Prayer is Conversational

“Conversing With God”

Dan. 9:1-23

THEME: Regularly Engage in Two-Way Communication With the Lord in order to Build an Ever Deepening Fellowship With Him.

RELEVANCE:

The Scriptures are the supreme source of insight on prayer and talking with God. It is the source from which we receive new insights and eternal wisdom regarding our prayer ministry. God is a Divine Person and we must never forget he offers us a personal relationship to enjoy and maintain.  Intimate associations grow, prosper, and are strengthened through wholesome self-disclosing communication—prayer.  Victory or defeat is decided in your Christian life on the battleground of your daily walk with the Lord.

INTRODUCTION:

Communication is a two-way process. Simply sending a message is not communication. Communication requires that two parties respond to each other. Each party gives and receives messages and, in turn, provides feedback. In other words:

            *A statement is made, and a specific response is provided.

            *A question is asked, and an answer is given.

            *Feelings are expressed, and feelings are perceived in return.

 True Communication with God Is Not Talking to God, but Talking with God. We do not communicate if we voice a petition to God, but do not wait for His answer. We do not communicate if we express our desires to God, but do not hear what His desires are for us. We do not communicate if we vent our anger, frustration, doubts, fears, or joys to God, but do not listen intently for His response.  Prayer is speaking to and listening to God. It is an active process involving two communicators: God and you. 

Daniel’s prayers illustrate and model two-way communication with God.   

 MESSAGE:  

I.               PRAYER IS TO BE CONVERSATIONAL (Dialogue) (Dan. 9:2-4, 17-23)

From time to time, God may give us a directive or speak a command to us from His Word. Indeed, God speaks when He wills to speak, and it is our responsibility to listen and obey. We can also voice to God our heartfelt cries of anguish, sorrow, pain, or give vent to our ecstatic joy. At these times we are talking to God or He is talking to us. This is expression, which is valuable, but it is not the most beneficial form of communication in a relationship.

Daniel’s experience is illustrative of wholesome dialogue between God and himself.   First the Bible reading and meditation and then Daniel’s prayer over what he learned from the Scriptures as he appeals to God for additional insight (9:2-4).  God spoke through the Word and Daniel spoke through prayer.  Then after a period of intense prayer, Daniel receives a response from God via angelic emissary—Gabriel.  Daniel is literally conversing—verbally exchanging—with God and God with him.  This is a conversation!

1. COMMUNICATION THAT BUILDS RELATIONSHIPS IS DIALOGUE. (TWO-WAY)

Daniel was offering himself and his prayers at the time of the evening offering (see Ps. 141:1–2), and the Angel Gabriel came to give him his answer (Dan. 9:19-21).

1.     Daniel’s Prayer Involved Answers from God.   

a.      Questions. Daniel was concerned about Jerusalem, the holy mountain (v. 20).

                                                              i.     Would the city be restored? Would the temple be rebuilt?

                                                            ii.     Would the nation ever be redeemed from sin and would righteousness ever dwell on the earth?—Wiersbe, Warren W.

                                                          iii.     It is good to bring our questions to God and to seek His answers.

b.     Answers. God’s answer for Daniel was prompt. Gabriel had all the answers for Daniel, and we know them as the famous prophecy of the “seventy weeks” (9:24-27).

                                                              i.     Is there more to prayer then the good feeling we get inside after we have prayed? Should we really expect answers from God? Can we count on God to come through when we are in a time crunch?

1.     God hears prayer. Prayer is not merely pouring out our souls to God. It is talking with a great God who hears, is attentive, and sympathizes with our challenges. “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.  I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valley” (Isa 41:17-18a).

2.     God acts in response to prayer. Gabriel is sent by God, and Daniel receives new insight.  In spiritual matters, there is a real exertion of energy on God’s part in response to prayer. He is not a passive hearer of prayer. His answers are not mere echoes of sympathy. You know like, “There, there, I know how you feel.” No, God’s answers bring active and real assistance. “I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliever him, and honour him” (Ps 91:15).

3.     God answers prayer promptly. Daniel prays, “Defer not.” God does not carelessly delay. God’s answer is sent at the very “beginning” of the “supplication,” and Gabriel is “caused to fly swiftly” (9:21). God is too powerful to need to delay, and too merciful to be willing to delay.

