: red;">Rom.
1:14-17</span><span style="color: black;">). This is how we all experience God’s
spiritual birth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">CONCLUSION:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">So then, what must we do to experience God's forgiveness? </span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Accordingly confess your
sin and accept God’s forgiveness by faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. </span><span style="color: black;">Beloved, God can forgive anyone and everyone who will
receive His forgiveness. No one and certainly no sin is beyond His realm of
divine pardon.</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <a name="_Hlk154225547"><span lang="EN">God is no longer angered over your
sin or finally offended by your actions, flaws, mistakes, and sin. He offers
forgiveness! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></a></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Remember, Christ’s suffering at Calvary was God the Father providing
payment for our sins. That’s what Calvary was about—justice was served, and sin
was paid for entirely. Since then, sinners can be saved—born again to enter a spiritual
relationship with God. Being born again means we become a part of a new family;
God is our Father who shares with us His very own divine nature. Beloved, we
must exercise <u>faith</u> in the Person and Work of Christ to
experience the spiritual birth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">In closing, God wants
you to experience thorough and full to the brim forgiveness today</span></b><span style="color: black;">! Stop grieving about some sin you committed recently or
even years ago, let God forgive you and release you today. Your situation is
not unique and you are not beyond the scope of God’s forgiving power and grace.
Today you can be set free from the bondage of living in guilt because God
really can forgive <i>that</i> sin also!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Refuse to continue life in unforgiveness which stifles a
person’s ability to love and to receive love. No more stunting the growth of your
marriage and friendships. Today you choose to enter into all that the Lord
might have for you in the way of ministry or outreach. Start now to enjoy the
full abundant life that Christ promised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Since He <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">completely</i>
forgives you, He wants forgiveness of your sins and a comprehensive initiation of
your relationship to Himself. God desires forgiveness of others who have
wronged you, and, yes, forgiveness of yourself also. <a name="_Hlk154227252">(Based
on Dr. C. Stanley) </a>What about you? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-40838020182688271932023-12-24T14:27:00.000-05:002023-12-24T14:27:03.115-05:00Can God Really Forgive This?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5moVsqJoyu5IsmamyyiXQGbTtdKL7UiPpnsAiEKBklXkqboLWzceD3qGGVK9XuuQ87xqG3g_OGeSDro1mxF5oFNF2zka6BJvHCZDEghc-3oMk9gx4Yf0vwCF12oaDjrioDizwC_BNZCm5bMVvTPsmDQ1EZ9ZqjZuJRjmmP9IwsA7cfDIcV2-iflI8hnS1/s3300/Forgiven%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5moVsqJoyu5IsmamyyiXQGbTtdKL7UiPpnsAiEKBklXkqboLWzceD3qGGVK9XuuQ87xqG3g_OGeSDro1mxF5oFNF2zka6BJvHCZDEghc-3oMk9gx4Yf0vwCF12oaDjrioDizwC_BNZCm5bMVvTPsmDQ1EZ9ZqjZuJRjmmP9IwsA7cfDIcV2-iflI8hnS1/s320/Forgiven%201.jpg" width="247" /></a></div> <p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .25in; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><!--[if supportFields]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:20.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1</span></i></b><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span
style='font-size:20.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt'><span style='mso-element:
field-end'></span></span></i></b><![endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Can God Really Forgive This?</span></i></b> </p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 COR. 6:9-11; 1 JOHN 1:9</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">SUBJECT:
FORGIVENESS/ SALVATION</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">THEME:
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God
can forgive anyone and everyone who will receive His forgiveness. No individual
and certainly no sin is beyond His realm of divine pardon. </i></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN;">God is no longer angered over
your sin or merely offended by your actions, flaws, mistakes, and sin. He
offers forgiveness!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">RELEVANCY:
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God wants you to experience complete
forgiveness today</b>! You may be grieving about some sin you have committed
recently or even years ago, let me reassure you that God is still in the
forgiving business. Your unforgiving attitude may be stifling your ability to
love and to receive love. It stunts the growth of marriages and friendships
also. It is keeping you from enjoying the full abundant life that Christ
promised. I can say without any reservations that God wants you to experience <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">complete</i> forgiveness! That is forgiveness
of your sins and a full establishment of your relationship to the Lord God,
forgiveness of others who have wronged you, and even the forgiveness of
yourself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">INTRODUCTION:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">1) Have You Ever Ask Yourself,</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a. Have I committed a sin that God will not
forgive? <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>b. Can I ever be free of the weight of this
guilt?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -.15in;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>c. Will God
forgive every sin?</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">2)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God wants You to Experience Complete
Forgiveness, but have You Heard your own Objections?</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">“Forgive me? How
could God ever forgive me? You don't know what I've done.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">“Forgive that
person after what she did to me? You've got to be kidding!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">“I can't believe
I've done such an awful thing. I can never forgive myself for doing that.”<br /></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">3) Christians
Have Not Right to Question a Person’s Motives Based on What They Use to Be
Before They Were saved!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">“Why do you let people like that person join your church?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">“Why is it that the worse folk in town are welcome at your
church?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">“Why do you accept people who lead questionable lives?”</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">These are some of the questions you may here from well-meaning
Christians who refuse to understand that any sinner, no matter what their sin
or failures can be saved, and their lives can be change by the grace and power
of God.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.15in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">MESSAGE:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any Sin Can Be Forgiven by God!</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1 Cor. 6:9-11</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">The apostle Paul dealt with an instance of sexual
immorality in the Corinthian church. It was a case of incest in which a man had
taken his father's wife. Although the woman was not his mother, the law of God
condemns the act as a vile abomination. Against that backdrop, Paul wrote,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2in .7in 1.2in 1.7in 2.2in 2.7in 3.2in 3.7in 4.2in 4.7in 5.2in;"><span style="color: red;">1 Cor. 6:9-11, Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not
inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators </span><span style="color: black;">(Any Sexual Perversions)</span><span style="color: red;">,
nor idolaters </span>(Worship anything or anybody else; involves practicing
terrible sins of immorality)<span style="color: red;">, nor adulterers (</span>Illicit
sexual intercourse on the part of a married person)<span style="color: red;">,
nor effeminate </span><span style="color: black;">(Homosexuals)</span><span style="color: red;">, nor abusers of themselves with mankind </span><span style="color: black;">(Sodomy practices on others)</span><span style="color: red;">,
[10] Nor thieves</span> (Stealing non belongings including internet downloads
and tax evasion<span style="color: red;">), nor covetous </span><span style="color: black;">(Immoral Cravings & Wrongful Acquisitions)</span><span style="color: red;">, nor drunkards</span><span style="color: black;"> (Alcoholism)</span><span style="color: red;">, nor revilers </span><span style="color: black;">(Cussing)</span><span style="color: red;">, nor extortioners </span><span style="color: black;">(Stealing/enrichment—taking
Advantage of the Poor)</span><span style="color: red;">, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">shall inherit the kingdom of God.</b> [11] And such were some of you:
but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of
the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Characteristically the unsaved, “</span><b><span style="color: red;">unrighteous</span></b><span style="color: black;">” will not go
to Heaven at death; people who practice these things are not believers. This
passage holds three great messages for us. (based on Dr. W. McDonald)</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GOD DOES NOT DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN SINS.</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">First, 1Cor.
6:9-11, tells us that sin is sin.</span></i><span style="color: black;"> God
doesn't differentiate between one type or brand of sin and another. Most of us
wouldn't think of “</span><b><span style="color: red;">revilers</span></b><span style="color: black;">” (slanderers) as being in the same sin boat as “</span><b><span style="color: red;">idolaters</span></b><span style="color: black;">” and “</span><b><span style="color: red;">thieves</span></b><span style="color: black;">”. But God
doesn't have categories of sin.</span></p>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b><u>Sin
is still sin with God.<o:p></o:p></u></b></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">It is a gross mistake to view mortal sins as grave offenses
that sever our friendship with God and, consequently, cause a loss of
sanctifying grace. Or to view anyone dying in a state of mortal sin as suffering
eternal separation from God in Hell due this violation. It is also wrong to categorize
venial sins as lesser offenses that injure but do not destroy a person’s
relationship with God. Both ideas are misconceptions and errors to avoid in our
perception of sin.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Later in this chapter, Paul made a distinction between the
sin of sexual immorality and other sins, teaching the Corinthians to “</span><span style="color: red;">Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the
body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.</span><span style="color: black;">” (1 Cor. 6:18). But this is a differentiation of sin
according to the temporal effects/impacts of certain sinful behaviors, not the very
nature of sin itself.</span></p>
<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b><u>The
Unpardonable Sin relates to Christ’s Miracles Wrought by the Spirit!<o:p></o:p></u></b></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Truthfully, the singular unforgivable sin is </span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN;">blasphemy against the Holy
Spirit by whose power Jesus worked miracles (</span><span lang="EN" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Matt. 12:22-37</span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN;">). Such blasphemy as attributing the
works of the Holy Spirit to the devil involves incredible hardness of heart and
determination against the evidence for the miraculous works of Jesus Christ. Such
dismissals of the supernatural power of Christ were not forgivable because it
expressed a resolute and final rejection of Jesus. It is the true nature of a
person’s words that divulges the real condition of their heart whether good or
bad. </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Those who committed this sin were hardened and unrelenting
in their opposition to our Lord Jesus. They had no apprehensions about
insulting the Spirit of God and no hesitancy in plotting the death of the Son.
They showed zero regret, shame, or repentance. <a name="_Hlk154227606">(based
on Holman KJV Study Bible)</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>EVERY HUMAN BEING IS A SINNER. (</span><span style="color: red;">1Cor. 6:9-11</span><span style="color: black;">)</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Second, it Tells Us That Sin Is a Lifestyle, a Mind-set, a State of
Being. </u></span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Paul was not describing one specific act or behavior as
condemning; rather, he was stating that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sin
had been the identity</i> of the Corinthians in the past. Sin had been their
all-consuming character. For example, he didn't say, “Some of you have taken
things that weren't yours.” Paul called them former <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">thieves</i>—people who had stolen <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">as
a way of life</i>. He didn't say, “Some of you had too many drinks on
occasion.” He said some in the Corinthian church were <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">drunkards</i>. (Dr. C. Stanley)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every Man Has Sinned Against God.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Eccles. 7:20, For there is not a just man upon earth, that
doeth good, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">and sinneth not.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Now before you start thinking, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Well, I haven't been any of the things on Paul's list</i>, let me
quickly advise you that this is not a definitive list. Paul wasn't trying to
list all types of sinners. Rather, he was giving examples of the sinful state
to point out the same truth that he shared with the Romans: </span><span style="color: red;">“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom.
3:23)</span><span style="color: black;">. Every person, before receiving a new
identity in Christ Jesus, has had the identity of a sinner.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some People Look Back over Their Lives and Conclude, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I've never done anything very bad. I'm a
pretty good person and always have been.”</i></u></b> And sometimes they
conclude, “What is there that God needs to forgive?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We All Are Sinners by Our Nature.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have missed the entire point about sin
and forgiveness. They have been taught a wrong perspective on life and on
themselves. This is the perspective that the Romans apparently had, for Paul
spent much of the book of Romans teaching that we are born with a sin nature. (</span><span style="color: red;">Rom. 3:10, 23; 5:12; 6:23</span><span style="color: black;">)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b><span style="color: black;">Sin isn't merely something you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">do</i>. Rather, sinful is something you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">are</i> from birth.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BUT GOD CAN FORGIVE ALL TYPES OF SIN.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">1Cor. 6:11, And <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">such
were some of you</b>: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are
justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Third, this
passage tells us that all types of sin can be forgiven.</span></i><span style="color: black;"> Paul said, </span><span style="color: red;">“And such <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">were</i> some of you” (v. 11)</span><span style="color: black;">. Paul reminded them that they were no longer who they
were, but they had been <b><i>washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of
the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of God.</i></b> Praise God! The Corinthians—as
sorry a group of sinners that ever came together to be a church—found a new
life, a new identity in Christ Jesus! (Dr. C. Stanley)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Note the words that Paul used:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .05in .55in 1.05in 1.55in 2.05in 2.55in 3.05in 3.55in 4.05in 4.55in 5.05in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black;">1. They Were Washed.</span></u></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1Cor. 6:11<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .05in .55in 1.05in 1.55in 2.05in 2.55in 3.05in 3.55in 4.05in 4.55in 5.05in;"><span style="color: black;">Paul spoke of a cleansing of the spirit. So did the
psalmist when he said, </span><span style="color: red;">“Purge me with hyssop,
and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Ps. 51:7).</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">“</span><span style="color: red;">Washed</span><span style="color: black;">”</span></b><span style="color: black;"> (Tit. 3:5) by the Holy Spirit from their sin and impurity
through the precious blood of Christ, and they were being continually washed
from defilement through the word of God. (Based on Dr. W. McDonald)</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">1 John 1:7, But if we walk in the light, as he is in the
light, we have fellowship one with another, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .05in .55in 1.05in 1.55in 2.05in 2.55in 3.05in 3.55in 4.05in 4.55in 5.05in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They Were Sanctified</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">.</span></i><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1Cor. 6:11<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .05in .55in 1.05in 1.55in 2.05in 2.55in 3.05in 3.55in 4.05in 4.55in 5.05in;"><span style="color: red;">Hebrews 13:12 Wherefore <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jesus
also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered</b>
without the gate.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .05in .55in 1.05in 1.55in 2.05in 2.55in 3.05in 3.55in 4.05in 4.55in 5.05in;"><span style="color: black;">They were “</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">sanctified</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">” in the Lord Jesus (1 Cor. 1:2)</span><span style="color: black;"> by the
operation of the Spirit of God, being set apart to God from the world. (Based
on Dr. W. McDonald)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .05in .55in 1.05in 1.55in 2.05in 2.55in 3.05in 3.55in 4.05in 4.55in 5.05in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Something That Is Sanctified Is Dedicated to God, Set Apart for Holy
Uses.</b> In Old Testament times, blood from sacrificed animals was applied to
certain vessels in the tabernacle or temple to make them holy for God's use. </span><span style="color: red;">Hebrews 13:12</span><span style="color: black;"> states, </span><span style="color: red;">“Wherefore Jesus also, that He <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">might sanctify the people</b> with His own blood, suffered.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .05in .55in 1.05in 1.55in 2.05in 2.55in 3.05in 3.55in 4.05in 4.55in 5.05in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When God Forgives Us, He Sets Us Aside</b> —apart from the world of
unredeemed, unregenerated, unforgiven humankind—and considers us to be wholly
and solely for His purposes and fellowship.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .05in .55in 1.05in 1.55in 2.05in 2.55in 3.05in 3.55in 4.05in 4.55in 5.05in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black;">3. They Were Justified. </span></u></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1Cor. 6:11<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .05in .55in 1.05in 1.55in 2.05in 2.55in 3.05in 3.55in 4.05in 4.55in 5.05in;"><span style="color: red;">Romans 3:24, Being <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">justified</b>
freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .05in .55in 1.05in 1.55in 2.05in 2.55in 3.05in 3.55in 4.05in 4.55in 5.05in;"><span style="color: black;">They had been “</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of
our God</span></b><span style="color: black;">;” that is, they had been reckoned
righteous before God the Father based on the work of the Lord Jesus on the
cross for them (Rom. 8:33).<a name="_Hlk154232750"> (Based on Dr. W. McDonald)</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .05in .55in 1.05in 1.55in 2.05in 2.55in 3.05in 3.55in 4.05in 4.55in 5.05in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the Natural, When We Justify Something We Line it up</b> —for
example, we justify the margins on a page or we justify our legal arguments
against the law of the land. When we are justified in our actions, we are
vindicated.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .05in .55in 1.05in 1.55in 2.05in 2.55in 3.05in 3.55in 4.05in 4.55in 5.05in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
Forgiveness, God Lines Us up Against the Truth of What Jesus Did on the Cross</b>,
and God vindicates us and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">declares us to
be as righteous</i> and just because we are lined up with Jesus. We aren't
righteous in ourselves, but the shed blood of the Lord Jesus justifies us
before God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nothing Is Beyond God's Forgiveness.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No sin is too great, too awful, or too
prolific for God to forgive. No person is so deep in sin, so ingrained in a
lifestyle, so steeped in evil, that he or she cannot be saved. Any sin can be
forgiven by God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span>CONCLUSION: </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Paul outlines in </span><span style="color: red;">Romans
10:9-10</span><span style="color: black;">, writing, “</span><span style="color: red;">That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and
shalt <b>believe in thine heart</b> that <b>God hath raised him
from the dead, thou shalt be saved.</b> 10, For with the heart man <b>believeth
unto righteousness;</b> and with the mouth confession is made unto
salvation.</span><span style="color: black;">” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">We cannot simply believe anything about Jesus or be
forgiven for any reason, we must believe that the Son of God, died for our
sins, was buried, and God raise Him up again the third day for our
justification before The Father (</span><span style="color: red;">1 Cor. 15:1-4
and Rom 3:21-31</span><span style="color: black;">). It is vital that we
understand that it is faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel that is the power of
God that saves us...that grants us forgiveness (</span><span style="color: red;">Rom.
1:14-17</span><span style="color: black;">). This is how we all experience God’s
spiritual birth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">So then, what must we do to experience God's forgiveness? </span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Accordingly confess your
sin and accept God’s forgiveness by faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. </span><span style="color: black;">Beloved, God can forgive anyone and everyone who will
receive His forgiveness. No one and certainly no sin is beyond His realm of
divine pardon.</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <a name="_Hlk154225547"><span lang="EN">God is no longer angered over your
sin or finally offended by your actions, flaws, mistakes, and sin. He offers
forgiveness! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></a></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Remember, Christ’s suffering at Calvary was God the Father providing
payment for our sins. That’s what Calvary was about—justice was served, and sin
was paid for entirely. Since then, sinners can be saved—born again to enter a spiritual
relationship with God. Being born again means we become a part of a new family;
God is our Father who shares with us His very own divine nature. Beloved, we
must exercise <u>faith</u> in the Person and Work of Christ to
experience the spiritual birth. <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-54858234380049659262023-12-22T11:54:00.001-05:002023-12-22T11:54:51.651-05:00The Definition of Forgiveness<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZngCjdWkmqXofrtNbdtjwgsBwREBZKWVUGwZ2wE6H6EUn6mgqxG_8fP9jajkSuhfXa9douCgo2shqqaxo5l0M30_jNgHG_ah0jS4-uYWa22YgPA37cY8wUKCJ8vgPfhsd_T_IuFdSX4ZmcciMZ-7nV5vQ5G1A2k3WUmeujqPz2dbPsGv0jv2_h43_OpWY/s3300/Forgiven%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZngCjdWkmqXofrtNbdtjwgsBwREBZKWVUGwZ2wE6H6EUn6mgqxG_8fP9jajkSuhfXa9douCgo2shqqaxo5l0M30_jNgHG_ah0jS4-uYWa22YgPA37cY8wUKCJ8vgPfhsd_T_IuFdSX4ZmcciMZ-7nV5vQ5G1A2k3WUmeujqPz2dbPsGv0jv2_h43_OpWY/s320/Forgiven%202.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><!--[if supportFields]><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span
style='font-size:20.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt'><span style='mso-element:
field-begin'></span><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1</span></i></b><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span
style='font-size:20.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt'><span style='mso-element:
field-end'></span></span></i></b><![endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“The Definition of Forgiveness”</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">LUKE 7:36-50; 1
JOHN 1:9</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">SUBJECT:
FORGIVENESS/ SALVATION</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">THEME:
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Lord wants us to Learn What It Means to Forgive and to Exercise Forgiveness in
All Our Relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God Certainly Can
Forgive Anyone and Everyone Who Will Receive His Forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">RELEVANCY:
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God Wants You to Experience Complete
Forgiveness Today</b>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps you are
grieving about some sin you have recently committed or many you are struggling
with some extra baggage from years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please allow me to reassure you that God is still very much in the
forgiving business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You must accept the
fact that your situation is not unique and the truth that you are not beyond
the reach of God’s forgiving power and grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can be set free from the bondage of living in guilt today! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">Unforgiveness
bares an incredibly high price tag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remaining in an unforgiven state can greatly interfere with a person's
ability to love and to receive love. It stunts the growth of a marriage and
sucks the vitality out of good friendships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>More importantly, it keeps a person from entering into all that the Lord
might have for him in ministry or outreach opportunities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even more significantly, it keeps a believer
from experiencing the full abundant life that Christ promised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is why God's desire is for you to enjoy
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">complete</i> forgiveness, which is
forgiveness of your sins and a full restoration in your relationship to the
Lord God, forgiveness of others who have wronged you, and forgiveness of
yourself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">INTRODUCTION:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God Desires for You to Experience Complete
Forgiveness!</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">“Forgive me? How
could God ever forgive me? You don't know what I've done.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">“Forgive that
person after what she did to me? You've got to be kidding!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">“I can't believe
I've done such an awful thing. I can never forgive myself for doing that.”</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These Are Confessions I Have Heard Often as a Pastor.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are the
confessions of people who have godly parents, who have grown up in church, and
who have heard sermons about forgiveness all their lives. And yet, they persist
in believing that there is something unique about their situation that puts
them beyond the realm of God's forgiveness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>b) The Result Is Bondage.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bondage of
living in guilt and unforgiveness stifles a person's ability to love and to
receive love. It stunts the growth of a marriage and friendships. It keeps a
person from entering into all that the Lord might have for him in the way of
ministry or outreach. It keeps a person from enjoying the full abundant life
that Christ promised to those who believe in Him (</span><span style="color: red;">John 10:10</span><span style="color: black;">). And bondage, my
friend, is never the desire of God for His children.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God's Desire for You Today Is That You Be
Free in Your Spirit</span></b><span style="color: black;"> —free to embrace all
the blessings, challenges, and joys that the Lord has for you now and in your
future. God's desire is for you to experience <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">complete</i> forgiveness, which is forgiveness of your sins and a full
restoration in your relationship to the Lord God, forgiveness of others who
have wronged you, and forgiveness of yourself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Limited Forgiveness Will Never Do.</span></b><span style="color: black;"> Complete forgiveness is required if you are to know
personally and fully that God is your loving heavenly Father, and if you are
ever to reach your personal destiny in this life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">I have good news for you today! God will forgive you of
your sin. You can be released today from all your sin,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>no matter what they are, if you will do what
God says to do.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">MESSAGE:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Understand The Importance of Forgiveness</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">.</span></i></b><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: red;">(Luke 7:36-50)</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Luke 7:42-43,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when
they had nothing to pay, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">he frankly
forgave them both.</b> Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
[43] Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And
he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>FIRST, CONSIDER SOME MISUNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT
FORGIVENESS.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">At the outset of this study, we must define forgiveness. It
is key to examine first what forgiveness does not mean and eliminate as much
confusion from the start.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Forgiveness Does Not Mean, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“It
Didn't Matter.”</i></u></b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">If you have been hurt by someone, or if you have committed
a sin, it does matter.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is No Justification for Sin That Stands up in God's Presence.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">If you have sinned, you need to recognize that your sin is
a blot on your soul, one that you can't and therefore shouldn't attempt to
sweep under the rug or ignore. Sin matters. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Romans 3:23, For <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">all
have sinned</b>, and come short of the glory of God; </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Rev. 21:8</span></u><span style="color: red;">, But the
fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers,
and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and
brimstone:</b> which is the second death.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hurt, Pain, Bondage, and Guilt Come in the Aftermath of Sin, and You Are
Unwise to Try to Deny Their Reality.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sin is clearly extremely offense to a perfect, pure, and holy God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a direct hostile attack upon His nature
and character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beloved, it is extremely
evident that sin is a big deal with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He will punish all sinners who fail to confess their sin and secure
divine forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forgiveness for sin
is a very urgent matter then!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Forgiveness Does Not Mean, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I'll
Get Over it in Time.”</i></u></b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">The memory of a particular incident or action may fade with
time, but <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">it never disappears</i></b>. If you have committed a sin before God,
the effects of that sin remain in your life until you receive God's forgiveness
for it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You May Not Immediately Feel the Consequences of Your Sin.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>i)
Which can cause you to think that God has overlooked your sin or that it has
been resolved in some way.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ii)
But the consequences of sin will manifest themselves. They lie as dormant <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“bad
seeds”</i></b> in your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: red;">James 1:14-15,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. [15]
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Same Holds True for a Wrong That Another Person Commits Against You.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>i)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may think that time will
heal. Time by itself doesn't heal anything. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>ii)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only the Lord Jesus Christ
and His Forgiveness Working in and Through You Can Heal the Hurt You Have Felt.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>iii)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Wrong That You Attempt to
Bury Will Only Rot in Your Heart and Very Easily Can Turn into Bitterness,
Anger, and Hatred —all of which are not only destructive emotions to the person
who harbors them, but the root of destructive behavior that may affect others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Hebrews 12:15<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">lest any root of bitterness</b> springing
up </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">trouble
you</span></u></i></b><span style="color: red;">, and thereby</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> many be defiled</span></u></i></b><span style="color: red;">;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Forgiveness Does Not Mean, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“There
Will Be No Penalty.”</i></u></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some People Believe That God Skips over Certain Sins When He Surveys the
Hearts of People. </b>This is usually the response of people who <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hope</i> that God will make a detour around
their sin and that they'll get away with their sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone is always convinced that they are the
exception.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: red;">Eccles. 12:14,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For God
shall bring <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">every work</b> into<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u> judgment</u></b>, with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">every secret thing</b>, whether it be good,
or whether it be evil. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Romans 2:16</span></u><span style="color: red;">,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the day when God shall <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>judge</u></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the secrets of men </b>by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Jude 1:14-15</span></u><span style="color: red;">,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam,
prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his
saints, [15] <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>To execute judgment</u>
upon all,</b> and to convince<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> all</b>
that are ungodly among them of<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> all</b>
their <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>ungodly deeds</u></b> which
they have ungodly committed, and of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">all</b>
their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Rev. 20:12,</span></u><span style="color: red;"> And I saw the
dead, small and great, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>stand before
God;</u></b> and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is
the book of life: and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the dead <u>were
judged</u> out of those things which were written in the books, according to <u>their
works.</u></b></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(See also </span><span style="color: red;">Ephes.
