Outward and Inward Christians

 1 Sam 16:7

..for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

The truth of this scripture is often misinterpreted by others to turn a blind eye to outward appearances. If we are strictly speaking of the clothes we wear and our physical appearance, then it can be argued that you cannot judge a book by its cover. The character of a person should never be judged on what a person looks like. It is natural for us to judge outwardly because we have bias and experiences that may influence our judgment. We can’t see the motives of people’s hearts, so we make the best judgment based on previous knowledge. Outward appearances can be deceiving. Jesus made this clear when he exposed the hypocrisy of the Pharisee. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are like unto white sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.” Jesus was not saying that followers of Christ should not look beautiful outwardly, but was teaching that real beauty is found in the hearts of men. On the flip side, scripture teaches us that what God has done on the inside, will show itself on the outside. If we observe a person who uses foul language and profanity, we make a judgment that this person does not have Jesus in their heart. Why? Jesus said. “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.” James writes, “Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” As Christians, our outward appearance and behavior is important to God. We are to be an example to others in word and deed. Our influence can encourage others to turn to God, or it can be a stumbling block. It is not our responsibility to go around with a checklist critiquing people, for truly, God only knows the hearts of men, but it is our responsibility to make sure that our outward appearance matches up the standard that God has given to us in His word. May we let our outward lives and appearance reflect what God has done for us inwardly.

Eternal Life and Punishment

 Mat 25:46
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Matthew chapter 25 is filled with compare and contrast illustrations. We had ten virgins, five had oil in their lamps ready for the return of the bride, and five did not. Then there's the parable of the talents. There were those who invested wisely and those who did not. The destiny of their eternal soul was determined by how they invested what was given to them by their master. The parables illustrate that it is not enough to say you believe in God, but action speaks louder than words. The final story that Jesus tells does not say it is a parable, but a prophecy. The King will return to earth some day and final judgment will be given, and the destiny of the souls of people will be handed out. There will be those whose hearts are filled with love for God and others, and those who say they love God, but they live to please themselves, and turn a blind eye to those who are hurting and helpless. Many would like to use this passage of scripture to support the idea that good works and being a good person is all that is needed to have eternal life. But Jesus is speaking to his followers. There is more to eternal life than saying, “Lord, Lord.” Faith in Jesus is essential, but faith without works is dead. The debate of eternal salvation after a person confesses Christ comes into question with the words of Christ in Matthew chapter 25. There will be those who will not make it into heaven, and it will not just be those who live wicked lives. It will be a harsh reality to see that a person who experiences the forgiveness of sin will stand before God and find that they are on the left side of the judgment seat because they failed to live for Christ. It goes without saying that God and God alone is the final judge. It is our responsibility to be a true follower of Christ and do unto others as Christ has done for us. May we be found on the right side of the seat with the sheep, and hear the words of the King. "Enter into life everlasting."

Outward Appearance

 1 Sam 16:7
 for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

Things don’t always seem as they appear. It is in our nature to make an assessment and judgment on things that we observe. We do it all the time. Our judgment is based on past experience and what we have accepted as a norm for our culture. When we see a well-dressed person, we judge that they have means and care about how they look and present themselves to others. There may be other reasons why they dress up, but we make assumptions. Likewise, when we observe someone who is unkept and dressed in ragged clothes, we assume that they are possibly homeless and don’t have a place to care for their needs. 
The Bible talks about, “You shall know them by their fruit.” In context, scripture is talking about those who appear to be religious or say they are followers of Christ, but inwardly they are raven wolves. The Pharisees are a prime example. Things don’t always seem as they appear. Some will use this scripture in Samuel to say it does not matter what you look like on the outside, but the reality is that it does. Paul was careful not to be a stumbling block to others and was mindful of his influence for Christ. It is not God’s intention that we cast away outward appearance, It is important that outward appearance be a positive influence to the world around us. How we dress, the places we go, and the things we do matter. But God sees through our appearance, and sees the heart. We can’t fool God by trying to look good on the outside. He knows the desires of the heart and will speak to us first about our behavior, spirit and attitude. His first desire is for us to manifest the fruit of the Spirit and live our lives consistent with His word. David did not seem like a likely candidate to be King, but God had His hand on David, and looked at David’s heart. We may not seem to be the person for the job, but God, who knows the hearts of men, can take what appears to be weak and make it strong. 

