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POWERFUL WORDS: “SALVATION”

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This entry is part 4 of 4 in the series Powerful Words

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THIS SERIES ON “POWERFUL WORDS” EXAMINES SOME IMPORTANT WORDS USED IN THE BIBLE WHICH PEOPLE DON’T UNDERSTAND ANYMORE.   EVEN MANY CHRISTIANS DON’T SEEM TO UNDERSTAND THEIR TRUE MEANING.

SALVATION

 

1. SAVED FROM WHAT ?

– FROM THE WRATH OF GOD. 

Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.  

    AND WHY IS GOD ANGRY ?  HE IS ANGRY AT PEOPLE WHO WILL NOT RESPOND TO HIS OFFER OF A FREELY GIVEN FORGIVENESS AND A CLEAN GARMENT WASHED BY HIS LOVE.    

Luke 14:21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.

   NEED TO BE SAVED FROM THE JUDGMENT BY GOD UP AHEAD.

       SOME JUDGMENTS OCCUR ON EARTH.  SOME CALL IT KARMA.  

1 Timothy 5:24  Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. 

      –EVEN NATIONS WILL BE JUDGED ON EARTH.  BUT, THAT DOES NOT AVOID THE GREATER JUDGMENT TO COME.   ISRAEL AND EVERY NATION HAS BEEN JUDGED BY GOD AT SOME TIME FOR DISOBEYING HIS CLEAR LAWS.  

2 Chronicles 34:21 Go, enquire of the LORD for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book.

    –PERHAPS THE MOST NOTABLE EVENT WAS WHEN GOD JUDGED THE ENTIRE EARTH IN THE DAYS OF NOAH.  THIS IS NOT SOMETHING WHICH IS FOLKLORE.  IT IS SOMETHING PROVEN BY MAN’S SCIENCE THAT HAS FINALLY  MADE ITS WAY FROM INSISTING THAT THE EARTH WAS FLAT TO FINALLY ACCEPTING THE BIBLE’S TEACHING OF A ROUND EARTH, AND THAT CONTINENTS WERE ONCE ONE GIANT CONTINENT THAT WAS BROKEN APART.

 Genesis 6:7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

 

Genesis 6:13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

 

Genesis 19:13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.

 

       ALL PEOPLE WILL BE JUDGED AFTER THEY LEAVE THIS EARTH. 

Hebrews 9:27  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

 

 

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

 

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

 

  IS THERE ANY REASON TO BELIEVE IN DIVINE JUDGMENT ?  SINCE THERE IS JUDGMENT NOW, WHY NOT A FINAL JUDGMENT OF A PERSON’S LIFE LATER ? 

 Hebrews 10:26-27  For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

 THERE ARE NATURAL EVENTS WHICH REVEAL THAT DIVINE JUDGMENT IS A REALITY.  IT IS KNOWN AS “CAUSE AND EFFECT.”   IF YOU CONSTANTLY POLLUTE THE WATER, THERE ARE NATURAL CONSEQUENCES.   IF YOU TAKE TOO MANY PIECES OF PIE AFTER DINNER, THERE ARE NATURAL CONSEQUENCES.  ALL NATURE BEARS WITNESS TO THIS PRINCIPLE.  

BUT, IT GOES FURTHER THAN THAT.  IT SPEAKS OF OUR LIVES.   WHAT IF WE DO THINGS WHICH GO AGAINST THE ORDER WHICH GOD ESTABLISHED ?  THERE WILL BE CONSEQUENCES.   GOD WILL BRING THOSE TO PASS AFTER YOUR LIFE HERE. 

Hebrews 10:26-27  For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

 MEN WILL NOT HAVE A CHANCE TO ESCAPE JUDGMENT BECAUSE THEY ARE BROUGHT TO IT BY THE ANGELS.   

Matthew 13:40-43  As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.  The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;  And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.  Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

 

IS THERE ANY REASON TO BELIEVE THAT A LOVING GOD WOULD SEND PEOPLE TO HELL ?

 

GOD REVEALS WHAT HE WILL DO.  WHO BETTER TO BELIEVE THAN  GOD HIMSELF ?  

Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

    –JESUS OFTEN WARNED ABOUT COMING JUDGMENT.   

John 5:28-29  Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,  And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

  

IS THERE ANY REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THERE IS LIFE AFTER DEATH, AND THAT THERE IS A LITERAL HEAVEN WHERE PEOPLE CAN GO ?

 

  ***WE NEED PEOPLE WHO HAVE PERSONALLY EXPERIENCED THIS TO BE WITNESSES OF IT.

  • JESUS TESTIFIED OF IT.  TODAY, THERE ARE COUNTLESS EYEWITNESSES OF BOTH HEAVEN AND HELL BECAUSE PEOPLE WERE BROUGHT BACK THROUGH CPR FROM BOTH OF THOSE PLACES !

  JESUS TAUGHT BY CITING ACCOUNTS OF WHAT HAPPENED TO REAL PEOPLE. 

Luke 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

 

Luke 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

  •      –JESUS SPEAKS OF JUDGMENT OVER THE BEHAVIOR OF A PERSON. 

Matthew 25:41-43  Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:  For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:  I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

 

2. EVIDENCE OF THE NEED FOR SALVATION.

EVERYONE HAS DONE WRONG AT SOME POINT.  THE BIBLE EXPLAINS THIS.  