                                                            ii.     If we do not receive the answers to our prayers quickly, it is not because God is slow, but because the timing of the blessing is one of the conditions for its usage. Still, the answer is dispatched immediately, and begins to unfold in God’s perfect timing. “Though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come” (Hab. 2:3).

c.      Conversation.  This is ‘prayer dialogue’—a two way conversation with God. 

                                                              i.     We can enjoy the equivalent of this when God speaks to us in prayer by reminding us of Scripture commands, encouragements, admonitions, and promises. 

                                                            ii.     Then there are those times when we wait before the Lord in a spirit of prayer and He speaks clear directives to our heart so that we know how to proceed and where to concentrate our energies and efforts.

d.     Influence.

                                                              i.     Such interaction with God is sure to influence our faith, fervor, commitment, loyalty, and usefulness to God.  It builds a more intimate fellowship with Jehovah!

                                                            ii.     Such interaction with God will certainly influence the world in which we live.

                                                          iii.     The man of prayer exerts a greater influence over national affairs than even crowned heads. “Prayer moves the hand that moves the world.” Daniel on his knees was a mightier man than Darius on his throne. Daniel was in the service of the King of kings; was admitted to the audience-chamber of the Most High; and received the announcements of the Divine will. Darius now mainly serves as a landmark on the course of time to indicate a date; Daniel is still the teacher and moulder of men.—The Pulpit Commentary; The Omnipotence Of Prayer

2.     Daniel’s Prayer Involved Meaningful Conversation.

Not merely talking at each other, but with each other! But, what makes prayer meaningful? How can we have a meaningful conversation with God?

a.      Sit Down for a Good Talk.  Isaiah 1:18, Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.  Genuine prayer has all of the qualities and characteristics of a deeply meaningful conversation between two people. God said to the prophet Isaiah, “Come now, and let us reason together” (Isa. 1:18). This image of God and man sitting down together for a good talk is one of the best images of prayer.

b.     Allow God’s Words to Encourage You. Dan. 9:2, 11-13

1.     The Word of God and Prayer Go Together.  Acts 6:4, But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

2.     The Word Should Direct the Prayer Life.

a.      The Comprehension of the Word (Dan. 9:2).  Daniel, a student of the OT prophecies (Jer. 25:1–14), was now nearly ninety years old. He knew his people would be in Babylon for seventy years.

                                                                                            i.     Note that God does not give his people “visions and dreams” when He can teach us through His Word. Today His Spirit teaches us through the Word. Beware of “new revelations” that are supposed to come from dreams and visions. The Word gave direction to his prayers.

                                                                                          ii.     Daniel realized that the seventy years of captivity were about to close. Babylon invaded and siege Palestine in 606 B.C., and Daniel understood the prophecies in the year 539–38 B.C.  There were but two years left in the seventy years! What an exciting time Daniel had in his Bible study that day!

b.     The Communication of His Prayer (Dan. 9:3).

                                                                                            i.     Daniel did not go out and boast about his insight into the Word; in fact, he did not even preach a sermon.

                                                                                          ii.     He went to his knees in prayer. This is the true attitude of the humble Bible student. It is sad to see “prophetic truth” making boasters instead of prayer warriors out of people.

                                                                                        iii.     Daniel’s prayer is one of the greatest examples of intercession in the Bible.

 

c.      Use God’s Promises When You Pray. 

1.     God is pleased to do His wise and wonderful will and we can participate in this as we pray His will and claim His promises (Matt 6:10).

a.      Why did Daniel pray for the prosperity of the desolate city of Jerusalem? Because God had promised not only to end the captivity, but also to take the Jews back to their land that they might rebuild their temple. See Jer. 29:10–14 and 30:10–24. In Isa. 44:28, God promised that Cyrus would permit the Jews to rebuild the city of Jerusalem.

b.     So, Daniel was laying hold of these great promises and turning them into believing prayers.  God answered his prayers!  He will answer ours when the Word directs our prayers and we claim the promises of God.