Forgiveness for All

 John 8:11
Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn you: go, and sin no more.

The power of forgiveness by Jesus is found in the words, “neither do I condemn you.” Who can forgive sin but God. God hates sin and does not tolerate it. The Scribe and Pharisee were not incorrect.  The law was clear what happens to those who violate His commandments. I find it curious that they did not also bring the man who was also found in the very act. God in the OT punishment for adultery was for both the man and the women. It was a serious break of the law to violate one’s marriage vows. The deity of Jesus gave Him the power to overrule the law, for He is the giver of the law. As God in the OT often showed mercy, Jesus who knew the heart of this woman, spoke words of mercy. The laws of our land do not arrest or punish those who commit adultery, but God’s word is not mocked, whatever man sows, that shall he reap. Every man will answer to the deeds done in the flesh when they meet God face to face at the judgment. But as long as we live, there is forgiveness for all who will come to Jesus and ask. He reaches out with tender love and care, and there is no sin that His blood will not cover. It is not God’s plan that man continue in sin, Jesus told the lady to go and sin no more. “He who is born of God will no longer live in sin.” (1 John 5:18). The example of Jesus given to us here, should help us to see that there is hope for all who stubble in sin, and like Christ, we should also show love and compassion.

His Love Never Fails

 Lamentations 3:22-23
 It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness
God’s Love never fails. He is faithful to love us regardless how often we have failed Him. He is faithful to call us back into the light of His presence. He will not give up on us, His faithfulness reaches out to us even when we turn away from Him. Like the prodigal son, we may decide to go our own way and waste our life with the pleasures of sin. But, the Father waits faithfully for the son to return. He never stops loving His son, and with open arms is ready to embrace the return of His son. It is not too late to return to the Father. As long as we have breath, His judgment stays. His mercy continues to extend to everyone who will turn from their own ways and turn to Him confessing their need. We, like sheep, have gone astray, and have turned to our own ways. Great is His faithfulness to love us unconditionally.

Jesus Only

 John 14:6,11
…no man cometh unto the Father, but by me…Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me:

We see the Father when we see Jesus. The world likes to think that there are many ways to the Father. The thought that one can have eternal life after death by having a sincere faith in a deity is not found in holy scripture. Having a good heart and a sincere faith is to be admired. Believing that the Father and Jesus are one, and professing to follow Jesus without a sincere heart and faith is hypocritical. But, we cannot disregard the word of Jesus when He claims that He and He alone is the Way to the Father. The Father, the Creator of heaven and earth, the Almighty God, the Everlasting Father, the one and only true God. The words of Buddha, Allah, or any other religious figure may speak of love and treating others with kindness, but when one stands before the judgment seat of God, it will be the blood of Christ, believing in Jesus, and the words of the Father, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant…” 

He is Worthy

 Rev 5:9

Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

The book (scroll) with the seven seals contained the prophecy of God’s judgment of mankind who refused to submit to the sovereignty and Lordship of Christ. There was no one on earth that was able to break the seals and open the scroll for all men have sinned and come short of being worthy. But, there appears one with authority and able to break the seals. He is worthy because He was the lamb who  paid the price. He is worthy because He was without sin, and came to earth to give His life to redeem us from our sins, that we may now come boldly to the throne of God. Like the 24 elders, we bow down before Him, worship and adore Him. He will send judgments, those who have rebelled against Him and have denied His grace will see the wrath of God displayed. For those who have bowed the knee in this life will stand with Him on the last day and reign with Him forever and ever. 