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

EVEN THE BEST OF PEOPLE HAVE COMMITTED SIN.  

—DAVID. CONSIDERED TO BE A SAVED, RIGHTEOUS MAN, DESCRIBED AS “A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART…” EVEN HE SINNED AND KNEW THAT HE DID.  .

2 Samuel 12:13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.   

 

2 Samuel 24:17 And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father’s house.

–THE CONDITION OF SIN HAS AFFECTED ALL PEOPLE. 

Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

 –WE ARE ALL CONSIDERED BY GOD TO BE SINNERS.   AND OUR SINS BEGIN EARLY. 

Psalms 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

ANY REMAINING CONSCIENCE THAT A PERSON HAS TESTIFIES THAT THEY HAVE SINNED. 

Romans 2:15  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;)

WE ALL KNOW OF THINGS THAT IF WE HAD TO DO THEM OVER, WE WOULD.  WHAT IS THAT ?   A KNOWLEDGE THAT WE SHOULD HAVE DONE GOOD AND DIDN’T.   OUR OWN CONSCIENCE TELLS THAT WE COULD HAVE DONE GOOD AND BLEW IT. 

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

 

1 John 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

 

WHY WOULD GOD SEND HIS SON TO SUFFER AND DIE IF EVERYONE WAS GOING TO BE BETTER OFF AFTER THEY DIED ?

    –FACT: THEY WOULD NOT BE BETTER OFF !  WITHOUT THE PAYMENT FOR SINS, WE ALL ARE DOOMED TO HELL !  THEREFORE, WE ALL NEED SALVATION !   HOW DOES IT COME ?

  • BIBLICAL SALVATION MEANS THAT THERE ARE NO MORE SINS APPLIED TO US.
  •  THEY HAVE BEEN COVERED BY CHRIST. (“ATONEMENT” MEANS “COVERING”)  

Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

  •   THEY HAVE BEEN TAKEN AWAY BY CHRIST. 

1 Corinthians 6:11 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.

  •  THEY HAVE BEEN JUSTIFIED BY CHRIST. 

Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

  •   YOU HAVE BEEN REDEEMED OUT OF THE HAND OF SATAN, AND BORN INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD. 

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

 JESUS CAME TO SAVE US FROM OUR SINS AND PROVIDE TRUE SALVATION !

Matthew 18:11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.  

 

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

 

“POWERFUL WORDS: ‘SALVATION’ ”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
020716 & 021017

 

PURSUING THE PRESENCE OF GOD

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“THE PASSIONATE PURSUIT OF GOD’S PRESENCE” — In the mission statement of a church.

WHY ? — IF WE LOVE HIM, WE WANT MORE OF HIM.  HOW MANY SEEK HIM MORE ?

HOW ?  Prayer.  Study.  Walking.  Seeking.  Service.

 GOD INITIATED THE PROCESS.

1 John 4:19  We love Him, because He first loved us.

Luke 19:10  For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

 

1. WHY PURSUE AFTER GOD ?

A. IT IS MORE THAN JUST KNOWING HIM.

Zechariah 8:22 Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD.

B. IT TAKES PREPARATION.

ARE YOU PREPARED TO GIVE MORE OF YOURSELF TO HIM ? SEEKING GOD IS NOT JUST TO SATISFY YOUR CURISITY. IT COMES WITH GREATER SENSE OF APPRECIATION AND RESPONSIBILITY.

2. PURSUING GOD HAS A PURPOSE.

A. IT IS TO HAVE A GREATER KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT HE WANTS THROUGH KNOWING HIM AND HIS WAYS.

Ezra 8:21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of Him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.

B. IT IS TO RESTORE THE BLESSINGS OF THE PAST.

2 Chronicles 7:14 If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

C. IT IS TO RESTORE A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD THAT HAS BECOME BROKEN DUE TO SIN.

Hosea 5:15 (GOD SAID) I will go and return to My place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek My face: in their affliction they will seek Me early.

3. DOES PURSUING GOD MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE ?

A. ONE MAN’S PRAYERS CAN CHANGE MANY OTHER PEOPLE. HE CAN MAKE THEIR SPIRITUAL DESIRES COME ALIVE.

HEZKIAH

 2 Chronicles 30:19 That prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.

B. WHEN WE FAIL TO PREPARE OUR HEARTS AFTER GOD BURDENS US WITH THE DESIRE TO SEEK HIM, WE COULD END UP DOING EVIL.

REHOBOAM.

2 Chronicles 12:14 And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.

C. GOD DOES NOT WANT PEOPLE TO SEEK HIM AS A HOBBY. HE REWARDS ONLY THOSE WHO SEEK HIM WITH ALL THE HEART.

Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.

4. HOW DID PEOPLE PURSUE GOD IN THE PAST ?

A. PRAYER.

Daniel 9:3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

B. STUDY HIS WORDS.

C. SEEKING HIM IN EVERY ACTIVITY OF LIFE.

Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

D. IN PRAISE.

Psalms 22:3 But Thou art holy, O Thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

SOME PEOPLE SEEK AFTER GOD FOR BLESSINGS. THEY FAIL TO SEEK THE PERSON OF THE LORD INSTEAD.  Like a woman seeking a rich man to marry. It isn’t the person she loves, it is his money.

