Confessing Our Sins and Our Hope

Confessing Our Sins and Our Hope

What does it mean to “confess”? Biblically & even generally speaking? To “Confess”? - “I Confess”

It means to admit or acknowledge something -usually publically…

Admitting (almost always) –1 of 2 things -& those 2 seem opposite -but actually go hand-in-hand…

To acknowledge or ADMIT GUILT {-as in wrong DO-ing {actions} – as in breaking of law – as in SIN}
To acknowledge or ADMIT AUTHORITY  -that of the Law Giver and his Judgements (Good or Bad)

Both ADMISSIONs are usually in the context of seeking, not only justice:

…But most often, from the perspective of the guilty, seeking: PARDON, FORGIVENESS, and…
the MERCY of the court or the Judge    -In the case of God, this is called “Grace”

So in a nutshell: you can say “confessing” comes down to Publically Admitting  TWO NAMES:

The name of the Guilty party (usually the self) and…
The name of the Righteous Judge

This Public Admission can only truly come from a position of humility…

Whether it is that humility is forced or voluntary –is another matter – we’ll explore that a bit.   

{Before we explore “confession” a bit more – let’s remember some basics -we (sinners) dig our own grave:}

{Let’s turn to Psalm 7 – covered nicely by Mr Morris a few weeks ago – so I won’t get into too much detail..}

{Suffice it to say these next verses describe both the fate of Satan and the unrepentant sinner…}

Psalm 7:14 14Behold, the wicked brings forth iniquity; Yes, he conceives trouble and brings forth falsehood. {Satan is the father of lies, people who do the same “are of their father the devil” – as Jesus told the Pharisees} 15He made a pit and dug it out, And has fallen into the ditch which he made. {The Devil is responsible for the bottomless pit & lake of fire he will be thrown into and we dig our own pit or grave} 16His trouble shall return upon his own head, And his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown. {The devil will bruise Christ’s heal and so will have his own head crushed & the man who lives by the sword -will die by it} 17I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

{I read this to point out that David here is Publicly confessing…..  #1 that the wicked (the Guilty) bring the…} {….penalties/consequences upon themselves – for man its death, for Satan the Abyss & later the lake of fire}

{…and #2 – David is confessing the Name of the Lord as Righteous – the most high – greatest authority}

{Ironically, the 2 people first responsible for bringing the penalty of death…}

{– never Confessed to their Guilt for breaking the Law.}

{those that know me – understand I usually start by reading from the beginning of Genesis}

{Some people think it’s a children’s book –I would actually agree, we are God’s children so we should know it}

{However-it’s spiritual depths are incredible for those with eyes to see. Something new every time we read it}

Genesis 3:7 (NKJV) 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. {they tried to literally cover the shame they felt with leaves but God later reveals that blood & sacrifice are required for forgiveness & to be close again to Holiness} 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. {Mankind right now in the 21 century hides from the Lord too -we have gone back to hiding in the trees – w/ evolution} 9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” {Notice God in His mercy still calling} 10 So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.”

{So man and woman sin, try to cover it up and hide from God – nothing has changed}   Let’s keep reading…

11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?”

{It always boils down to that: God’s command– his law–“don’t eat from that tree” –eat from the tree of LIFE..} {…(like a body) -Amplified of course by the two commands (like arms)  –love God & love neighbor – amplified} {…again by the 10 commandments (like fingers) -we get to the heart or spirit behind God’s Word/Commands}

{We see that it animates this body to LIFE everlasting, to Glorification one day & no more shameful flesh}  

{But let’s see what happens here…}

12 Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree {true to a degree, but where is his confession?}, and I ate. {Well, there is an admission – but is it a confession of guilt? Looks more like he’s naming her and even God as the guilty party}” 13 And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” {“What have you done?”} The woman said, “The serpent deceived me and I ate.” {true again, to a degree but again, even after they were caught, they never named themselves as the guilty party–} {they named (or “put the blame on”) others instead}