Male and Female He Made

Gen 1:27, 28
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
From the beginning, it has been God’s plan for man to populate the earth. Replenishing the earth with other human beings requires the union of a man and a woman. The culture in our society today no longer accepted the Bible as God’s word. It is unfeasible to think that one can truly believe in the inherency of God’s word and also accept the woke thinking of the world today. From the beginning of time, God created two genders, male and female. Yes, there have been some genetic anomalies that have occurred in nature, but as a baby emerges from the womb of its mother, it is either a boy or a girl.  The acceptance of transgender identity is permitted in our society because we don’t dictate the choices that people make as long as it does not hurt anyone else. Every human being will stand before God one day and will be accountable for the choices they make on this earth. It is clear that God’s word defines many behaviors as sinful and immoral. As Christian, we are to love people regardless of the choices they make. We are to teach and be an example to others to live a life consistent with the word. There is deliverance for all who are enslaved to sin and its destruction. God is love, but it is not His will that His creation live a life of sin. Thank God, He has provided a way out, but the choice is ours to make.

God Hates Sin

Psalm 90:7,8
For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled…Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.
The image of God given to us here is a God of judgment. A God that hates sin. It is impossible to hide our sins from Him, the light of his presence reveals our sinfulness. This is the picture and perception that many people have of God. A God ready to strike us down as soon as we do something that misses the mark. It is true that God is Holy, and hates sin and is displeased with those who commit sinful acts of rebellion. But He is also a God of love and mercy. He sees our humanity, and our inclinations to satisfy self. It is because of His love that He sent Jesus to provide a way to save us from our sinful condition. We are all judgment bound and will stand before Him. We can stand before Him with clean hands and a pure heart if we have by faith accepted His love of grace and our sins have been covered by the blood of Christ. We can be judged guiltless because Jesus is standing in our place as our advocate.

Judgment of God

 Amos 5:24
But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.

Justice and judgment will some day fall on those who commit wrongdoing. It may not happen in this life, but in the end God will have the final word. Our nation and those who support the abortion of the unborn babies will someday face God and give an answer to their actions. Sin will not continue without justice. The judgment of God will also fall on those who profess to be religious, but have denied the power of the Spirit to control their lives. They give lip service to the things of God, but their lives are lived in opposition to God’s will. Our only escape is the blood of Jesus. His blood will atone for all our sin and unrighteousness. We have no other escape from the judgment of God. Yes, God is love, but the wages of sin is death. Because God so loved the world, he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Jesus should not perish (suffer the judgment of God),  but have everlasting Life. John 3:16

Stand Before God

Rev. 20:12 “ And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”-

The reality is that we all will stand before God and give an account for the life we lived. There will be no exception, from the beggar in the street, to the kings and rulers that sit in high places. God is keeping a record of our life.  Did we live it to glorify God, or did we live to just please ourselves and our carnal desires? The work of salvation, accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord is written in the Book of Life. Have we experience the new birth? Have we been born again? These are the “works” that determine our eternal destination. There will be no excuses and no augments when we stand before God. There is no hiding for the books will reveal our works. It is sobering to think that we all will give an account after this life is over, and only that done in the Name of Jesus will matter. Standing before God does not have to be a fearful event. If our hearts have been cleaned by the blood of Christ we can stand boldly in that day knowing that we are a child of God and have a conscience void of condemnation. 

Delayed Judgment

Ecc. 8:11 “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.”-

Delayed Judgment. Be sure your sin will find you out. The judgment or consequences of sin will come. It may not be during one’s life span, but eternity will bare out the full judgment of God. Man does not fool God, God will have the last word. One might think they are getting away with sinning without consequence, but there will come a day when God will judge every man’s work, and will reveal what man has done in the flesh. To the person, who is set on doing evil and living wickedly, they will stand before God and give an account for the life they have lived. Just because sin has not fully reaped what has been sown, does not mean that the evil or wicked living is justified. There is coming a day when we all will stand before God and give an account, may our work be found to be good and acceptable. May he say to us, “‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things; ...Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.’