Luke 12:30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

SOMETIMES SEEKING GOD IS INCONVENIENT. MANY TIMES GOD MAKES IT THAT WAY SO THAT YOU MUST PROVE YOUR SERIOUSNESS TO HIM.

John 6:24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither His disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.

 

“Pursuing The Presence Of God”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
112915

BENEFITS FROM FORGIVENES

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WHEN WE REALIZE THAT WE HAVE SINNED, AND WE UNDERSTAND THAT WE WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE IN LIFE FOR WHAT WE DO, WE TURN TO GOD FOR FORGIVENESS.  IT IS A LOGICAL AND REASONABLE THING TO DO.   BUT, HOW DO WE GET TO GOD SINCE WE ARE SINFUL, AND HE CANNOT TOLERATE US IN HIS PRESENCE ?  OUR ANSWER–THE ONLY ANSWER–IS JESUS.

 FORGIVENESS THROUGH CHRIST IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS THAT CAN HAPPEN TO US.  WITHOUT IT, WE HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO HOPE !   BUT, JESUS DEMANDS SOMETHING FROM US— IF WE WANT TO BE FORGIVEN, WE MUST FORGIVE OTHERS.  THIS SHOULD BE A WAY OF LIFE FOR THE TRUE CHRISTIAN.  IT BRINGS NOT ONLY BLESSING FOR US, BUT FOR OTHERS, TOO.

 1. FORGIVEN PEOPLE ARE HAPPY PEOPLE.

A. FORGIVING PEOPLE–WHO DO IT RIGHT–BECOME HAPPIER PEOPLE.

There are many accounts of such people in the Bible.

Psalm 32:1  Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

B. THEY FORGIVE, AND THEY DON’T DWELL ON THE SINS OF OTHERS.

Readiness to forgive is an attitude which doesn’t dwell on other’s faults, but examines our own relationship with God.

Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

WHAT IS GOD SPEAKING OF HERE ? IN MOST AREAS OF SCRIPTURE, HE ADMONISHED PEOPLE TO REMEMBER THINGS. THERE ARE SOME THINGS WHICH SHOULD BE BRUSHED TO THE PAST AND LEFT THERE. MOSTLY THINGS THAT OFFENDED YOU. FORGIVE THEM AND LEAVE THEM AS FAR IN THE PAST AS POSSIBLE (IMPOSSIBLE TO FORGET SUCH THINGS, BUT YOU CAN RESOLVE THEM BY PUTTING THEM INTO THE PAST).

C. GOD IS READY TO FORGIVE.

Psalm 86:5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

We must be like Him, READY TO FORGIVE.

D. DON’T COLLECT IMAGINARY SINS.

One mistake teachers often make is to setup a case against any student who has misbehaved in the past. Now, most of the time, a track record is valid. We act upon their track record. BUT, what if they change ? Do we come expecting that they are going to do wrong ? Do we make them examples with warnings even before they do wrong ? This can lead to a student not responding to a teacher at all. It, in effect, is unforgiveness.

Often, people misinterpret the actions or words of someone else. But, if they are in a bad spiritual state they could quickly make the wrong conclusions, and assume that someone sinned against them.

Proverbs 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

Matthew 25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:

HE MADE A CASE AGAINST HIS MASTER WITHOUT FACTS.

2. PEOPLE WHO DO THE FORGIVING BECOME HAPPIER.

Carrying around a grudge only makes our lives miserable.

Matthew 6:14-15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

WE CAN BE HAPPY KNOWING THAT WE HAVE PLEASED THE LORD IN FOLLOWING HIS EXAMPLE OF FORGIVING.

 

3. FORGIVENESS REQUIRES MORE THAN ONE PERSON TO BECOME EFFECTIVE.

A. FORGIVENESS IS NEEDED ONLY WHEN SOMEONE COMMITS AN OFFENCE DIRECTLY TO YOU.

Some hate a brother or sister “without cause.”

Proverbs 3:30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

DON’T TAKE THE GRUDGES OR ANGER OF OTHERS AS YOUR OWN. “IF MY BEST FRIEND IS ANGRY WITH SOMEONE, I AM ANGRY AT THEM, TOO.” THE BIBLE SAYS THIS IS WRONG.

B. IT DEPENDS UPON TRUE REPENTANCE.

Luke 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. You have a Biblical obligation to tell him the fault face to face, not behind his back.

Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

How can this be done, if the person you want to forgive is dead ?—Get it right with God. If it even matters to the person, and they are in Heaven, there is forgiveness.

C. IT DEPENDS ON THE WILLINGNESS OF THE OFFENDED PARTY.

—IT IS REQUIRED WHEN CONDITIONS ARE MET.

Matthew 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Many carry around bitterness and anger from years past. Tragic ! It affects their health, their mental state, and their relationship with God. Even Christians who carry grudges areound for even as little as a couple weeks can be negatively affected.

 

4. GOD’S FORGIVENESS IS WHAT COUNTS THE MOST.

WHENEVER YOU SIN, YOU SIN AGAINST GOD FIRST. SIN IS A VIOLATION OF HIS LAW. WHEN WE SEEK FORGIVENESS, WE DON’T ASK THE ANGELS TO FORGIVE US. WE HAVE TO ASK THE PERSON WE HAVE SINNED AGAINST.