5:4-6</span><span style="color: black;">)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There Are Other Times, However, When We Are Fearful That God Will Forget
to Punish Those Who Have Wronged Us.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>i)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some Will Even Say, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I’m going to tell God on you and He’ll take
care of you for me.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>ii)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They May Even Seem to Be
Prospering, and We Feel a Need to Hold on to Our Unforgiveness until We Are
Certain That the Other People Are Punished in Some Way.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>iii)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We Hold on to the
Prerogative of Vengeance Just in Case God Has Forgotten about the Incident or
in Case He Intends to Do Nothing about It.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s the attitude that says,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> “If
God doesn’t do something about it, then I will!”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Romans 12:19-21,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dearly beloved, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">avenge not
yourselves</b>, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance
is mine; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>I will repay, saith the Lord</u></b>.
[20] Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink:
for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. [21] <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be not overcome of evil,</b> but overcome
evil with good. </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At Still Other Times, We Know We Deserve to Be Punished, but God Doesn't
Seem to Be Taking Any Negative Action Against Us, So We Refuse to Forgive
Ourselves as a Form of Self-punishment.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These Definitions Don't Hold Water When They Are Subjected to the Truth
of God's Word.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>i)
Sin matters. It <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">always</i> matters.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ii)
Sin and the effects of sin don't disappear over time of their own natural
accord. Sin must be forgiven, or it remains unforgiven.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: .15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>iii) Sin
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">always</i> has consequences. It always
bears with it the ultimate penalty of death.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Romans 6:23,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">For the wages of sin is death</b>; but the
gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. <u>Ezekiel 18:4</u>,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of
the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the soul that sinneth, it shall die. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Isaiah 3:11</span></u><span style="color: red;">, Woe unto the<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> wicked!</b> it shall be ill with him: for
the reward of his hands shall be given him. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Psalm 9:17</span></u><span style="color: red;">,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">wicked</b>
shall be turned <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">into hell</b>, and all
the nations that forget God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THEN CONSIDER THE DEFINITION OF FORGIVENESS. </span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What Forgiveness
Does Mean?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What, Then, Is Forgiveness?</u></b> </span><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke 7:39-43</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Forgiveness is “the act of setting someone free from an
obligation to you that is a result of a wrong done against you.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Forgiveness Involves Identifying Our Sinfulness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: red;">Luke 7:39 & 44</span><span style="color: black;">
(Contrasted) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Simon's real problem was blindness: he could not see
himself, the woman, or the Lord Jesus. It was easy for him to say, </span><span style="color: red;">"She is a sinner!"</span><span style="color: black;">
but impossible for him to say, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"I am
also a sinner!"</i> (see Luke 18:9-14) Jesus Proved that He was indeed a
prophet by reading Simon's thoughts and revealing his needs.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Forgiveness Involves Awareness of Sin in the Heart.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not the Amount but Awareness. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">The parable does not deal with the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">amount</i> of sin in a person's life but the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">awareness</i> of that sin in his heart.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How Much Sin must a Person
Commit to Be a Sinner? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Simon and the woman were both sinners. Simon was guilty of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>sins of the spirit</u></i> especially
pride, while the woman was guilty of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>sins
of the flesh</u></i> (see 2 Cor 7:1). Her sins were known, while Simon's sins
were hidden to everyone except God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Forgiveness Involves Christ Paying Our Sin Debt. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Ephes. 1:7,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In whom we
have <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">redemption through his blood, the
forgiveness of sins,</b> according to the riches of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">his grace; </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">1 Peter 1:18-19</span></u><span style="color: red;">,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">redeemed </b>with corruptible things, as
silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your
fathers; [19] But with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the precious
blood of Christ, </b>as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Forgiveness is a gift of God's grace; the debt was paid in
full by Jesus Christ. The word </span><span style="color: red;">“frankly”</span><span style="color: black;"> means <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"graciously
and freely."</i> The woman accepted God's free offer of salvation and
expressed her love openly. Simon rejected that offer and remained unforgiven.
He was not only blind to himself, but he was blind to the woman and to his
honored guest!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forgiveness Involves Three Elements:</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Luke 7:40-43,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he
saith, Master, say on. [41] There was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">a
certain creditor</b> which had <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">two
debtors:</b> the one owed five hundred pence </span><span style="color: black;">(500
days wages for a Laborer)</span><span style="color: red;">, and the other fifty </span><span style="color: black;">(50 days wages for a Laborer)</span><span style="color: red;">. [42] And when <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">they had nothing to
pay</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">he frankly forgave them both.</b>
Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? [43] Simon answered and
said, I suppose that he, to whom <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">he
forgave</b> most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2in .7in 1.2in 1.7in 2.2in 2.7in 3.2in 3.7in 4.2in 4.7in 5.2in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An Injury.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">“they had nothing to pay”</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2in .7in 1.2in 1.7in 2.2in 2.7in 3.2in 3.7in 4.2in 4.7in 5.2in;"><span style="color: black;">A wrong is committed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both Simon and the woman were bankrupt and could not pay their debt to
God. Simon was just as spiritually bankrupt as the woman, only he did not
realize it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In an injury pain, hurt,
suffering, or guilt is experienced (consciously or subconsciously).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2in .7in 1.2in 1.7in 2.2in 2.7in 3.2in 3.7in 4.2in 4.7in 5.2in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A Debt Resulting from the Injury</span></b><span style="color: black;">. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">“a certain creditor</span></b><span style="color: red;"> which had <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">two
debtors:”</b></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2in .7in 1.2in 1.7in 2.2in 2.7in 3.2in 3.7in 4.2in 4.7in 5.2in;"><span style="color: black;">There is a consequence that is always detrimental and puts
someone into a deficit state of some kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You are obligated because of your failure, offensive activities, or
actions against someone.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .2in .7in 1.2in 1.7in 2.2in 2.7in 3.2in 3.7in 4.2in 4.7in 5.2in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A Cancellation of the Debt.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">“he frankly forgave them both.”</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Luke 7:47-48,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wherefore I say unto thee, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Her
sins, which are many, are forgiven;</b> for she loved much: but to whom little
is forgiven, the same loveth little. [48] And he said unto her, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thy sins are forgiven.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">We'll be looking at each of these elements in greater depth
in this series. All three elements are involved in forgiveness of all
types—forgiveness by God, forgiveness of others, and forgiveness of self.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">ILLUSTRATION: When Jesus Christ died on the Cross of
Calvary, He paid for all of our sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
did not and does not require us to pay for any of our sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When He paid the entire debt for sin the
matter was settled forever. When we realize that we have nothing for which to
pay for our sins then He will forgive the sinner and cancel his obligations to
a Holy God in regard to sins and our offenses against Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">APPLICATION: We as Believer should be forgiving much like
our Savior has forgiven us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has
completely released us from any obligation to Him concerning our offensive sins
against Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Likewise, we should release
others from any obligation to ourselves when they have hurt us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are to forgive, release them, literally
set them free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should no longer
require anything of them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No even an
apology from them, and certainly not begging and pleading to return to our good
graces!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t hold the violation over
their heads, and we certainly don’t try to increase their pain or cause them to
suffer in anyway because they have hurt us. This will greatly help any of our
relationships.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">C. FORGIVENESS IS
IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT SETS US FREE.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Luke 7:37,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And,
behold, a woman in the city, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">which was a
sinner, </b>when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house,
brought an alabaster box of ointment, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Luke 7:41,</span></u><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a certain creditor which had <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">two debtors:</b> the one owed five hundred
pence, and the other fifty. </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">The World Is Filled with Unforgiven People.</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Forgiveness Frees Us From Suffering.<o:p></o:p></u></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">People Who Haven't Received God's Forgiveness Are Suffering
Greatly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a festering wound in
the soul. There is a wall in the spirit that keeps them imprisoned. They may
not recognize that they are in a state of unforgiveness. But in many cases,
people who <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">feel frustrated, upset, burdened, impatient, out of control, angry,
jealous, bitter, agitated, uptight, in turmoil, are suffering from
unforgiveness.</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>2. Forgiveness Brings <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Freedom</i> to Walk in the Spirit.</u></span></b><span style="color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Ephes. 4:30-32,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of
redemption. [31] Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and
evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: [32] And be ye kind one
to another, tenderhearted, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">forgiving one
another,</b> even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">It brings with it the manifestation of the fruit of the
Spirit: love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness,
meekness, temperance (</span><span style="color: red;">Gal. 5:22–23</span><span style="color: black;">).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see
unforgiving spirit stifles a person's ability to love and to receive love. It
stunts the growth of a marriage and friendships.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Galatians 5:22-23,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">APPLICATION:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today
you can be set free from the bondage of living in guilt because you know in
your heart that you are far away from him in rebellion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An Unforgiving attitude keeps a person from
entering into all that the Lord might have for him in the way of ministry or
outreach. It keeps a person from enjoying the full abundant life that Christ
promised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God's desire is for you to
experience <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">complete</i> forgiveness,
which is forgiveness of your sins and a full restoration in your relationship
to the Lord God, forgiveness of others who have wronged you, and forgiveness of
yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">APPLICATION:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing
Jesus is knowing real freedom. Jesus himself is the truth that sets us free.</span><span style="color: red;"> John 8:36,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the Son
therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the source of
truth, the perfect standard of what is right. He frees us from the consequences
of sin, from self-deception, and from deception by Satan. He shows us clearly
the way to eternal life with God. Jesus does not give us freedom to do what we
want, but freedom to follow God. As we seek to serve God, Jesus' perfect truth
frees us to be all that God meant us to be.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Knowing Jesus is freedom from the power of sin. Sin has a
way of enslaving us, controlling us, dominating us, and dictating our actions.
Jesus can free you from this slavery that keeps you from becoming the person
God created you to be. If sin is restraining, mastering, or enslaving you,
Jesus can break its power over your life.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Forgiveness Bring us Freedom to Serve Our Lord.</u></b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Galatians 5:1,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stand
fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not
entangled again with the yoke of bondage. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Galatians 5:13</span></u><span style="color: red;">,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For, brethren, ye have been called unto
liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve
one another.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Freedom in Christ is the freedom to serve. Christ died to
set us free from sin and from a long list of laws and regulations. Christ came
to set us free -- not free to do whatever we want because that would lead back
into slavery to our selfish desires. Rather, thanks to Christ, we are now free
and able to do what was impossible before -- to live unselfishly. Those who
appeal to their freedom so that they can have their own way or indulge their
desires are falling back into sin. But it is also wrong to put a burden of law
keeping on Christians. We must stand against those who would enslave us with
extra biblical rules, methods, or special conditions for being saved or growing
in Christ.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Loving others has to do with valuing them, respecting them,
being merciful toward them, wanting good things for them, being concerned for
their welfare, caring about them. It is part of our growth and healing that we
learn to value and respect ourselves so we can more fully value and respect
others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .05in .55in 1.05in 1.55in 2.05in 2.55in 3.05in 3.55in 4.05in 4.55in 5.05in;"><span style="color: black;">The principles of the Twelve Steps teach us (1) that we
need help from God to live our lives and (2) that we need to stop blaming
others and begin taking responsibility for our own behaviors. Both the Twelve
Steps and the wisdom of “loving your neighbor” imply responsibility to act in
loving ways toward others and when we do not, to acknowledge our shortcomings,
to seek God's help to change and to make amends to the people we have harmed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .05in .55in 1.05in 1.55in 2.05in 2.55in 3.05in 3.55in 4.05in 4.55in 5.05in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">II.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Receive God’s Forgiveness for Sins Today.</span></i></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><span style="color: red;">Luke 7:47-50,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wherefore I say unto thee, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Her
sins, which are many, are forgiven;</u></b> for she loved much: but to whom
little is forgiven, the same loveth little. [48] And he said unto her, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Thy sins are forgiven.</u></b> [49] And
they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that
forgiveth sins also? [50] And he said to the woman, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.</u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: black;">Clearly Forgiveness Is God’s Personal Desire for You and
Those You Love.</span></u></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></i><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><span style="color: black;">And in this series we'll explore not only what it means to
be forgiven, but what we need to do to experience God's <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">complete</i> forgiveness in our lives.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GOD’S FORGIVENESS MUST ONLY BE RECEIVED BY
FAITH!</span></b><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Luke 7:44-50</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><span style="color: red;">Ephes. 1:7,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In whom we
have redemption through his blood, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the
forgiveness of sins</b>, according to the riches of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">his grace;</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not Faith in Works and Personal Performance.</u></b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><span style="color: black;">There are two errors we must avoid as we interpret our
Lord's words.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Woman Was Not Saved by Her Tears Nor Her Gift. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><span style="color: black;">First we must not conclude that this woman was saved by her
tears and her gift. Jesus made it clear that it was her faith alone that saved
her (</span><span style="color: red;">Luke 7:50</span><span style="color: black;">),
for no amount of good works can pay for salvation (</span><span style="color: red;">Titus 3:4-7</span><span style="color: black;">).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Woman Was Not Saved By Her Love. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><span style="color: black;">Nor should we think that lost sinners are saved by love,
either God's love for them or their love for God. God loves the whole world (</span><span style="color: red;">John 3:16</span><span style="color: black;">), yet the whole
world is not saved. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><span style="color: red;">Ephes. 2:8-9, For <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">by
grace are ye saved</b> through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the
gift of God: [9] <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Not of works,</b> lest
any man should boast.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grace is love that
pays a price, and that price was the death of the Son of God on the cross.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><span style="color: black;">Jesus did not reject either the woman's tears or her gift
of ointment, because her works were the evidence of her faith. </span><span style="color: red;">"Faith without works is dead"</span><span style="color: black;"> ( </span><span style="color: red;">James 2:14-26</span><span style="color: black;">). We are not saved by faith plus works; we are saved by a
faith that leads to works. This anonymous woman illustrates the truth of Gal
5:6, "</span><span style="color: red;">but faith which worketh by love. </span><span style="color: black;">" </span><span style="color: red;">Galatians 5:6, For in
Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but
faith which worketh by love.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How Did the Woman Know That Her Sins Were Forgiven? </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><span style="color: black;">Jesus told her. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How
do we know today that we have been forgiven?</i> God tells us so in His Word
Here are just a few verses to consider. </span><span style="color: red;">Isa
1:18; 43:25-26; 55:6-7; Acts 13:38-39; Rom 4:7-8; Eph 4:32; </span><span style="color: black;">and </span><span style="color: red;">Heb 8:12</span><span style="color: black;">. Once you understand the meaning of God's grace you have
no trouble receiving His free and full forgiveness and rejoicing in it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Faith in The Cross of Jesus Christ.</u></b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Have you made a decision to accept and receive Jesus as
your personal Savior and Lord? To “accept and receive”—that's all that's
required for you to be forgiven by God, regardless of the nature, magnitude, or
deep entrenchment of your sins.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">To “accept” is to believe with your mind that what the
Bible says about Jesus and His death on the cross is true—that Jesus died for
your sins and He rose to give you new life in Him. To “receive” is to say, “I
don't merely accept what Jesus did on the cross as a fact of history or as a
statement of sound theology, but I accept His sacrificial death on the cross as
being for me personally and individually—the sacrifice that was made for my
sins. I invite the Holy Spirit to indwell me, to cleanse me of all my past
transgressions, iniquities, evil, and sin, and to make me a new person in God's
eyes. I receive the work of the Holy Spirit in me that gives me a completely
restored relationship with my heavenly Father.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Faith in the Merciful Character of God as Savior.</u></b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Titus 3:5-7,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not by
works of righteousness which we have done, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>but
according to his mercy he saved us,</u></b> by the washing of regeneration, and
renewing of the Holy Ghost; [6] Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus
Christ our Saviour; [7] That being justified by his grace, we should be made
heirs according to the hope of eternal life.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Exodus 34:5-7,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the
Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him </span><span style="color: black;">[Moses]</span><span style="color: red;"> there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. [6] And the Lord
passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">merciful and gracious, </b>longsuffering,
and abundant in goodness and truth, [7] <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Keeping
mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin,</b> and that
will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon
the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the
fourth generation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GOD DESIRES TO FORGIVE YOU TODAY.</span></b><span style="color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Have you taken Him up on His offer? If not, will you accept
and receive Jesus Christ today? Will you receive God's forgiveness?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">1 John 1:9,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we
confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">APPLICATION:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Freedom
in Christ is the freedom to obey.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Romans 5:21,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That as
sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness
unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">As a sinner, separated from God, you see his law from
below, as a ladder to be climbed to get to God. Perhaps you have repeatedly
tried to climb it, only to fall to the ground every time you have advanced one
or two rungs. Or perhaps the sheer height of the ladder seems so overwhelming
that you have never even started up. In either case, what relief you should
feel to see Jesus offering with open arms to lift you above the ladder of the
law, to take you directly to God! Once Jesus lifts you into God's presence, you
are free to obey -- out of love, not necessity; through God's power, not your
own. You know that if you stumble, you will not fall back to the ground.
Instead, you will be caught and held in Christ's loving arms.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">CONCLUSION:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">The Lord wants us to Learn What It Means to Forgive and to
Exercise Forgiveness in All Our Relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God Certainly Can Forgive Anyone and Everyone Who Will Receive His
Forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></b> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">God Wants You to
Experience Complete Forgiveness Today</span></b><span style="color: black;">!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have been grieving about some sin you
have committed recently or even years ago, let God forgive you and release you
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your situation is not unique, and
you are not beyond the scope of God’s forgiving power and grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today you can be set free from the bondage of
living in guilt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">Refuse to continue on in unforgiveness which stifles a
person's ability to love and to receive love. It will stunt the growth of your
marriage and friendships. It will keep you from entering into all that the Lord
might have for you in the way of ministry or outreach. It will keep you from
enjoying the full abundant life that Christ promised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">God's desire is for you to experience <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">complete</i> forgiveness, which is forgiveness of your sins and a full
restoration in your relationship to the Lord God, forgiveness of others who
have wronged you, and forgiveness of yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-73332639782823682372023-11-14T20:07:00.001-05:002023-12-24T15:24:54.570-05:00God Uses Time and Trials <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPe6nSMPTiNFgKELGqVX3ooqrk15hP5svv2oetyGD7clPewDTcPUhBlqneEcs7Ij6-6RA42110TU6gUAHaX0YhMrkMZa9YivnzIxrdYxEfVw2_9MjSLTcmYsLA0PjiO_Z7JCAJSziNi9JCq9e6Ls0nfA6By3m37gPcIbNMXw3Iug-GzcQ0VH9BoJ7spvBT/s1206/Screenshot%202023-12-24%20152242.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="1206" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPe6nSMPTiNFgKELGqVX3ooqrk15hP5svv2oetyGD7clPewDTcPUhBlqneEcs7Ij6-6RA42110TU6gUAHaX0YhMrkMZa9YivnzIxrdYxEfVw2_9MjSLTcmYsLA0PjiO_Z7JCAJSziNi9JCq9e6Ls0nfA6By3m37gPcIbNMXw3Iug-GzcQ0VH9BoJ7spvBT/s320/Screenshot%202023-12-24%20152242.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0.25in; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><!--[if supportFields]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:18.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1</span></i></b><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span
style='font-size:18.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style='mso-element:
field-end'></span></span></i></b><![endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">God Uses Time and Trials</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 26pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">1 Peter 2:2; Phil. 1:6;
Ps. 119:67; Jam. 1:2-4</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">SUBJECT:
SPIRITUAL GROWTH</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">THEME:<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> regarding
spiritual growth, God uses time and trials as instruments throughout our journey’s.
Our responsibilities are to realize this and actively pursue Christlikeness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">RELEVANCE:
Unless we realize that spiritual growth requires time, we may think that our
slow pace of spiritual growth is due to something inherently deficient or wrong
in us. If we don’t understand that God often uses trials to make us stronger,
we may conclude that God is punishing us or is angry with us for some reason we
don’t understand.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .05in .3in .8in 1.3in 1.8in 2.3in 2.8in 3.3in 3.8in 4.3in 4.8in 5.3in; text-indent: 0.05in;"><span style="color: black;">INTRODUCTION:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in; text-indent: 0.05in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">We are always on
the forge, or on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things. -</span></i><b style="text-indent: 0.05in;">Henry Ward Beecher (1813–1887)</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -0.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -.05in .45in .95in 1.45in 1.95in 2.45in 2.95in 3.45in 3.95in 4.45in 4.95in 5.45in; text-indent: -0.1in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="text-indent: 0.15in;">Every Fall the
Monarch Caterpillar Crawls to the End of a Twig, Fashions a Meticulously
Fabricated Cocoon Around Itself, Slams the Door, and Goes to Sleep.</b><span style="text-indent: 0.15in;"> Some time later, something utterly miraculous happens. Out
crawls a butterfly! Somehow, by some power hidden deep in the mysteries of
nature, a fat, low-slung, many-legged, ugly little creature of the earth is
changed into a light, sleek, brightly-colored, beautiful little creature of the
sky. How it happens, or even that it happens, is one of the true glories of
nature.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -0.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -.05in .45in .95in 1.45in 1.95in 2.45in 2.95in 3.45in 3.95in 4.45in 4.95in 5.45in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">As We Probe into
this Mystery, However, We Learn Some Startling Truths.</span></b><span style="color: black;"> If you walked past the low tree limb where the cocoon was
attached at just the precise moment the butterfly began to emerge from its
magic chamber, you would see a fearful struggle—a struggle that would rend your
heart and make you fear for the butterfly's life. The butterfly pushes and
pulls and wiggles. Then it falls back, exhausted. It repeats the process again
and again until, finally, after long and agonizing labor, it escapes the cocoon.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">As You Watched
this Struggle for Life—as Indeed it Is,</span></b><span style="color: black;">
for if the butterfly does not get out within a certain length of time, it will
die in the cocoon—you would be tempted to come to the butterfly's rescue,
perhaps by taking some tweezers and enlarging the opening ever so slightly to
let the butterfly out of his potential coffin.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">Well-meaning as such a gesture would be, it would seal the
doom of the butterfly. For the very struggle to get out of the cocoon develops
the butterfly's ability to fly. If the butterfly does not struggle to get out
of the cocoon, it is condemned to crawl the twigs, unable to fly, until it
starves to death or becomes dinner for a waiting bird.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Both <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Time</i> in the Cocoon and the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Trials</i> in Getting out of it Are
Essential to Transform the Ugly Little Caterpillar into a Beautiful Flitting
Butterfly. </span></b><span style="color: black;">Time and trials are both
necessary to transform a worm-like creature, condemned to inching its way along
the underbrush of life, into a lovely-winged creature able to take to the
Heavens.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">The Natural Realm
with Butterflies Parallels the Spiritual Realm with Children of God.</span></b><span style="color: black;"> God wants us to undergo continuous transformation from
creatures of the physical realm to creatures of the spiritual realm, from
creatures of the world to creatures of Heaven, from creatures of time to
creatures of eternity. With our bodies on earth, God wants us to live with our
minds on Heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">And just as it takes time and trials to transform a
caterpillar into a butterfly, so it takes time and trials to transform a child
of God from one whose interests, values, and affections center on earth to one
whose interests, values, and affections focus on Heaven. -Max Anders</span><span style="text-indent: 0.15in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">In this Message We Will Emphasize That …</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.4in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .4in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: -0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">1.</span></b><span style="color: black;"> Spiritual Growth Requires Time, Just as Physical Growth
Does.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.4in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .4in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: -0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">2.</span></b><span style="color: black;"> Trials Are Used by God to Make Us Spiritually Insightful
and Strong.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.4in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .4in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: -0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">3.</span></b><span style="color: black;"> The Bible Gives Us Many Examples of Spiritual Leaders
Whose Trials Eventually Produced Spiritual Maturity.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.4in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .4in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: -0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">MESSAGE:</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .05in; margin-right: -.05in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in -0.05in 0in 0.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .05in .3in .8in 1.3in 1.8in 2.3in 2.8in 3.3in 3.8in 4.3in 4.8in; text-indent: 0.05in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WHAT GOD SAID ABOUT THE ROLE OF TIME IN
SPIRITUAL GROWTH<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: -0.15in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"> The Bible teaches
that spiritual growth requires time, just as physical growth does.</span></i><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: -0.15in;"><span style="color: red;">1 Peter 2:2, <b>As newborn babes,</b> desire the sincere milk
of the word, <b>that ye may grow</b> thereby: </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: -0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="text-indent: -0.15in;"> A. SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS SOMEWHAT RELATED TO
PHYSICAL GROWTH.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">In </span><span style="color: red;">1 Peter 2:2</span><span style="color: black;">, the apostle instructs us “</span><span style="color: red;">As
newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:</span><span style="color: black;">” This relates physical growth to spiritual growth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We Grow Slowly Physically—and Spiritually.</span></u></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Certainly, physical
growth is automatic and Spiritual growth is more dependent on our cooperation
with the Lord, but still growth takes place over time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Growth is not instantaneous!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><i><span style="color: black;">When I was twelve through seventeen years old, I drove
myself hard to develop better artistic skills. I had inherited an artistic gene
from somewhere, and I simply loved to draw, color, and paint. I drew at school
and then again at home, I could easily spend an entire evening or a Saturday
afternoon drawing, sketching, shading with color pencils, creating, and
painting. For quite some time I was enamored with creating “superheroes” and
extraordinary “hyperphysical freedom fighter quads” who vindicated right,
fought for justice and truth, and who were fully equipped with transcending
abilities and qualities. I would start with a concept and build it to a sketch
and then elevate it to a mixed media drawing and then finally an acrylic
painting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was always proud of my
latest achievement, but I couldn’t wait to launch another project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it was back to the drawing board in an all-out
effort to surpass anything I had ever done before.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><i><span style="color: black;">All of this was done with a corresponding love for the
animated silver screen and a fascination with the adventures of comic books,
where drawing and painting were valuable abilities. Developing a limitless
imagination was an imperative if this was to be my future! But no matter how
sharp my skills where, I always wanted to be better and reach higher goals. There
was always a consuming desire to improve, refine, and achieve perfection.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">The same was true spiritually when I became a Christian
after my fourth year in the Air Force. As I look back on it, I experienced
rather significant spiritual growth from the very beginning. But it never
seemed enough. I was never pleased with how far I had come. I was always
consumed with how far it seemed I had to go (</span><span style="color: red;">Phil.