Did they even ask for forgiveness? No, & this continues of course into the next generation, and on and on…

{So Adam & Eve are expelled from the Garden – but before they are – God covers their shame}

{And here we read of the first indication that God requires Blood & Sacrifice to cover the consequences of sin}

Genesis 3:21–24 (NKJV) 21 Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin and clothed them. {Covering themselves was not sufficed, it required the death of an unblemished innocent, in this case, an animal- {as a foreshadowing of Christ. Adam had not too long ago finished naming it – so he was intimate it I’m sure.} {Often innocents pays the price for sin ALWAYS for the covering –it is still the case today} 22 Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”—{see that would mean mixing good and evil for all time – God won’t have that} 23 therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken.

{So mankind is kicked out of Paradise to experience a world where man chooses for himself how to live}

{Well, let’s look at the next generation, sometimes the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree…}

Genesis 4:3–15 (NKJV) 3 And in the process of time {appointed time} it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, 5 but He did not respect Cain and his offering.

{Even though they’re not in Paradise – God was still close enough to man to accept sacrifice on their behalf}

{We spoke in the context of Adam&Eve’s attempt w/ leaves, that “covering” guilt requires Blood & Sacrifice…}
{…but also –God expects repentance & obedience –that means a change toward righteousness & law keeping}

{And one would figure Adam and Eve were repentant enough to drill obedience into their kids minds&hearts-}

{-One of them (Cain) had a completely rotten attitude –not unlike his parents –who also did their own thing…}

{Look, Cain may have worked very hard, put sweat & time into offering God the best-of-the-best fruits…}

{….but He wasn’t obedient to God’s command in doing so…who requires Blood & Sacrifice -How do we know?}

5…And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. 6 So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? 7 If you DO well, {action – right DO-ing} will you not be accepted? {closeness to God – to Holiness, acceptance & forgiveness – implies heartfelt obedience & people hate…}

{..hearing that – they harden their hearts to it} …7“And if you do Not DO well, sin lies at the door.” {sin is well- {defined from early on as being disobedient & doing your own mix of good & evil - what you think is right} {thus also robbing God – of His position – the Most High – author of righteousness} …7“And its desire is for you {meaning sin}, but you should rule over it.”

{You want God to be forgiving and accepting of you? Then – make an honest effort with your life to be…} {…obedient. Aim for perfection-“But nobody’s perfect?” well Jesus himself, James, Paul & Peter admonish us-} {…to “BE perfect like our Heavenly Father” - God knows there are going to be bumps in the road…}

{…but your heart has to have PERFECTION – as the target, You might miss the mark at times and sin…}

{…but Sin should NOT be mastering YOU – YOU should be mastering IT –if the King RULES in your heart…}

{– then you CAN RULE over SIN -…..AND…. a big KEY to that is #1) FIRST confessing your guilt…and #2)…} {…confessing Christ as your blood & sacrifice offering before God… Do that – Do well – and see how fast…} {…repentance & obedience will start to follow naturally & the Healing and closeness to God begin.}

{Because that’s the aim – the point of confession – to bring you to a position of humility – in order to Heal}

{Heal the rift between God and Man & Man and his Neighbor – but Cain had no confession – no humility…}

8 Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. {See Jesus’ point of anger leading to death – he knew this so-called “children’s story”} 9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” {a bold face lie with attitude!} 10 And He said, “What have you done?

{Remember God asked Eve that same question & she Named/blamed Satan, never admitting guilt –He asks us} {that same question –do we respond prayerfully w/ “forgive us our trespasses? Or an attitude & a hardening-} {of our hearts? – it doesn’t have to be overt – could be subtle that you resent God’s expectations}

10“The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground {this is the cry of the righteous innocents who suffer from sin}. 11 So now you are cursed from the earth, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. {tried to cover it up – maybe literally cover the body of Cain with dirt or rocks} 12 When you till the ground, it shall no longer yield its strength to you. A fugitive and a vagabond you shall be on the earth.”