FORGIVENESS GETS US ON A RIGHT COURSE WITH THE PERSON WE HAVE SINNED AGAINST. BUT, SOMETIMES WE HAVE SET IN MOTION THINGS THAT WILL COMES AGAINST US, EVEN THOUGH GOD HAS FORGIVEN US.

**Like a man robbing a store. He is caught, he goes to trial, and is found guilty. While in jail, he receives a letter from the store owner. In it, the store owner says that he has forgiven the man. So what ? It doesn’t get him out of jail any more than self– forgiveness will get you out of Hell or out of a bad relationship with the Lord.

A. HIS FORGIVENESS IS REAL & LASTING.

1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

FOR US, WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF US FORGIVING OTHERS ?
PEACE, HAPPINESS, KNOWLEDGE THAT WE ARE PLEASING GOD AND MAKING ANOTHER PERSON BLESSED BY UNLOADING THAT WEIGHT FROM HIM.

”Benefits Of Forgiveness”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
102115

REST WITHOUT LEAVING HOME

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GOD WANTS YOU TO HAVE A COMPLETE REST.

ALL THREE PARTS NEED REST.

Matthew 11:28-29  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Many have never experienced anything except the world’s concept of rest and vacation.  As a result, they don’t get all God wants them to have !

 1. PLAN FOR YOUR PHYSICAL REST.

A. GOD’S PLAN IS FOR ONE DAY OUT OF THE WEEK TO BE A TIME OF PHYSICAL REST.

—GOD DID IT.

Exodus 31:17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

B. RECOGNIZE THAT YOU WON’T GET PHYSICALLY RESTED UNLESS YOU ARE SPIRITUALLY RESTED FIRST. IF ONE PART IS NOT RESTED, IT WILL HAVE AN EFFECT UPON ALL THE OTHER PARTS.

 

2. PLAN FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL REST.

A. GET THE ISSUES THAT TROUBLE YOU REMOVED IF POSSIBLE.

Many times, the phone, email, or mail can pull you down. Try not checking on them for a day or two. The world won’t collapse.

Psalm 55:6 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.

B. WHAT IS IT THAT CAUSES THE SPIRIT OF MAN TO WORK HARDER ? FOR THE CHRISTIAN, IT IS BATTLING TEMPTATIONS. AVOID UNNECESSARY TEMPTATIONS.

1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

THERE ARE SOME PLACES OF TEMPTATION YOU NEED TO STAY AWAY FROM. STAY OFF THE iPOD, THE PC, THE PHONE, THE STORES, ETC. ANYTHING WHERE YOU BATTLE TEMPTATIONS, STAY AWAY !

3. PLAN FOR YOUR MENTAL REST.

A. CONSIDER JESUS. HE GOT AWAY WITHIN HIS OWN AREA.

Luke 9:18 And it came to pass, as He was alone praying, His disciples were with Him: and He asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

Luke 22:39-40 And He came out, and went, as He was wont, to the mount of Olives; and His disciples also followed Him. And when He was at the place, He said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

Matthew 14:23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, He was there alone.

MANY SEEK TO REST THE MIND, BUT WEAR OUT THE BODY IN THE PROCESS. FOR INSTANCE – GOING ON LONG, TIRING TRIP, BUT DON’T TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THAT THE BODY AFFECTS THE REST OF YOU.

JESUS WAS ABLE TO DO IT–GO THROUGH TROUBLES, THEN BE RESTED–SO CHRIST IN US CAN DO THE SAME.

Hebrews 12:3 For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

B. SOME FAIL TO RENEW THEIR MINDS BY TAKING CLEAN WATER ALONG.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: 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.

C. MEMORY CAN HURT YOUR RESTFULNESS.

GET YOUR MIND OCCUPIED ON OTHER THINGS. YOU WON’T GET REST THINKING ABOUT ISSUES THAT YOU HAVE TO BATTLE ALL THE TIME. TAKE A BREAK FROM THE THINGS WHERE YOU HAVE TO DO A LOT OF THINKING.

***Obviously, you don’t stop thinking. BUT, you need to rest from the areas of mental troubles. If you are mentally fatigued at thinking about someone in your past, quit thinking about them. remove yourself from their thoughts.

–GET YOUR MIND ON THINGS THAT ARE HAPPY, LOVELY. PLAY CHRISTIAN MUSIC, FIND SOME GOOD CLEAN COMEDIES, WATCH SOME EDIFYING CHRISTIAN MOVIES.

NOT FOREVER. JUST AS A REST FOR A TIME.

 

3. THE FINAL REST—WILL IT BE REST, AT ALL ?

A. MEMORY IS NOT DESTROYED WHEN WE GET TO HEAVEN.

WILL THERE BE PAINFUL TIMES, WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT THE PAST, AND YOUR FAILURE TO GIVE TO GOD WHAT HE HAS COMMANDED YOU TO DO ?  WHEN UNDER CONVICTION, THERE WILL NOT BE MUCH REST, UNLESS YOU HAVE BECOME INSENSITIVE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Jeremiah 45:3 Thou didst say, Woe is me now! for the LORD hath added grief to my sorrow; I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest.