2:12-13</span><span style="color: black;">).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But Any Growth Takes Time.</u></b> Yes, while it is always appropriate
to do the things that encourage maximum growth, like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bible study, prayer, disciplines, church attendance, and service to
others,</i> we must still be content with our present spiritual stature, or
life will be needlessly troubling and frustrating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not merely passive patience, but still
appreciating where God has brought you from.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THE BIBLE REFERS TO GROWTH AS TAKING TIME.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Lord Jesus Increased and Grew in Favor With God.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">In</span><span style="color: red;"> Luke 2:52</span><span style="color: black;">, we read that, </span><span style="color: red;">“Jesus <b>increased</b>
in wisdom and stature, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">and in favour
with God</b> and man.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">He waited until He was thirty years old to minister. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Growth over time.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2. It Takes Time to Transform a Life and
Renew One’s Mind.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">In a similar vein we read in </span><span style="color: red;">Romans 12:2,</span><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: red;">“Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind.”</span><span style="color: black;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Growth over time.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It Takes Time to Plant, Water, and Reap the Increase.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">In </span><span style="color: red;">1 Corinthians 3:6</span><span style="color: black;"> Paul writes, </span><span style="color: red;">“I have
planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"> Growth over time.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It Takes Time to Develop and Become Fit for Spiritual Leadership.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">One of the qualifications for a pastor, a spiritual leader
in the church, is that he is not a novice or a new convert (1 Timothy 3:6). </span><span style="color: red;">1 Tim. 3:6, Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he
fall into the condemnation of the devil.</span><span style="color: black;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Growth over time.</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You cannot become holy in a hurry!</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This Does Not Encourage Us to Be Lazy and Lacks with Our Growth, but to
Face a Reality Connected with Spiritual Growth.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: red;">Philip. 1:6, Being
confident of this very thing, that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">he
which hath begun a good work in you will perform it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>until the day of Jesus Christ:</u></i></b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Philip. 1:9-11</span></u><span style="color: red;">, And this I
pray, that your love may abound <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">yet more
and more</b> in knowledge and in all judgment; [10] That ye may approve things
that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>till
the day of Christ</u></i></b>; [11]<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">
Being filled</b> with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ,
unto the glory and praise of God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">These verses encourage the pursuit of holiness and
godliness, in conjunction with the reality that growth will take place
throughout your spiritual journey in Christ on this earth.</span></p><div class="WordSection1">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .05in; margin-right: .05in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .05in .3in .8in 1.3in 1.8in 2.3in 2.8in 3.3in 3.8in 4.3in 4.8in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">II.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WHAT GOD SAID ABOUT THE ROLE OF TRIALS IN
SPIRITUAL GROWTH<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">The Bible teaches
that trials are used by God to make us spiritually insightful and strong.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A DAMAGING & HINDERING MISCONCEPTION
ABOUT TRIALS.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">One FALSE teaching says if you are in God’s will, you will
not have trials. You will not have physical ailments, or financial
difficulties, or relationship problems. It teaches that if you have enough
faith, God will heal you of those things. It says that if you claim what you
want as though it were already true, it will become true.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">However, some of the fundamental passages in Scripture
disclaim this teaching.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A HELPFUL & PROPER UNDERSTANDING OF
TRIALS.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Lord Afflicted David to Mature Him!</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: red;">Psalm 119:67, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Before</b>
I was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">afflicted</b> I went<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> astray:</b> but <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>now</u></b> have I kept thy word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Psalm 119:71</span></u><span style="color: red;">, It is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>good for me</u></b> that I have been <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">afflicted</b>; </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">that I might learn thy statutes. </span></u></i></b><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Psalm 119:75</span></u><span style="color: red;">, I know, O
Lord, that thy judgments are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">right</b>,
and that</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.</b></span></u></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">These passages teach very clearly that the Lord afflicted
David for the purpose of maturing him. Thus, God was not angry, or punishing him;
this is one way He grows us up in Christ.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Lord Used Afflictions and Trials in Paul’s Ministry to Advance Man’s
Perception of Christ and to Secure Renewal and Glory for Paul.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of the means used by God in this
transforming, maturing, and renewing process is <i><u>suffering</u></i> (see 1
Peter 4:1, 13-14). We see also in 2 Corinthians 4:8–11 and 16–18 that Paul
suffered tremendously:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Fruit of Paul’s Suffering Was the Exhibition or Broadcasting of the
Life of Christ.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Service for God
through constant exposure to violence and even death for Jesus’ sake makes
Christ’s life evident to the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: red;">2 Cor. 4:8-11, We are troubled on every side, yet not
distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; [9] Persecuted, but not
forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; [10] Always bearing about in the body
the dying of the Lord Jesus, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">that the
life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. </b>[11] For we which
live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal
flesh. </b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">How can the world see the life of Christ when He is not
personally or physically present in the world today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>The answer is that as we Christians suffer
in the service of the Lord, His life is being manifested through our physical
existence</u>. When violence comes to a true servant of God, we usually think
of it as a tragedy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in essences the
suffering servant of God is freshly broadcasted for the world to see!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Benefits for Paul Were Immediate and Eternal as He Suffered for
Christ’s Sake. </b>Paul compared the sufferings he had experienced, severe as
they were (2 Cor. 11:23-29), to “</span><span style="color: red;">light</span><span style="color: black;">” and momentary troubles, pressures, and hardships. Though,
as he wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:8, his hardships were </span><span style="color: red;">“pressed out of measure”</span><span style="color: black;"> or
far beyond his ability to endure, he said his coming “</span><span style="color: red;">glory</span><span style="color: black;">” … far outweighs them
all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><u><span style="color: red;">2 Cor. 4:16-18,</span></u><span style="color: red;"> For which
cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">yet the inward man is renewed day by day. </b>[17] For our <b>light
affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;</b> [18]
While we look not at the things which are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">seen,</b>
but at the things which are<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> not seen</b>:
for the things which are seen are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">temporal</b>;
but the things which are not seen are<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">
eternal.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Trials We Face Are Nothing in View of the Eternal Glory That Will Be
Ours When We Are in Jesus’ Presence (2 Cor. 4:14) and would be like Him (1 Cor.
15:49; Phil 3:21; 1 John 3:2).</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><i><u><span style="background: yellow; color: black; mso-highlight: yellow;">This eternal
perspective and hope in things to come sustained Paul during the temporary
sufferings that marked his ministry</span></u><span style="color: black;">. As he
elsewhere reminded the Corinthians, the world and its present sufferings are
passing away (1 Cor. 7:31). What is seen (the material) is temporary, but what
is unseen (the spiritual) is eternal. The temporal will be replaced by a “crown
of glory” that will never fade away (1 Peter 5:4), an “eternal glory” in Christ
(1 Peter 5:10). Therefore, Paul said, believers should look not on what is seen
but, ironically, on what cannot be seen. <u><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">What the inner man “sees” surpasses what physical eyes
see.</span></u> </span></i><span style="color: black;">-David K. Lowery, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.2Co4.17-18&off=968&ctx=he+extraordinary%E2%80%9D).%0a~This+eternal+perspec">“2
Corinthians,”</a> in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Bible Knowledge
Commentary</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Trials and Afflictions Are Certainly Beneficial to Believers!</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: red;">1 Peter 5:10, But the God of all grace, who hath <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">called us unto his eternal glory</b> by
Christ Jesus, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">after that ye have
suffered a while, make you </b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">perfect, stablish,
strengthen, settle you</span></u><span style="color: red;">. </span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Suffering Saint is Perfected.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">Trials make the believer fit; they supply needed elements
in our character to mature us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Suffering Saint is Established.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">Sufferings make Christians more stable, able to maintain a
good confession, and to bear up under pressure. (Luke 22:32)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Suffering Saint is Strengthened.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">Persecution is intended by Satan to weaken and wear out the
believers, but it actually has the opposite effect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It strengthens us to endure even more!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Suffering Saint is Settled!</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">This carries the idea of ‘foundations.’ God wants every
believer to be firmly planted in a secure place in His Son and His Word!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">QUOTE: </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“The inevitable
suffering of the Christian life always yields the same blessed results in the
character of believers; it will refine the faith, adjust the character,
establish, strengthen and settle the people of God!”</span></i><span style="color: black;"> -<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Harry Lacey</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Trials Produce Endurance, Endurance Produces Maturity.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">Again, in </span><span style="color: red;">James 1:2–4 </span><span style="color: black;">we see: </span><span style="color: red;">My brethren, count
it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; [3] Knowing this, that the
trying of your faith worketh patience. [4] But let patience have <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">her perfect work, that ye may be perfect
and entire, wanting nothing.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We Are Actually Following Our Lord’s Example When We Suffer for Doing
Right.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.15in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .15in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">1 Peter 2:18-21, Servants, be subject to your masters with
all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. [19] For
this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> suffering wrongfully.</b> [20] For <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">what glory</b> is it, if, when ye be
buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take
it patiently, this is acceptable with God. </b>[21] <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for
us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:</u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God's Will Includes Suffering, and Christ Left Us an Example by His Own
Suffering.</b> Verse 17 teaches that we may suffer for doing right. Christ
suffered, we read in 1 Peter 4:1, and we should arm ourselves for the same
purpose.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We Can Actually Glorify God in Our Sufferings.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">1Peter 4:12–16 indicates that we can glorify God in our
suffering, and finally in 5:10–11 we see that our suffering can result in
strength and maturity.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We must Dispel the Notion That the Christian Life Does Not Include
Suffering.</u></b> Otherwise, it will distort our perspective, confuse us,
frustrate us, and cause us to think something is wrong with us. Not only does
the will of God include trials, it includes trials over time—you cannot have
one bad day, and wake up the next day spiritually mature.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">Someone once asked the president of his school whether he
could not take a shorter course than the one prescribed. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Oh yes,” </i>replied the president, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“but then, it depends upon what you want to be. When God wants to make
an oak, He takes a hundred years, but when He wants to make a squash, He takes
six months.”</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">If you want to be a spiritual squash, you can make it in a
hurry. But if you want to be a mighty oak, you must sink your roots deep and
dig in for the long haul.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .05in; margin-right: .05in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .05in .3in .8in 1.3in 1.8in 2.3in 2.8in 3.3in 3.8in 4.3in 4.8in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">III.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THE EXAMPLES GOD GIVES OF THE ROLE OF TIME
AND TRIALS<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">The Bible gives us
many examples of spiritual leaders whose trials eventually produced spiritual
maturity.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">Perhaps the most vivid and heartening way to grasp this
truth is to see it fleshed out in the lives of some of the giants of the
Scriptures.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NOTE SOME VERY GOOD EXAMPLES FROM GOD’S WORD.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Example of Joseph.</u> </span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, God
gave Joseph reason to believe that God was going to use him in an extraordinary
way. Yet each time Joseph tried to do something right, circumstances backfired
on him, and he paid dearly for it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">He tried to get his brothers to shape-up by telling them
about the dreams he had. But the dreams indicated God was going to cause Joseph
to rule over them. They didn't like that, and Joseph paid for it by their
selling him as a slave.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">He tried to do the right thing by resisting the advances of
Potiphar's wife. She retaliated by having him imprisoned. He tried to do the
right thing in prison, but the man he befriended forgot about him, and Joseph
languished in prison for another two years. Finally, God plucked him out of the
prison and set him over the entire nation of Egypt. -Max Anders</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Example of David.</u></span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">In a second example, David was anointed by Samuel to be
king over Israel fourteen years before he came to the throne. During that time,
rather than living like a prince, David was running from cave to cave like a
common criminal, trying to keep Saul from lopping off his head.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Example of Paul.</u></span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">In the New Testament, Jesus told Paul that He was going to
use Paul to take the message of salvation to the Gentile world. Fourteen years
later Paul set out on his first missionary journey. During that time, Paul
sewed tents, lived in the desert, and endured unsatisfying experiences with
Jewish Christians in Jerusalem.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">Between the time that God gave Joseph and David and Paul
those promises and the time He fulfilled them was at least ten years, and
easily more. During that time, God put them through the types of experiences
that developed in them the strength of character, the sense of right and wrong,
the compassion for others, and the vision for the future that they would need
as leaders.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">What was true of the spiritual giants of the Bible must be
equally true for us: growth takes time and it takes trials. We cannot become
holy quickly or easily.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NOTE SOME VALUABLE ENCOURAGEMENTS FROM GOD’S
WORD.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our Response to These Realities, Then, must Be to Cultivate Patience.</u></span></b><span style="color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: red;">Hebrews 12:1-2, Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about
with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin
which doth so easily beset us, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">let
us run with patience the race that is set before us, </b>[2] Looking unto Jesus
the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him
endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of
the throne of God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">Allow me to convey the account of another preacher
regarding patience. <i>Patience isn't one of the stronger virtues for most of
us. I'm afraid my ultimate character was revealed at the age of four or five
when someone told me that a peach pit was a seed, and that if I planted it, it
would grow into a peach tree. So, I ran out to the sand box in the back yard
and planted the peach pit. I waited anxiously until the next morning when I
raced out to see my peach tree. But no peach tree had sprouted. In a fit of
anger, which I remember clearly to this day, I ripped the peach pit out of the
sand and threw it as far into the adjoining field as my chubby little fingers
could throw it. I have been struggling for patience ever since. -</i>Max Anders</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">The writer to Hebrews says that we must run with patience
(endurance) the race that is set before us.</span><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James 1:2-4, My brethren, count it all joy
when ye fall into divers temptations; [3] <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Knowing
this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.</b> [4] But<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> let patience have her perfect work, that
ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In Addition to Patience, We must Persevere.</u></span></b><span style="color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: red;">Proverbs 24:16, For a just man falleth seven times, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">and riseth up again:</b> but the wicked
shall fall into mischief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">Passive patience is not what is called for. Active patience
fits the need. We <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will</i> fail. And when
we do, we must get back up and try again. The person is not a failure who falls
down, but who refuses to get back up (Prov. 24:16). How many times? Seven times
seventy or as many times as it happens—that is how many times God will forgive
you, so that is how many times you must forgive yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">No one enjoys failure, but God can make failure the back
door to success. He did for Joseph, for David, for Paul—and He can for us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: .25in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.25in 0in 0.75in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .75in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Conclusion:</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">Amy Carmichael was an English missionary to India in the
first half of the twentieth century. She had a particular burden for children
who were confiscated to use as temple prostitutes by the Hindu priests. An
accident in 1931 left her an invalid, crippled with arthritis. She remained
mostly bedridden for nearly twenty years.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">From a human perspective, that is so hard to understand.
How, why would God allow such a brilliant, talented, dedicated servant of His
to become so crippled that she could no longer serve Him as she once did, and
live out her life in pain and misery? Yet Amy Carmichael met her pain with
God-given grace and made a wonderful impact on the world for the cause of
Christ even from her bed of pain. She wrote many stories which have touched
hundreds of thousands of lives. She let her adversity make her spiritually
stronger.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">Like Job, who lost all that he had yet did not curse God;
like Paul who in spite of persistent prayer for relief lived with a </span><span style="color: red;">“thorn in the flesh”</span><span style="color: black;">; like
many other of God's choice servants, Amy Carmichael submitted to the pain and
suffering—and as a result was blessed and used greatly by God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">Out of her own furnace of trials, Amy Carmichael wrote a
deep and moving poem about pain entitled, “No Scar?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .3in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">Hast Thou no scar?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .3in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .3in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">I hear thee sung as mighty in the land,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .3in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">I hear them hail thy bright ascendant star,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .3in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">Hast thou no scar?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .3in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">Has thou no wound?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .3in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">Yet I was wounded by the archers, spent,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .3in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">Leaned Me against a tree to die; and rent<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .3in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">By ravening beasts that compassed Me, I swooned:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .3in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">Has thou no wound?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .3in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">No wound? No scar?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .3in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">Yet, as the Master shall the servant be,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .3in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">And pierced are the feet that follow Me;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .3in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">But thine are whole: can he have followed far<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .3in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">Who has nor wound nor scar?</span></i><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .3in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">(Amy Carmichael, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Toward
Jerusalem,</i> quoted by Russell Hitt in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How
Christians Grow </i>66)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">We may shrink at the prospect of having to be wounded in
order to mature. But we may all find grace and resolve in the words of Job, who
suffered so greatly as a testimony to the grace of God: </span><span style="color: red;">“When He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job
23:10)</span><span style="color: black;">. Gold, mined from the ground, is often
imbedded in dirt, rocks, iron ore, and mineral deposits. The refiner puts the
mixed-up mess into a cauldron, where it melts under near white-hot heat. Since
gold is so heavy, it sinks to the bottom, while everything that is not gold
rises to the top. It is called “dross.” It is skimmed off the top until nothing
is left but pure gold. Without the heat, there is no pure gold. That is what
Job is referring to. When God has tried (refined) me, I shall come forth as
pure gold.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">Let me close with an insightful quote from C. S. Lewis:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.15in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .15in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;">Imagine yourself a living house. God comes in to rebuild
that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is
getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on.… But
presently, He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably
and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is
that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of …
throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers,
making courtyards. You thought you were going to be made into a decent little
cottage: but He is building a palace. -Max Anders</span></i><span style="text-align: right;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.15in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .15in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">So, why is this
Important to us?</span></i><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.15in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .15in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;">If we don’t realize that time and trials are both needed to
bring us to spiritual maturity, we may conclude that Christianity isn’t working
for us, and quit. We may feel that God is angry with us, and give up because we
don’t know what we did wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we don’t
understand that God uses time and trials in every Christian’s life to makes us
spiritually strong, we may wear out, burn out, or give up. We may miss the good
that God wants to give us, because we don’t understand His ways.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVu9PuMyC7PAw0JLd3bCa1ehFU7isWkDPtFJrBmuUjiNKvQzn5C3SHutjn_DklRzuz4jn-LwOBogXey3lQqeClRZHgruEOIARql8IrPhWKQftxIvHCsakGQE6EEHRDel9VtWclpFY68YZLf3i-mMpxDrsSLP29n8KEzwGHI9NdXTksQntVDruvSuj-EAn/s2550/perseverance%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1700" data-original-width="2550" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVu9PuMyC7PAw0JLd3bCa1ehFU7isWkDPtFJrBmuUjiNKvQzn5C3SHutjn_DklRzuz4jn-LwOBogXey3lQqeClRZHgruEOIARql8IrPhWKQftxIvHCsakGQE6EEHRDel9VtWclpFY68YZLf3i-mMpxDrsSLP29n8KEzwGHI9NdXTksQntVDruvSuj-EAn/s320/perseverance%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><p></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-39692689887581398912023-11-09T20:41:00.007-05:002023-12-24T15:02:06.027-05:00Worship God<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQCVUf80Z0LxDFro7kkvBn1lQZjqc88KWe5EIJDrfYNbzO42ZBW0yVznRiCXHPkLFH3p_-ErY8JgrvKV5JoulfZL0-RXKSQkAgtucxOzxmBrNHxGVp7h4hs8uJtvPY85RXSRQT8P-CKAmdDG3uVkLgqIhQYeDTfwylSnJDRyAlPUMeloLf_KMLEarLSO2/s1297/Worship%20God%201.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1297" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQCVUf80Z0LxDFro7kkvBn1lQZjqc88KWe5EIJDrfYNbzO42ZBW0yVznRiCXHPkLFH3p_-ErY8JgrvKV5JoulfZL0-RXKSQkAgtucxOzxmBrNHxGVp7h4hs8uJtvPY85RXSRQT8P-CKAmdDG3uVkLgqIhQYeDTfwylSnJDRyAlPUMeloLf_KMLEarLSO2/s320/Worship%20God%201.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Worship God</span></b><span style="font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Ps. 95:1-3; Matt. 4:10; John 4:20-24; Ps. 100:1-5</span></b> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">SUBJECT:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THE PURPOSE OF WORSHIP</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">THEME:<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Let’s
Explore Our God Given Privilege & Responsibility of Public Worship as a NT
Church. Be Motivated to Accomplish this Mission when We Come Together.</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Relevance:</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></i><span style="color: black;">So, if
you are not sure what “form” of worship is OK in God’s eyes, and if you wonder
why we don’t do certain things as a part of our worship then this study will be
highly enlightening and focusing. <a name="_Hlk150278184">Because worship is
not always easy, it requires a commitment to worship and a willingness to look
for the best Independent Baptist Church we can find and try to make it better
through our participation.</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b><span style="color: black;">Introduction:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black;">There
are those who come to church, but they have no idea why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sing the songs and never worship during
a single verse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They put on their Sunday
morning faces, but they never engage their hearts. They think that by going
through the motions of religious exercise that God will be pleased with their
“worship.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">When in essence God is not interested at all in outward expressions
that are divorced from the inward convictions of the heart.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b><span style="color: black;">Message:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">I.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Who should we
worship?</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt;"><span style="color: black;">What does Psalm 95:1-3 say,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt;"><sup><span style="color: red;">1 </span></sup><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>O come, let us sing <b>unto the Lord:</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt;"><span style="color: red;">Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt;"><sup><span style="color: red;">2 </span></sup><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Let us come before his presence with
thanksgiving,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt;"><span style="color: red;">And make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt;"><sup><span style="color: red;">3 </span></sup><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For the <b>Lord <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> a great God,<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt;"><b><span style="color: red;">And a great King </span></b><span style="color: red;">above all
gods.</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">GOD ALONE IS TO
BE WORSHIPED</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><span style="color: red;">Matt 4:10, Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan:
for it is written,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Thou shalt worship
the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><span style="color: red;">Rev 22:8-9, And I John saw these things, and heard them. And
when I had heard and seen,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> I fell down to
worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>9, Then saith he unto me, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">See thou do it not: </i>for I am thy
fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the
sayings of this book: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">worship God.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><span style="color: black;">That automatically excludes preachers and godly teachers of
the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never place your eyes on men,
keep them on God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“What Made the Difference”</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
years ago, a tourist attended a service in a Scottish church</b>. She greatly
enjoyed the sermon and was spiritually blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Later she asked who the minister was. “He was Ebenezer Erskine,” she was
told. “I will surely hear him again next Lord’s Day. He is wonderful!” She did
this but she got little out of the sermon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It seemed to lack power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
related her experience to Erskine, who said,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> “Ah Madam, last Sunday you
came here to worship the Lord Jesus and hear His voice. Today you came to hear
me and exalt me in your heart. That’s why you are going away spiritually
empty!”</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>GOD DESIRES REAL HEARTFELT WORSHIP</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1) There is a Type of Worship That God
Will Reject</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><span style="color: red;">Isa 1:13-15,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an
abomination unto me</i>; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies,
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I cannot away with; it is iniquity</i>,
even the solemn meeting.</b> 14, Your new moons and your appointed feasts my
soul hateth:<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> they are a trouble unto me;
I am weary to bear them.</i> 15, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And when ye spread forth your hands, I will
hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your
hands are full of blood.</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><span style="color: black;">The rulers and people of Jerusalem (Sodom and Gomorrah)
should realize that God despises rituals without reality, sacrifices without
obedience, gifts without the givers. As long as people are living in sin, their
attendance at the temple services is an insulting trampling of His courts. The
mixing of iniquity and solemn assembly is hateful to Him. He will pay no
attention to their outstretched hands or many prayers.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><span style="color: black;">W. E. Vine warns believers of the same danger today:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><i><span style="color: black;">Mere external religion is ever a cloak to cover iniquity.
The Lord exposed all that in His strong denunciations in Matt. 23. The guilty
combination in Judaism has largely developed in Christendom. The conscience of
a believer may become so seared that a person can practise religion while yet
living in sin</span>.</i> -William MacDonald, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.Is1.10-15&off=8&ctx=d+Gomorrah.%0a1%3a10%E2%80%9315+~The+rulers+and+peopl"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span color="windowtext">Believer’s
Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2) Why Will God Reject Some Forms of Worship?
