Becoming (6)
Dustin Lee Boden / General
“Blessed are the Pure”
Matthew 5:1–8 ESV
1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Introduction:
Today we are going to be continuing our series “Becoming”… we have been focusing on the Beatitudes.
Today, we will be focusing on Matthew 5:8 , "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
Matthew 5:8 ESV
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
“The pure in heart are those who are unspoiled by the world and who live in constant contact with God.”
~ A.W.Tozer
To give you an illustration...
I want you to imagine for a moment… that you’re standing on the edge of a crystal-clear lake.
The water is so pure that you can see straight to the bottom—every rock, every fish, every ripple perfectly visible.
The clarity is breathtaking.... there is such a serene and peaceful atmosphere… a mirror-like reflection of the surrounding landscape.
The overall scene exudes a peaceful, almost otherworldly calm, inviting anyone who gazes upon it to pause and reflect.
Now, imagine that same lake polluted and murky—where you can’t see an inch below the surface.
The water, which once offered a crystal-clear reflection of the sky and surrounding nature, is now dark and impenetrable, distorting the scene above it.
The shoreline, once inviting and serene, feels heavy with the weight of neglect and contamination.
What once inspired peace and awe now stirs a sense of discomfort and unease, as the purity of the lake has been tainted, leaving behind a stark reminder of what has been lost.
This contrast paints a vivid picture of the human heart.
In our fast-paced, media-saturated world, where distractions abound and moral boundaries blur, the idea of having a “pure heart” can seem distant, almost unattainable.
Yet, Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, boldly declares in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
These words are not just a call to outward morality or religious duty—they are a call to a radical inner transformation, one that begins deep within and reshapes every part of our lives.
But what does it mean to be "pure in heart"?
Is it simply about avoiding wrong actions, or is there something deeper at play?
And in a world where impurity seems to be the default setting, how do we maintain this purity?
Jesus promises that the pure in heart will see God.
But how do we arrive at this place of purity in heart?
The answer lies in the journey Jesus has already laid out in the first five Beatitudes.
See… each beatitude builds upon the previous, creating a pathway toward becoming more like Christ, and they all set the stage for this sixth step—a step that promises we will see God.
It begins with being “poor in spirit”—recognizing our spiritual poverty and total dependence on God. This is foundational for a pure heart.
From there, we move to “mourning” over our sin and the brokenness in the world. This leads to repentance, which purifies our hearts further.
Next, we embrace “meekness,” a gentle strength that submits to God. A pure heart is a heart that is humble and teachable, fully aligned with God’s will.
Then comes a “hunger and thirst for righteousness.” As we yearn for God’s ways, our hearts are purified by our desire for what is right in His eyes.
Finally, we become “merciful,” reflecting the mercy we’ve received from God… how we relate to others, extending God’s love and grace.
Each of these steps purifies our hearts and refines our motives, leading us to the sixth Beatitude: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
A pure heart, undivided in its devotion to God, transforms every aspect of our lives, leading us to see God clearly in a world clouded by distractions and sin.
Today, as we continue our series on the Beatitudes today, we are going to unpack 3 key aspects:
1. Understanding a Pure Heart
2. The Challenge of Purity
3. The Reward of Purity
1. Understanding a Pure Heart
1. A pure heart is one that is undivided in its devotion to God, free from hidden motives, and fully aligned with His will.
a. Purity Defined: The word for “pure” in Greek is “Katharos”… it means to be “blameless, to be clean, unstained from guilt”.
i. Biblical purity goes beyond avoiding sin—it’s about actively pursuing God’s righteousness, reflecting His holiness in every aspect of life.
ii. Unlike worldly purity, which focuses on outward appearances, biblical purity is deeply rooted in the heart, requiring internal transformation.
b. Heart Defined : The term “Heart” in Greek is “kardeeah.”… this can be referred to our physical heart, but it is clear that jesus is not talking about a blood pumping organ…rather he is speaking of something much more complex.
i. This refers to our spiritual center—our mind, will, and emotions.
ii. The heart is where we connect with God, store His word, and make choices.
c. When the Bible refers to the heart, it encompasses the entirety of a person's intellect, emotions, and will.
d. The heart is the center of our intellect—Scripture describes it as the place from which we pray, know God, and meditate.