{Words like fugitive and wanderer call to mind the Guilty running from the Law – from our Father…}

{…and many of us still are! Most don’t even know it b/c we don’t confess or admit it –even to ourselves}

{we’re all under the curse of the Law –until we confess & live a True LIFE thru grateful repentance & reverence

13 And Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear! {Not “I’m sorry!”} 14 Surely You have driven Me out this day from the face of the ground {Did God drive him out or did he drive himself out? He dug his brother’s grave and his own ditch}; I shall be hidden from Your face; I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond on the earth, and it will happen that anyone who finds me will kill me.”{Worried about those who can kill the body but not body and soul in hell –and yet even still …witness the mercy of God…} 15 And the Lord said to him, “Therefore, whoever kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord set a mark on Cain, lest anyone finding him should kill him. {Notice something…}

{God still had mercy on him – just as he will have mercy on the entire world – they are not lost wanders… {…2/3rds of the planet’s non-Christians are not doomed forever in darkness & hell – as many Christians…} {…who love God’s grace (but not his law)  would have you believe. Many get on our case as a Church…}

{…b/c they claim we give people a second chance after death “How dare you!” –NO We believe God give’s {…everyone a first real chance – at closeness to him as a Father, at healing, at forgiveness}

{…Today might be your first real chance - as a first-fruit – but most will come later in the later harvest.}

Anyway -let’s turn to Proverbs 28:13–14 (NKJV) 13 He who covers his sins will not prosper {remember -God covers not you}, 13But whoever CONFESSES AND forsakes them WILL have mercy.

{…whoever confesses & repents will have Grace, Forgiveness, Pardon from guilt, and Closeness to God…}

{….There are people who you will see prosper in sin for a time – but eternally speaking it is death.}

{…Ultimate mercy & eternal life requires confession  - Now look at the very next verse…}

14 Happy is the man who is always reverent, {not sometimes but consistently full of awe and respect…}

{…again this is a natural position of humility}…. 14 “But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.”

{We can so easily read past the word “happy” but how many people are truly happy – happy world out there?}

{How many people out there are looking for happiness in all kinds of addictions & idols & Work? -whatever} {how many people can’t stand it if you bring up the peace of Christ? Sabbath as mental rest?}

{People have hardened their hearts to God &unfortunately go down in the dumps they create for themselves}

2 Peter 3 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts {see scoffers are full of disdain -like Cain & also not DO well –their own lusts}, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”{attitude like Cain} 5 For this they willfully forget: {see they know God exists – just like Cain & Adam – “willfully” is the key word here – they don’t want to know} that by the word of God the heavens were of old and the earth standing out of water and in the water. 6 By which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word,{God does not change} are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

{People don’t want to know or hear about a Creator God that we need to answer to – that might also mean…}

{…we might be our brother’s keeper! They don’t want to hear about a day of reckoning –consider it a Day of..}

{…ultimate Confessing – confessing the what’s what & who’s who – that is who’s right and who’s wrong} 

{….but everything will be exposed – there will be nothing hidden that won’t come to the light…}

In the meantime, let see other classic examples of people with hard heads and hard hearts…

Exodus 32:30–35 (NKJV) 30 Now it came to pass on the next day that Moses said to the people, “You have committed a great sin. So now I will go up to the Lord; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.” 31 Then Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Oh, these people have committed a great sin, and have made for themselves a god of gold! {Moses confesses for them} 32 Yet now, if You will -forgive their sin—but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.” {It’s not clear if Moses is asking to be an atonement sacrifice or what but God doesn’t get upset…} 33 And the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book. {just a straight answer – including Moses – b/c all have sinned} 34 Now, therefore, go, lead the people to the place of which I have spoken to you. Behold, My Angel shall go before you. {I love this verse – b/c IF Jesus will not only lead them, but also be the atonement – the Blood Sacrifice -that Moses can’t be for Israel – then nobody can be written in the Book of Life}, “Nevertheless, in the day when I visit for punishment, I will visit punishment upon them for their sin.” {When the time comes for Justice – it will be apportioned accordingly} 35 So the Lord plagued the people because of what they did with the calf which Aaron made.