Will God Receive Any Type Worship?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><span style="color: red;">Isa 29:13, Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">this people draw near me with their mouth,
and with their lips do honour me</i>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">but
have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the
precept of men:</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Their hearts were
not in their worship nor was it according to God commandments and prescription!</span></b><span style="color: black;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>God will reject heartless and insincere
worship</u>! Until we take this matter seriously, <u>he will not hear us or
take us seriously</u>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot afford
for God to close his eyes and stop his ears!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We absolutely need his blessings and help in everyday life!</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3) There is a Type of Worship That God
Will Receive (Spirit and Truth)</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><span style="color: red;">John 4:23-24, But the hour cometh, and now is, when <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the
true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father
seeketh such to worship him.</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>24 <b>God
is a Spirit:</b> and they that worship him<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">
must</b> <b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">worship him in spirit and in
truth</i>.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">John 4:23,</span></b><span style="color: black;"> Next Jesus informed the woman that, with His coming, God
no longer had a certain place on earth for worship. Now those who believe on
the Lord Jesus can worship God at any time and in any place. True worship means
that a believer enters the presence of God by faith and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">there</i> praises and worships Him. His body may be in a den, prison,
or field, but his spirit can draw near to God in the heavenly sanctuary by
faith. Jesus announced to the woman that from now on worship of the Father
would be in spirit and truth. The Jewish people had reduced worship to outward
forms and ceremonies. They thought that by religiously adhering to the letter
of the law, and going through certain rituals, they were worshiping the Father.
But theirs was not a worship of the spirit. It was outward, not inward. Their
bodies might be bowed down on the ground but their hearts were not right before
God. Perhaps they were oppressing the poor, or using deceitful business
methods.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><span style="color: black;">The Samaritans, on the other hand, had a form of worship,
but it was false. It had no scriptural authority. They had started their own
religion and were carrying out ordinances of their own invention. Thus, when
the Lord said that worship must be in spirit and truth, He was rebuking both
Jews and Samaritans. But He was also informing them that, now that He had come,
it was possible for men to draw near to God through Him in true and sincere
worship. Ponder this! The Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is
interested in the adoration of His people. Does He receive this from me?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">John 4:24,</span></b><span style="color: black;"> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">God is Spirit is a
definition of God’s being. He is not a mere man, subject to all the errors and
limitations of humanity. Neither is He confined to any one place at any time.
He is an invisible Person who is present in all places at one and the same
time, who is all-knowing, and who is all-powerful. He is perfect in all His
ways. Therefore, those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. There
must be no sham or hypocrisy. There must be no pretense to being religious,
when inwardly one’s life is corrupt</span>. There must be no idea that in going
through a series of rituals, God is thereby pleased. Even if God instituted
those rituals Himself, He still insists that man approach Him with a broken and
a </span>contrite heart. -William MacDonald, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.Jn4.23&off=0&ctx=of+a+Jewish+mother.%0a~4%3a23+Next+Jesus+info"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span color="windowtext">Believer’s
Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4) Real Complete Godly Love is what God looks
for as we Worship<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Luke 10:27</span></u><span style="color: red;">, And he
answering said,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy
soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind</i></b>; and thy
neighbour as thyself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“What is True Worship?”</b> A Missionary
asked a class of young native Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A shy fellow stood and said, “I think I know, but I may not be able to
say it so others will understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before
I knew my Savior, I used to go late to church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now I love to go real early, sit quietly, think about Jesus and his
great love for me!” Then with tears running down his face, he said, “Oh, I love
Him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because He loves me, and because I
love Him, I want to please Him in all I do and say!”<span style="text-indent: -0.05in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><span style="color: black;">True Worship engages the Heart and Emotions (SPIRIT) and is
according to the True Revelation of God (TRUTH).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All that is within me should bow down and love
Him and everything I do should honor and ascribe worth to Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -.05in .3in .8in 1.3in 1.8in 2.3in 2.8in 3.3in 3.8in 4.3in 4.8in 5.3in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">II.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">How should we
worship?</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -0.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -.05in .3in .8in 1.3in 1.8in 2.3in 2.8in 3.3in 3.8in 4.3in 4.8in 5.3in; text-indent: 0.05in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">We should worship
in a way that is culturally relevant without violating any principle in
Scripture.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -0.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -.05in .3in .8in 1.3in 1.8in 2.3in 2.8in 3.3in 3.8in 4.3in 4.8in 5.3in; text-indent: 0.05in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WITH EXCITEMENT OR SIMPLICITY
</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -0.05in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -.05in .3in .8in 1.3in 1.8in 2.3in 2.8in 3.3in 3.8in 4.3in 4.8in 5.3in; text-indent: 0.05in;"><span style="color: black;">So, one thing the first churches did was to worship God
intensely, but with contagious joy. There are several Scriptures that give us
additional insight into biblical worship. For example, David made it clear that
our worship could be enthusiastic and joyful. Psalm 100 says,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.15in; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .15in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red;">Psalm 100:1-5, A Psalm of praise. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Make a joyful noise unto the Lord</b>, all ye lands. [2] Serve the Lord
with gladness: come before his presence with singing. [3] Know ye that the Lord
he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people,
and the sheep of his pasture. [4] Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and
into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. [5] For
the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all
generations.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is Joy and Excitement in Worship!</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">This is not a picture of somber hymns being groaned out by
stone-faced corpses who died long ago but have not had the decency to stop
breathing. No, this is a picture of life! This is a picture of joy! This is a
picture of uninhibited praise to God for who He is and what He has done!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">When we look at Nehemiah, we see another example of a
worship service. And what a service it was! The walls of Jerusalem had been
destroyed and rebuilt. At the dedication ceremony of the new walls, Nehemiah, a
leader of the Jewish people, planned a great time of worship and celebration.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">They brought all the Priests, Levites, Princes, and the all
Male Choir to celebrate the dedication with gladness, both with thanks-giving
and singing, with cymbals and stringed instruments and harps. Then Nehemiah
brought all the leaders of Judah up on the wall which had been newly rebuilt.
It must have been a huge wall, because he also appointed two large choirs which
also went up on the wall. One choir walked one direction on the wall,
presumably singing as they went, while another choir walked the other direction
on the wall. At some point they met and went into the temple. The singers sang
loudly, and the orchestra accompanied them. They offered great sacrifices and
rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and the
children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off by
their neighboring nations. (See Nehemiah 12:27–43). What a spectacle and what a
picture of life! -Max Anders</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is Simplicity and Quietness in Worship!</span></u></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">Not all worship services were done on such a grand scale,
however; some were simple and quiet. On the night before Jesus was betrayed,
for example, He met with His disciples in an upper room where they observed the
Passover, during which time Jesus converted the observance of the Passover to
the observance of the Lord's Supper, or communion (John 13–17). In addition to
observing the first communion, they shared thoughts from Scripture, prayed, and
sang hymns. There was no orchestra, no choir, no procession, no formal service,
but there was worship.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">So, we see from the scriptural examples that there is some
freedom in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">how</i> we worship. But we are
to worship. (Some churches are shooting churches, some are quiet, while others
are just plain dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some are active
churches, and others are musical churches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is room according to Bible examples for the variations. -Max
Anders</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">B. BY LOVING GOD </span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: red;">Rev. 2:1, Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write;
These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who
walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Rev. 2:4</span></u><span style="color: red;"> Nevertheless I
have somewhat against thee, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">because thou
hast left thy first love.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">Obedience and Sacrifice are the evidences of a worship that
is characterized by love. There is a residual freshness and excitement about
being saved–our first love is Christ. (Matt. 22:37-40)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BY GLORIFYING GOD</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: red;">Ephes. 1:5-6, Having predestinated us unto the adoption of
children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his
will, [6] <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">To the praise of the glory of
his grace</b>, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Ephes. 1:11-12</span></u><span style="color: red;">, In whom
also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the
purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: [12]
That <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">we should be to the praise of his
glory, </b>who first trusted in Christ. <o:p></o:p></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigp4f80wFMFjUH9X7Ky3o54wy43y12RBMnIAfgEHWETCKa_j56Wp-BdkTwlVDKEsnHrq-i3vLm0_mgm9KXeFO-BsXwP-rC_20qVX4Yspfl0PhrziS-bm-8f2UP7aSGahuncSnu_KnntfP07O9m6QRW4U9kiZvNl8lbG7bEbgfxpF_RoCghqRuOA7edSl6k/s403/Worship%207.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="403" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigp4f80wFMFjUH9X7Ky3o54wy43y12RBMnIAfgEHWETCKa_j56Wp-BdkTwlVDKEsnHrq-i3vLm0_mgm9KXeFO-BsXwP-rC_20qVX4Yspfl0PhrziS-bm-8f2UP7aSGahuncSnu_KnntfP07O9m6QRW4U9kiZvNl8lbG7bEbgfxpF_RoCghqRuOA7edSl6k/s320/Worship%207.png" width="320" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Ephes. 1:14</span></u><span style="color: red;">, Which is the
earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">unto the praise of his glory. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Ephes. 3:21</span></u><span style="color: red;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Unto him be glory in the church</b> by
Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><u><span style="color: red;">2 Thes. 1:12,</span></u><span style="color: red;"> That the
name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">glorified
in you</b>, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus
Christ.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: -125%; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 14.05pt 50.05pt 86.05pt 122.05pt 158.05pt 194.05pt 230.05pt 266.05pt 302.05pt 338.05pt 374.05pt; text-indent: 0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: -125%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Glory </span></i></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: -125%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">means to
honor, to praise, to bestow dignity upon; to esteem as splendid or to
acknowledge one’s splendor.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
church glorifies God and the Lord Jesus Christ through:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -21.25pt 0in .8pt .4in .9in 1.4in 1.9in 2.4in 2.9in 3.4in 3.9in 4.4in 4.9in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Praise and Prayer.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: red;">John 14:13, And whatsoever ye shall <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ask in my name</b>, that will I do, that the Father may be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">glorified </b>in the Son. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: 0.15in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Hebrews 2:12</span></u><span style="color: red;">, Saying, I
will declare thy name unto my brethren,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">
in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: 0.15in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Hebrews 13:15,</span></u><span style="color: red;"> By him
therefore let us offer <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the sacrifice of
praise to God</b> continually, that is, the fruit of our lips <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">giving thanks to his name</b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: -125%; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -21.25pt 0in .8pt .4in .9in 1.4in 1.9in 2.4in 2.9in 3.4in 3.9in 4.4in 4.9in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fruit-Bearing.</u></b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: -125%; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -21.25pt 0in .8pt .4in .9in 1.4in 1.9in 2.4in 2.9in 3.4in 3.9in 4.4in 4.9in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><u><span style="color: red;">John 15:8</span></u><span style="color: red;">, Herein is my
Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -21.25pt 0in .8pt .4in .9in 1.4in 1.9in 2.4in 2.9in 3.4in 3.9in 4.4in 4.9in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Giving.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: red;">Philip. 4:18, But I have all, and abound: I am full, having
received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a
sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: 0.15in;"><u><span style="color: red;">Hebrews 13:16</span></u><span style="color: red;">, But to do
good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well
pleased.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 77.0pt 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in; text-indent: 0.15in;">Mary
counted him <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">worthy of her glory</b> when
she humbled herself and bowed before him to wipe his feet <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">with her hair.</b> In doing so, she was giving Him her glory!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 77.0pt 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a. The Glory of<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Children</i> are Their Fathers (Prov. 17:6)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 77.0pt 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>b. The Glory of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Young Men</i> is their Strength: (Prov 20:29)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 77.0pt 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>c. The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Source of Glory </i>is God the Father, Who Deserves all Glory (Eph.
1:17)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 77.0pt 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>d. The Glory of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Christ</i> are the Messengers (Ambassadors) of the Churches (2Cor 8:23)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 77.0pt 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>e. The Glory of<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> God </i>is Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:3; Jn. 1:14)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 77.0pt 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>f.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Glory of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God</i> is also Man (1Cor.
10:7)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 77.0pt 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>g. The Glory of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Man</i> is the Woman (1Cor. 11:7) <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 77.0pt 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>h. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Glory of the Woman is Her Hair</b> (1Cor. 11:15)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 77.0pt 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in; text-indent: 0.15in;">When
Mary wiped the Savior feet with her hair she had humbled herself and
acknowledged the Splendor of the Savior!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was ascribing dignity and honor to him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was praising him by giving her own glory
to him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was counting him as worthy
of her worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary’s act of worship
filled the room with the fragrance of her devotion and it is still a testimony
today for how we should ASCRIBE WORTH TO CHRIST!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: -125%; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -21.25pt 0in .8pt .4in .9in 1.4in 1.9in 2.4in 2.9in 3.4in 3.9in 4.4in 4.9in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Preaching and Ministry.</u></b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: -125%; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -21.25pt 0in .8pt .4in .9in 1.4in 1.9in 2.4in 2.9in 3.4in 3.9in 4.4in 4.9in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: red;">1 Peter 4:11, If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles
of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth:
that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise
and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -21.25pt 0in .8pt .4in .9in 1.4in 1.9in 2.4in 2.9in 3.4in 3.9in 4.4in 4.9in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Love.</u></b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -21.25pt 0in .8pt .4in .9in 1.4in 1.9in 2.4in 2.9in 3.4in 3.9in 4.4in 4.9in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: red;">Romans 15:5-6, Now the God of patience and consolation grant
you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: [6] That ye
may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -21.25pt 0in .8pt .4in .9in 1.4in 1.9in 2.4in 2.9in 3.4in 3.9in 4.4in 4.9in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Confessing Jesus Christ. </u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -21.25pt 0in .8pt .4in .9in 1.4in 1.9in 2.4in 2.9in 3.4in 3.9in 4.4in 4.9in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: red;">Philip. 2:9-11, Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,
and given him a name which is above every name: [10] That at the name of Jesus
every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things
under the earth; [11] And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is
Lord, to the glory of God the Father.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -21.25pt 0in .8pt .4in .9in 1.4in 1.9in 2.4in 2.9in 3.4in 3.9in 4.4in 4.9in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>7. Strong Faith.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 29.05pt 65.05pt 101.05pt 137.05pt 173.05pt 209.05pt 245.05pt 281.05pt 317.05pt 353.05pt; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: red;">Romans 4:20, He staggered not at the promise of God through
unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: -125%; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -21.25pt 0in .8pt .4in .9in 1.4in 1.9in 2.4in 2.9in 3.4in 3.9in 4.4in 4.9in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Suffering.</u></b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: -125%; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -21.25pt 0in .8pt .4in .9in 1.4in 1.9in 2.4in 2.9in 3.4in 3.9in 4.4in 4.9in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: red;">1 Peter 4:14, If ye be reproached for the name of Christ,
happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their
part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: -125%; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -21.25pt 0in .8pt .4in .9in 1.4in 1.9in 2.4in 2.9in 3.4in 3.9in 4.4in 4.9in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: red;">1 Peter 4:16, Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him
not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(See also</span><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: red;">John 21:18-19)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: -21.25pt 0in .8pt .4in .9in 1.4in 1.9in 2.4in 2.9in 3.4in 3.9in 4.4in 4.9in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Witnessing.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: red;">2 Thes. 3:1, Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of
the Lord may have free course, and <b>be glorified, even as it is with you</b></span><b><span style="color: black;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: 0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BY HONORING GOD </span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: red;">Rev. 4:11, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> honour</b> and power: for thou hast
created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: 0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">E.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BY ASCRIBING POWER TO GOD</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: red;">Rev. 4:11, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and
honour and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">power</b>: for thou hast
created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created</span><span style="color: black;">. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="color: black;">To have power ascribed to God, or to be regarded as having
infinite power. Man can confer no power on God, but he may acknowledge what he
has, and adore him for its exertion in his behalf and in the government of the
world.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><b><span style="color: black;">Conclusion</span></b><span style="color: black;">:<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> we
have explored our God-given privilege & responsibility of public worship as
a NT church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we now be more driven
to accomplish this God assigned mission when we come together each Sunday
morning and evening worship service.</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt;"><span style="color: black;">Worship is not always easy, it requires a commitment to
worship and a willingness to look for the best Independent Baptist Church we
can find and try to make it better through our participation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><span style="color: black;">Are we worshiping God with our hearts, souls, and mind?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><span style="color: black;">Are we worshiping the Lord in spirit and truth?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><span style="color: black;">Is my worship acceptable to God or am I merely going
through the motions?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><span style="color: black;">Am I here to ascribe worth to Jesus Christ or to get glory
for myself?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><span style="color: black;">Is my worship merely an outward form or ritual that is void
of a deep heart-felt conviction?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><span style="color: black;">How much is Christ worth to you and me? Is he worth my
time, my talents, my treasures, my testimony, my trust, and my true worship?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><span style="color: black;">Will you commit today to faithfully worship him at the
appointed time and with your entire person?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><b><i><span style="color: black;">Beloved, explore our God-Given privilege and responsibility
of public worship. We need to become motivated to accomplish this
God-assigned mission when we come together. </span></i></b><span style="color: black;">Worship is not always easy. Sometimes we do not feel like
worshiping. But we are not motivated by feelings! The fact remains
that God anticipates our worship, and He definitely deserves it. If we do not
understand how to worship, we may go through the motions, but true worship is
not happening. The better we understand worship, the more likely we are to be
faithful and find it satisfying. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 31.0pt 67.0pt 103.0pt 139.0pt 175.0pt 211.0pt 247.0pt 283.0pt 319.0pt 355.0pt; text-indent: -0.05in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkAsdsjeDAd_Fn_qNeDCTmXY-8aG4eCjMkRRtKUFpl57RAFlyaXfw_2gwQMN0FbokNNknmrL4q99HljSc10e0A3k6BPSAdRuIaFrC0jnNEqUDBmINA38Env939HgAPgAE-RbbEQqc5YmsnsqsFT1tpnd9dWEBOFEJ4yw6Y8uamjgqMPGtc795eoY8zDVN/s3300/Worship%20Lamb%20of%20God%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkAsdsjeDAd_Fn_qNeDCTmXY-8aG4eCjMkRRtKUFpl57RAFlyaXfw_2gwQMN0FbokNNknmrL4q99HljSc10e0A3k6BPSAdRuIaFrC0jnNEqUDBmINA38Env939HgAPgAE-RbbEQqc5YmsnsqsFT1tpnd9dWEBOFEJ4yw6Y8uamjgqMPGtc795eoY8zDVN/s320/Worship%20Lamb%20of%20God%201.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><p></p><p></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-78071373324354085062023-11-02T09:51:00.002-04:002023-11-06T12:05:06.802-05:00Stand in Awe of the Cross 1<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2c6sgvSAl5gNLY7yXbqTCwcggsBCotNt7UJaf5vITuf2J5vMSHqPrMAEk8vFJlPqG6dSLBwFdzHOjevby2NN4BRKYqsRS8BMwnez6D5lEYFSbl5iHY_LLdgYEo-jlR8F9sROC5UP40-uhPfUY3PGPSZV4Urwbgo242o-UZfoJuxoST_RhekNOdnD4TNz/s3300/Awesome%20Jesus%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2c6sgvSAl5gNLY7yXbqTCwcggsBCotNt7UJaf5vITuf2J5vMSHqPrMAEk8vFJlPqG6dSLBwFdzHOjevby2NN4BRKYqsRS8BMwnez6D5lEYFSbl5iHY_LLdgYEo-jlR8F9sROC5UP40-uhPfUY3PGPSZV4Urwbgo242o-UZfoJuxoST_RhekNOdnD4TNz/s320/Awesome%20Jesus%202.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 22pt;">Stand
in Awe of the Cross 1<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Isaiah 53:4-7</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 22pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-indent: 0.2in;"><b>Theme:</b> The
Suffering Servant is the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Substitutionary
Sacrificial Atonement of Jehovah for all our sin</i>—Christ willingly died in
our place.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-indent: 0.2in;">Over the years
there have been a few things I mistakenly described as <i>‘awesome.’</i> I
recall as a young man watching an NBA slam dunk contest featuring people like
Clyde the Glide Drexler and Michael Jordan. That day I witnessed Michel Jordan
flying from the free throw line to slam a basketball. At the time I was utterly
amazed and exclaimed, <i>“That was awesome!” Since those days, the Lord has greatly
edited and upgraded my value system to appreciate far more significant feats in
differing categories of “awesome”.</i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-indent: 0.2in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Awesome” means awe-inspiring, extremely
impressive, splendid, remarkable, amazing, inspiring great admiration,
excellent, and overwhelming.</i> Viewing Christ’s Cross as awesome is the direct
opposite of esteeming Christ “<span style="color: red;">stricken, smitten of God
and afflicted</span>” (<span style="color: red;">Isa. 53:4</span>). Dr. Walvoord
explains, <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">“When Jesus was
crucified, Israel thought His hardships were deserved for His supposedly having
blasphemed God. Actually He was bearing the judgment that their sin required.”</span>
Like so many others, Israel failed to see the atoning value of Christ’s blood
sacrifice to God and us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-indent: 0.2in;">Many today
still view the Cross of Christ as unfortunate, Jesus' punishment, a mistake, or
an accident! They say Jesus, the misguided teacher, got Himself crossways with
the religious establishment and Roman authorities, which resulted in His
premature and meaningless death.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">But this is not the picture that
Isaiah or the rest of the Bible present of the death of Jesus Christ. Isaiah
envisioned the day when Israel as a nation will repent recognizing the truth that
Christ’s Cross was for the sins of Israel and the world!</span> Note his great profoundly
prophetic words,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely he hath
borne <b>our</b> griefs,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And carried <b>our</b>
sorrows:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet we did esteem
him stricken,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Smitten of God,
and afflicted.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">But he was wounded for our transgressions,<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was bruised for our iniquities:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chastisement of our peace was upon
him;<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And with his stripes we are healed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6, All we like sheep have gone astray;<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have turned every one to his own way;<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the LORD hath laid on him the
iniquity of us all.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Isa.
53:4-6).</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Isaiah
predicted the Messiah’s death would be for “<span style="color: red;">our transgressions</span>,”
“<span style="color: red;">our iniquities</span>” and “<span style="color: red;">the
iniquities of us all</span>” (<span style="color: red;">Isa. 53:5, 6</span>). <a name="_Hlk149805180">The Suffering Servant was undeniably the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Substitutionary Sacrificial Atonement of
Jehovah for all sin</i>—Christ willingly died in our place</a>; though sinless,
he was punished for our sins that we might be free!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Message: So Why Should We Stand in Awe of
the Cross of Christ? What do the Scriptures say?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .7in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.7in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">I.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Christ’s
Cross is Clearly Our Substitutionary Sacrifice for Our Sins!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-indent: 0.2in;">The Prophet
Isaiah is not alone in this colossal declaration! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .45in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.45in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b>The
Apostle Paul exclaimed in Galatians 6:14…. <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .95in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.95in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Gal.
6:14, “<span style="color: red;">But God forbid that I should glory, save in the
cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto
the world</span>.” Again, in First Corinthians 2:2, he asserted, “<span style="color: red;">For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus
Christ, and him crucified.</span>” Evidently the apostle views the Cross of
Christ as something to rejoice in, glory in, trust in, cherish, and proclaim
for the salvation of us sinners! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .95in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.95in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Yes,
Christ’s Cross is <i>“awesome”</i> in the extreme, because on that occasion God
the Son voluntarily took the complete punishment for all sinners! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 1.45in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1.45in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->That
is correct; God the Son willingly took responsibility for all sin for all time
that day on Calvary. God the Father held the Son completely responsible for all
sin and poured out His unmitigated wrath on the Son until He was fully
propitiated (<span style="color: red;">1 Jn. 2:1, 2</span>) in our stead. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 1.45in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1.45in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->As
New Testament Believers, we do not rejoice in our works to earn salvation; no,
we rejoice and glory in the finished work of Christ at Calvary! We are saved by
God’s pure grace alone (<span style="color: red;">Eph. 2:8, 9</span>)—Hallelujah!!!