i. It is where we store God’s word, formulate plans, and hold onto His truth.
ii. In our hearts, we think, question, reflect, believe, and even sing!
e. The heart is the center of emotions— Scripture describes a variety of hearts:
i. a glad heart, a loving heart, a fearful heart,
ii. a courageous heart, a repentant heart, an anxious heart,
iii. an angry heart, a revived heart, an anguished heart,
iv. a delighted heart, a grieving heart, a humble heart,
v. an excited heart, a burning heart, and a troubled heart.
vi. Each of these reflects different emotional states.
f. The heart is the center of human will— it is where our desires reside.
i. It is where we find motivation, purpose, determination, and the ability to make choices.
ii. Scripture teaches that a hardened heart resists God and refuses to follow His commands.
iii. In contrast, a heart that is yielded and submitted to God is devoted, pursuing a deeper relationship with Him and aligning itself with His laws.
g. Being pure in heart means having the same attitudes as God, loving what is true and hating what is evil.
i. It involves sincerity, integrity, and a desire to please God in all things.
ii. This is talking about an undivided heart.
iii. A heart that has no hypocrisy and no hidden motives.
h. The pure heart is marked by transparency and an uncompromising desire to please God in all things.
i. Look at… it emphasizes the importance of inner purity and sincere devotion to God...
Romans 12:9 NLT
9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.
i. Our culture is all about tolerance, so they don’t necessarily have a category for discernment between “good” and “evil”.
ii. There are two kingdoms at war in our world… in our state, our nation and in our world… and it is not a political war.
iii. This war is between good and evil… this is between God and Satan…
iv. There is team Jesus… and there is team Satan...
v. You cannot stand for God, stand for His word and “pray” the world gets saved… if you continually empower the wicked members of team satan who want to deconstruct the bible and its influence upon our nation.
vi. Those who are pure in heart…HATE what is evil…and they hold fast to what is good…
a. Those who have a pure heart… have their minds in tune with the heart of God!
i. It shows up in the way they vote … in what they preach… the way they live… and they boldly defend God and His standards.
b. This Beatitude calls for total transformation, linking holiness and happiness.
c. A pure heart opposes what God hates, resists evil, and stands firm in faith, even in a culture that blurs the line between good and evil.
d. A pure heart not only seeks personal holiness but also rejects the approval of sin in any form.
e. We cannot only lift up to God our clean hands… but also a pure heart!
Psalm 24:3–4 NLT
3 Who may climb the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?
4 Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies.
a. The heart MUST be pure… and a pure heart…loves what God loves and is in opposition to all the things that God hates...
Proverbs 6:16–19 ESV
16 There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil,
19 a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
a. Our heart cry should be… “God, keep me from these things that you hate!
i. I want to hate the things you hate…
ii. I want to hate the things that are an abomination to you…
iii. I want to love what you love”.
b. But you cannot do that if you continually rationalize sin and wicked things!
c. Did you know that… there is a sin…of approving sin for others!!
d. I encourage you to read Romans 1:18-32… this passage highlights God’s wrath against humanity.
e. This is a long description of how a society goes bad and what becomes of the people.
f. Here Paul says… God’s wrath against humanity because
i. In their thinking they exchanged the glory for God for a lie— worshiping things other than the creator.
ii. Gave themselves over to shameful lusts— unnatural sexual relations… women and women.. men and men… adults and children.
iii. Their unrighteousness— People are filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, and malice.
iv. They are also full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and maliciousness.
g. Then you really need to catch this last verse… verse 32…
Romans 1:32 (ESV)
32 Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
a. Christ-followers are not only called to resist sinful desires, but also warned against endorsing or supporting those who engage in immoral behavior.
b. Paul emphasizes that God condemns both the sinful actions and the approval of such actions with equal seriousness.
i. If you affirm… approve… empower… elect… enable other people to and the practice of their sinful immorality… you are just as guilty as they are!
ii. This includes having pleasure in sin, through social media, television, books, and other forms of entertainment.
a. The word approval in the Greek carries multiple meanings… but literally it is understood to mean… to consent or sympathize with.
c. I'm troubled by the fact that some who identify as Christians mistakenly view their tolerance as virtuous, even as they support false teachings and immoral actions.