2.     Consider some wonderful promises afforded us for Christian living that should be used in our prayer ministry.

a.      Christ promised forgiveness to the sinful, rest to the weary (Matt. 11:28-29), security to the believer, “… him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37), comfort to the sad, hope to the dying, and life to the dead (Jn. 11:25-26).

b.     Another wonderful promise is that of eternal life: “He that hath the Son hath life …” (1 John 5:12).

c.      We are also promised (1) Freedom from sin’s dominion (Rom. 6:14). (2) Grace that is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9). (3) Power to obey His commands (Phil. 4:13). (4) Victory over the devil (Jas. 4:7). (5) Escape when tempted (1 Cor. 10:13). (6) Forgiveness when we confess our sins (1 Jn. 1:9)—and forgetfulness too (Jer. 31:34). (7) Response when we call—“I will deliver thee” (Ps. 50:15).

d.     Then we have the promises of inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-5) and the return of Christ (1 Peter 1:9, 13).

3.     Daniel’s Prayer Did Not Involve Sharing a Shopping List.

a.      Can you imagine living in a relationship with a person who made demands or requests, or stated opinion or facts, but never waited to hear what you had to say?

b.     Such a relationship would be very unfulfilling. You might establish a degree of protocol, courtesy and function with very little efficiency with that person, but the relationship would probably be very cold and unsatisfying to you.

c.      That is precisely the nature of many people’s prayer life. There is no heart to their communication with God, no real intimacy, and no deep fulfillment. There is little or no sense of connection with the divine Person!  For communication to be satisfying, it must involve a genuine dialogue, not a series of short monologues.

d.     What does God get out of spending time with you?  Your list of wants or your heart?

B.  COMMUNICATION THAT BUILDS RELATIONSHIPS IS DEEP. (Heartfelt)

Daniel 9:22-23, And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. [23] At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

1. Daniel’s Prayer Involved Heartfelt Concerns.
1. God’s Answers in Response to Our Concerns (9:22-23). Daniel was evidently concerned about God’s program and Israel’s future (Dan.9:2). Remember Jeremiah’s prophecy (Jer. 25:11-12) had revealed God’s plan for Israel.

                                                    i.     Daniel wanted to know what would transpire after Captivity. Daniel’s previous two visions (Dan. 7-8) dealt primarily with Gentile nations.

                                                  ii.     So Gabriel was dispatched by God to settle Daniel’s concerns and to reveal God’s program for His people in the covenant kingdom under Israel’s Messiah.

2. God Answers Prayer by Revealing His Plans.  He had already settled his purpose of Israel’s restoration. God often answers prayer in a different way from our expectation.

                                                    i.     Sometimes he opens our eyes to blessings already given, but not recognized. This is how God answered Hagar’s and young Ishmael’s need for water (Gen 21:19).

                                                  ii.     Sometimes he changes our desires, and inclines our hearts to rest in his will by showing us that it is better than our will (Ps. 37:4-5).

                                                iii.     The best prayer is that in which we seek to be in harmony with the will of God (Matt 26:39). “Not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

3. God Answers Out of Love for Us. Gabriel would give Daniel insight into God’s purposes for His people because the prophet was highly esteemed and “greatly beloved” (Dan. 10:11, 19) by God. 
4. God Answers Because We Have Learned to Pray Intimately.  That is we invite God into anything and everything as our Councilor for consideration and conversation.  We should be able to talk with Him about everything.

                                                    i.     Not just the major decisions, but we freely and frequently welcome God into small decision regarding our daily activities, schedule, trips, hobbies, pursuits, and interests. 

                                                  ii.     If it causes us concern we can talk to this trusted Friend about it. We are assured of His interest, the reliability of His counsel, his availability to us, and His meaningful help. 

 

2. Prayer is Meant to Be Deep Communication from the Heart.
1. Consider the Results. The end results of intentional dialogue can be wonderful. We know this to be true in our relationships with other people. When we have a deep and heartfelt conversation with another person, we very often come away from that experience saying, “I have a much better understanding of him and his problems, needs, and concerns,” “I have deeper feelings toward that person,” “I have a greater appreciation for who she is,” or “We have a stronger friendship.”
2. Cultivate the Relationship. The same is true when we communicate intentionally and conversationally with God. We know Him more intimately, understand Him better, feel more at home in His presence, find reasons to praise Him, have a deeper relationship with Him, we feel free to trust Him more implicitly, and our love for Him grows.

