Sermon Central
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What Does God Require? (Online) Series
Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on May 26, 2024 (message contributor)
Summary: The Lord revealed His righteousness and gave commandments to us. They are to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before Him. The lesson describes the evils and wickedness in high places and provides hope to our Nation during this pandemic, making it particularly relevant to America.
6. Conclusion: Can we convert the world by living like it? We are set in the church "as evangelist…for the equipping of the saint, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,” Ephesians 4:11-16.
a. As Paul did in Ephesus, we must walk upright before God, the church, and the world. He reminded the elders: "Wherefore I take you to record this day, I am pure from all men's blood. I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God,” Acts 20:26-27. I told you the truth in all things.
b. If our pulpits do not declare the whole counsel, then we are not pure from the blood of all men, nor are we walking upright, according to the gospel. Don’t forget preachers and leaders; we’ll stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account. Some preachers and leaders will not hear the word of the Lord.
c. Paul told Timothy why, in 2 Timothy 3:5-13. And Titus, also, in Titus 3:10-11. Some are “heretics,” meaning “schismatic, factious, or followers of false doctrine.” Those who create or take part in schisms or “divisions.”
d. Moses wrote: Jehovah saith, “I will hide my face from them…they are a perverse generation—children in whom there is no faith,” Deuteronomy 32:20.
e. Paul wrote: “Pray for us…And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: For all men have not faith,” 2 Thessalonians 3:1-6.
7. God’s forgiveness. After 70 years of exile, the people return safely to their father’s land. Hear Jehovah,
a. Jeremiah wrote: “Israel is a scattered sheep; the lions have driven him away: The king of Assyria hath devoured him, and last this Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones. Therefore, thus saith the LORD of the host, the God of Israel; Behold, I will punish the king of Babylon and his land, as I have punished the king of Assyria. And I will bring Israel again to his habitation, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan, and his soul shall be satisfied upon Mount Ephraim and Gilead. In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve,” Jeremiah 50:17-20. [Speak quickly about Israel’s return].
1) The word reserve means to swell up, i.e., to—leave, (be) left, let remain, a remnant, a reserve.
2) Jehovah promises to keep alive a remnant, to reserve for pardon and return.
b. Micah wrote: “Who is a God like unto thee: that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage?” Micah 7:18-20; Romans 3:23-26. Read and comment!
1) Micah again, "He will have compassion upon us; He will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea,” Micah 7:19. Oh, what a precious promise regarding the God we now serve! The prophet,
2) Micah speaks of God’s willingness to forgive and pardon His people.
3) Jehovah has put away all their sins. He can also “put away” or “cover” your sins, as in Psalms 32:1-2.
c. God's desire to forgive. Before I move to a conclusion, hear the words of the servants of the Lord, of Jehovah’s forgiveness. Observe David's words,