d. In a society where sin is often celebrated and standing against it is labeled as hate, many believers succumb to social pressure, applaud what is wrong, and distort God's call for repentance by endorsing what He deems evil.
i. It is one thing to be kind and respectful… It is another thing to approve and enable.
e. As our culture drifts farther and farther away from God, it is necessary for God’s people to “stand firm in the faith” and be willing to be a “peculiar people”.
f. This means avoiding the temptation to "like" or “approve” of sinful behavior just to appear tolerant or to keep the peace.
g. Often when a spiritual leader speaks against sin or calls for repentance, shallow believers protest “This doesn’t sound like Jesus! Jesus loved everyone and welcomed sinners.”
i. Indeed, Jesus did welcome sinners, but He also motivated them to turn from their transgressions, live a transformed life, and be saved.
ii. He said… you need to be born again!
h. Rather than endorsing sin, the compassionate and faithful response of Christians is to encourage others toward repentance and to receive salvation from sin.
i. Just because the culture celebrates and affirms sin doesn’t mean we have to and it doesn’t mean it stops being sin!
1. A pure heart is—a heart that is single-minded in its devotion to God, free from hypocrisy, and aligned with His will.
a. Now, as inspiring as this vision of a pure heart is, the reality is that we live in a world that seems designed to pull us away from this kind of purity.
i. The moment we set our hearts on pursuing God, we encounter resistance—both from within ourselves and from the world around us.
ii. The temptations, distractions, and pressures of life can cloud our hearts, making it difficult to maintain that clarity and focus on God.
b. In fact, the journey to a pure heart is one of constant vigilance and battle.
c. It’s about more than just recognizing what purity is; it’s about fighting to maintain it in a world that constantly tries to corrupt it.
d. This leads us to our next key aspect: The Challenge of a Pure Heart.
2. The Challenge of Pure Heart
1. The challenge of maintaining a pure heart is complex, involving internal struggles, external pressures, and the need for ongoing spiritual growth.
a. We have internal struggles that challenge us:
i. We have a great battle we are fighting within ourselves!
ii. There is this great internal struggle…yes, even if you are saved…yes, even if you are a Christian… yes, even if you go to church!
iii. Each and every day… you have this internal struggle against sin....
iv. Jeremiah 17:9 says
Jeremiah 17:9 NLT
9 “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?
i. Remember your heart… is your mind, intellect, emotions, and your desires… and if it remains untouched by the word of God… it is bent on deception.
ii. Jeremiah says it is the MOST deceitful… it is desperately evil.
iii. I hear Christians all the time saying… “Follow your heart”… NO… it is wicked!…
iv. It's terrible advice to follow your heart… unless you want to go to hell!
v. UNLESS… your heart is pure and aligned with God… and has been renewed...
vi. Apart form God and His word… you will always follow your carnal nature to utter destruction… and you will be convinced that the whole time… your serving God!
1. We have an entire world going to hell in a hand-basket because they are following their heart instead of God.
2. Because pastors would rather play patty cake than give the truth!
3. Because churches would rather not hurt peoples feelings… and tiptoe around certain sins!
vii. When a church alters its values to conform with current cultural trends, it deviates from its commitment to God and is no longer a church…but instead an institution of satan!
1. I will never understand how people read this blessed book… and then walk flagrantly in sin…or approve of or empower others to do so!
viii. I will never understand how Christians will sit around in churches their whole lives… then go try to make excuses for the things God hates.
ix. The corruption of the human heart cannot change itself… and it requires more than a once in a while… on and off again… casual relationship with God and His word in order to change!
x. You have to have a desire for it… you have to have a HUNGER for it… you have to be OPEN to the Holy Spirit to sanctify you.
xi. You have to be like David in....
Psalm 51:10 ESV
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
i. Much like a drainage system can become clogged over time, our hearts can become obstructed.
ii. Regular encounters with the Holy Spirit are essential to keep them clear.
iii. Sin can desensitize us to God and dull our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
iv. However, through moments of renewal in God's presence, we can regain our sensitivity to His voice.
v. Maintaining purity involves addressing internal struggles such as negative thoughts, hidden motives, and emotional wounds.
vi. Daily temptations—whether through materialism, lust, anger, or pride—can obscure our judgment and divert us from purity."