People Need the Lord

Roman 9:2 “that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.”-

Sorrow often causes us to weep. Jesus wept when Lazarus died. He wept for the sorrow that Mary and Martha were going through. Weeping is a release of emotions that can either come from sadness or joy. It is not certain that Paul wept when he had sorrow of heart as he wrote how his people were rejecting the gospel of Christ. But it is certain that he was very sad and it weight heavy on his heart. Carrying a burden for a lost soul is one of the greatest responsibilities that we have as Christians. In all of our life’s struggles and times of laughter, there is a time to think of those who are without Christ. Our family members, our friends, and neighbors who have not experiences the love of God. Part of living for Christ is to pray for those who are lost and without Him. Sorrow comes knowing that people are rejecting the only hope for eternal life. That all will die and stand before God and give an account for the life they lived, coming to the judgement of God without the blood of Christ, all can bring a heaviness to the heart. It is sad to see someone trapped in their sin and not being able to get out, they turn to more sin and wickedness to drown out their misery. If they would only see that Jesus is the answer to all their problems and He has the remedy for all that is wrong. People need the Lord, and we need to pray and show the love of Christ to people we come in contact with. Asked God to put some soul on our heart and carry that soul to the throne of God. He will not reject the cry of those who pray for the souls of others. This is the will of God, that all will come to Him. Let us pray in earnest that others may know Him.

The Mercy of the Lord

Gen. 19:16 :And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife and upon the hand of his two daughters, the Lord being merciful unto him; and they brought him forth and set him outside the city.“-

 The mercy of the Lord is beyond understanding. Even in our resistance and lingering, God continues to provide ways of escape from our lot. Our pride is self destructive, it does not realize the danger that sin can cause. When God’s laws have been violated, there are consequences. The sin(s) of Sodom and Gomorrah reached a place where the conscientiousness of God’s truth had been seared. Lot’s family had become accustom to sin and did not see or believe that God would destroy the city. Even though they did not participate in the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah, they became complacent. But, God in His mercy sent His angels to rescue lot’s family. The people who lived in this wicked city had harden themselves to God’s truth and call evil good and good evil. They had become reprobates to God’s truth, twisting what God said to fulfill the lust of their own flesh. That is the day in which we live. We cannot afford to become immune to the life style of sin. We need the mercy and grace of the Lord to keep us spotless in this present world. The day will come when God will judge this world, we must listen to the voice of God when He calls. Be ready to flee into His presence.

The Great Marriage Supper

Revelation 19:1-10

The greatest celebration is yet to come. The table of God is spread and He invites all to come and sup. The call is given out to all who have made Christ king and Lord of their lives. The bride is made ready dressed in the robes of righteousness. The wicked have been judged and the feast is made ready. Let us come to worship at His feet and dine eternally.

Great Voices in Heaven - I heard a great voice of much people

• Chorus of the Redeemed. Those written in the book of life
• A voice that gives glory to God- He is worthy

Great Whore is Judged – for he hath judged the great whore

• Who is God? He is true to His word. Judgments are sure
• Whore- Can be bought. Sold to Sin.
• Has prostituted itself for wealth, popularity and power
• Those who knew the truth and have rejected Christ
• APOSTATE PROTESTANTS- PAGANISM- SPIRITALISM
• Avenger of the Saint who were killed for Christ sake.

Great Praise and Worship – And again they said, Alleluia

• The shout of praise- Rose like smoke- non stop
• 24 elders -The redeemed church- Church leaders-Patriarchs
• 4 beast- The kingdoms of the earth- He is Lord of Lords
• They all fell in submission to Christ-On the Throne
• Let all the people praise Him- small and great

Great Multitude – the voice of great multitude

• Voices of many waters and thundering
• For he is omnipotent and RULES by His command

Great Preparation – and his wife hath made herself ready

• The bride has prepare for this event- Made pure
• Requirements to be part of the bride- the church
• The Righteousness of the saint- Through the blood of the lamb

Great Marriage Supper – Blessed are they which are called

• The invitation was given to all- “Come unto me”
• Whosoever will, Let him….
• Bless are they that hunger and thirst after God

Great God Alone- worship God: for the testimony of Jesus

• The folly of worshiping anything or anybody except Christ
• He Alone is worthy to be worships-
• Give honor and respect, but true obedience’s belongs to God

An Army Gathered- Armageddon

Revelation 16:12-20

The day of reckoning has finally arrived. The foolish and wicked are finally put to silence. The day of repentance has passed and now man must meet his maker. The wrath of God and final judgment is poured out on all those who made their choice to worship the beast and the false prophet. Even in the face of imminent doom, man refuses to acknowledge Christ as Lord. Their heart has rebelled and hardened itself against the warning of destruction. They foolishly go forward into battle being deceived by Satan that they can overcome the God of heaven and earth. It will not be until the great judgment day that they will realize that Christ is Lord of Lords, and King of Kings. Today is the day of salvation. May we fall on our knees now and make Him Lord of our lives.