This is “Awesome!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .45in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.45in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">B.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b>God
says Repeatedly that Christ is our Sacrificial Substitute!<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->If
God only indicated this once it would demand our attention, but he repeated and
echoed himself time and again to ensure we do not miss this emphasis of Jesus
as our substitutionary sacrifice! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Now
when I played high school football, I played the position of “Left Bench”.… I was
not even on the second-string as a player. Our team was that good, and I was
that bad! When the coach had no more options, he would finally put me in a
game. Usually when we were way ahead of a team and defiantly winning the game. With some fear and reservation…I am sure. So, I was a legitimate
substitute. But, in me the coach got the worst performance; however, in Jesus
Christ, God secured the best Substitute for you and me. Now consider these statements.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red;">1 Peter 2:24, Who his
own self <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">bare our sins</b> in his own
body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:
by whose stripes ye were healed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red;">1 Cor. 5:7, For even
Christ our passover is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">sacrificed for us</b>:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red;">John 1:29, The next
day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, <b>Behold </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the Lamb of God,</b> which taketh away <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the sin of the world.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: red;">1John 2:2, And he is the
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">propitiation</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">for our sins:</b> and not <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">for </b>ours
only, but also <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">for </b>the sins of the
whole world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-indent: 0.2in;">The Bible emphasized
this fact repeatedly! Unfortunately, many misguided individuals have wrongly
concluded that the death of Jesus Christ was his punishment for his political
infractions or an unfortunate mistake altogether. No, Isaiah says Christ sacrifice
was for us (<span style="color: red;">Isa. 53:4</span>). But, the Scriptures insist
it was neither. It was NOT an accident, God Himself planned for the payment of
sin before the foundation of the world (<span style="color: red;">Eph. 1:4 &
5</span>)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .45in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.45in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">C.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Consider Christ’s
Cross as God’s awesome plan to provide a Substitute to pay for our sins (<span style="color: red;">Isa. 53:4</span>)!</b> Christ’s death was NOT a waste of
life. Christ was crucified that sinners might be saved through His suffering
and shed blood. Down through the centuries millions of repentant souls have
believed on Him as Savior and Lord becoming His genuine followers. Perhaps the
best thing to do is adopt the view of the Scriptures regarding the significance
of Jesus’ death at Calvary.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .45in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.45in; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.7in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">II.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Christ’s Cross is the Clarification of Man’s Problem
and God’s Solution (<span style="color: red;">Isa. 53:4-6</span>)<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">We truly are sinful fallen creatures and
Christ’s death was indeed the payment for our sins against a holy God! I
believe we all agree on this. Our problem is sin and the solution is the
Savior, Jesus Christ! Since the Cross is truly redemptive/substitutionary, we
should stand in awe of it! But what would that “stand” look like today? What do
we “Stand” for?</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.95in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Since Christ’s
Death is <a name="_Hlk509666908">Substitutionary</a>, we Stand for the fact
that any sinner who repents</b> and believes the Gospel of Christ will be saved
(<span style="color: red;">Jn. 3:16; 1:29; 1Jn. 2:2</span>).</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.95in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">B.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Since
Christ’s Death is Substitutionary, we Stand for the exclusion of all religious rituals</b>
and worldly religious systems as the means of salvation (<span style="color: red;">Gal. 6:14; Tit. 3:5</span>). Jesus is not only “awesome,” he
is enough any where on the entire planet. Take the message to the world (<span style="color: red;">Mat. 28:18-20; Luk. 24:44-49</span>).</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.95in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">C.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Since
Christ’s Death is Substitutionary, we Stand for the truth that believers are truly
New</b> <b>Creations in Christ,</b> not merely reformed (<span style="color: red;">Gal. 6:15; 2:20</span>).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.45in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.45in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->What
really counts with God is a new creation (<span style="color: red;">2 Cor. 5:17</span>).
He wants to see the transformed life. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.45in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.45in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]-->Findlay
writes: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The true Christianity is that
which turns bad men into good, which transforms the slaves of sin into sons of
God.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.45in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.45in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->A
life of holiness is produced, not by the observance of ritual, but by yielding
to Christ and permitting Him to live His life in the believer. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The new creation is not an improvement of or
addition to the old, but something entirely different.</i> –MacDonald, William</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.95in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">D.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Since Christ’s
Death is Substitutionary, we Stand for Victory over Sin for all believers as a
way of life</b> (<span style="color: red;">Rom. 6:4-6</span>). <span style="color: red;">“Know,” “reckon, “yield,” </span>and<span style="color: red;"> “serve”
</span>(<span style="color: red;">Rom. 6:1-23</span>); through our <i>identification
and union</i> with the victorious risen Christ, we have victory. We are free
from the dominance and enslavement to sin and free to serve the Lord God with
our being!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-indent: 0.2in;">We have looked
at the <i>sacrificial substitutionary atoning</i> value of the death of Jesus
Christ! I challenge you to view the Cross of Christ as redemptive/substitutionary,
not a waist, and therefore profoundly <i>awesome </i>because God the Son died
for our sins. He redeemed us unto Himself and an eternal destiny of hope and
life with God the Father. Therefore, the Cross of Christ is compelling and
demands a Cross-centered and Cross-saturated lifestyle. This relates to our salvation,
victory over sin, our service, and our message to the world.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-indent: 0.2in;"><b>Conclusion: <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-indent: 0.2in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">In light of the Scriptures, there is but
one legitimate view of the Cross of Christ—it is redemptive and substitutionary.</b>
It was not a waist! In fact, Christ’s died for our sins (<span style="color: red;">Isaiah 53:4-7</span>) that we might live forever with God. That
is the purpose. Beloved, that is supremely awesome!!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-indent: 0.2in;">When Ray
Stedman pastored the Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto, California, he told
the following story in a sermon based on the early verses of Hebrews 10: <i>“I
was born on the windswept plains of North Dakota. I remember as a boy sometimes
seeing at night the flames of a prairie fire lighting the horizon, sweeping
across the grass of those prairies. Such prairie fires were terrible threats to
the pioneers who crossed the plains in their covered wagons. Often these fires
would burn for miles and miles, threatening everything in their path.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-indent: 0.2in;"><i>“When they
would see such a fire coming toward them, driven before the wind, they had a
device they would use to protect themselves. They would simply light another
fire and the wind would catch it up and drive it on beyond them and then they
would get in the burned-over place and when the fire coming toward them reached
it, it found nothing to burn and went out.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-indent: 0.2in;"><i>“God is
saying that the cross of Jesus Christ is such a burned over place. Those who
trust in it, and rest in the judgment that has already been visited upon it,
have no other judgment to face.” </i>Ray Stedman, What More Can God Say?
(Glendale, CA: Regal Books, 1974)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-indent: 0.2in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Cross Points to the Fact that there is
a Savior!</b> As the little chorus goes, “He paid a debt He did not owe, we
owed a debt we could not pay.” We have one hope: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Salvation</i> through Jesus Christ. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as
our Substitute, Redemption, and Forgiveness of sin. Turn from your unbelief,
rejection of God, freestyle living, and self-willfulness and trust Christ the
Savior. Oh dear friend, turn from your wicked ways and turn to Jesus Christ as
Savior and Lord today. He promised to save whoever will repent and believe on
Him (<span style="color: red;">John 3; Rom. 10:8-13</span>). No, Christ’s life
was not meaningless. His Sacrifice was not the futile eruption of an
overzealous optimist. He is God, who came to earth and became a man to die in
our place for our sins. Because of that, <u>we can know God and be with Him
forever</u>. How wonderful! What words can we use to say “Thank You” to God?
What can we do to show our appreciation? Giving back to Him the life we owe is
the only measure complete enough.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-indent: 0.2in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-61140607568391867562023-07-22T14:34:00.005-04:002024-01-28T17:18:19.322-05:00God's Wisdom Revealed<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-d93G-TvmW1ayXFqp6mLhIzscDJc_PC5fkbPQTog1T7z4jgBw6YW8O0_HBSPnV0T0P5H_LGQsicQI-Rhosy6o1bkQrewx8Pcjhdf0WayHKyRY4bNj1-8EyB3IDxiIF_USxqdZFZPAorOoOcnEX0hXPGaN3hkvK-eNc6n9GaMydP6mj0kDvyiBPWPyb4LC/s1268/Wisdom.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="1268" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-d93G-TvmW1ayXFqp6mLhIzscDJc_PC5fkbPQTog1T7z4jgBw6YW8O0_HBSPnV0T0P5H_LGQsicQI-Rhosy6o1bkQrewx8Pcjhdf0WayHKyRY4bNj1-8EyB3IDxiIF_USxqdZFZPAorOoOcnEX0hXPGaN3hkvK-eNc6n9GaMydP6mj0kDvyiBPWPyb4LC/s320/Wisdom.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><div class="WordSection1"><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0.25in; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><!--[if supportFields]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:24.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1</span></i></b><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span
style='font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style='mso-element:
field-end'></span></span></i></b><![endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 24pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Lesson Two<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0.25in; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 26pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">God’s
Wisdom Revealed<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Reflection</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Begin your study by sharing
thoughts on this question.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think of someone who
consistently gives you good advice. Specifically, how has that person's wise
counsel helped you?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I recall my Dad engaging me
regarding dress, appearance, and hygiene. While he values internal qualities
and talks often about matters of character as well, he is still today a
stickler for proper dress and appearance. These qualities he models himself on
a daily basis, and he verbalized his perspective often to us as we were growing
up. Dad conveyed to me the importance of being clean, neatly dressed, shoes
shined, and hair properly groomed. He holds strong convictions relative to
human dignity and self-respect. My father understood and still believes that
people will make certain conclusions about an individual based on appearances
and first impressions. Dad knew that representing ourselves well could open
doors and opportunities personally and professionally. Certainly he wanted us
to grow up to be people of dignity who conducted themselves in a manner worthy of
respect. Though I have not abide by all of his counsel, I have reaped the
benefits of projecting a respectable image and multiple opportunities have open
up to me because I took his advice seriously. His practical guidance still
serves me well personally and professionally today.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Today we plan to explore the
guidance and wise counsel God gives his children through the ministry of the
Holy Spirit. Yes, we’ll discover the instructional mastery of the Spirit of God
who gave us God’s revelation in the Bible. Furthermore, he even interprets the
Scriptures by illuminating the seeking mind as we believers rely upon Him for Godward
insight.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Bible Reading</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Read <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">1 Corinthians 2:1–16.</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">What had
happened at Corinth is happening in churches today: supposed ‘Christian
leaders,’ and ‘Bible teachers’ are mixing philosophy (man’s wisdom) with God’s
revealed message, and this is causing serious confusion and considerable division.
It appears in the form of Easy Believe-ism, Calvinism, neo-Marxism, Liberation
Theology, Prosperity Gospel, and Social Gospel reinterpretations of the Gospel
of Jesus Christ. God’s true message of redemption is being reframed, tweaked,
re-scoped, politicized, and trifled with by misguided but highly influential human
teachers and leaders. The current landscape is littered with a variety of
preachers who have their unique “interpretations” to God’s message, and some have
even invented their own distinctive vocabulary redefining Bible concepts to
suit their ends! Yet other so called teachers view their primary obligations
and highest goals as firmly rooted in humanistic ends. In stark contrast to
this modern confusion, Paul explains three fundamentals of the Gospel message
and urges his readers (and us) to return to these essentials.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">I.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Gospel is Proclaimed with Confidence in the Power of
God (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor.
2:1-5</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">II.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Gospel is a Mystery of the Unique Wisdom of God (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 2:6-9</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">III.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Gospel is Revealed by the Spirit through the Word of
God (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor.
2:10-16</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Discovery</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Explore the
Bible reading by discussing these questions.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was Paul’s
approach to sharing the Gospel? (</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1
Cor. 2:1-2</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">)</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Paul’s approach
to the gospel reveals faith and confidence in the power of God through the
simple gospel instead of the intellectual prowess and communication skills his contemporary
circuit speakers banked on. He did not put faith in philosophy, rhetoric, and
eloquence to sell his message or to establish himself. Instead he relied entirely
upon the power of God to save the lost and gathered the converts into churches on
a mission to proclaim the gospel locally and abroad.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Paul had not come to Corinth to glorify himself or to start a religious
“fan club.” He had come to glorify God (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 1:27-31</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). The itinerant
philosophers and teachers depended on their wisdom and eloquence to gain
followers…to themselves. The city of Corinth was filled with such <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“spellbinders.”</i> Paul did not depend on
eloquent speech or clever arguments; he simply declared God’s Word in the power
of the Spirit. He was an ambassador, not a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Christian
salesman.” </i>(W. W. Wiersbe)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Had he used spectacular speech and philosophy, Paul would have exalted
himself and hidden the very Christ he came to proclaim! God had sent him to
preach the Gospel</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> “not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made
of no effect”</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor 1:17</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
certain church had a beautiful stained-glass window just behind the pulpit. It
depicted Jesus Christ on the cross. One Sunday there was a guest minister who
was much smaller than the regular pastor. A little girl listened to the guest
for a time, then turned to her mother and asked, “Where is the man who usually
stands there so we can’t see Jesus?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Too many
preachers of the Word so magnify themselves and their gifts that they fail to
reveal the glory of Jesus Christ. Paul gloried in the cross of Christ (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Gal 6:14</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">) and made it
the center of his message. (W.W. Wiersbe)</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Powerful Message, Powerless Messenger (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor 2:1-2</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As Paul described his founding visit among the Corinthians (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Acts 18:1-18</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">), he reminded
them of his unimpressive personal performance. His words had been plain and his
physical appearance less than forceful. He certainly remembered himself as a
person driven by a message, facing an intimidating environment. He <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“kept it simple.”</i> The Corinthians had
responded. They were living examples of <u>the power of the gospel</u>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While believers cannot rival Paul’s training or match his experiences, we
must still communicate the gospel in a hostile world. When we try, we quickly
learn about feeling insignificant. The resistance is real.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But Paul’s example offers two valuable lessons as we share the gospel. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A. Feelings of self-confidence
or insecurity should not be the motivation to communicate the hope of God in
Christ. Gospel centered-confidence/conviction, personal gratitude, and
obedience to Christ as well as compassion for others must drive our witnessing.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B. The power of the gospel does not
depend on the skill or charisma of the speaker; it flows from God’s Spirit,
convincing and persuading people of the truth and their incredible need for
God’s forgiveness. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Share what you know about Christ with others
and let the feelings take care of themselves. Always keep uppermost in mind the
truth that the gospel is “the power of God unto salvation” (Rom. 1:16).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was Paul’s
attitude in sharing the Gospel? (</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor.
2:3-4</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">)</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Then Paul
reminded the Corinthians of his attitude (vv. 3-4).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Though he was an apostle, Paul came to them as a humble servant. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">He did not
depend on himself, he became nothing that Christ might be everything. In later
years, Paul brought this up again and contrasted himself to the false teachers
that had invaded Corinth (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2Cor 10:1-12</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). Paul had learned that when he was weak, then God made
him strong.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Paul depended on the power of the Holy Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">It was not his <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">experience or ability</i> that gave his
ministry its power, it was the work of the Spirit of God. His preaching/evangelism
was a divine </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“demonstration,”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> not a mere
human <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“performance.”</i> The word </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“demonstration,”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> means <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“legal proof presented in court,” </i>(W.W.
Wiersbe) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and is related to convincing,
persuading and convicting by providing conclusive evidence.</i> The Holy Spirit
used Paul’s individual witnessing and public preaching of the gospel to change
lives, and that was all the proof Paul needed that his message was from God. Likewise,
our ministries must be a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">manifestation</i>
or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">showing forth</i> of the invisible
convicting-persuading and converting work of the Spirit. Wicked sinners are
transformed by such <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">demonstrations</i> of
the power of God! (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor 6:9-11</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is also important to note that Paul is not telling ministers to deliberately preach
poorly, or to avoid using the gifts God gave them. Education, skills
development, and broadened experiences are all great means that God will and
has used repeatedly to shape and refine his servants. Preachers like Charles
Spurgeon, George Whitefield, G. Campbell Morgan, S. M. Lockridge, Adrian
Rogers, Billy Graham and Tony Evans were or are gifted orators whose words
carried power, but they did not depend on their natural talents. They employed
every natural gift and faculty availing themselves to the Lord, but their
confidence was not in these instruments, but God’s ability to save and
transform lives. They trusted the Spirit of God to work in the hearts of their
hearers, and He did. Those of us who minister the Word must prepare and use
every gift God has given us; however, we must not put our confidence in ourselves
(see </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2Cor
3:5</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>D. His preaching was not marked by eloquence
or persuasive words such as characterized the sophists, the traveling teachers
of that day, but was instead the unembellished message of a crucified Christ as
the only means of salvation. Faith, then, was induced by a demonstration of the
Spirit’s power and was not a product of human ingenuity or rhetorical flourish.
Paul wanted to be sure their faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s
power.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></b>(Lowery, D.K., 1985, Walvoord & Zuck, The Bible Knowledge
Commentary)</span></p></div>
<div class="WordSection3">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was Paul’s
goal in sharing the wisdom of God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 2:5</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">)</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
wanted them to trust in God and not in the messenger God sent. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Had he depended
on human wisdom and presented the plan of salvation as a philosophical system,
then the Corinthians would have put their trust in an explanation. Because Paul
declared the Word of God in the power of God, his converts put their faith in a
demonstration: they experienced God at work in their own lives. (Wiersbe, W. W.
(1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 573). Wheaton, IL: Victor
Books.)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Years
ago, a wise Christian said, “When you are leading people to Christ, never tell
them that they are saved because they have done this or that. It is the job of
the Holy Spirit to witness to people that they are saved. Unless He is at work,
there can be no salvation.” Wise counsel, indeed!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can
recall a young Air Force couple who attended a church I was a part of for a
while; they both were unsaved and seeking—not at all antagonistic to the gospel.
Many of us fellow church members prayed for them to come to know the Lord Jesus
as Savior and then follow him. My wife and I were personally studying the Bible
with them—a five part evangelistic study that should culminate in their
conversion. The couple continued to come to church and listen to the Word as
well…eventually the wife repented and trusted the Lord Jesus as Savior. In our
Bible study sessions in their home, the husband struggled with religious
confusion, some doctrinal poison, and multiple questions. I turned to a friend
for advice on how to proceed to answer the young man’s concerns and finally
introduce him to Christ also. Upon his own initiative, my Christian friend
decided to force the issue and ‘win him to Christ, or else!’ During a separate
evangelistic call, he spent several hours presenting argument after argument to
persuade and win this young man… Afterward, he later informed me that the young
man “prayed the sinner’s prayer.” But, I could not help but notice the young
couple stopped attending our church after his visit with them! Why? My guess
is…because he had been “talked into” something that did not seem right or real
or he had succumbed to the pressure from this aggressive friend of mine, yet he
knew he could not follow through. I followed up with the couple later to
discover he was still as lost and now more confused than ever. Eventually, he
did indeed trust Christ and, through the work of the Spirit, they both have
God-given assurance of salvation. Up to that point, if anyone had asked him if
he were saved, he would have replied, “I’m not sure…John (not real name) told
me I was saved!” What a difference when the Spirit gives the assurance!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Gospel is still God’s power to change people’s lives (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Rom 1:16</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). Effectiveness
in evangelism does not depend on our arguments or persuasive gimmicks, but on
the power of the Spirit of God at work in our lives and through the Word that
we share. While it is correct to prepare oneself to share our faith and it is
proper to have a plan of actions when talking to others about Christ, nothing
can substitute for the incredible work of the Spirit of God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>E.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Spiritual Lineage (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor 2:5</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Corinthian believers admired impressive teachers. Some had come to faith
through the ministry of Paul. Others learned of salvation through Peter. Still
others had been called to discipleship by the charismatic Apollos.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But many of them were doing what Paul had tried to prevent when he first
visited the city. He knew their faith must not “rest” on the all-too-weak
vehicles that God had used to reach them but on God’s power. Believers honored those who have passed on to them the priceless Good News. New Christians, very
much like newborns, rely heavily on those who have introduced them to Christ.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But healthy spiritual growth depends on a faith rooted in Christ. Mature
believers eventually become spiritual peers of their teachers. We continue to
respect and appreciate those who brought us to Christ, but we also find ways to
help them. How have you met specific needs of those who brought you the gospel?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why does God keep
some things hidden from us? (</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 2:6-9</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">)</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">QUOTE: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“In Paul’s disclaimer about his own
brilliance he did not mean that God puts a premium on ignorance and rejects
wisdom<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>of any sort. There was a
wisdom taught by the Spirit which Paul wanted his readers to grasp firmly. Some
of his readers had done so (no doubt Paul hoped that someday all would do so).
He referred to them as the mature,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>probably
including the individuals mentioned in </i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">16:15-18</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">. They are the same people he described as spiritual people
(</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2:13</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">, </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">15</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).”</span></i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— John Walvoord</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A. The Gospel is Part of the Father’s
Eternal Plan (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 Cor. 2:6-9</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Salvation was
purchased by the Son, but it was planned by the Father. Those who talk about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“the simple Gospel”</i> are both right and
wrong. Yes, the message of the Gospel is simple enough for an illiterate pagan
to understand, believe, and be saved. But it is also so profound that the most
brilliant theologian cannot fathom its depths.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Certain Teachings are for the Spiritually Mature (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 2:6</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">There is a </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“wisdom of God”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> in the Gospel
that challenges the keenest intellect.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“wisdom”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> here, the
apostle means that system of truth which he had explained and defended-the plan
of salvation by the cross of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, this wisdom is not for the masses of lost sinners, nor is it
for the immature believers. It is for the mature believers who are growing in
their understanding of the Word of God. (The word </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“Perfect”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> in </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 Cor 2:6</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> means “mature.”
See </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1
Cor 3:1-4.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">) Perhaps here Paul was answering those in the church who were
promoting Apollos, who was an eloquent and profound preacher (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Acts 18:24-28</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This word </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“perfect”</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> is applied to Christians, as it is in (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Phil 3:15</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">) and refers to
those who were advanced in Christian knowledge. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— who were qualified to
understand the subject<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>— who had made progress in the knowledge of the mysteries of the gospel</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Distinguished not only from worldly men, but also from Christian babies
(</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1John
2:12-14</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">) who are still </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“carnal”</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor 3:1-2</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">), and cannot therefore understand the deeper truths (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor 14:20; Heb
5:14</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“Perfect”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> does not mean
they were SINLESS, but that they were qualified to understand the gospel in
contrast to the unspiritual, the sensual, and the carnally minded, who rejected
it as foolishness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s Notice the Characteristics of this
Wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 2:7-9</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“Wisdom”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Comes from God,
Not Man (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">V. 7</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">This wisdom
tells the mature saint about the vast eternal plan that God has for His people
and His creation. The wisest of the </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“princes of this world</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> [age]” could not invent or
discover this marvelous wisdom that Paul shared from God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This Wisdom Has Been Hidden (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">V. 7</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">That is why it
is called a </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“mystery,”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> for in the New
Testament, a mystery is a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“sacred secret”</i>
a truth hidden in past ages but now revealed to the people of God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— It was Paul whom God used in a
special way to share the various </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“mysteries”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> that are related to the Gospel (see </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Eph 3</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">); but note the
repetition of the pronoun </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“we.”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Paul did not leave out the other apostles.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— Paul understood that the
Corinthians were fascinated with wisdom. But he pointed out that their
attraction was for the current, popular, temporary <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“wisdom”</i> rather than the timeless </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“wisdom of God”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— The Corinthians mistakenly
thought they could outgrow the simple message of Christ. Worldly wisdom, which
only analyzes Jesus' life, halts at the cross. In that shortsighted view, the
great teacher had come to a tragic end. But God’s wisdom makes Christ, the
cross, and the Resurrection central.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— Beware of any teaching, no
matter how fascinating, that seeks to add to or subtract from what Jesus
accomplished. All that God has revealed still begins and ends with Christ.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This Wisdom Involves God's Ordination (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">V. 7</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">This means that
God made the plan, set it in motion, and will see to it that it will succeed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— The great plan of redemption
was not a hasty afterthought on the part of God after He saw what man had done.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— Though all of this boggles our
minds, we must accept the Bible truth of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">divine
election</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">predestination.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— Even the death of Jesus Christ
was ordained of God (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Acts 2:22-23; 1 Peter 1:18-20</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">), though men were held
responsible for the wicked deed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— One of the secrets of an
effective prayer life is to lay hold of God's purposes by faith (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Acts 4:23-31</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This Wisdom Results in the Glory of God’s People (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">V. 7</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">), “</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">unto our glory</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">One of the
greatest expositions of this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“plan of the
ages”</i> is in </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Eph 1</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">. Three times in that passage, Paul explains that all of this is
done for God's glory (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Eph 1:6, 12, 14</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). It is a staggering thought that we
shall one day share in the very glory of God! (see </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">John 17:22-24; Rom
8:28-30</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This Wisdom Is Hidden from the Unsaved World (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">V. 8</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). (The leaders
and rulers of that age)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Who are </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“the princes of
this world</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> [age]” that Paul mentions?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Certainly the men who were in charge of
government when Jesus was on earth - did not know who He was (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Acts 3:17; 4:25-28</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). When Jesus on
the cross prayed </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do”</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Luke 23:34</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">), He was
echoing this truth. Their ignorance did not excuse their sin, of course,
because every evidence had been given by the Lord and they should have
believed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there is another possibility. Paul may
have been referring to the spiritual and demonic rulers of this present age (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Rom 8:38; Col
2:15; Eph 6:12</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). This would make more sense in </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 Cor 2:6</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">, for certainly
Pilate, Herod, and the other rulers were not recognized for any special wisdom.
The wisdom of this age has its origin in the rulers of this age, of which Satan
is the prince (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). Of course, the spiritual rulers would
have to work in and through the human rulers. So perhaps we must not press the
distinction (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">John 13:2, 27</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if this interpretation is true, then it
opens up a challenging area of consideration. The satanic forces, including
Satan himself, did not understand God’s great eternal plan! They could
understand from the Old Testament Scriptures that the Son of God would be born
and die, but they could not grasp the full significance of the cross because
these truths were hidden by God. In fact, it is now, through the churches, that
these truths are being revealed to the principalities and powers (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Eph 3:10</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Satan thought that Calvary was God’s great
defeat but it turned out to be God’s greatest victory and Satan’s defeat! (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Col 2:15</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the time of our Lord's birth into this
world, Satan had tried to kill Him, because Satan did not fully understand the
vast results of Christ's death and resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had the demonic rulers known, they would not
have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“engineered</i>” the death of
Christ. (Of course, all of this was part of God's eternal plan. It was God who
was in control, not Satan.)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finally, this Wisdom Applies to the Believer's Life Today (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 2:9</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This verse is often used at funerals and applied
to heaven, but the basic application is to the Christian’s life today. The next
verse makes it clear that God is revealing these things to us here and now.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This verse is a quotation (with adaptation)
from </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Isa
64:4</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">.
The immediate context relates it to Israel in captivity, awaiting God’s
deliverance. The nation had sinned and had been sent to Babylon for chastening.