Galatians 5:16–17 NLT
16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
i. This battle is real… cannot be ignored… cannot be excused… it must be guarded against.
ii. This fight will remain through out your earthly life… however… relying of the Holy spirit and following His guidance leads us to be pure in heart!
b. We have external pressures that challenge us:
Romans 12:2 ESV
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
i. The world around us often promotes values and behaviors that are contrary to God's standards.
ii. Media, culture, and societal norms can easily influence our thinking and all contribute to a dilution of spiritual and moral standards, making it challenging to uphold a pure heart.
iii. In this passage in Romans Paul points out something...
1. There is a real pressure to… “copy the behaviors and customs of the world”.
a. They are trying to squeeze, and pressure us into the likeness and customs of this world on many different levels.
b. The patterns includes conformity to
i. Secular values— a push to adopt and align with the worlds standards that go against God and biblical teachings.
ii. Shallow and immediate gratification— a push towards instant gratification, where decisions are driven by immediate desires rather than a spiritual leading.
iii. Moral and Ethical Decay— A push to embrace and normalize behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to God’s moral standards.
c. There is this great pressure that pushes individuals to compromise their faith and values in order to fit in or gain approval.
d. Paul calls us to RESIST this… not be conformed to it.
Exodus 23:2 NLT
2 “You must not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you are called to testify in a dispute, do not be swayed by the crowd to twist justice.
a. Paul is telling us in Ron 12:2 that we should be different than the unbelievers.
b. Most of us as Christians recognize this, but we seem at a loss as to how to accomplish it.
c. This verse goes on to give us the answer. The key is our minds or “hearts”. “
d. For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Prov 23:7)
iv. This not only shows up in the world around us… but even in our relationships with close friends and families!
1. Relationships with others can also pose great challenges.
a. Friends and family might have different values or lifestyles that can pressure us to compromise our own standards of purity.
b. Family gatherings, social events, and everyday interactions may involve behaviors or conversations that challenge our moral standards.
c. Conflicts with friends or family can lead to feelings of anger, resentment, or bitterness.
i. These emotions can cloud our heart and lead us away from purity by causing us to harbor unforgiveness or retaliate in unkind ways.
d. Misunderstandings and unresolved issues in relationships can create a breeding ground for negative thoughts and attitudes, which can affect our internal purity and our ability to act with integrity and love.
Proverbs 13:20 ESV
20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV
33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
1. Spending time with individuals who engage in sinful behavior or hold anti-biblical views can influence our attitudes and actions, making it challenging to uphold a pure heart.
2. In some cases, friends or family may enable or encourage sinful behavior, leading us to justify or rationalize actions that we know are contrary to God's standards.
3. Sometimes our desire to seek their approval or family traditions or a desire to keep the peace… can lead us to compromise our principles to fit in, or to be liked.
v. This challenge shows up in spiritual warfare...
1 Peter 5:8 ESV
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
i. This verse vividly describes Satan as a predatory force, actively seeking to undermine and destroy our faith.
ii. His aim is to corrupt our hearts, leading us away from God and into sin.
iii. Spiritual warfare is real and relentless, targeting those who strive for a pure heart.
a. Temptation and Impurity:The enemy lures us into impurity through various means, including addiction and moral compromise.
i. For example, the pornography industry, with its billion-dollar scale, exploits and damages countless lives, driven by people’s financial support.
b. Addictions: Drug and alcohol addictions are strongholds that the enemy uses to enslave individuals and keep them from experiencing the freedom and purity that God offers.
c. Mental and Emotional Struggles: Issues like depression, doubt, and bitterness are areas where the enemy works to undermine our mental and emotional health, challenging our quest for purity.
d. Violence and Aggression: These are used to create conflict and division, disrupting peace and purity in our lives and relationships.
e. Busyness and Distraction: The enemy often uses the busyness of life to distract us from our spiritual goals and weaken our commitment to a pure heart.
iv. These are all attacks of spiritual warfare to challenge your quest for a pure heart!