B. THE “REST” OF SOME WILL CONTAIN NO REST WHATSOEVER.

Isaiah 57:21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

C. THE ONLY TRUE REST BEGINS WHEN WE STOP TRYING TO WORK OUR WAY INTO HEAVEN, AND RECEIVE GOD’S PAYMENT FOR OUR SINS.

Hebrews 4:9-11 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

 

”Rest Without Leaving Home”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
101815

Q&A: Are There Degrees Of Sins ?

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***At Solid Rock Bible Church, if you have a question about the Bible, doctrine, faith or anything related to your spiritual walk with God, we have a “Question Box” where you can deposit those questions.  Pastor Ed then researches each one and give answers from the Word of God to help you grow in your faith !

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 QUESTION:  

“Recently I got into a little debate about sin in God’s eyes.  I have noticed a lot of Christians lately saying ‘All sin is equal in God’s eyes’.  I told a friend I disagreed because of these verses . . .”  and they listed some verses.  “They state otherwise.  Why would God call some sins abominations if all sin was equal ?  She agreed that the only greater sin was blaspheming the Holy Ghost but all other sin is equal in God’s eyes.  She said that I was taking verses out of context, so my question is – was I ?  If all sin is not equal in God’s eyes, can you share more scriptures that would confirm this ?”

***************

ANSWER:

IF THERE IS A DIFFERENCE IN SINS, WE CAN SEE IT THROUGH TWO DIFFERENT WAYS.

1. BY WHAT CONSEQUENCES ARE ATTACHED TO IT.
2. BY WHEN GOD EXPRESSES HIS FEELINGS TOWARD IT.

***KEEP IN MIND THAT SIN SHOULD NEVER BE ANALYZED FROM A PEOPLE-PERSPECTIVE OR STANDARD.  PEOPLE HAVE A TENDENCY TO CHANGE STANDARDS TO FIT THEIR CURRENT IDEAS – ESPECIALLY TO ALLOW THEM TO GET AWAY WITH WHATEVER SIN THEY ARE COMMITTING AT THAT TIME.

1. BY WHAT CONSEQUENCES ARE ATTACHED TO IT.

♦ ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES.

1 John 5:16-17  If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. All unrighteousness is sin [eternal view]: and there is a sin not unto death [present view].

♦ PRESENT CONSEQUENCES.

ENTICING PEOPLE AWAY FROM GOD = DEATH.

Deuteronomy 13:6-10  If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

THE THIEF = PAYING DOUBLE (restitution).

Exodus 22:7 If a man shall deliver unto his neighbour money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of the man’s house; if the thief be found, let him pay double.

THE SEXUAL PERVERSIONS = DEATH.

Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

Leviticus 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

2. BY WHEN GOD EXPRESSES HIS FEELINGS TOWARD IT.

ABOMINATIONS.

08251 ץוקשׁ shiqquwts shik-koots’ or ץקשׁ shiqquts shik-koots’ unclean things, impure
08441 הבעות tow‘ebah to-ay-baw’ or הבעת to‘ebah to-ay-baw’ personal afront, rebellion.
BOTH INCLUDE A RANGE OF PENALTIES.

THESE ARE THE BASIC CATEGORIES OF ABOMINATIONS TO THE LORD.

Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

MOSES RECOGNIZED THAT THE PEOPLE COMMITTED A SIN WHICH WAS MORE LIKELY TO ANGER GOD THAN ANOTHER SIN. (Did all lying stop ? Wasn’t there stealing, or lack of commitment, etc ? Yes. But, this sin was counted as greater).

Exodus 32:31 And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.

Deuteronomy 18:9-12  When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.  There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard , or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD : and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.

THERE IS A SIN THAT CANNOT BE FORGIVEN. (A SIN UNTO DEATH ?).

Matthew 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

THIS INDICATES THAT THERE ARE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF SINS.

GOD SAYS THAT LOOKING AT THE SIN OF NAILING JESUS TO THE CROSS AND THE SIN OF BETRAYING HIM, THAT BETRAYING HIM TO THE ROMANS WAS THE GREATER SIN.

John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against Me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered Me unto thee hath the greater sin.

GOD’S MERCY AND GRACE IS ENOUGH TO CLEANSE US FROM ALL SIN.

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.

THE DANGER OF LOOKING AT THE BIBLICAL TEACHING ON THIS IS THAT SOME PEOPLE WILL TRY TO FIND THE LESSER SIN AND DO IT BECAUSE IT IS NOT AS SERIOUS IN THE SHORT TERM AS THE GREATER SIN.  

REMEMBER ANY SIN IS STILL SIN IN GOD’S EYES, SO LET’S STRIVE TO KEEP OURSELVES PURE AND HOLY FOR OUR LORD !

 

”Q&A: Are There Degrees Of Sins ?”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
092015

RESTORING ALL THINGS

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RESTORE – God has the power to do it in all types of things

THE PROBLEM WITH THE LEGAL SYSTEM TODAY IS THAT GENERALLY, PEOPLE ARE NOT MADE TO RESTORE WHAT THEY HAVE STOLEN OR BROKEN IN A CRIMINAL ACT.   