They cried out to God that He would come down to deliver them, and He did
answer their prayer after seventy years of their exile. God had plans for His
people and they did not have to be afraid (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Jer 29:11</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Wiersbe, W. W.)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Paul Applied this Principle to the Church. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Our future is
secure in Jesus Christ no matter what our circumstances may be. In fact, God’s
plans for His own are so wonderful that our minds cannot begin to conceive of
them or comprehend them! God has ordained this for our glory (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 2:7</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). It is glory
all the way from earth to heaven!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">For those who
love God, every day is a good day (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Rom 8:28</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). It may not look like a good
day, or feel like it, but when God is working His plan, we can be sure of the
best. It is when we fail to trust Him or obey Him, when our love for Him grows
cold, that life takes on a somber hue. If we walk in God's wisdom, we will
enjoy His blessings.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Question 5.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Scripture tells us often that we are
not able to comprehend everything in reality as God knows it. Discuss the fact
that there are some things we may consider “hidden” that are just not
understandable to us now. Also point out that part of the necessity of faith is
trusting God with those things that we do not, as of yet, understand.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In what ways can
we know God’s thoughts and plans?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 2:10-12</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">)</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">QUOTE: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“We have considered two fundamental truths
of the Gospel: this message centers in the death of Christ and it is part of
the Father's vast eternal plan. The believers at Corinth had forgotten the cost
of their salvation; they had gotten their eyes off of the cross. They were also
involved in minor matters - "baby toys" - because they had lost the
wonder of the greatness of God's plan for them. They needed to return to the
ministry of the Holy Spirit and this would be Paul's next point.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">—Warren
W. Wiersbe</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Through What the Spirit Reveals to Us. (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Vs. 10</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What is “Revelation?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A. “Revelation Is the Unveiling
of Something Previously Hidden So That it May Be Seen for What it Is.”</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">A term
expressive of the fact that God has made known to men truths and realities that
men could not discover for themselves.</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Deut. 29:29; 1Cor. 2:7-10</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 29.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The word “revelation” simply means <u>a
revealing</u>, and in theology is applied to God’s revealing of Himself to
mankind. </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">(Ephes. 3:2-6</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">; </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Rev. 1:1; Luke 10:21-24</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 29.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Without
revelation, we wouldn't know anything about God -or even that there is a God.
Thus we accept the premise that God desires to make Himself known to man, and
has in fact revealed Himself at various times and in different ways.</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Hebrews 1:1-2</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 29.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why Is All Revelation Supernatural?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 29.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All revelation is supernatural in that it has
God for its source and truth as its end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A supernatural God expressed Himself in supernatural ways and the effect
is that we now posses supernatural truth– the Bible.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 29.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Deut. 29:29, The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">secret things belong unto the Lord our God:</b> but those things which
are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">revealed belong unto us</b> and to
our children for ever, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">that we may do
all <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>the words of this law.</u></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 29.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— The </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“secret things”</span></i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> here refer to the </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“words of this
law”</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
clearly referring to the Scriptures and God as the ‘Originator’ of revelation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 29.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Divine Revelation/ Truth Can Only Be Obtain
From God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the Source.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 29.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">There is no need
to look anywhere else to find or secure truth or divine revelation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 29.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 2:14-16, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">But the natural man receiveth not the
things of the Spirit of God:</b> for they are foolishness unto him: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">neither can he know them,</b> because they
are spiritually discerned. [15] But he that is spiritual judgeth all things,
yet he himself is judged of no man. [16] <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">For
who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? </b>But we have
the mind of Christ.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 29.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— This automatically
eliminates the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Human Mind, Reason,
Philosophy, Intuition, Speculations, Aristotle, Plato,</i> and any other love
and pursuit of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wisdom and knowledge</i>
as equals with the Revelation of God-the Truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They may contain elements and fragments of the truth, but the Scriptures
correctly interpreted and applied is the truth we are to live by. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 29.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— Only the Apostles and
Prophets knew the mind of God according to the revelation they received; we
have it today in the written Word of God. God has revealed Himself to man and
the Scriptures are the single authoritative disclosure of Him in this day and
age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again this excludes the sayings,
interpretations, and explanations of mere people—no matter how well-meaning or
how much we respect or revere them. If we really want to know God we must turn
to the holy Scriptures. We have from the book of Genesis to the Revelation to
know what God desires to disclose to us. No other writings or statements should
be placed on the same level with the actual words of God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 29.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3. In what 2 ways does God reveal
Himself to man?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 29.0pt .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">An important
distinction is commonly recognized between general and special revelation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">General Revelation</i></b> is GOD
Communicating Himself through nature to every man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">By general
revelation is meant that which is given to all men, in nature and history, and
in the nature of man himself. The reality and validity of revelation in this
sense is declared in Scripture verses such as </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Ps 19:1; Isa 40:26; Rom 1:19-20; Ex
9:16; Acts 14:15-17; Rom 2:14-15; Matt 6:22-34. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">General revelation is general
both in its availability to all persons at all times and its less specific
content.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Special Revelation</i></b> is GOD
Communicating Himself to some men through the Scriptures.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Special
Revelation is direct, divine intervention in the affairs of this world, and is
God revealing Himself through special acts done by His Person–primarily the
Word of God. (See </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Ps. 19:7-11 & Ps. 119; 2Tim. 3:15-17; 2Pet. 1:19-21</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Through what the Spirit Searches out for Us (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 2:10-11</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— I cannot know what is going on within
your personality, but your human spirit within you knows. Neither can I know </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“the deep things
of God”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> unless somehow I can enter into God’s personality. I cannot do
that - but by His Spirit, God has entered into my personality. Through the Holy
Spirit, each believer becomes a sharer of the very life of God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— The Holy Spirit knows </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“the deep things
of God”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> and reveals them to us. First Corinthians 2:10, makes it clear
that </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“the
deep things of God”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> is another description of </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“the things which God hath prepared for
them that love Him”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor 2:9</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). God wants us to know today all the blessings of His
grace that He has planned for us. It is also certain the Scriptures do not
contradict the Holy Spirit, nor does the Spirit oppose the one book he
authored.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— Paul challenged the Corinthians to
consider the true source of their knowledge and experience of God. They were
arguing over personalities and forgetting that God reveals himself to people by
the Spirit. They needed a renewed perspective.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— The greatest teachers never tell
more about God than they have received, nor do they stop being human themselves.
They are part of God’s training program, but they cannot replace the Spirit of
God. The daily personal disciplines of the Christian life -- prayer, study of
the Scriptures, obedient actions -- all require time and attention. But their
effectiveness depends on our reliance on God the Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to
keep reminding you of his presence.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>List some ways
the Holy Spirit helps believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 2:12-16</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">)</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We have seen the
Spirt reveals the deep things of God, but there is more that he does in the
life of believers. Paul pointed out three more important ministries of the Holy
Spirit of God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A. The Spirit Indwells Believers (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">V. 12</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“Now we have received . . .the spirit which is of God”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The very moment you trusted Jesus Christ, the Spirit of God entered your
body and made it His temple (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 Cor 6:19-20</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). He baptized you (identified you) into the local body of
Christ–your local Church (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 Cor 12:13</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). He sealed you (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Eph 1:13-14</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">) and will remain with you (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">John 14:16</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). He is God’s
gift to you.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of liberty (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2 Cor 3:17</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). We have not
received the </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“spirit
of the world”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> because we have been called out of this world and no
longer belong to it (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">John 17:14, 16</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). We are no longer under the authority
of Satan and his world system.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nor have we received a </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“spirit of bondage again to fear”</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Rom 8:15</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). The Holy
Spirit ministers to us and makes the Father real to us. This ties in with </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2 Tim 1:7</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> - </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“For God hath not
given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> [disciplined] </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">mind.”</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> We have a wealth
of spiritual resources because the Spirit lives within us!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“spirit
of the world”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> again refers to the wisdom of Satan and his demons; his is
the </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“wisdom
of this world”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 Cor. 1:20; 2:6; 3:19</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">), manifested in human effort and
philosophy. Therefore, believers do not depend on worldly wisdom because the
Spirit we have received is not of this world. Instead, believers have received
the Spirit who is from God (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Gal 3:5</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Spirit came
so that believers would understand what God has </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“freely given to us.”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The understanding of the salvation that had been
accomplished through Jesus’ death would come to the believers as the Holy
Spirit revealed it to them. It becomes easier to understand why he indwells
believers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Spirit Teaches (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">V. 13</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Jesus promised
that the Spirit would teach us (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">John 14:26</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">) and guide us into truth (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">John 16:13</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But we must note carefully the sequence here: the Spirit taught Paul
from the Word, and Paul then taught the believers. The truth of God is found in
the Word of God. We always follow this pattern given to us by the Lord, and we make
a priority of the Word from the Scriptures.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And it is very important to note that these spiritual truths are given
in specific </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“words.”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> In the Bible,
we have much more than inspired thoughts; we have inspired words. </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“For I have given
unto them the words which Thou gavest”</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">John 17:8</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">By Verbal Inspiration we mean that the very words of Scripture are
God's words. Inspiration goes beyond the concepts and message to actual words.
This persuasion comes directly from the Lord Jesus.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 59.0pt 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Matthew 4:4, But
he answered and said, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">It is written</b>,
Man shall not live by bread alone, but by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>every word </u></i></b>that proceedeth
out of the mouth of God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This Truth of Verbal Inspiration Is Clearly Stated In The Bible.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 59.0pt 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 Cor. 2:13, Which
things also <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">we speak</b>, not in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the words</b> which man's wisdom teacheth,
but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">spiritual things with spiritual.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 59.0pt 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Holy Spirt
labors to teach and indicate truth be using spiritual words and things in a
comparative manner.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 59.0pt 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a.
QUOTE: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Albert Barnes said,</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> “Paul is referring to the fact that the
apostles were themselves under the direction of the Holy Spirit, in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the words</b> and doctrines which they
imparted; and this passage is a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">full
proof that they laid claim to divine inspiration.</b> It is further observable
that he says, that this was done in such </i></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">"words"</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> as the Holy Spirit taught, referring not to the doctrines
or subjects merely, but to the manner of expressing them. It is evident here
that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">he lays claim to an inspiration in
regard to the words which he used, </b>or to the manner of his stating the
doctrines of revelation. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Words</b> are
the signs of thoughts; and if God designed that his truth should be accurately
expressed in human language, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">there must
have been a supervision over the WORDS used,</b> that such should be employed,
and such only, as should accurately express the sense which he intended to
convey.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">----- Albert
Barnes</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 59.0pt 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>b. The Lord Jesus Certainly Believed in the
Literal Word’s of Scripture Being Inspired.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 59.0pt 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matthew 24:35,</span></u><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Heaven and earth
shall pass away, but <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>my words</u></i></b> shall not pass away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 59.0pt 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Jesus even
literally believed in the Letters of the Bible’s Words being inspired and
preserved. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In fact,
according to Matthew 5:18, Inspiration extends to even the letters (jot-
"yodh") and the parts of letters (tittle). Luke 16:17.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Matthew 5:18, For
verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">one jot or one tittle </b>shall in no wise pass from the law, till all
be fulfilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Luke 16:17</span></u><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">, And it is easier
for heaven and earth to pass, than <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">one
tittle</b> of the law to fail.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">According to
J.B. Phillips whom we quoted earlier, Jesus would be one who holds and extreme
view like us fundamentalist! Praise the Lord Jesus is a Fundamentalist in this
regard! With the Holy Spirit he endeavors to teach emphasizing verbal
inspiration. Obviously the Lord Jesus lays claim to the very words of scripture
being His inspired words!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>c. The OT Taught Verbal Inspiration of the
Prophets and Their Writings. <u><o:p></o:p></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Jeremiah 1:9</span></u><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">, Then the Lord
put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I
have put <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">my words in thy mouth.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>d. Many Scriptures Show the Emphasis God
Places upon Words:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Exodus 24:4, And <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Moses wrote all the words of the Lord</b>,
and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve
pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Deut. 6:6</span></u><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">, And <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">these words,</b> which I command thee this
day, shall be in thine heart: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2 Samuel 23:2</span></u><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">, The Spirit of
the Lord spake by me, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">his word</b>
was in my tongue. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Ezekiel 3:10</span></u><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">, Moreover he said
unto me, Son of man, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">all my words</b>
that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears.
(Also see 2 Peter 3:2; Rev. 1:3)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Fundamentally
the Spirit seeks to teach us spirit dominated truths by means of comparison (2Cor.
10:12)—“to compound” or “to interpret.” Perhaps referring to what the Spirit
did in verse 1Cor.2:13. (See also Neh. 13:15-31; Rom. 5:14-21; Gal. 4:22-31).
Clearly spiritual truth is conveyed in words and language that is given by the
Holy Spirit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The successful Christian learns the vocabulary of the Spirit and makes
use of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">ILLUSTRATION: “Each
of our four children has a different vocation. We have a pastor, a nurse, an
electronics designer, and a secretary in a commercial real estate firm. Each of
the children had to learn a specialized vocabulary in order to succeed. The
only one I really understand is the pastor.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">He knows the
meaning of justification, sanctification, adoption, propitiation, election,
inspiration, and so forth. In understanding God's vocabulary, we come to
understand God's Word and God's will for our lives. If the engineering student
can grasp the technical terms of chemistry, physics, or electronics, why should
it be difficult for Christians, taught by the Spirit, to grasp the vocabulary
of Christian truth? ”—Wiersbe</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Still I’ve heard
of church members saying, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Don't preach
doctrine. Just give us heartwarming sermons that will encourage us!”</i>
Sermons based on what? If they are not based on doctrine—biblical teachings,
they will accomplish nothing! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“But
doctrine is so dull!”</i> people complain. Not if it is presented the way the
Bible presents it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doctrine can be
absolutely exciting! Typically, you will need to work a bit in the Word, but it
is certain this will yield incredible dividends in a multiplicity of ways. You
can study chapters of the Bible with the goal of identifying the imbedded teachings
or doctrines throughout. What a thrill to be a Bible student with the Spirit
teaching us </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“the
deep things of God”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 2:10</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How does the Spirit teach the believer? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">He compares </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“spiritual things
with spiritual.”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> He reminds us of what He has taught us (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">John 14:26</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">), relates that
truth to something new, and then leads us into new truth and new applications
of old truth. What a joy it is to sit before the pages of the Bible and let the
Spirit reveal God's truth. The trouble is, many Christians are too busy for
this kind of quiet meditation. What enrichment they are missing!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Holy Spirit is like a householder who </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“bringeth forth out of his treasure
things new and old”</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Matt 13:52</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). The new always comes out of the old and helps us better
understand the old. God gives us new insights into old truths as we compare one
part of Scripture with another. Jesus based His teaching on the Old Testament,
yet people were amazed at what He taught because it was so fresh and exciting.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I suggest that
you make time every day to read the Word and meditate on it. Follow a regular
schedule in your reading and give yourself time to pray, think, and meditate. Often
the Spirt of God will use comparison to teach us and take us deeper into what
God gives us. Let the Spirit of God search the Word and teach you—become a
student. The study and application of basic biblical teaching/doctrine can
transform your life.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Spirit Matures the Believer (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 Cor. 2:14-16</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The contrast here is between the saved person (called </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“spiritual”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> because he is
indwelt by the Spirit) and the unsaved person (called </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“natural”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> because he does
not have the Spirit within). In </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 Cor 3:1-4</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">, Paul will introduce a third
kind of person, the </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“carnal man.”</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> He is the immature believer, the one who lives on a
childhood level because he has not learned the importance of feeding on the written
Word and growing in the Lord.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At one time, every Christian was </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“natural,”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> having only the
things of nature. When we trusted the Savior, the Spirit came in and we moved
into the plane of </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“spiritual”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">— able to live in the realm of the
Spirit. Then we had to grow! The unsaved man cannot receive the things of the
Spirit because he does not believe in them and cannot understand them. But as
the Christian day by day receives the things of the Spirit he grows and
matures.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of the marks of maturity is discernment, “</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">spiritual discerned,</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">” (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 2:14b</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">) – an understanding
of the deep things of God. Such a mature believer possesses the Lord’s own
understanding of things because his faith is fixed in God’s revelation of
Himself—the Bible. They are able to make judicial examinations and scrutinize
matters as Lord will if he were here today. The have the ability to penetrate
beneath the surface of life and see things as they really are. Unsaved people <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“walk by sight”</i> and really see nothing.
They are spiritually blind. They cannot decipher or sift through all the facts
completely. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The maturing Christian grows
in his spiritual discernment and develops the ability (with the Spirit's help)
to understand more and more of the will and mind of God. The Corinthians lacked
this discernment; they were spiritually ignorant.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone wants to be wise. Yet Paul taught the Corinthians that true
wisdom or discernment requires the believer to be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Because Satan's greatest impact on us occurs when he deceives us, we need the
Holy Spirit's help.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>QUOTE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Spiritual discernment enables us
to draw conclusions based on God's perspective, make wise decisions in
difficult circumstances, recognize the activities of God's Spirit, distinguish
the correct and incorrect use of Scripture, and identify and expose false
teachers. Ask God to give you his discernment as you serve him. Let that
discernment guide you in your daily walk.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>—Wiersbe</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in 13.0pt 49.0pt 85.0pt 121.0pt 157.0pt 193.0pt 229.0pt 265.0pt 301.0pt 337.0pt 373.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>QUOTE: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The
unspiritual are out of court as religious critics; they are deaf men judging
music.”</i>-- Charles Finney</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Question 7.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> For more on the Holy Spirit see </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">John 14:26; 15:26;
16:13–15; 1 John 2:27.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is a person
without the Spirit unable to understand spiritual truths?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor.
2:14-15</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">)</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The unsaved person does not understand the Christian; they live in two
different worlds.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the Christian understands the unsaved
person. </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">First Corinthians 2:15</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> does not suggest that unsaved people
cannot point out flaws in the believer's life (they often do), but that the
unsaved man really cannot penetrate into the full understanding of what the
Christian’s life is all about. Because the mature believer’s faith is secure in
God’s Word, he can judge both heavenly and earthly things. He can determine
what is of the gospel and what is not…he has the ability to sift a message with
errors or discern what is or what isn’t the truth of God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Corinthian Christians were so wrapped up in the miraculous gifts of
the Spirit that they were neglecting the basic ministries of the Spirit. And in
their emphasis on the Spirit, they were also neglecting the Father and the
Son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blessed are the balanced! And
blessed are they who understand and share </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“all the counsel of God”</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Acts 20:27</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because non-Christians cannot understand God, they cannot grasp the
concept that God's Spirit lives in believers. Don't expect most people to
understand or approve of your decision to follow Christ. It all seems so silly
to them. Just as a tone-deaf person cannot appreciate fine music fully, the
person who rejects God cannot understand God's beautiful message. With the
lines of communication broken, he or she won't be able to hear what God is
saying to him or her.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We must not
remain silent, using others' difficulty in understanding as an excuse. We are
still one of God's communication channels. We must be alert to opportunities.
Another person's question may be evidence that God's Spirit is drawing him or
her to the point of decision. How would you respond today if someone asked you
about your faith?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .05in .55in 1.05in 1.55in 2.05in 2.55in 3.05in 3.55in 4.05in 4.55in 5.05in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Question 8.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Compare a tone-deaf person's
appreciation for music and an unsaved person's understanding of the truths of
God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Explain what it
means to “have the mind of Christ.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 2:16</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">)</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">To </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“have the mind of
Christ”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> does not mean we are infallible and start playing God in the
lives of other people. Nobody instructs God! (Paul quoted </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Isa 40:13.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Also see </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Rom 11:33-36</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">.) To </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“have the mind of
Christ”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> means to look at life from the Savior’s point of view, having His
values and desires in mind. It is thinking God’s thoughts or persuasions and
not thinking as the world thinks.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .05in .55in 1.05in 1.55in 2.05in 2.55in 3.05in 3.55in 4.05in 4.55in 5.05in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We can never
fully know everything God is thinking (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Romans 11:34</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">), but because we have the Holy
Spirit, we can develop a relationship with God. And, as with any relationship,
when you spend time with someone, you begin to understand his thoughts, opinions,
judgments, plans, and ways. After years of marriage couples begin to finish
each other's sentences and know to some degree each other’s thoughts. It is the
same with God. As you spend time with Christ in his word and prayer and your
relationship develops, you begin to gain the mind of Christ.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Inspiration</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Here is an
uplifting thought.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Men are always
seeking for greater wisdom, but they usually bypass the Ultimate Source of
wisdom. The Scriptures clearly point this direction. They reveal, </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“The fear of the
Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Proverbs 9:10</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). But what has
man done with this tremendous resource at his fingertips? Ignored it! </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“Because that,
when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but
became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. [22]
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,”</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Romans 1:21, 22</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Since God's
wisdom resides in His Word, it is imperative to know what He has revealed, but
even many Christians ignore a regular time of reading and studying the
Scriptures. Therefore, many of their decisions are foolish, because they've not
consulted the Ultimate Source of wisdom. — (From <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Finding Time</i> by Rick Yohn)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Response</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Use these
questions to share more deeply with each other.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In what
different ways do we try to gain wisdom?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Question 10.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> What are the many ways in our world
that we gain wisdom? Discuss the different kinds of schooling. Discuss the
difference between head knowledge and common sense. You may even ask if anyone
has known an “absent-minded professor type” who had plenty of book knowledge,
but not common sense.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">What happens
when we rely on human wisdom, instead of God’s wisdom?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">12.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">When has the
Holy Spirit helped you understand or apply God’s Word?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Prayer</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Father, your
plans for us are perfect. Yet we often doubt your promises, assuming we can
take better care of ourselves than our Creator. Forgive us for ignoring the
truth in your Word. Tune our ears to your Spirit’s voice, and teach us to
follow your ways. May our lives testify to your great wisdom and power.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Journaling</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Take a few
moments to record your personal insights from this lesson.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">How can I weed
out the “thorns” that hinder my spiritual growth?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Additional
Questions</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">13.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">What practical
steps can we take to reduce the risk of making foolish decisions?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">14.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">What sometimes
keeps you from seeking God’s help?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In what ways can
you depend more on God’s Spirit to help you make wise decisions?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">For more Bible
passages on God's wisdom, see Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 2:6; Isaiah 11:2; Jeremiah
10:12; Ephesians 1:16,17; Colossians 2:3; 2 Timothy 3:15; James 1:5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To complete the book of 1 Corinthians during
this twelve-part study, read 1 Corinthians 2:1–3:8. </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-71296409032951158372021-07-24T15:24:00.001-04:002022-04-01T07:50:35.468-04:00The Foolishness of Human Wisdom<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EQSZYVPSnuc/YPxgz5CsGFI/AAAAAAAA2DM/Yvu2flGbzRQ5wjWFCuu5LckWghL9d5BkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1377/Foolishness%2Bof%2BWisdom%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1377" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EQSZYVPSnuc/YPxgz5CsGFI/AAAAAAAA2DM/Yvu2flGbzRQ5wjWFCuu5LckWghL9d5BkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Foolishness%2Bof%2BWisdom%2B1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="WordSection1">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.15in;"><!--[if supportFields]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:24.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1</span></i></b><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span
style='font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style='mso-element:
field-end'></span></span></i></b><![endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 24pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Lesson One</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Reflection<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Begin your study by
entertaining thoughts on this question.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which aspects of the gospel
(Jesus' life, death, and resurrection) are difficult for people to understand
and accept?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">While the basic tenants of
the Gospel of Jesus Christ are simple and straight forward, people today find
it difficult to understand why Jesus or the gospel matter to them. I have seen
people reject Christ because salvation by grace through faith in the cross and
resurrection of Christ seems too simple…they insist there must be more to it
than that to be rendered acceptable to God. They want answers for humanities
problems that are scientific, from scholarly sources, and which does not assign
responsibility for their sins to themselves. They want a message that is easy
to receive, positive, affirming, and immediately advantageous for them
personally or professionally. With these modern criteria, the gospel simply
does not seem to fit what people want to hear these days. As a result, it is
difficult for this generation to see why an ancient story about a poor
carpenter turned traveling preacher…who got himself killed by his contemporary
authorities has anything to offer them as they face the challenges of a very
sophisticated age.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Bible Reading</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Read thoughtfully <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;">1 Corinthians 1:18–31.</span></i></b></span></p>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="A">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Gospel of Jesus
Christ is in View. To the Christian this is the most important topic of
all time! <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“preaching of the
cross”</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">this is a
reference to the gospel in all its fullness, which centers in the incarnation,
crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ; it encompasses the entire divine plan
and provision for the redemption of sinners—this is the theme of entire body of
Scripture (1Cor. 15:1-4) and what the ancient OT prophets anticipated (1Pet.