Reapers of the Vineyard - Chapter 14

• 144,000 with Christ
• Warning of judgment is given- Last chance- Fear God
• Judgment to come to those with the mark of the beast
• Reapers gather the wicked into the wine press of God’s Wrath

Rejoicing in Heaven – Chapter 15

• The song of the redeemed- those who died for the lamb

• They who refused to worship to the Beast
• He is Holy, Almighty, Lord of All, and Righteous in judgment

Revelation of the Bowls – Chapter 16: 1-12

• Sores on the body
• Sea of Blood- life in the sea dies
• Spring water turned to blood
• Sun becomes hotter
• Sunshine turns to Darkness
• Source of Life is dried up- Euphrates river

Ready for Battle – …to gather them to battle

• Dragon, beast, false prophet – spirit of divination
• Battle of all battles
• Armageddon- historical battleground

Reckoning Day – it is done, the mountains were not found

• God speaks the word and it is finished- DONE
• Earthquake at every fault line- earth plates collide and sink
• All the great cities crumbles to the earth

• The earthly kingdom of Satan falls under the wrath of God
• The earth swallowed itself- Open and disappeared.

Tormenting Locust

Revelation 9:1-12

These are days foretold by John that should cause all men to fall to their knees and acknowledge Christ as Lord of all. But, even with this warning, many will still deny the power of Christ to rule in their lives. For those who refuse to come under His Lordship, great torment will be afflicted. The pit of hell will open up and bring forth creatures that will cause the ungodly to seek death, but in vain, they will not find it. Woe unto those who call good evil and evil good, judgment is coming and all sinners shall see the wrath of God to come.

Four trumpets- events proceeding the fifth trumpet

• First trumpet- hail, fire, blood
• Second trumpet- a burning mountain-meteor
• Third trumpet- fallen star- meteor- bitter waters
• Fourth trumpet- stars, moon, sun- little light

Fallen Star – I saw a star fall from heaven

• Angel of God

• Satan cast to earth
• Christ- holds the keys- From Savior to Judgment

Furnace and Smoke- the smoke of a great furnace

• Bottomless pit- the Abyss- hell fire
• Smoke caused darkness- evil proceeds from darkness

Fierce Locust – and there came out a smoke of locust

• Body of a horse- with armor of protection- ready for battle
• Tail like a scorpion- The sting of pain and suffering
• Head of a man with long hair and a gold crown, teeth like a lion
• Intelligent, ferocious, victorious, and conquer

Fear and Torment – tormented for 5 months

• Fear will grip the heart of me- just looking at them
• Their focus was to inflict pain- not death
• Men and women will seek a place to hide

Faithful Spared –except for those who have the seal of God

• 144,000 Jews- The protection of Israel- Passover

• No indication that Gentiles will be included
• God will protect His own- In His providence

Futility of Men– shall me seek death and not find it

• Death is alluded
• A glimpse of hell- pain and suffering

Future Woes

• The wrath of God is poured out against the ungodly

Drunk With Wine

Isaiah 28:1-13

The admonition given to us in scripture is that we avoid the use of strong drink. Israel found out the results of indulging in drink that caused the mind to error and judgment to stumble. The debate on weather a Christian should indulge in drinking alcohol is one argued by many contemporary Bible scholars of our day. Is moderation possible? What part does our influence matter? What is our responsibility to society and to the life of godliness? “Be not drunk with wine, but be filled with the Spirit”

Debauchery of Wine- drunkards of Ephraim

· The sin of strong drink

· The influence of strong drink

· Christians and drinking in moderation?