{Israel had just come out from seeing for themselves – God’s miracle in their life – coming out of plagues}

{Yet they were just as hard headed and hard hearted as Pharaoh – let’s look at Pharaoh…}

Exodus 9:22–35 (NKJV) 22 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt—on man, on beast, and on every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt.” 23 And Moses stretched out his rod toward heaven; and the Lord sent thunder & hail, and fire darted to the ground. And the Lord rained hail on the land of Egypt. 24 So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, so very heavy that there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. 25 And the hail struck throughout the whole land of Egypt, all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail struck every herb of the field and broke every tree of the field. {There was a raging storm such as had never been seen before –destroying precious green desert life-  as one of the plagues} 26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, there was no hail. {In the middle of those raging storms - God’s people are always protected}

27 And Pharaoh sent and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, “I have SINNED this time. The LORD is RIGHTEOUS, and my people and I are WICKED. {Pharaoh confesses his sin while the storm is raging – don’t we often do that as human beings} 28 Entreat the Lord {pray for me – too proud to do it himself}, that there may be no more mighty thundering and hail, for it is enough. {punishment is enough – like Cain} I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer.” 29 So Moses said to him, “As soon as I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands to the Lord; the thunder will cease, and there will be no more hail, that you may know that the earth is the Lord’s. 30 But as for you and your servants, I know that you will not yet fear the Lord God.” {This fear – is the proper respect and awe - humility} 31 Now the flax and the barley were struck, for the barley was in the head and the flax was in bud. 32 But the wheat and the spelt were not struck, for they are late crops.  33 So Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh and spread out his hands to the Lord; then the thunder and the hail ceased, and the rain was not poured on the earth. 34 And when Pharaoh saw that the rain, the hail, and the thunder had ceased…., he sinned yet more; and HE hardened his heart, HE and his servants. 35 So the heart of Pharaoh was hard; neither would he let the children of Israel go, as the Lord had spoken by Moses. {hard heads and hardened hearts – even after confessing their sin –it was insincere} {Does it indicate here that God hardened his heart? – or is it more that – Pharaoh was digging his own ditch – his own son’s grave actually?}

Exodus 10:12–20 (NKJV) 12 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land—all that the hail has left.” 13 So Moses stretched out his rod over the land of Egypt, and the Lord brought an east wind on the land all that day and all that night. When it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts. 14 And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt and rested on all the territory of Egypt. They were very severe; previously there had been no such locusts as they, nor shall there be such after them. 15 For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they ate every herb of the land and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left. So there remained nothing green on the trees or on the plants of the field throughout all the land of Egypt. 16 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste, and said, “I have sinned against the Lord your God and against you. 17 Now therefore, please forgive my sin only this once, and entreat the Lord your God, that He may take away from me this death only.” 18 So he went out from Pharaoh and entreated the Lord. 19 And the Lord turned a very strong west wind, which took the locusts away and blew them into the Red Sea. There remained not one locust in all the territory of Egypt. 20 But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the children of Israel go.

{Yet again – insincere confession, this time it says The Lord hardened his heart –but based on what we read}

{–there’s plenty of ditch digging going on Pharaohs’ part –so the Lord may be ‘hardening his heart’ simply by..} {demonstrating His superior power in removing plagues upon Pharoh’s confession & that boils Pharoh's blood}

{Now everything going on here is very reminiscent of what we read occurring before the return of the King}

{We read before about willfully ignorant scoffers at the end – but we’ll also see plagues of huge hail storms…}

{destruction of green life, machines that look like locusts –in this darkness over the land -mankind is worse…}