Ephesians 6:12 ESV
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
i. These attacks are not always visible but are deeply spiritual, aiming to defile and corrupt our hearts.
ii. You do not have to do anything wrong for Satan to attack us; the mere pursuit of purity makes us a target.
iii. Satan fears the pursuit of purity!
1. He knows that if he can slip his foot into the door of our hearts through impurity, we’re goners.
2. He’ll trip us up with all sorts of temptations, from pornography to movies to books to advertising—whatever it takes to make us ineffective as representatives of God’s kingdom.
a. For example, open up your heart to greed, and Satan can get you to cheat on your taxes or make a shady business deal.
b. Leave the door to your heart ajar through pride, and you’ll chase the applause and praise of others rather than the approval of God.
3. Satan fears the person with a pure heart—not the perfect person, but the person who wants to do the right thing and keeps their motives pure.
c. So we looked at understanding a pure heart and the challenges of a pure heart…lastly lets look at...
**Musicians Return
3. The Reward of Pure Heart
1. The reward of a pure heart is nothing less than the ability to "see God."
Matthew 5:8 ESV
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
a. This isn't just about a future heavenly vision, although it certainly includes that.
b. It's about a deeper, more intimate relationship with God right here and now.
c. Think about this… what is the ultimate and most complete form of happiness for the believer?.... Isn’t it to see God??
i. This should be the highest form of joy and fulfillment that a Christian can experience!
ii. This is talking about seeing God as our own, having a personal relationship with Him, and finding joy in that relationship.
iii. We get to see Him as ours… and to enjoy Him!!
James 4:8 NLT
8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
Psalm 17:15 NLT
15 Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.
a. When our hearts are pure, we can perceive God's presence and work in our lives more clearly.
b. Purity of heart leads to a deeper intimacy with God.
c. When there is nothing in our hearts that separates us from Him, we can enter into His presence with confidence and freedom.
d. The "pure in heart" are those who seek God sincerely and are free from deceit and hypocrisy.
e. Their purity allows them to experience God's presence in a way that is intimate and real.
f. This intimacy is the greatest reward for a believer because it fulfills the deepest longing of the human soul—to know and be known by God.
g. I find this reward fascinating… because it is a present reality… and we can see God…and Know him!
h. How many of you remember the man named Moses in the bible…
i. Moses asked God to see his face… this request came after a series of deep encounters Moses had with God.
j. God told Moses to take the people of Israel and go into the promise land… I will send an angel with you… but I myself will not go with you!
k. Moses said… NO WAY...IF YOU ARE NOT GOING WITH US... I REFUSE TO TAKE ANOTHER STEP!
l. God if you are not going…I’m not going!
m. Moses says...
Exodus 33:16 ESV
16 For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?”
a. God replied to Moses… Exodus 33:17
Exodus 33:17 ESV
17 And the LORD said to Moses, “This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.”
a. Then Moses said...
Exodus 33:18 ESV
18 Moses said, “Please show me your glory.”
a. This request reflects Moses' deep desire to know God more fully and to experience His presence in an even greater way.
b. Moses wanted to see God face to face, which in biblical terms represents the fullest and most direct encounter with God's presence.
c. Moses said… it isn’t enough that I have witnessed many miracles… I WANT MORE OF YOU!!
i. I am desperate for more of you… I am thankful for what I have… but it is not enough!!
ii. Moses said… I need more of you God!!
1. How many of you are that desperate for God??
2. How many of you would be willing to refuse the promised blessing of the Lord… if He did not go with you?
d. God responds by saying...
Exodus 33:20 ESV
20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.”
a. God explains that His full glory is too overwhelming for any human to behold and survive. Instead, God offers a gracious alternative.
b. God tells Moses that He will place him in a cleft of the rock and cover him with His hand while His glory passes by.
c. Afterward, God would remove His hand, allowing Moses to see His back, but not His face.
d. Here is what is so powerful about this reward to me… We get to see God!!
e. Jesus said in John 14:9
John 14:9 b (NLT)
9 ...Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father!....
a. The fulfillment of this reward is found in Jesus!!
b. Through Christ, we see the glory of God in a way that is approachable and transformative.
c. Jesus is the image of the invisible God!
d. The ultimate fulfillment of Matthew 5:8 is found in the promise that believers will one day see God in eternity.
e. Revelation 22:4 says…
Revelation 22:4 ESV
4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
a. This promise is made possible because of Jesus' redemptive work, which purifies us and prepares us to dwell with God forever.