 

1. RESTORING THE MATERIAL THINGS.

A. GOD’S LAW REQUIRES THAT THINGS INJURED OR TAKEN SHOULD BE RESTORED.

Exodus 22:1  If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
Exodus 22:4  If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.
Leviticus 6:4-5  Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,  Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering.

2. RESTORING PHYSICAL HEALTH.

This comes at God’s discretion. Not everyone gets healed. Even those with faith, such as Paul and others did not get healed. If everyone got healed, no one would be in Heaven except God and His angels ! But, there are times when God desires to show His might and do things which man cannot do, a miracle ! These are things which must point to the power, wisdom, and grace of our Lord Jesus.

A. PHYSICAL RESTORATION IS A TEMPORARY THING.

There are miracles where Jesus restored sight or physical health. Yet, those people eventually died. Restoring does not mean it was permanent.

YET, THIS IS THE MOST COMMONLY REQUESTED ACT OF RESTORING.

–RESTORING THE KING’S HAND.

1 Kings 13:6 And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king’s hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.

–RESTORING A MAN’S HAND.

Mark 3:5 And when He had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, He saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

–RESTORING SIGHT.

Mark 8:25 After that He put His hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

B. RESTORING THE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.

–JESUS CAME TO RESTORE OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD THE FATHER WHICH WAS REMOVED WHEN WE SINNED.

–RESTORING THE SOUL. WHEN A PERSON SINS, THEY NEED TO HAVE THEIR FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS–WHICH HAD BEEN BROKEN–RESTORED.

Psalms 23:3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

WHY DOES GOD RESTORE OUR SOUL ? FOR HIS OWN NAME’S SAKE. NOT BECAUSE WE HAVE BECOME SO GOOD, BUT BECAUSE HE DESERVED TO BE EXALTED AND PRAISED.

–RESTORING A LOST JOY. Some people lose the joy they had when they first trusted Christ as their savior. 

Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free spirit.

3. RESTORING THINGS BY GRACE.

THIS IS THE HARDEST PART OF ALL FOR US TO DO. WE RECOGNIZE THAT WE OWE GOD. WE RECOGNIZE OUR NEED FOR RESTORATION PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY. BUT, DO WE EXTEND THIS GRACE TO OTHERS ?

Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

–RESTORING THAT WHICH IS NOT OWED. [remember what GRACE is=”giving something good when a person does not deserve it.”] NOT REPLACING SOMETHING THAT YOU OWED, BUT TO KEEP PEACE, GIVING SOMETHING THAT YOU DIDN’T OWE. THIS RESTORED A PEACE WHIC H EXISTED BEFORE THE ENEMY CREATED A DIVISION BETWEEN YOU.

Psalms 69:4 They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.

4. RESTORING WHATEVER WE OWE TO ANOTHER.

A. OUR GREATEST DEBT IS TO GOD.

Ezekiel 18:5-7, 9 But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour’s wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman, And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment; . . . Hath walked in My statutes, and hath kept My judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.

B. WHAT DO WE OWE TO OTHERS ? JUST DEBTS ON PAPER ?

Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

WHY do we owe each other love ? Because we have not done it before we were saved with the fullness of God’s love, and therefore we shortchanged each other before we got saved.

After salvation, we should have a different, more powerful love for spouse, children, relatives,. friends, the church.

C. RESTORING TO GOD THE THINGS WHICH ARE HIS.

Ezra 6:5 And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.

NOT JUST MATERIAL THINGS, BUT SPIRITUAL THINGS, AS WELL. He gave us our very life. We owe that to Him. What did you do with the life God gave you ? What do you have to show for it ? God will require it one day. We need to restore our faith and obedience to Him. We don’t deserve salvation, but He offers it to us. You can have your relationship with God restored today !

YOU OWE GOD YOUR LIFE. YOU OWE IT TO HIM TO LIVE FOR HIM. IF YOU DON’T, YOU FAIL TO FULFILL YOUR PURPOSE.

YOU SHOULD PAY YOUR DEBT TO GOD AND GIVE HIM YOUR FAITH AND TRUST FOR SALVATION TODAY.

 

”Restoring All Things”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
080915

 

God’s Instructions For Using Forgiveness

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Is it really complicated ? Not really, but a lot of factors go into whether a person can be truly forgiven, or not.

1. FORGIVEN PEOPLE ARE HAPPY PEOPLE
A. Many accounts of such people in the Bible.
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Psalm 32:1
B. They forgive and they do not dwell on the sins of others. Readiness to forgive
is an attitude which doesn’t dwell on other’s faults, but examines our own
relationship with God. God is ready to forgive…
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy
unto all them that call upon thee. Psalm 86:5
C. They don’t collect imaginary sins. Often people misinterpret the actions or words
of someone else. But if they are in a bad spiritual state they could quickly make
the wrong conclusions, and assume that someone sinned against them.
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
Proverbs 18:13

Some people collect stamps, some people collect butterflies. Some people
collect what they view as offenses by other people. For instance: On a TV
commercial a man is starting to lose his hair. So everywhere he looks, he sees
balding heads. When he goes to the grocery store and sees a melon, he thinks
of his head being bald. When he sees the US Capitol Building, with it’s huge
dome, he thinks of his head without hair. WHY? He has internalized it – instead
of turning it over to God – so he becomes paranoid about everything people
say and everything he sees. When people aren’t right with God, nothing you do
will please them. If you tell them you appreciate them helping in some way,
they will interpret that to mean, “They want me to do it more.” If you don’t say
anything, they say, “They don’t appreciate anything I’ve done.”