{–they can’t bring themselves to confess God and admit their own sins – at least Pharaoh tried faking it….}  

Revelation 8:7 (NKJV) 7 The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.…{then plague after plague}…Revelation 9:20–21 (NKJV) 20 But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. 21 And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts. {I’m gonna focus in on “thefts” here…}

{I submit that one of the thefts – that mankind is Guilty of with increasing frequency in the end times…}

{…Is that of robbing GOD of His place -as the Creator, as we read, AND also of His Righteous Judgments…}

{We have decided that we know what’s right, & often, that God's judgment is in the wrong…}

{what we confess now publically–is that our names have been switched!} {It’s ok to “be yourself”…}

{…not aspire to be Christ-like or Perfect. Not die to your “self” – but rather “accept yourself” (true gender)}

{“The unborn, for example, are not life –how dare you interfere with a woman’s right”}

{“God in schools? In the public sphere? – you must be crazy – keep that in the dark – upside down world”}

{But we need to be careful –b/c this attitude can happen to the best of us –humility needs to be worked on}

{and this is one of the reasons God tests the hearts and minds of his children – for our own good}

{…he wants us to go through the storms and come out stronger –but We need to stay humble – never doubt} {never doubt God’s love or what He’s doing –even if we don’t know the plan in full…}

{…. that’s what Adam and Eve did – giving the devil an ear – when he said – “Did God really say”}

{In the story of Job –he was indeed a righteous man – nothing wrong –we’ve all come short of Glory but…}

{– God even confessed his name ‘so to speak’ to Satan – boasting in the level of his obedience}

{Satan claimed Job’s righteousness was only b/c of the blessings in his life – not the other way around}

{nothing is that black-and-white –I’m sure that’s not entirely true}

{But God did allow Satan to bring the storm clouds onto Job – and in the whirlwind – Job does question God}

{He was righteous – and he suffered BIG loss – not little loss - why was this happening?}

{It’s a question that mankind has always asked – Why does God allow bad things happen to good people?}

{It’s one of atheisms biggest beef against confessing God’s “Good” name, his God’s Judgments –NOT just.}

{Let’s see how God responds after Job questions God’s judgment & fairness in the midst of the raging storm}

Job 40:6–14 (NKJV) 6 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: 7“Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me: {God says let’s switch it up – since mankind seems to be fond of doing this} 8“Would you indeed annul My judgment? Would you condemn Me that you may be justified? {Job is asking God these question based on Job’s own righteousness – as if God wasn’t the Author of Righteousness} 9 Have you an arm like God? Or can you thunder with a voice like His? {What’s beautiful here is when we think about it… what did God thunder? –what did he write with his own arm & His finger?.10 Cmdts} 10 Then adorn YOURSELF with MAJESTY and splendor And array Yourself with GLORY and beauty.

{Christ kept all the commandments He thundered and wrote with his own finger - 100% of the time –}

{Glory & Majesty became His alone –for us depends on the righteousness of Christ -present in us -not our own}

{As Isiah said -our own righteousness is like filthy rags by comparison, we don’t make ourselves Kings & Priests}  

11”Disperse the rage of your wrath; Look on everyone who is proud, and humble him; 12Look on everyone who is proud, and bring him low”;

{God is being ironic here - Who was actually being proud here? Who is being humbled here thinking that…}

{...Job’s righteousness can demand payment from God –God owes him b/c of his filthy rags – he was already {…a dead man walking – unable to save himself from past sins’ curse};

11”Tread down the wicked in their place 13 Hide them in the dust together, Bind their faces in hidden darkness.

 {Who is going to tread down Satan himself who deceives humans from Adam -even Job now, through pride?}

{Who is going to put away death itself – the last enemy? Can Job do that?}

{Our loving Father and Christ our brother alone -have the power, authority, and moral capacity…}

{…if the measure is righteousness –and it is, –Jesus never ate from that Tree –every man –including Job has}  

14Then I will also confess to you That your own “right hand” can save you.  