Conclusion:
As we close, I want us to take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve been on.
We’ve explored what it means to have a pure heart—a heart that is free from the corruption of sin and wholly devoted to God.
We looked at the challenges that this purity presents, especially in a world that often seems bent on pulling us away from God’s standards.
And we’ve looked forward to the incredible reward that Jesus promises—the privilege of seeing God, both now and in eternity.
But now, I want to turn our attention to the most crucial part of today’s message—how do we respond?
Invitation to Reflect:
What’s blocking you from becoming pure in heart?
I believe that God is calling each of us to a deeper level of purity today.
The Holy Spirit is stirring within us, urging us to examine our hearts and confront the impurities that have taken root.
This is not about condemnation but about invitation—an invitation to draw closer to God, to experience His presence in a more profound way, and to allow His holiness to transform every part of our lives.
In this moment, I want to invite you to respond. Maybe as I’ve been speaking, the Holy Spirit has been bringing things to your mind—areas of your life where purity has been compromised, where the waters have become murky.
Perhaps there are hidden sins, divided loyalties, or worldly desires that have clouded your vision of God.
Maybe there is unresolved sin and guilt, or bitterness and unforgiveness, or worldly distractions, or negative influences, or spiritual apathy
This is your moment to bring those things before the Lord and allow Him to purify your heart.
Altar Call:
The altar is open, and I invite you to come forward as a step of faith.
As you come, you’re not just approaching a physical space—you’re coming to the foot of the cross, where Jesus shed His blood to cleanse you from all unrighteousness.
This is a sacred moment, a time for you to meet with God and allow Him to do a deep work in your heart.
If you’re feeling the weight of conviction, don’t ignore it.
The Holy Spirit is here, and He’s ready to do a transforming work in you.
Whether you need to repent, renew your commitment to holiness, or simply ask God to give you a pure heart, I encourage you to take that step.
For those who may not feel comfortable coming forward, I encourage you to find a place where you can pray—right where you are, or somewhere in the sanctuary where you can be alone with God.
Let this be a time of genuine encounter with Him.
Prayer:
Let’s pray together.
"Father, we come before You today, recognizing our need for a pure heart.
We acknowledge that in our own strength, we fall short, but we thank You for the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all sin.
Lord, we ask that You would search our hearts, reveal any wicked way within us, and lead us in the way everlasting.
We surrender our minds, our wills, our emotions to You—every part of us.
Purify us, Lord. Help us to hate what You hate, and to love what You love.
And as we draw near to You, may we see You more clearly, may we experience Your presence more powerfully, and may we reflect Your holiness more faithfully in our lives.
We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen."
Closing Remarks:
As you leave today, carry with you the commitment to pursue a pure heart, knowing that it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. Remember, the reward of purity is seeing God—not just in eternity, but here and now, in every part of your life.
Practical Steps for Maintaining Purity:
1. Self-Examination: Reflect daily on your thoughts and actions. Use prayer and reflection to identify areas needing improvement.
2. Accountability: Build relationships with trusted friends or mentors for support and regular check-ins.
3. Mindful Media: Choose uplifting and positive content. Avoid media that promotes impurity or negativity.
4. Guard Your Heart: Set boundaries to prevent temptation. Use tools like internet filters and avoid harmful influences.
5. Healthy Habits: Develop a routine that includes Bible reading, journaling, and acts of service to foster spiritual growth.
6. Quick to Believe: Trust in God’s promises and turn to His Word when faced with doubts or temptations.
7. Quick to Forgive: Practice forgiveness quickly towards yourself and others to maintain a clean heart.
8. Quick to Repent: Seek forgiveness from God immediately when recognizing sin or mistakes.
9. Pursue Holistic Purity: Strive for purity in thoughts, words, and deeds, and be a positive influence.
10. Engage in Community: Join faith groups and church activities that support and encourage spiritual growth.
May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He make His face shine upon you, and give you peace as you walk in His ways. You are dismissed, but if you need prayer or want to stay in God’s presence a little longer, please feel free to do so. The altar is still open, and our prayer team is here to pray with you. God bless you.
