Seventh Sunday of Easter: Psalm 51:1⁠–⁠12

1 Cor. 11:24 (KJV) And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my Body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. What is it that we remember of the Lord? Our mind makes up abstractions.

1 Cor. 11:25-29 (KJV) After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. [26] For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. [27] Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the Body and blood of the Lord. [28] But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. [29] For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's Body. It is possible to drink damnation to yourself.

1 Cor. 11:30 (KJV) For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep (dead).

There could be some in this room who are dead - cut off from Christ - and putting on some religious facade.

COMMUNION - definition.

Koinonia - having in common, partnership, fellowship, to share that which one has in anything, participation, and fellowship, recognized and enjoyed. Thus it is used in the common experience and interest of men. There is a common share of everything you have. Your life has been bought and is not your own. This is what communion is about - sharing. The Word of God is added to the elements of wine and water. The Word of God is unending, for each of you have a word of Christ to add, every day, every single day. We come in agreement today; that as we partake of this communion something is happening to us that goes beyond the elements. It nurtures us. We are called to eat the Body of Christ every day to be nurtured by the Body of Christ. What we realize is the effect of the Blood of Christ. It is not to be taken lightly.

1 Cor. 10:16 (KJV) The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the Body of Christ?

When you hear this, the word communion, koinonia, participation and supplying, isn't it strange that he calls us the Body of Christ? You are His Body. It is interesting that communion doesn't have to be a ritual; it becomes our daily life. If we don't discern the Body, we could be drinking death to ourselves. Death is a strange thing. How many of you were at one time walking in death, darkness, hiding, separated, and offended at someone? There are families who live together in death. Offences that go on for years and forgiveness is not flowing in the family. We take everything personal here, don't we? It shouldn't be that hard if you've agreed with simul iustus et peccator. You say some little thing to someone and they can become offended, as though they weren't a spy. They even like it if you've got it a little wrong.

The wages of sin is death. To partake of communion unworthily is death.

Communion - participation in what is derived from the Holy Spirit. This participation is also in the sufferings of Christ. We, the Body of Christ, fill up the sufferings of Christ (Col 1:24). You reign in life provided you suffer (Rom 5:17). If you spend your whole life trying to avoid suffering, what you will avoid are your neighbors. Some do this. There is a worse crime than that, I think, and that is strength - I have no need. We can't say that of any member. This is the pride of man saying "I'm strong." I don't know what you'd be doing in this church, then.

God has chosen the weak things. Have you been chosen, or do you still have to put this outward thing on saying that you have no need and you're doing great. How's your family doing? Great! How are you doing Jacob? “Great! All my days have been filled with joy and peace.” This is not what he said. He was brought to say the truth. He was also given a new name, and some of you have been given a new name. The root of all this, "I have no need," is pride, which manifests itself in human strength. Paul said when he was weak, then he was strong. Why? Because the gifts of Christ were flowing into him to help him do what he was called to do. We are called to bring forth good works. If you're working to support your family, and fighting and struggling to do this, this is a good work. We need vocations.

Negatively, there is an impossibility of communion between light and darkness. Do not have fellowship with darkness, particularly if you have relatives who are secure sinners. You can love them. What would you be, but for the grace of God. Beware of proclaiming the gospel to secure sinners; they will turn and rend you. By now you should be getting some things in your head that I shouldn't have to tell you each week. The wages of sin is lack of peace, lack of joy - lack of the fruit of the Holy Ghost. The wages of not having communion, not supplying and being supplied the life of Christ, is death. If your life comes down to avoiding the members of the church, you may start thinking evil of them. Those who watch for evil are cut off from Christ and the presence of Christ. The presence of Christ dwells with those of a broken and contrite heart. Not a metaphysical man who changes everything into what he wants it to be.

In Gray Town, the big problem that causes them to move 3000 miles away: they no needs. The reason is that whatever they want they just imagine. They are faith confessors to the max. C.S. Lewis says the hell is like not having any needs. How you doing today? Great! How's your neighbor doing today? Your neighbor is your wife, your husband, your children, your parents, etc. And it doesn't end here.

Forde: We have fathers in the world, our natural father, the governors in this world, spiritual fathers, and a Heavenly Father. You men, if you're 35 years old, and if you don't have a heavenly Father or see people in authority over you as spiritual fathers, you might be lonely for your fathers. Some people hate their father, and any form of father. Some are justified because their father has left, but not justified before God. You can understand why some people would have a hard time hearing that they should honor their father, if their father was a child molester (taking it to the extreme).

Gray Tow: Did you ever move there when someone wouldn't agree with you, or let you be god, or bow down to what you think? Maybe they were a threat to your peace, or not useful to you. “I'm not going to communicate with people I can't use.” On the cover of the current Modern Reformation is a picture Santa Clause, and on his stomach is the name "JESUS".

I'm really glad Paul wrote Romans 7, aren't you? I'm glad that we have a Reformational understanding of it, and more so too. In this life there is law, but it is for our good - always. I don't like law. Well, then your children won't like law.