{In the immediate context – God ironically says “when you can do that” – then I will confess Your name}

{In the meantime, you better confess your sin – and my name}

{We’ll read later on how beautiful that vs 14 actually is –Jesus as the Arm of the Lord wasn’t revealed to Job}

{Suffice it to say –this passage in Job is not about how Big & Bad God is –Man talks like that….}

{... –it’s about how big and GOOD He is –How Powerful – yet merciful – we just don’t get it}

{For now – God is saying here that He is the 1 to be Trusted w/ Justice & Judgment esp. in the raging storms}

{We have discussed in other sermons and sermonettes – trust God to the very end – even as Christ did..}

{committing his spirit up to God with his last dying breath up on the cross when the storm raged}

{When the storm waters are raging –trust God to walk right through it – like the red sea…}

{…or Peter walking on water} {Keep your faith –be humble enough to confess God –never question the God..}

{..who holds the power of resurrection} {God’s not only restored Job’s fortunes 2x over & saw 4 generations…}

{…something even Job couldn’t have imagined is in store for him –the resurrection of his lost loved ones}

{Job does confess after this and says in Job 42:6 “Therefore I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes”}

{Here was a man who God was showing off at one point repenting in dust and ashes for questioning God}

{We’ve probably done a whole lot worse – it really does show that Job did have a good heart – he strayed}

{It’s hard to battle the world and our ego – humble ourselves enough}

{Even those who saw first-hand Jesus’s tremendous miracles didn’t confess…}

John 12:37–43 (NKJV) 37 But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” {has the saving power of the Christ been revealed to you? Then your eyes are blessed says Jesus} 39 Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again:40“He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, Lest they should see with their eyes, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn {repent}, So that I should heal them.” {Very important statement - God’s goal is healing – people who dig their own pit won’t heal – healing is LIFE – life abundant – life eternal ultimate healing. Some people just don’t want to be healed OR don’t think they need healing – even though they’re the walking dead}41 These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him. 42 Nevertheless even among the rulers MANY believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; {again – worried about the worldly, the carnal, even today – how many people know God’s truth – don’t want to give up the Christmas, don’t want to discuss God at work – will discuss the real housewives – just not God or politics -social gatherings –forget about it} 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. {Do we do this? We need to carefully examine}

James 5:16–18 (NKJV) 16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. {Healing is what God wants – between Him and Man – b/w man and neighbor.}

{In true God form – and following the outline of his commandments – loving God and loving neighbor}

{God will heal us – but we need to help heal each other – confess your trespasses and God will forgive yours}

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.

{you know these last lines are in this section –and one thing to remember is that in the end… (and we were {talking about how bad it would be in the end) there will be 2 witnesses who have this same power Elijah had} {They will be publically confessing the sins of the World –and the name Jesus who can ALONE can remove it}

{We may be alive to see this – we will need prayers to be effective – prayerfully begin now to learn to confess}

{To God & to each other –be forgiving & merciful & repent & reverent –b/c it means you understand -Father}

Later on in John we read John 12:48–50 (NKJV) 48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive {to heart} My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. {You already own death – that’s yours – you have it. The Word of God spoke long ago – you eat – you die – we’ve all eaten}  49 For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. { here’s 2nd Adam – speaking about the knowledge of True Life – the Tree of Life} Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”

Luke 15:11 Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. {We started the sermons about 2 sons – one became a wanderer by curse – we’ll here are two sons again – one becomes a wanderer by Choice {digs his own ditch –right} –extravagant living – living off the blessings his Father gave him – yet forgetting his Father – do we do that?} 14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. 15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.{There are many out there who…} {believed –who have joined themselves to this unclean world –and many will come to their senses –and…} {confess…I have to admit that I did just that…} 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! {there was nothing out there of substance – you’ll starve out there for the Truth – as this prodigal son of the story saw his true state – resorting to eat what was meant for the unclean} 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ 20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, {confession to God and Man} and I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, {Blood & Sacrifice – provided by the Father himself} and let US eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.  {wow}