1:10-12). (J. MacArthur)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Commentator
Albert Barnes said it so well stating:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The death on the cross was associated with the idea of all
that is shameful and dishonorable; and to speak of salvation only by the
sufferings and death of a crucified man was fitted to excite in their bosoms
only unmingled scorn.<a href="file:///C:/Users/17038/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20LESSONS/The%20Book%20of%201Corinthians/Lesson%20%231%20Human%20Wisdom.doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></sup></b></span></sup></a></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In this section,
Paul distinguishes this message of hope and redemption, the gospel of Christ, from
all other messages and philosophies, both ancient and modern.</span></p>
<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="A">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Lowest Wisdom of
God versus the Highest Wisdom of Humanity</span></li></ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Greeks highly valued </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“wisdom”.</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> This is a reference to ancient Greek
philosophy. Paul showed in the following verses, however, that there is the
kind of </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">"wisdom"</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> that the world
worships, and there is the true wisdom that comes from God alone (W. Wiersbe). Not
only is the gospel simple (1Cor. </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1:17</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">), many consider it </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">"foolish"</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1:18</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). This should
not be surprising, since numerous centuries of human wisdom have failed to
bring anyone closer to God (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 1:19-21</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jewish scholars looked for supernatural </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“signs,”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> while the
scholars of Greece pursued knowledge for its own sake—and both misunderstood
the gospel in its simplicity (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 1:22-23</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those who were called (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 1:2, 9</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">), however, responded in faith and were saved (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 1:18, 24</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). The gospel's
very simplicity shows how much wiser the Creator is than any of his creatures (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1:25</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). Jesus used
simple logic and his understanding of human nature to destroy human wisdom (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 1:19; 3:19;</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> see </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Matt 21:23-27;
22:15-22; John 8:1-11</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). Even the lowest wisdom of God far out distances the most
elite human wisdom ever!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fundamentally, the Corinthians needed a renewal of their minds (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Rom. 12:2</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). They were
trying to live their Christian lives on the basis of unsanctified ideals which
have self-preservation as its ultimate goal. This kind of life is self-seeking,
self-serving, and ultimately self-destructive (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Luke 9:24-25</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). Does such
hyper focus on number one sound familiar?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Discovery<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Explore the
Bible reading by discussing these questions.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In what ways can
the gospel seem foolish? (</span></b><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor 1:18</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Greeks believed that some gods had died and returned
(usually they were vegetation deities who returned annually), but they
relegated this belief to ancient myth and sometimes even allegorized the myths.
Romans regarded crucifixion as a death appropriate for slaves; Jews also saw it
as shameful (Deut 21:23). Those viewed as "saviors" were normally
gods, kings, wealthy benefactors or miracle workers. Roman society was built
around power and status; power was concentrated in the male head of the
household, in wealthy and aristocratic families, and so forth. Associating
power with a crucified man — the epitome of weakness — thus made no more sense
to ancients than it does to modern people outside Christ. <a href="file:///C:/Users/17038/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20LESSONS/The%20Book%20of%201Corinthians/Lesson%20%231%20Human%20Wisdom.doc#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[2]</span></b></span></span></span></a></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In spite of how
the gospel may be perceived, Paul and early believers still preached the cross
of Christ!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
were those Who Preach the Cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 1:17- 18</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Paul had not
come to Corinth to make disciples for himself; he had come to </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">"preach the
gospel"</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1:17</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). But this preaching was not according to the world's
wisdom or desires—it was not filled with philosophical arguments or
supernatural acts. Paul's preaching was the message of the cross—Jesus Christ
crucified on behalf of sinners.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Such a message always has two results, for ultimately all of humanity
will end up in one of these two classes. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The gospel message sounds foolish . . . to those who are on the road to
destruction. For those who desire worldly wisdom, the message of the cross
seems stupid. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Who wants a crucified
king?"</i> they might ask. To the Greek mind the whole notion was idiotic:
salvation, if there were such a thing, would have to come through some appeal
to man’s capacity to achieve. Furthermore, the Greek mind viewed God as
immutable and unchangeable. The Gospel presentation of Incarnation, the Cross,
and Resurrection were simply ruled out; the Gospel contradicted one of the
axioms of classical Greek philosophy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3. But for those who are being saved .
. . the gospel message is the very </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“power of God.”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Paul wrote to the Romans, </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“For I am not
ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to
everyone that believeth”</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Rom. 1:16</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). The gospel message is more than a true story and a good
way to live; it is </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“the power of God.”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Only with such power can the gospel message redeem sinful people and
transform them into God's people. (W. Wiersbe)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are those Who Stumble at the Cross (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 1:23a</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">This was the
attitude of the Jews, because their emphasis is on miraculous signs and the
cross appears to be weakness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jewish history is filled with miraculous events, from the Exodus out of
Egypt to the days of Elijah and Elisha. When Jesus was ministering on earth,
the Jewish leaders repeatedly asked Him to perform a sign from heaven; but He
refused.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Jewish nation did not understand their own sacred Scriptures. They
looked for a Messiah who would come like a mighty conqueror and defeat all
their enemies. He would then set up His kingdom and return the glory to Israel.
The question of the Apostles in </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Acts 1:6</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> shows how strong this hope was
among the Jews.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">At the same
time, their scribes noticed in the Old Testament that the Messiah would suffer
and die. Passages like </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Ps 22</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> and </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Isa 53</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> pointed toward a different kind of Messiah, and the
scholars could not reconcile these two seemingly contradictory prophetic
images. They did not understand that their Messiah had to suffer and die before
He could enter into His glory (see </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Luke 24:13-35</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">), and that the
future messianic kingdom was to be preceded by the age of the church. (W.
Wiersbe)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because the Jews were looking for power and great glory, they stumbled
at the weakness of the cross. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How could
anybody put faith in an unemployed carpenter from Nazareth who died the
shameful death of a common criminal?</i> But the Gospel of Jesus Christ is </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“the power of God
unto salvation”</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Rom 1:16</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). Rather than a testimony of weakness, the cross is a
tremendous instrument of power! After all, the </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">"weakness of God</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> [in the cross]</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> is stronger than
men"</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor 1:25</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To the Hebrew,
the whole thing was foreign as well. Deliverance would come in another Exodus,
with God breaking into history to perform miracles and punish Israel’s enemies.
A suffering Savior? Never! Israel would settle for nothing less than a
conquering king.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then,
there are those Who Laugh at the Cross (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 1:23b</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">This was the
response of the Greeks. To them the cross was </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“foolishness.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Greeks emphasized wisdom we still study the profound writings of the
Greek philosophers. But they saw no wisdom in the cross, for they looked at the
cross from a human point of view. Had they seen it from God's viewpoint, they
would have discerned the wisdom of God's great plan of salvation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Paul called, on three men to bear witness: </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“the wise”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (the expert), </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“the scribe”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (the
interpreter and writer), and </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“the disputer”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (the philosopher and debater). He asked
them one question: Through your studies into man's wisdom, have you come to
know God in a personal way? They all must answer no! The fact that they laugh
at the cross and consider it foolishness is evidence that they are perishing. (W.
Wiersbe)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Paul quoted </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Isa 29:14</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> in </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor 1:19</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">, proving that God has written a big <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"0 - Failure!"</i> - over the wisdom of men. In his address
on Mars' Hill, Paul dared to tell the philosophers that Greek and Roman history
were but </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">"times of this ignorance"</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Acts 17:30)</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">. He was not
suggesting that they knew nothing, because Paul knew too well that the Greek
thinkers had made some achievements. However, their wisdom did not enable them
to find God and experience salvation. (W. Wiersbe)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .05in .55in 1.05in 1.55in 2.05in 2.55in 3.05in 3.55in 4.05in 4.55in 5.05in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Question 2.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> As you discuss what seems foolish about
the gospel, ask group members about their initial encounter with the Gospel of
Christ. What age were they? What was hard for them to accept? What were some
misconceptions they may have had about following Christ?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do Jesus'
life and death reveal the wisdom and power of God?</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor 1:22-24</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some Believe and Experience the Power and the Wisdom of the Cross (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 1:24</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Paul did not
alter his message when he turned from a Jewish audience to a Greek one: he
preached Christ crucified. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">"The foolishness of preaching" </span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">(</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor 1:21</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">) does not mean
that the act of preaching is foolish, but rather the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>content of the message.</u></i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those who have been called by God's grace, and who have responded by
faith (see </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2Thess 2:13-14</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">), realize that Christ is God's </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“power”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> and God's </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“wisdom.”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Not the Christ
of the manger, or the temple, or the marketplace - but the Christ of the cross.
It is in the death of Christ that God has revealed the foolishness of man's
wisdom and the weakness of man's power.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are called into fellowship because of our union with Jesus Christ He died for
us; we were baptized in His name; we are identified with His cross. What a
wonderful basis for spiritual unity!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many Jews considered the Good News of Jesus Christ to be foolish because
they thought the Messiah would be a conquering king who did many spectacular
signs and miracles. Although Jesus had performed many miracles during his
ministry on earth, many Jews who observed his miracles firsthand had refused to
believe (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Matt 12:38-39; 16:1-4; Mark 8:11-12; Luke 11:16; John 6:30</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). Jesus had not
restored David's throne in the way that they had expected. Besides, he had been
executed as a criminal (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Deut 21:23</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">) -- how could a criminal be the Savior? This proclamation
of Christ crucified was a contradiction of all that they believed, and it
became a stumbling block to them (see also </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Rom 9:33; 1 Peter 2:8</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">). (W. Wiersbe)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>E.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Silly, Superficial, and Simple <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Paul had
literally been where no man had gone before. He had taken the gospel to
uncharted territories and untested hearers. He understood rejection. When Paul
mentioned audience reactions (1:21), he had the scars to prove just how
violently some resisted the gospel. Problems in sharing the gospel were not
theoretical for Paul. Those who proclaim the gospel may find that others think
they are ridiculous. If our message did not hold the answer to life and death
it might seem silly and superficial. Though some ridicule it, the gospel
remains the simple truth. Paul described the attitude we ought to have this
way: (Rom 1:16). Like Paul, we must proclaim the simple gospel; it requires no
revisions, embellishments, upgrades, or add-ons.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div><p></p><div class="WordSection1">
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">4. In what ways is
God's wisdom different from the world's wisdom?</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 1:21-24</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> A.
The mention of the cross in </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor 1:17</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> introduced this long section on
the power of the Gospel versus the weakness of man's wisdom. It is interesting
to see how Paul approached this problem of division in the church. First, he
pointed to the unity of Christ: there is one Savior and one body. Then he
reminded them of their baptism, a picture of the death, burial and resurrection
of Christ. Then he took them to the
cross.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> B.
Crucifixion was not only a horrible death; it was a shameful death. It
was illegal to crucify a Roman citizen. Crucifixion was never mentioned in
polite society, any more than we today would discuss over dinner the gas
chamber or the electric chair.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> C.
The key word in this paragraph is </span><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">wisdom;</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> it is used
eight times. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> — The </span><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“in the wisdom of God,”</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> (1:21) God
wisely established that men could not come to know Him by human wisdom. That
would exalt man, so God designed to save helpless sinners through the preaching
of a message that was so simple the <i>“worldly
wise”</i> deemed it nonsense. </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Rom 1:18–23.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> — </span><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“That believe,”</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> (1:21) from the
human side, salvation requires and comes only through faith in the gospel. </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">John 1:12; Rom.
10:8–17.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> — The key idea—that Paul expressed is
that we dare not mix man's wisdom with God's revealed message. The entire
section on wisdom (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor 1:17-2:16</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">) presents a number of contrasts between
the revealed Word of God and the wisdom of men.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> — God's wisdom is revealed primarily
in the cross of Jesus Christ but not everybody sees this. (W. Wiersbe)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> D.
This very point is one that Paul made in </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 Corinthians 1</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> and</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 2.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> — He pointed out that man’s ways of
thinking (human </span><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“wisdom”</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">) and God’s ways of thinking (His</span><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> “foolishness”</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">) truly do <i>not</i> correspond. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> — </span><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“The Cross”</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> is given as an
example. What human mind would have imagined that God would give us
righteousness, holiness, and redemption by means of the execution of His Son as
a criminal!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> — While the Greek and the Jew each
clung to his own notion of how God must act, God had His own ideas. The Cross
meant that each must surrender his own way of thinking, and submit to <i>a divine wisdom that operates on principles
which are fundamentally different from those that appeal to mere human thought
or values!<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> — Man is impressed by human
accomplishment: God chose to use things man despises.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> — Man is impressed by strength: God
chose to use weakness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> E.
Even in churches, the human tendency is to seek to build little kingdoms
around differences—different leaders, different message styles, and different
ways of worship. Paul’s whole argument is a warning to the church at
Corinth—and to us—that we must learn to look at issues from the divine
viewpoint. We must realize God doesn’t think the same way we do. We must be
willing to surrender our own way of thinking and earnestly search out His.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> F.
How? God has revealed His thoughts by the Spirit (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 2:13</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">). And God has
given believers the Holy Spirit to interpret the written Word (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 2:9–15</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">). In the Word
and in the Spirit we have been given an astounding gift: </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“We have the mind
of Christ”</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 2:16</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">). Searching the Word, guided by the Spirit, we are to
learn God’s way of thinking (His wisdom), and gradually learn to evaluate all
things from His unique perspective.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> G.
This is why a tracing-the-argument approach to Bible study is so
important. We’re prone to grasp a single verse or teaching, and try to make it
fit our way of thinking. We’re apt to use the Bible to try to prove our point
of view, or to disprove another’s. But Paul here teaches us to study the
Scripture so we can learn to <i>abandon</i>
our own points of view, and submit ourselves instead to God’s. By disciplining
ourselves to trace the argument of a section of Scripture, we guard against our
natural tendency to misuse, and we set ourselves to grasp the very thoughts of
God. (W. Wiersbe)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">5. What does Paul
mean when he says God “hath chosen the weak things of the world”?</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 1:27</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> A.
Perhaps the Corinthian were influenced by the culture of nearby Athens.
They seemed to fancy themselves as thinkers and took pride in their supposed
intellectual superiority. Paul reminded them that human cleverness is not
necessarily God's way or wisdom (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1:18–2:16</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">). God's plan of salvation
through Christ's death on the Cross is often rejected by wise and clever
people. Those who are spiritually wise perceive truth by the Spirit and not the
mind alone. This kind of wisdom is God's gift through His Holy Spirit.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> B.
Proud and clever people are not the ones who appreciate the wisdom of
God's plan of salvation through Christ's death on the Cross, but those who are
spiritually wise. According to </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 Corinthians 3:18</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">, one must actually become a “fool” in
the world's eyes in order to be really wise.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> C.
One does not have to <i>“check his
brains at the door”</i> when he becomes a Christian. Human wisdom has its
place. God has equipped us with wondrous knowledge, giving us dominion over the
earth and intelligence to travel to the moon and back. The capacity of the
human mind is beyond comprehension.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> D.
Paul's attack on human wisdom (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 1:18–31</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">) does not
belittle the gift of human intelligence. But the answer to humankind's dilemma
is not <i><u>intellectual and cultural</u></i>;
it is <i><u>moral and spiritual.</u></i> The
cure is the Cross of Christ—not merely the wooden instrument of death, but the
sacrifice that took place there—and the subsequent resurrection of our Lord,
His ascension, and finally the bestowal of His Spirit on all those who believe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">But God's <i>“holy foolishness”</i> is at odds with
humankind's <i>“wise”</i> ways. Neither the
Jews' <i>“do a miracle”</i> approach, nor
the Gentiles' philosophical approach (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1:22</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">) can grasp the power and wisdom God
expressed in the Cross. It is an issue of false versus true wisdom.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> E.
Paul further points out the inferior intellectual and social status of
many of the believers. The church was populated with the ordinary instead of
the extraordinary person of that day and culture. Their congregation was
evidence that God ignore the worldly criteria of favoring and selecting people
because of their social elitism, high breeding, outstanding pedigree, political
influence or whatever other ‘power’ men pride themselves for. Notice Paul’s explanation:
</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“But
God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God
hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are
mighty;”</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 1:27</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">). Yes, God choose those who embrace the foolishness of
Christ’s cross, and the result is no one can brag about their human accomplishments
or elevated position in life before the Lord.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> F.
But the results are powerful and eternal. Each believer is </span><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“in Christ,”</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> and He provides
</span><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“righteousness
and sanctification and redemption”</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 1:30</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">). This “holy foolishness” is
illustrated further by Paul's plain manner of preaching and in the convincing
power of the Spirit (2:1–5). The purpose was that the faith of the believing
Corinthians would not be in man's cleverness, but in the power of God (2:5). However,
true wisdom is revealed by the Spirit (2:6–13) to those who are “mature.” This
maturity is like a fruit which has developed to completion and perfection; it
is ripe.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> G.
Spiritual maturity involves many things. </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hebrews 5:11–14</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> teaches three
principles about spiritual maturity as compared with spiritual immaturity:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> 1.
First, <i>maturity takes time</i> (v.
12). The believers need to be exposed to the truth of the Word and see it
modeled in others over a period of time. God will apply it to the individual
life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> 2.
Second, <i>maturity involves growth
in the knowledge of the Word of God</i> (v. 13). Babies in Christ are able only
to handle the simple things of the gospel (1 Pet. 2:2). Spiritual development
(or deformity) is directly related to the amount of intake of the Word.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> 3.
Finally, <i>spiritual maturity
involves experience in the use of the Word in discerning between good and bad,
or truth and error</i> (vv. 13, 14). This is to be a disciplined exercise in
spiritual discernment.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">6. So, what do
believers have to brag about?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1Cor. 1:30-31, But
of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and
righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: <b><sup>31 </sup></b>That,
according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> A. Beloved, all praise and glory is
correctly ascribed to God who acted graciously on our behalf. Accordingly, it
is by the activities of the Father that believers are </span><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“in Christ Jesus”</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">—spiritually identified
with the Savior—and thus possesses wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and
redemption. This wisdom of God is literally Christ crucified and as a result
believers are declared righteous and justified in the courtroom of God,
sanctified to enter the august presence of God, and ultimately destined for the
fullness of redemption! These four underserved blessings are now ours and follow
the wisdom of God:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> 1. </span><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Wisdom</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">—Christ is the wisdom
of God; he alone personifies divine wisdom—he is God’s way of salvation. As
such he actively accrues the praise to the Father and destroys all human
platforms for self-centered pride and confidence…achievement. He is our
exclusive claim to wisdom! (Walvoord & Zuck)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> 2. </span><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Righteousness</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">—it is through
our faith in the cross of Christ that moves God, the Judge, to count us as
right in his court of law (Rom. 4:24–25). The final verdict concerning all
believers is ‘justified.’ If we are acceptable to God in Christ then we do not
need the acceptance of mere men who judge and value people for the wrong
reasons.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> 3. </span><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Sanctification</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">—two realities
are in view and both are precious acts of the Father’s grace. First, since we
have no holy clout or status of holiness with God, he gave us this position,
status, and regards us as holy. Secondly, he also gave us the holy power to live
free of sin’s enslavement and control—thus a lifestyle experiencing and characterized
by holy motives and actions (2Thes. 2:13–15). We can brag about the clout,
privileges, and honors God graciously affords us because of who he is and not
who we are. (MacDonald & Farstad)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> 4. </span><b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Redemption</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">—while it is
true believers are redeemed, we also will be redeemed. Redemption has multiple
installments or benefits and blessings. There is more to come! Yes, we are
fully saved, but we have not experienced everything God has planned for the
Redeemed (Rom. 8:23; Eph. 4:30). Beloved, one day we will traverse new heights
of redemption relative to the body, soul, and spirit…we will move…yes...be
transported beyond anything and everything we have been trilled to know in
Christ heretofore. I am talking about the ultimate next level—glorification! God
plans for us are certain and will one day be fully consummated in our
individual and collective experience.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> B. Clearly,
this is what we glory in, brag about, exult in, rejoice over, and swell with
appreciation for…the cross of Christ and God’s gracious acts towards fallen
sinners who repent and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yes, it is appropriate
to glory in the Lord…to boast in the Lord’s goodness to us…to brag on Jesus!
Actually, we as God’s people have plenty to brag about (see Matt. 11:25–26). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> C. <i>The message and miracle of God’s grace in
Jesus Christ utterly confounds (“puts to shame”) the high and mighty people of
this world. The wise of this world cannot understand how God changes sinners
into saints, and the mighty of this world are helpless to duplicate the
miracle. God’s “foolishness” confounds the wise; God’s “weakness” confounds the
mighty!<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The annals of church history are filled with the accounts
of great sinners whose lives were transformed by the power of the Gospel. In my
own ministry, as in the ministry of most pastors and preachers, I have seen
amazing things take place that the lawyers and psychologists could not understand.
We have seen delinquent teenagers become successful students and useful
citizens. We have seen marriages restored and homes reclaimed, much to the
amazement of the courts.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;">And why does God reveal the foolishness and the weakness of
this present world system, even with its philosophy and religion? “That no
flesh should glory in His presence” (1 Cor. 1:29). Salvation must be wholly of
grace; otherwise, God cannot get the glory.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;">It is this truth that Paul wanted to get across to the
Corinthians, because they were guilty of glorying in men (1 Cor. 3:21). If we
glory in men—even godly men like Peter and Paul and Apollos—we are robbing God
of the glory that He alone deserves. It was this sinful attitude of pride that
was helping to cause division in the church.<a href="file:///C:/Users/17038/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20LESSONS/The%20Book%20of%201Corinthians/Lesson%20%231%20Human%20Wisdom.doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><sup><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[3]</span></sup></b></sup></a></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Question 6.</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Bragging or boasting implies a certain
amount of pride. Discuss the difference between the sin of being prideful and
the wonderful deep pleasure, soaring admiration, and complete satisfaction that
we have in Jesus’ accomplishments. (The difference resides in whether the
object of our “pride” is ourselves.) In contemplating what God has done for us,
see Romans 5:8 and 2 Corinthians 5:21.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Inspiration<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Here is an
uplifting thought.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">You want
success? Here's your model. You want achievement? Here's your prototype. You
want bright lights, pageants, and media attention? Consider the front-page,
center article of the nation's largest daily newspaper.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">It is a
caricature of “Miss America.” The vital data of the fifty one participants has
been compiled to present the perfect woman. She has brown hair. She has brown
eyes. She knows how to sing and has a perfect figure: 35–24-35. She is Miss
America.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The message
trumpets off the page: “This is the standard for American women.” The
implication is clear: Do what it takes to be like her. Firm your thighs. Deepen
your cleavage. Pamper your hair. Improve your walk.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">No reference is
made to her convictions … to her honesty … to her faith … or to her God. But
you are told her hip size.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In a small
photo, four inches to the left, is another woman. Her face is thin. Her skin is
wrinkled, almost leathery. No makeup … no blush … no lipstick. There is a faint
smile on her lips and a glint in her eyes. She looks pale. Perhaps it's my
imagination or perhaps it's time. The caption read, “Mother Teresa: In serious
condition.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Mother Teresa.
You know her story. When she won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985, she gave the
two hundred thousand dollars to the poor of Calcutta. When a businessman bought
her a new car, she sold it and gave the money to the underprivileged. She owns
nothing. She owes nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Two women: Miss
America and Mother Teresa. One walks the boardwalk; the other walks the alley.
Two voices. One promises crowns, flowers, and crowds. The other promises
service, surrender, and joy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Now I have
nothing against beauty pageants (although I have my reservations about them).
But I do have something against the lying voices that noise our world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">You've heard
them. They tell you to swap your integrity for a new sale. To barter your
convictions for an easy deal. To exchange your devotion for a quick thrill.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">They whisper.
They woo. They taunt. They tantalize. They flirt. They flatter. “Go ahead, it's
O.K.” “Just wait until tomorrow.” “Don't worry, no one will know.” “How could
anything that feels so right be so wrong?” …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">For amidst the
fleeting promises of pleasure is the timeless promise of [God's] presence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">“Surely I am
with you always, to the very end of the age.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">“Never will I
leave you; never will I forsake you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">There is no
chorus so loud that the voice of God cannot be heard … if we will but listen. —
(From <i>In the Eye of the Storm</i> by Max
Lucado)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Response<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Use these
questions to share more deeply with each other.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>7. In what ways does the media entice us to
accept the world's values?</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Question
7.</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Be sure to include
music, printed materials, and billboard advertising when considering the media.
What commercials use sex to sell something totally unrelated? How are
conservatives depicted in the news? When do news stories or movies prompt us to
sympathize with the less-than-honorable characters or choices?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>8. </b>Have you
sought God's guidance, rather than relying on your own intellect and ability?
Explain the circumstances and the outcome.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Question
8.</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> See Proverbs 3:5–7.
For more discussion, how should we draw the balance between acting on the
wisdom God gave us and trusting him to lead? Ask your group for any personal
experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>9. </b>In what
ways can we ignore the false messages around us and think more like God?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Prayer</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Father, too
often the lies of the world drown out your voice. Give us ears to hear you and
hearts willing to obey. Help us to stand against the pressure to seek success
and power. Give us the strength to choose the timeless truths of your Word over
the fleeting promises of the world. And Father, confirm only those thoughts and
plans that conform to your will.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Journaling<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Take a few
moments to record your personal insights from this lesson.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In light of this passage, how can I make better decisions?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Additional
Questions</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>10. </b>Why is
it important to recognize the limits of human wisdom?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>11. </b>In what
ways can you determine if an idea or plan is based on worldly thinking or
biblical teaching?<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>12. </b>List
some benefits of living according to God's wisdom instead of human wisdom.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">For more Bible
passages on the limits of human wisdom, see Proverbs 3:5, 7; Ecclesiastes
1:12–18; 2:16; Jeremiah 9:23–24; Ezekiel 28:2–7; Matthew 11:25; 1 Corinthians
3:19, 20. To complete the book of 1
Corinthians during this twelve-part study, read 1 Corinthians 1:1–31.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</div><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/17038/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20LESSONS/The%20Book%20of%201Corinthians/Lesson%20%231%20Human%20Wisdom.doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><sup><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></sup></sup></a>
Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/ntbec?ref=Bible.1Co1.27-29&off=330&ctx=antee+eternal+life.%0a~The+message+and+mira"><i><span style="color: blue;">The Bible
exposition commentary</span></i></a> (Vol. 1, pp. 571–572). Wheaton, IL: Victor
Books.<span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div><p>
</p><div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/17038/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20LESSONS/The%20Book%20of%201Corinthians/Lesson%20%231%20Human%20Wisdom.doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[2]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
MacDonald, W. (1995). <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.1Co1.18&off=76&ctx=o+are+perishing.+As+~Barnes+so+aptly+stat"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a>. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1749).