CONCLUSION:

The specifics of your prayer relationship with God are as distinctive as any other aspect of your life and your ability to communicate. God is eager to spend time with you and to develop a deep, intimate relationship with you that is marked by great joy and well-being. It is an experience to be pursued and a relationship to be valued beyond all others.

Trusting God Instead of Fears

Trusting God Instead of Fears

Psalm 62:1-2

Subject: Trusting God

Introduction:

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?

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.

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.

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.

Relevance: 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.

Message:

Psalm 62:1, Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.

“Truly” 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.

I.               Fears are the Basis for These Challenges.

A.    Fear. 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. (from Oxford Languages)

B.    Worry. 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)

C.    Anxiety. 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)

1.     Why do I feel the need to be in control?

2.     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)

D.    Uncertainty. Uncertainty encompasses something that is uncertain or that causes one to feel uncertain. It is suspicion expressing a lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone.

1.     It is 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)

2.     What brings uncertainty? 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)

E.     Insecurity. Insecurity is uncertainty or anxiety about oneself; it is lack of confidence. It is a vulnerability, the mindset of being open to danger or a threatening condition. Insecurity is a perceived lack of protection. (from Oxford Languages)

1.     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)

2.     The Lord called Gideon a “mighty man of valor” (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 “father of many nations” when he had no children. Sarah was called a “mother of nations” even though she “laughed” and mocked the Lord for being childless. (Based on Gen. 17 & 18 and Insight for Living)

3.     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 can conquer insecurity the same way we do any temptation rooted in our carnality and flesh. 1 Corinthians 10:13, There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

                                                                        i.     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!

                                                                      ii.     What is the prayer for 1 Corinthians 10:13? Father, 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.

II.           God Answers our Fears and Insecurities with Promises.

A.    What causes our insecurity? 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.

B.    What Does the Bible say when I’m feeling insecure? Some Supportive Verses against Fears and Insecurity….

1.     Ephesians 1:4-6. Remember who you are in the Lord, your spiritual identity. 

2.     Romans 8:31-32. 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.

3.     1 John 3:1. Take God’s view of yourself as a person he loves and calls His child.

a.      What is the love of the father? 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).

b.     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.

4.     1 John 4:18. 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.

5.     1 Corinthians 6:11. Take inventory of what you have in Christ as a person who is washed, sanctified, and justified.

6.     Matthew 10:29-31. Do not fear the circumstances because God values his people greatly. His involvement, power, control, meticulousness, and wisdom prove he highly values us.

7.     Psalm 139:13-14. 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.

III.        God Wants Us to Place our Faith in Him in the Most Unique and Complete Way.

A.    This Involves an Inner Trust. Psalm 62:1, says, “My soul waiteth upon God”….

1.     “My soul” 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.

2.     “Waiteth” points to rest or finding rest. It is a silent, still, repose of still waiting quietly on the Lord for deliverance.

a.      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.

b.     Why wait on the Lord? The Psalmist speaks of the longings of his soul when he says, “My soul waiteth upon God” (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.

c.      What is the power of waiting upon the Lord? 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 (Heb. 6:15; Ps. 37:9; Matt. 5:5). Trust him to renew spiritual strength, the strength to endure, stand and carry on.

B.    This Involves a Complete Trust. Again Psalm 62:1, says, “upon God”

1.     “God” in this verse is viewed as our Creator, Ruler, and Judge. This is not merely waiting on anyone or anything, but our unique Creator, Ruler, and Judge, Elohim alone and only (see also verse 2, 5, 6-8). 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!

2.     Then in Psalm 62:2, it says, “He only is my rock and my salvation” then verse 5, says, “my soul, wait thou only upon God.” Rest in God alone, because “my expectation” or hope “is from him” that is it comes from Him. God is our only true refuge!

3.     Compare verse 2, “I shall not be greatly moved” with verse 6, “I shall not be moved”, 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.

 Conclusion:

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!  

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.

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.

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. 

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.