2. FORGIVENESS IS A CONDITIONAL ACTION
A. It is needed only when a genuine offense is committed. Some people hate their
“brother without cause”.
Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
Proverbs 3:30
For example: “I forgive O.J.” – Well, he didn’t do anything to you. So, how can
you forgive him? That’s like saying to a man whose mortgage payment was four
months past due – “Brother, I forgive you.” Unless you held the mortgage, what
good is that statement?
B. It depends upon true repentance.
Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother trespass
against thee, rebuke him;
and if he repent, forgive him. Luke 17:3
You have a Biblical obligation to tell him the fault face to face, not behind his
back.
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee,
go and tell him his fault
between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy
brother. Matthew 18:15
How can this be done, if the person you want to forgive is dead ?
– Get it right with God. If it even matters to the person, and they are in heaven,
there is forgiveness.
C. It depends on the willingness of the offended party. It is required when
conditions are met.
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will
your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:15
Many carry around bitterness and anger from years past. Tragic ! It affects
their health, their mental state, and their relationship with God. Even Christians
who carry grudges around, for even as little as a couple weeks can be
negatively affected.

3. GOD’S FORGIVENESS IS WHAT COUNTS THE MOST
*Many people want to forgive themselves. So what if you can forgive your own sin,
but don’t have the record of it taken away from heaven ?

Like a man robbing a store. He is caught, he goes to trial, and is found guilty. While
in jail, he receives a letter from the store owner. In it, the store owner says that he
has forgiven the man. So, what? It doesn’t get the man out of jail any more than
self-forgiveness will get you out of hell or a bad relationship with the Lord.

A. His forgiveness is real and lasting.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Colossians 1:14


 

PSALM 51

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This entry is part 48 of 65 in the series Psalms

PSALM CHAPTER 51

~~ The Rise From The Fall ~~

 

1. THE BACKGROUND :   HAVING MERCY FOR WHAT ? V. 1.
A. THE FALL OF DAVID AS COMMANDER AND CHIEF. WHY DIDN’T
HE GO TO BATTLE ? 2 SAM. 10:17-19. REACTION TO VICTORY ?
B. THE FALL OF DAVID AS THE MEDITATOR OF GOD’S WORD.
PSALM 63:6.
—IT WILL REVEAL HOW YOU PROFIT FROM THE WORD.
THE KEY IS THINKING HOW TO APPLY IT. 1 TIMOTHY 4:15.
*DID DAVID FAIL TO APPLY THE WORD WHEN HE SINNED ?
C. THE FALL OF DAVID AS A MORAL EXAMPLE TO ISRAEL.
PHILIPPIANS 3:17, 2 THESSALONIANS. 3:9.
—HE BECAME A VOYEUR. 2 SAM. 11:2. DOES JUST “LOOKING”
USUALLY LEAD TO OTHER SINS ? YES. V.3.
—HE INVOLVED OTHERS IN HIS SIN. 2 SAM. 11:3,4.
—HE PRE-MEDITATED TO DO THIS SIN. (AT LEAST 2 TRIPS).
—HE TRIED TO COVER THE SIN. 2 SAM. 11:6-13.
>TRIED TO MAKE URIAH SEEM RESPONSIBLE.
—OFFERED R & R AT HIS HOUSE. URIAH REFUSED.
—TRIED TO GET URIAH DRUNK & GO HOME. URIAH DIDN’T.
—DAVID DELIBERATELY HAS HIM KILLED. 2 SAM. 11:15.
>TRIED TO CALM THE GUILT OF JOAB. 2 SAM. 11:25.

2. THE PLEADING OF A REPENTANT HEART.
A. THE CRY FOR MERCY ACKNOWLEDGES GUILT. LUKE 16:24.
THE SIN HAS CONSEQUENCES ON PEOPLE. TITUS 3:5.
—SOME ARE ERASED WITH FAITH (LUKE 18:38-39), BUT FOR
SOME THEY ARE LEFT TO LINGER.
B. THE NOTICEABLE LACK OF EXCUSES IN THIS REQUEST.
LUKE 18:14.
C. FOR THE REMOVAL OF CONSEQUENCES. SOME GET ONLY
ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES REMOVED, WHILE OTHERS GET
BOTH TYPES REMOVED. MATTHEW 15:22, MATTHEW 17:15,
MATTHEW 20:30.

3. THE RECOGNITION OF HOW BAD SIN REALLY IS.
*WHAT IS SIN ? JAMES 4:17, GENESIS 3:11.
IT IS AN OFFENSE. MATTHEW 16:23.
IT IS ENSLAVING. JOHN 8:34.
IT IS DEADLY. ROMANS 6:23.
IT MAKES ONE SIDE WITH THE DEVIL. 1 JOHN 3:8.
A. WANTS IT BLOTTED OUT: SPEAKS OF VISION. V. 1,9.
Heb.=maw-khaw’=obliterate, exterminate, abolish.
B. WANTS IT WASHED THOROUGHLY: Ps. 103:12, IS. 43:12,
—SPEAKS OF THE FEELINGS OF IT.
—SPEAKS OF THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF IT.
—SPEAKS OF THE MEMORY OF IT.
C. IT IS FAR WORSE IF THE SIN REMAINS. JER. 18:18-23.