{When we talk about God’s mercy for those wandering out there in ignorance – we become reverent of God}

{Last week’s Bible study we talked about Jonah & how he was very upset with God for not destroying Nineveh}

{And God says In Jonah 4:11 11 And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than 120,000 {persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left—and much livestock?”}

{The Prodigal’s brother was not too happy when he returned, Jonah was not to happy, Christians out there..}

{…they can’t stand the Church of God’s suggestion that God will provide a first real chance}

{How does your heart line up with God’s –Are you ready to confess your trespasses to God and one another?}

{From a position of humility – who cares first chance, second chance, third chance – forgive 70 x 7}

{This is the opposite of “why does bad things happen to good people” – this is “why do the bad prosper”?…}

{“now they have another chance to repent & have eternal life too?” - selfish &proud at your own filthy rags}

{Are we going to question God’s judgment – yet again? The one who knows every thought?}

{Are you going to rob him of his Moral Authority – and question his Judgement}

{We believe in the Last Great Day – the 8th Day – when God will circumcise the hearts of the vast majority}

{People are not humble enough to accept mercy b/c they’ve earned the right to quickly condemn others?}

Philippians 2:5–11 (NKJV) 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, {who considered it robbery? Satan did – he wanted to ascend and be like the most high – the opposite of Jesus who was already there}  7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death {never once from that tree}, even the death of the cross {as if cursed – suffering the curse for man – the blood & sacrifice} 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, {remember the names} 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. {confess out of love and a reverent humility -I’m sure for vast majority of souls}

{He humbled himself from Godhood – can we humble ourselves from our delusional dusty selves?}

 

{Christ, even now, raised up in to be at the right hand of God –in Majesty & Glory – as we read in Job…}

{Loves us enough that He will confess our name to God…}

{Remember the Verse in JOB 14Then I will also confess to you That your own “right hand” can save you.} 

{Job could not have understood how beautifully packed with meaning that statement was…}

{Did or will Job possess the Holy Spirit of Christ – the arm of God – I think so…}

{That means Job was part of the Body of Christ – His Arm will Save Him – and guess what…}

{Christ will confess Job’s name…}

Matthew 10:27–40 (NKJV) 27 “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear HIM who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. {remember we read that} 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. {Such power right?} 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.{such compassion} 32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.{wow}

 33 BUT whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. {this is a challenge to us – especially in these last days – lots of people speaking up on what’s right and wrong – will you confess your sins and your maker?} 34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword {Word of God is like a double-edged sword} 35 For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 36 and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ 37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. 40 “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me {Father}. {Now this sounds harsh – but we just spoke about what most don’t understand – it may not be their time to understand – but it’s yours – and so you need to learn to confess the truth?}

{Now, is it never too late to confess? I can’t say for sure for the first-fruits}

{You know who else confessed? – Judas Iscariot – the thief of the treasury – the lover of money}.

Matthew 27:3–5 (NKJV) 3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” {you don’t confess to the devil or his servants}  5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.  {That’s harsh – but the bible doesn’t hold back truth} {It should scare us straight that someone that close to Christ can be that deceived}

And so not to end on that sad note….

Revelation 3:1–5 (NKJV)  “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen {Spirit} the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. {remember the target} 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. {before, during, and after the storms} Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.{Our hour can come at any time – not just the return of Christ – but your meeting with Christ at death – which may be a breath away} 4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life {remember Moses requesting this}; but I will CONFESS HIS name before My Father and before His angels.

{The one who stepped up - in place of Abram’s son, in place of Moses offer of atonement, in place of us all…}

{…up on the cross – will confess our names to our Father - What a beautiful God we worship.}

{Let’s begin to confess his our sins, and our hope in his WONDERFUL name}

{If at first quietly and prayerfully, but then publically and without shame}