Nashville: Thomas Nelson.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
<div style="mso-element: endnote-list;"><!--[if !supportEndnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="edn1" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<p class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/17038/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20LESSONS/The%20Book%20of%201Corinthians/Lesson%20%231%20Human%20Wisdom.doc#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">IVP Bible
Background Commentary: New Testament by Craig S. Keener Copyright © 1993 by
Craig S. Keener. Published by InterVarsity Press</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNg8qCrIGXU/YPxoc5-NgSI/AAAAAAAA2DU/kpwMLd-vjvcYjCUNuAqM6McxnQYJ0Fe1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s3300/Foolishness%2Bof%2BWisdom%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNg8qCrIGXU/YPxoc5-NgSI/AAAAAAAA2DU/kpwMLd-vjvcYjCUNuAqM6McxnQYJ0Fe1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Foolishness%2Bof%2BWisdom%2B2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Wayne McCrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05937990636878211567noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1575484142487336556.post-84200705819519016182021-06-14T13:53:00.000-04:002021-06-14T13:53:54.463-04:00An Introduction to 1 Corinthians <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXDmPWtCJk0/YMeWttTeg5I/AAAAAAAA2Bc/oB2qV4JRiWUYIgHIp7wotDBmjBHLuB6IwCLcBGAsYHQ/s3300/1%2BCor%2BIntro%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXDmPWtCJk0/YMeWttTeg5I/AAAAAAAA2Bc/oB2qV4JRiWUYIgHIp7wotDBmjBHLuB6IwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/1%2BCor%2BIntro%2B3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Introduction:</span></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“… the rude, the crude, and the lewd!”</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The radio preacher's terminology was
startling. He was describing the content of many modern films and forms of
entertainment. He stressed how today's movies, TV programs, music videos, and
records are negatively impacting children, families, and the moral fabric of
this country.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“By the time the average youth reaches age
sixteen,” the preacher said, “he or she will have seen more than 200,000 acts
of violence and 33,000 murders. Movies are reviewed and rated by the degree of
socially offensive language, excessive violence, and/or graphic nudity. TV
‘soap operas’—both in the daytime and evening prime time—are admittedly seeing
‘just how far we can push it.’ ”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The radio preacher repeated his startling
comment: “We are living in a land of the rude, the crude, and the lewd!”
(Source Unknown)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Bible Reading</span></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Read: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">1Corinthians 1:1-17.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">QUOTE: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“To begin with, the church at Corinth was a <u>defiled</u> church. Some
of its members were guilty of sexual immorality, others got drunk; still others
were using the grace of God to excuse worldly living. It was also a <u>divided</u>
church, with at least four different groups competing for leadership (1 Cor
1:12). This meant it was a <u>disgraced</u> church. Instead of glorifying God,
it was hindering the progress of the Gospel.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">How did this happen? The members of the church permitted the sins
of the city to get into the local assembly. Corinth was a <u>polluted</u> city,
filled with every kind of vice and worldly pleasure. About the lowest
accusation you could make against a man in that day would be to call him
"a Corinthians." People would know what you were talking about.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Corinth was also a <u>proud</u>, <u>philosophical</u> city, with
many itinerant teachers promoting their speculations. Unfortunately, this
philosophical approach was applied to the Gospel by some members of the church,
and this fostered division. The congregation was made up of different
"schools of thought" instead of being united behind the Gospel
message.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If you want to know what Corinth was like, read Rom 1:18-32. Paul
wrote the Roman epistle while in Corinth, and he could have looked out the
window and seen the very sins that he listed!<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of course, when you have proud people, depending on human wisdom,
adopting the lifestyle of the world, you are going to have problems. In order
to help them solve their problems, Paul opened his letter by reminding them of
their calling in Christ.”</span></i><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— (from The Bible
Exposition Commentary).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Discovery<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Explore the Bible reading by
discussing these questions.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .1in .6in 1.1in 1.6in 2.1in 2.6in 3.1in 3.6in 4.1in 4.6in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Corinthian Context</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In the third millennium since the
birth of the Christian era, modern society is not unlike the sensual society
and pagan culture the apostle Paul found in ancient Corinth. The practical need
for spiritual purity and power to overcome “the world, the flesh, and the
devil” is equally evident then and now. As a wealthy commercial center and port
city on the southern tip of Greece, Corinth was known for its great temple of
Aphrodite (the Greek goddess of love), with its 1,000 ritual
priestess-prostitutes. The immoral conditions of Corinth are vividly seen in
the fact that the Greek term <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Korinthiazomai</i>
(literally, “to act the Corinthian”) came to mean “to practice fornication.”
Corinth was noted for its carnality.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that setting, the apostle Paul had planted
a church during his second missionary journey (</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Acts 18:1–17</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">). What were the names of the husband-and-wife team he met in
Corinth? (v. 2) This would be Aquila & Priscilla.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did he stay with them? (v. 3)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They were all tent makers–the
“same craft.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was the theme of his message to the
Jews? (v. 5)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The theme of the message to the
Jews was “that Jesus was Christ.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was his witness successful in the synagogue?
Why? (v. 6)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">No, it was not well received
among the Jews.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What significant new strategy did Paul
announce to the Jews? (v. 6)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He declared that he would preach
the Gospel to the Gentiles.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .1in .6in 1.1in 1.6in 2.1in 2.6in 3.1in 3.6in 4.1in 4.6in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">II. The Corinthian Correspondence</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It was probably about five years
later, approximately <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">a.d.</span> 55,
during Paul's three-year ministry in Ephesus on his third missionary journey,
that he wrote the epistle known today as 1 Corinthians. In it Paul responded to
disturbing reports and questions about life in this problematic congregation.
He had received reports of sectarian divisions and moral disorders within the
church. Additionally, a delegation had arrived from Corinth, and (or with) a
letter seeking his advice on various difficulties and critical issues in the
spiritually gifted but morally weak congregation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This first correspondence
consists of Paul's response to problems related to ten separate issues: a
sectarian spirit, incest, lawsuits, fornication, marriage and divorce, eating
food offered to idols, wearing of the veil, the Lord's Supper, spiritual gifts,
and the resurrection of the human body. With each problem Paul pointed to
spiritual solutions. He wanted the Corinthians to learn the calling of the
saints, the fellowship of Jesus Christ, and the unity of a spiritual church (1Cor.
1:2, 9, 10).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .1in .6in 1.1in 1.6in 2.1in 2.6in 3.1in 3.6in 4.1in 4.6in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">III. Contemporary Conclusions</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Corinth was a first-century
church with many problems: sectarianism, spiritual immaturity, church
discipline, immoral practices, the roles of the sexes, and the proper use of
spiritual gifts. Where these same problems exist in the modern church, the
remedies are the same. Studying the godly guidelines and applying the practical
insights revealed in this epistle will establish devoted disciples and heal the
problems of contemporary churches that may exist—as Corinth—in a “ … land of
the rude, the crude, and the lewd.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><i><b>Study</b></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Let’s probe the depths of the
thoughts and terms of Paul's introduction in his first epistle to the
Corinthians (</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1:1–17</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">):</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did Paul describe
himself at the beginning of this Corinthian letter? (1Cor. 1:1)</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was this common in Paul's
correspondence? (Check the opening verses of some of Paul's other epistles.)
Why?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give the primary meaning the
word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">apostle</i>:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Paul's claim of apostolic
authority was based on two significant factors. Review the following scriptures
and then list those factors: (</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Acts 9:1–6, 15; 26:15–18; 1 Cor. 15:3–8; 1 Tim. 2:7</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">2. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Paul</b> was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">called to be an
apostle of Jesus Christ</b> on the Damascus road. This call did not come from
or through men, but directly from the Lord Jesus. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">An apostle</b> is literally “a sent one.” The first apostles were
witnesses of Christ in resurrection. They also could perform miracles to
confirm that the message they preached was divine.<a href="file:///C:/Users/17038/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20LESSONS/The%20Book%20of%201Corinthians/Lesson%20%230%20Introduction.doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[a]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">3. “Called,” Paul was given a
special calling from God to preach about Jesus Christ. Each Christian has a job
to do, a role to take, or a contribution to make. One assignment may seem more
spectacular than another, but all are necessary to carry out God's greater
plans for his church and for his world (1Cor. 12:12-27). Be available to God by
placing your gifts at his service. Then as you discover what he calls you to
do, be ready to do it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did Peter classify Paul's
writings? (</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">2 Pet.
3:14–16</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did that validate Paul's
claim of apostolic authority?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AwtFjqu36A/YMeW53nbX7I/AAAAAAAA2Bg/jyi_N36tFnAtF_1M_NSNIuxxgRPst1aHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s3300/1%2BCor%2BIntro%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AwtFjqu36A/YMeW53nbX7I/AAAAAAAA2Bg/jyi_N36tFnAtF_1M_NSNIuxxgRPst1aHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/1%2BCor%2BIntro%2B2.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What kind of people were
in the church at Corinth? (1Cor. 1:2)</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did Paul describe them in
his greeting? (1Cor. 1:2, 3)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The word church means “a
called-out people or assembly.” Each church has two addresses: a geographic
address ("at Corinth") and a spiritual address ("in Christ
Jesus").<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>B. FROM GOD TO US <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As we read the opening words of
Paul's letter, we may wonder: How do these ancient words apply today? We are
distanced from the original readers by time, space, culture, and language. But
we do share five striking similarities with the Corinthian Christians:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are people equally needing God's truthful
instruction.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live in a similar aggressively pluralistic
society that denies absolutes and makes personal rights absolute.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This claim to personal rights challenges the
lordship of Jesus Christ within the church today, even as it did then.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ancient philosophy that might and money
make right continues to divide churches and destroy people's lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The resurrection of Jesus Christ remains the
solid fact upon which our faith rests. To some, it will always be a stumbling
block. So, in spite of the obvious differences between ourselves and the
Corinthians, the points of similarity make it crucial that we read this letter
as God's Word for our day. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Define the words “sanctified”
and “saints.” (1Cor. 1:2, 3)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The churches are made up of
saints, that is, people who have been or "set apart" by God. A saint
is not a dead person who has been honored by men because of his or her holy
life. No, Paul wrote to living saints, people who, through faith in Jesus
Christ had been set apart for God's special enjoyment and use.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In other words, every true
believer is a saint because every true believer has been set apart by God and
for God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Does Paul's use of the term “saint” imply perfection or potential? (</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Rom. 1:17; 2 Thess. 1:10–12</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jude 3</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>E.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What qualities and characteristics of life
should be seen in people who are “sanctified saints”? (</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 Thess. 4:1–8.)</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A Christian photographer told
about a lovely wedding that he "covered." The bride and groom came
out of the church, heading for the limousine, when the bride suddenly left her
husband and ran to a car parked across the street! The motor was running and a
man was at the wheel, and off they drove, leaving the bridegroom speechless.
The driver of the "get-away car" turned out to be an old boyfriend of
the bride, a man who had boasted that "he could get her anytime he wanted
her." Needless to say, the husband had the marriage annulled.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When a man and woman pledge their
love to each other, they are set apart for each other; and any other
relationship outside of marriage is sinful. Just so, the Christian belongs
completely to Jesus Christ he is set apart for Him and Him alone. But he is
also a part of his local fellowship, the church (1 Cor 1:2). A defiled and
unfaithful believer not only sins against the Lord, but he also sins against
his fellow Christians.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did Paul thank God
for in the lives and experiences of the Corinthian believers? (1Cor. 1:4-7)</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In this letter, Paul would include strong words to the Corinthians, but
he began on a positive note of thanksgiving. Paul affirmed their privilege of
belonging to the Lord. Paul gave thanks to . . . God for the Corinthian
believers because only by the grace of God can anyone come to believe and be
accepted into God's family. That grace has been made available only in Christ
Jesus -- which is the essence of the gospel message. Paul usually would begin
his letters with a word of thanks for the believers to whom he was writing
(see, for example, Rom 1:8; Phil 1:3-7; Col 1:3-8).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">THANKSGIVING <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Paul thanked God for the
Corinthian believers. During the Thanksgiving holiday, we focus on our
blessings and express our gratitude to God for them. But thanks should be
expressed every day. We can never say thank you enough to parents, friends,
leaders, and especially to God. When thanksgiving becomes an integral part of
your life, you will find that your attitude toward life will change. You will
become more positive, gracious, loving, and humble. Whom do you need to thank
today? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In what ways had they been
“enriched?” (1Cor. 1:5–7)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Enriched by God's grace (vv.
4-6). Salvation is a gracious gift from God, but when you are saved, you are
also given spiritual gifts. (Paul explained this in detail in 1 Cor. 12-14.)
The word<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"enriched" refers,
"a very wealthy person." The Corinthians were especially rich in
spiritual gifts (2 Cor. 8:7), but were not using these gifts in a spiritual
manner. The fact that God has called us, set us apart, and enriched us ought to
encourage us to live holy lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Expecting Jesus to return (v.
7). Paul will have a great deal to say about this truth in 1 Cor. 15.
Christians who are looking for their Saviour will want to keep their lives above
reproach (1 John 2:28-3:3).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in; text-indent: 0.15in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul's confidence that
they would be declared “blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” was
based on what?</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b> (1Cor.
1:1:8, 9)</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It Depends on God's
Faithfulness (1Cor. 1:8-9). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The work of God was confirmed in them (1 Cor 1:6), but it was also
confirmed to them in the Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is a legal term that refers to the guarantee that settles a
transaction. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have the witness of the Spirit within us and the witness of the Word
before us, guaranteeing that God will keep His <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"contract"</i> with us and save us to the very end. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This guarantee is certainly not an excuse for sin! Rather, it is the
basis for a growing relationship of love, trust, and obedience.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Now, in the light of these great
truths, how could the people in the Corinthian assembly get involved in the
sins of the world and the flesh? They were an elect people, an enriched people,
and an established people. They were saints, set apart for the glory of God!
Alas, their practice was not in accord with their position.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It Depends on the Finished
Work of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Before tackling the problems,
Paul described his hope for the Corinthians. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He guaranteed those believers that God would consider them </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"blameless"</span></i></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> when Christ returns (</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1 Thess. 4:13-18; Heb 9:28</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This guarantee was not because of their great gifts or their shining
performance, but because of what Jesus Christ accomplished for them through his
death and resurrection. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All who believe in the Lord Jesus will be considered </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"blameless"</span></i></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> when Jesus Christ returns (see
also </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1 Thess 3:13; 2
Thess. 1:6-10</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today's struggles, difficulties, and failures don't tell the whole
story. Keep the big picture in mind. If you have faith in Christ, even if it is
weak, you are and will be saved. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should thank God that He is
faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He will </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“confirm</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> [guarantee]</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> you to the end”</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1:8</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">)!
And thank His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, for His fellowship, grace, and
peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What areas of fellowship
did Paul emphasize to create unity in the church? (1Cor. 1:9-17)</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When Paul mentioned the word </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“fellowship”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> in </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1 Cor. 1:9</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, he introduced a second aspect
of the Christian's calling.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believers are Called into
Fellowship (</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1 Cor.
1:10-25</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">). Having
mentioned the problem of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">defilement</i>
in the church, now Paul turned to the matter of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">division</i> in the church. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Division has always been a problem among God's people, and almost every
New Testament epistle deals with this topic or mentions it in one way or
another. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even the 12 Apostles did not always get along with each other.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1 Cor. 1:13</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, Paul asked his readers three
important questions, and these three questions are the key to this long
paragraph.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Is Christ divided?”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> (vv. </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">10-13 a</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">) The verb means, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Has Christ been divided and different
parts handed out to different people?"</i> The very idea is grotesque and
must be rejected. Paul did not preach one Christ, Apollos another, and Peter
another. There is but one Saviour and one Gospel (</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Gal 1:6-9</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How, then,
did the Corinthians create this four-way division?</i> Why were there quarrels
(</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“contentions”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">) among them?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One answer is that they were looking at the
Gospel from a philosophical point of view. Corinth was a city filled with
teachers and philosophers, all of whom wanted to share their<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> “wisdom.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another answer is that human nature enjoys
following human leaders. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— We tend to identify
more with spiritual leaders who help us and whose ministry we understand and
enjoy. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— Instead of emphasizing
the message of the Word, the Corinthians emphasized the messenger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— They got their eyes
off the Lord and on the Lord's servants, and this led to competition.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul will point out in </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1 Cor 3</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> that there can be no competition
among true servants of God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— It is sinful for
church members to compare pastors, or for believers to follow human leaders as
disciples of men and not disciples of Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“personality cults”</i> in the churches
today are in direct disobedience to the Word of God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>E.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only Jesus Christ should have the place of
preeminence (</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Col 1:18</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>F.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When such divisions grip a church it is time for a TIME-OUT!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like a frustrated coach watching his team
bicker on the court, Paul called for a time-out. He saw the danger of divisions
and arguments. The Corinthian believers' lack of unity was obvious. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They may have been playing in the same <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"uniform,"</i> but they were doing
as much as the opposition to bring about their own defeat. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problems weren't so much differences of
opinion as divided allegiances. They were arguing over which position on the
team was most important in a way that made them ineffective as a unit. They
were on the field, but out of the game.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Divisions between Christians work like brick
walls and barbed-wire fences to undermine the effectiveness of the message that
believers are to proclaim. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Focus on your coach, Jesus Christ, and the
purpose he has for you. Strive for harmony. Keep arguments about allegiances
off the team.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Paul used several key words in this section to emphasize the unity of
the saints in Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He called his readers </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“brethren,”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> reminding them that they
belonged to one family. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The phrase </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“perfectly joined together”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> is a medical term that describes
the unity of the human body knit together. So, they had a loving union as
members of the body. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were also identified by </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”</span></i></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. This was probably a reference
to the Person of Christ and all that He has done for believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Corinthians were exalting the names of
men instead of Christ which could only lead to division.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must avoid developing Christian FAN CLUBS.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Paul wondered whether the
Corinthians' quarrels had </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"divided"</span></i></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Christ. This is a graphic picture of what happens when the
local church (the body of Christ) is divided. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— With so many churches
and styles of worship available today, believers can get caught up in the same
game of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"my preacher is better than
yours!"</i> They follow personalities and even change churches based on
who is popular. To act this way is to divide Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>— But Christ is not
divided, and his true followers should not allow anything to divide their
church. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>E.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't let your appreciation for any teacher,
preacher, speaker, or writer lead you into intellectual pride. Believers'
allegiance must be to Christ and to the unity that he desires. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We do not know who the people were who belonged to </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"the house of Chloe,"</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> but we commend them for their
courage and devotion. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did not try to hide the problems. They
were burdened about them; they went to the right person with them, and they
were not afraid to be mentioned by Paul. This was not the kind of "cloak
and dagger" affair that we often see in churches - activities that usually
make the problem worse and not better.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Paul was the minister who founded the church, so most of the members
would have been converted through his ministry. Apollos followed Paul (</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Acts 18:24-28</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">) and had an effective ministry.
We have no record that Peter (Cephas) ever visited Corinth, unless </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1 Cor 9:5</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> records it Each of these men had
a different personality and a different approach to the ministry of the Word;
yet they were one (</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1
Cor 3:3-8; 4:6</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Were you baptized in the name of Paul? (1Cor. 1:13b-17) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep in mind that baptism was an important
matter in the New Testament church. When a sinner trusted Christ and was
baptized, he cut himself off from his old life and often was rejected by his
family and friends. It cost something to be baptized in that day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as Jesus did not baptize people (</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">John 4:1-2</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">), so both Peter (</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Acts 10:48</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">) and Paul allowed their
associates to baptize the new converts. Until the church grew in Corinth, Paul
did some of the baptizing, but that was not his main ministry. In this section,
Paul was not minimizing baptism, but rather was putting it into its proper
perspective, because the Corinthians were making too much of it "I was
baptized by Apollos!" one would boast, while another would say, "Oh,
but I was baptized by Paul!"<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is wrong to identify any man's name with
your baptism other than the name of Jesus Christ. To do so is to create
division. I have read accounts about people who had to be baptized by a certain
preacher, using special water (usually from the Jordan River), on a special
day, as though these are the matters that are important! Instead of honoring
the Lord Jesus Christ and promoting the unity of the church, these people exalt
men and create disunity.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crispus had been the ruler of the synagogue
in Corinth (</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Acts 18:8</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">); and Gaius was probably the man
Paul lived with when he wrote Romans (</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Rom 16:23</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">). </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"The
household of Stephanas"</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> (</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1 Cor
1:16</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">) is probably
described in part in 1 Cor 16:15-18. Apparently Paul did not carry with him a
record of the names of all the people he baptized. It was sufficient that they
were written in God's book. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>E.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Christian servant should not have to
choose between STYLE AND SUBSTANCE. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Some speakers use impressive
words, but they are weak on content. Some preachers make the Bible marginal in
their sermons in order to hold people's attention. Even Bible studies give less
focus to the Bible than they do to fellowship. Paul stressed solid content and
practical help for his listeners. He wanted them to be impressed with his
message, not just his style (see </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">2:1-5</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">).
You don't need to be a great speaker with a large vocabulary to share the
gospel effectively. The persuasive power is in the story, not the storyteller.
Paul was not against those who carefully prepare what they say (see </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">2:6</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">), but against those who try to impress others only with
their own knowledge or speaking ability. Make Christ the center of your
preaching, teaching and witnessing rather than trying to be impressive.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In the latter part of verse 17,
Paul is making an easy transition to the verses that follow. He did not preach
the gospel by using wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of
no effect. He knew that if men were impressed by his oratory or rhetoric, then
to that extent he had defeated himself in his efforts to set forth the true
meaning of the cross of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It will help us to understand the
section that follows if we remember that the Corinthians, being Greeks, were
great lovers of human wisdom. They regarded their philosophers as national
heroes. Some of this spirit had apparently crept into the assembly at Corinth.
There were those who desired to make the gospel more acceptable to the
intelligentsia. They did not feel that it had status among scholars, and so
they wanted to intellectualize the message. This worship of intellectualism was
apparently one of the issues that was causing the people to form parties around
human leaders. Efforts to make the gospel more acceptable are completely
misguided. There is a vast difference between God’s wisdom and man’s, and there
is no use trying to reconcile them.<a href="file:///C:/Users/17038/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20LESSONS/The%20Book%20of%201Corinthians/Lesson%20%230%20Introduction.doc#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[b]</span></sup></span></sup></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">CONCLUSION:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">An Indian was walking up a
mountain when he heard a voice.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Carry me with you,” it
requested.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Indian turned and saw a
snake. He refused. “If I carry you up the mountain you will bite me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“I wouldn't do that,” the snake
assured. “All I need is some help. I am slow and you are fast; please be kind
and carry me to the top of the mountain.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It was against his better
judgment, but the Indian agreed. He picked up the snake, put him in his shirt,
and resumed the journey. When they reached the top, he reached in his shirt to
remove the snake and got bit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He fell to the ground, and the
snake slithered away.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“You lied!” the Indian cried.
“You said you wouldn't bite me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The snake stopped and looked
back, “I didn't lie. You knew who I was when you picked me up.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We hear the legend and shake our
heads. He should have known better, we bemoan. And we are right. He should
have. And so should we. But don't we do the same? Don't we believe the lies of
the snake? Don't we pick up what we should leave alone?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Corinthian Christians did.
One snake after another had hissed lies in their ears, and they had believed
it. How many lies did they believe?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">How much time do you have?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The list is long and ugly:
sectarianism, disunity, sexual immorality. And that is only the first six
chapters.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But First Corinthians is more
than a list of sins, it is an epistle of patience. Paul initiates the letter by
calling these Christians “brothers.” He could have called them heretics or
hypocrites or skirt-chasers (and in so many words he does), but not before he
calls them brothers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He patiently teaches them about
worship, unity, the role of women, and the Lord's Supper. He writes as if he
can see them face to face. He is disturbed but not despondent. Angry but not
desperate. His driving passion is love. And his treatise on love in chapter 13
remains the greatest essay ever penned.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 0in .25in .75in 1.25in 1.75in 2.25in 2.75in 3.25in 3.75in 4.25in 4.75in 5.25in; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The letter, however personal, is
not just for Corinth. It is for all who have heard the whisper and felt the
fangs. We, like the Indian, should have known better. We, like the Corinthians,
sometimes need a second chance. (Max Lucado) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/17038/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20LESSONS/The%20Book%20of%201Corinthians/Lesson%20%230%20Introduction.doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[a]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
MacDonald, W. (1995). <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.1Co1.1&off=4&ctx=utation+(1%3a1%E2%80%933)%0a1%3a1+~Paul+was+called+to+b"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a>. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (pp.
1746–1747). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/17038/Documents/A%20PREACHER'S%20PULPIT/MY%20LESSONS/The%20Book%20of%201Corinthians/Lesson%20%230%20Introduction.doc#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[b]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
MacDonald, W. (1995). <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/blvrcomm?ref=Bible.1Co1.17&off=639&ctx=+idea+is+untenable.%0a~In+the+latter+part+o"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments</span></i></a>. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1749).
Nashville: Thomas Nelson.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
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