4. THE KNOWLEDGE OF WHO SIN HURTS THE WORST: GOD.
A. A HEBREW COMPARITIVE. SIMILAR TO LUKE 14:26.
B. GOD GAVE THE ABILITY TO CHOSE.
C. GOD GAVE THE KNOWLEDGE TO DO RIGHT.
D. GOD GAVE THE ABILITY TO DO RIGHT.

5. THE WAY TO DEAL WITH OUR LEANING TOWARD SIN.
A. THE INWARD PARTS MUST BE ALIVE.
—WHAT ARE THEY ?
MEMORY THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LAW. JER. 31:33.
THE SOUL. PROV. 20:27. THE PLACE OF WISDOM. JOB 38:36.
—MAY REQUIRE REVIVAL. EZRA 9:8, ISAIAH 57:15
—CANNOT DEPEND ON PHYSICAL OR EMOTIONAL SENSES.
—GOD HAS CLEANSED SOME. OTHERS ARE FILLED WITH EVIL.
LUKE 11:39.
B. WE MUST DEPEND ON GOD TO PURGE AND CLEANSE US.
—WE CANNOT REACH INTO HEAVEN’S BOOKS. PS. 24:3.
—WE CANNOT ERASE ANYTHING FROM GOD’S MIND AND
MEMORY. HE MUST DO IT ALL. PS. 103:12.
C. WE MUST BE WILLING TO LEARN THROUGH OUR ORDEAL. V.8.
CHASTENING IS DESIGNED TO TEACH.
THE ROD OF CORRECTION FROM GOD. PS. 23:4,
PS. 89:23, PROV. 29:15.
OTHER TYPES OF CHASTENING FROM GOD.
—SICKNESSES. JOHN 5:14,
—OVERWHELMING GUILT & CONVICTION. IS. 11:4
COMMON KNOWLEDGE TO DISCIPLES—JOHN 9:2. HEB. 12:11.
D. WE MUST BE YIELDED TO ACCEPT CHANGES. V. 10. PS. 15:4.
HOW IS A RIGHT SPIRIT RENEWED ?
—BY THE MIRACULOUS WORK OF THE LORD. TITUS 3:5.
—BY SERVICE. IS. 40:31.
—BY MAKING OUR MINDS CHANGE. ROMANS 12:2.

6. WHAT GOD MUST DO FOR FULL RESTORATION TO OCCUR.
A. PURGE AND WASH. V. 7.
THE CONSCIENCE ? HEB. 9:14. NEEDED RE-ACTIVITATION TO
BRING ABOUT ADDITIONAL GUILT WHEN HE SINS. ROM. 2:15,
>CONSCIENCE CAN BECOME INSENSITIVE. I TIM. 4:2.
BAD FRIENDS ? 2 TIM. 2:21, I COR. 5:7.
REFINING OUR THOUGHTS. DANIEL 11:35, ISAIAH 1:25.
B. MAKE THE SINNER HEAR JOY AGAIN. V. 8.
C. REFUSE TO SEE THE SIN, AND BLOT IT OUT. V. 9
“BLOT OUT” REFERS TO ENTRY INTO A BOOK. JER. 18:23.
D. CREATE A CLEAN HEART IN HIM. V. 10.
E. RENEW A RIGHT SPIRIT IN HIM. V. 10. (HEB=“REPAIR, RENEW”)
F. REFUSE TO CAST HIM AWAY. V. 11.
G. DELIVER HIM FROM GUILTINESS. V. 12.
(HEB= “BLOODTHIRSTY”)

7. GETTING BACK ON TRACK.    V. 12-19
A. BY OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD 1st. V. 12. MATT. 6:33
B. BY BRINGING OTHERS TO CHRIST.
—HIS TESTIMONY WAS NOT RUINED. HE WAS NOT
SPIRITUALLY DESTROYED. GALATIANS 6:1
[RESTORE=MENDING TO WHOLENESS, BRINGING BACK TO
ORIGINAL CONDITION].
C. BY USING HIS GIFTS FOR THE LORD. V. 14.
—THE GIFTS WERE NOT TAKEN AWAY. ROMANS 11:29.
—GOD COULD STILL WORK THROUGH HIM. V. 15. I COR. 12:1.
D. BY THE RIGHT PRIORITIES.
—BEING RIGHT WITH GOD FIRST—ABOVE SACRIFICES. V. 16.
BEING RIGHT DEMANDS SACRIFICES TO “SELF.” ROM. 15:3.
>BROKEN SPIRIT. PS. 119:20.
>CONTRITE HEART. IS. 66:2.
—THE GIVING OF OTHER SACRIFICES COMES LATER. V. 19.
PHIL. 2:17, HEB. 13:15-16, ROMANS 12:1—THOSE ARE THINGS
WHERE WE REAP THE BENEFITS IN A MORE OBVIOUS WAY.