Delusion of Strong Drink- beauty fade away

· The “pleasure” of drink

· Hang over of drink

· Satan always paints a beautiful picture

Destroyed by Indulgence- destroying storm

· Destroyer of homes

· Destroyer of self respect

· Debase and wasted

Day of Judgment- spirit of judgment

· God will judge the evil and wickedness of man

Deception of Wine- erred through strong drink

· The mind is impaired to think right

· Judgment is faulty – drinking and driving

Degradation of Man- full of vomit

· Lower the character of man

· Life is degraded and pitied

Deride God’s Instructions-line upon line

· God gives simple instructions

· He provide instruction is several ways

· The method of repetition

· They rejected God’s overtures with contempt

Drug Abuse and Godliness- “be not drunk with wine…”

· The safe way- Total abstinence

· Be drunk with the Spirit

Time and Judgment

Ecclesiastes 8: 1-13
September 23, 2007
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” the words of warning from the pen of the Hebrew writer should cause all of us to take inventory of our lives. We all must someday face the reality that this life will come to an end and only that which is done for Christ will last. May we follow the words of Solomon and live our lives with a holy fear of God.

Countenance of the Wise- (wisdom makes his face to shine)
• Understanding what is really important in life
• Wisdom from God- the light of God shines
• Shine for Jesus- Our countenance reveals spirit
Council to Obey- (keep the king’s commandment)
• Maintaining respect for authority even when we don’t agree
• Obey them that govern over you- maintain civil rest
• Better to obey God than man
Comprehend God’s Time- (discerns both time and judgment)
• Chafe not under His providence
• God does all things right
• To every thing there is a season
Concern about the Future- (he knows not that which shall be)
• Those who seek a sign- astrology (the way of the wicked)
• Be not anxious for tomorrow- sufficient is the day…
Control of Life is Gods- (no man hath power…)
• Only God can give life and maintain it
• He knows the number of our days
Confronting Death- (there is no discharge…)
• Life is life a vapor- a shadow passing
• All will face death- there is no avoiding this enemy
• Christ has overcome death- we can be victor
Coarse of Wicked Leaders- (they were forgotten…)
• The dangers of being elevated to a position of authority
• Come and gone from the place of the holy
Continuation of Evil- (fully set … to do evil)
• Presumption of God’s mercy
• False security leads to recklessness and uncheck behavior
Coming Judgment- (it shall not be well with the wicked)
• For the righteous there is no fear to them that fear God
• The day of reckoning for the Godless-wicked

Zophar, The Religous Dogmatist

August 5th, 2007
Job 11: 1-16, 20
Job is now in the midst of confusion. He is crying out to God for answers. He does not understand why he is being afflicted when he has done his best to flee wickedness and live right. Zophar, a man of self- importance, and one who values his opinion very highly is tired of Job’s “whining”. Job must see that there is only one cause for this suffering. Job has sinned, and he needs to stretch out toward God and confess his wickedness to God. Zophar leaves no room for any other possibilities, his ideas on how God works are right and there is only one way to deal with it. He usurps himself as God and passes judgment on Job with an air of arrogance and self-righteousness. When defending the faith, we must always stand for truth, but it must always be done in a spirit of meekness and humility.

Convinced opinion
• Job’s words go unanswered
• “Job, you are wrong, now listen to me”
Contend for the truth
• “Bless God! I’ll sent them right”
• More concern about being “right” than showing mercy
Condemnation of others
• Only God truly knows the heart of man
• Praying for others with compassion
Comprehension of God
• Man’s finite ability to comprehend all
• God’s sovereign will is accomplished
• Nothing is hid from God
• God knows the heart no matter the outward appearance
• Job’s declaration of righteousness is put the question
Confession of sin
• Prepare your heart- attitude of sorrow
• Stretch out your hand- Humility and God dependent
• Put iniquity away- confession and restitution
• The tabernacle is free of wickedness- sin is no longer entertained
Confidence toward God
• Clean conscience toward God and man
• Doubt and fears are swept away
Consequences of un-confess sin
• Hope is gone, life ends in despair