Koinonia: it is impossible to have communion between light and darkness. Our fellowship is manifested in acts that follow, good works wrought by the Holy Ghost in faith, in the lives of the believers as the outcome of faith.

Scriptures on communication, contribution, distribution, and fellowship: Rom 15:26, 2 Cor. 8:4, 9:13, Heb 13:16, Phillip 1:5

Would you like to have communion? Having in common - having communion. When you have communion, basically you agree that you are wrong. If you're saying you're right... "Who me? I don't need communion for the remission of sin. I've been good."

I like the fact that it is called Gray Town. If you're offended, you've moved 3000 miles. These people honor me with their lips but their heart is far from me (Mt. 15:18). How far are you from the God in your neighbor, the Holy Ghost that lives in your neighbor, the child that needs nurtured that lives in your neighbor? Isn't that Christ too? Infants are totally dependent. Look at them and keep looking at them. It should break any man's heart to see what God has entrusted us with. I'm not sufficient for this. A lot of men end up mad, angry, bitter, carnal, fleshly, arrogant, and proud - having no need of anything including God, unless he would do things their way. We're all wrong, we would agree. Do you still have a problem with that? You're missing out. What a relief to be finally able to say, "I was wrong." Oooh, does it grind on you?

Some aren't discerning the Body. "I have a need to give." Give what? Christ, to those around me.

1 Cor. 11:24-26 (KJV) And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my Body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. [25] After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. [26] For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Just incase any of this applies to you, you'd see something.

What was Peter's crime? Strength. He trusted in himself. He was already forgiven by the remission of sins. When we take communion today, we receive it in remembrance, and for what it is intended. If you don't have any sin it is ineffectual. How much do you want to admit to? How wrong were you, or are you? You can take them all. Have you been in a discussion with someone who won't budge - they're right? You know, by the Spirit of God, that they are opposed to themselves. I pray the Lord would deliver us from that - having the need to always be right. The more mature you grow, the more you can agree with Paul - chief among sinners. God interrupted Paul because he wanted him to go preach the gospel of repentance and forgiveness.

When we come to communion today, we're coming to a confession. What a gift. At the root of a lot of strength is unbelief. Unbelief is believing in ourselves, that we know more than what God's Word is saying. Unbelief really comes down to this. Those of you who worry about what people think of you, or are overly concerned about what human beings think of you, know this. John 1:12 (KJV) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: I pray that you and your children would know that there is never anything in this life higher for them to be. It doesn't mean that they shouldn't aspire to some things in the civil realm, however. God can meet you anywhere. On the other hand, if you get to work with your brothers and sisters, that is a blessing. Maybe we do this because we are weak and need a lot of communion, washing, and hearing of an outside word. Our temptation is to rely on the things inside of us.

Don prayed before we partook of communion.

There was a woman taken in the act of adultery. Sometimes I think we have pious thoughts about not being taken in the sin of our mind, our thoughts. But Jesus asked the question: "Who would love more?” Her sins were many. Those who are forgiven of much love much. If you see a person loving much, you would know that they are forgiven much. Someone cut off and alone, all they think about is themselves and their problems. And the more they think about their problems the bigger they get. For some people, their whole life is physical, and it is breaking down. I'm 70 years old now, which is three score and ten, the age of man. Every day I live on grace. How do I pray? I was thinking about Reptivia and his prayer. The important thing isn't why; it is whom. He knows there's something out there bugging him, and he doesn't complain to anyone else. There isn't anyone to complain to. If you complaint to God, like David did, He's used to it. He doesn't have any problem hearing our complaints. I thought I'd throw that in. I want to thank God today for healing me. If, for example, you couldn’t breathe, what would you be thankful for when you can breathe? Breath.

He is holy, and He saves - justifies really wicked people. Children think wickedness is outward. It is more inward than outward. It could be anything I do to defend myself against Christ, my Savior.

What comes out of heart of forgiveness is gratitude. We are grateful when God heals us.

Every church is to have its own culture tied into Sola Scriptura, the Word of God. Paul has to reprove the dissentions in the church of Corinth as they were into wisdom. 1 Cor. 1:22-25 (KJV) For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: [23] But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; [24] But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. [25] Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

God's weakness comes down in a babe called The Word - Jesus, Emanuel, God with us, God among us. And He will be a sign, for the fall of many in Israel not just for the rising of many. Christians can stumble over the cross as their only righteousness. The natural man wants to do something, and not receive. There are not many wise. Did this ever offend you? It's because you're a Greek. God touched Jacob's thigh - his strength. He may have sent an angel to do it. Jacob wrestled with an angel. I don't know how you hear God, or see God, or hear his voice. One thing he might send you is your own mouth; when you open your mouth, you’re a donkey. I don't judge you. His judgment is just. He doesn't judge things of himself. He said He judged by His Father, what His Father showed him.

God has chosen foolish things. Has that ever offended you? 1 Cor. 1:26-27 (KJV) For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: [27] But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; "I don't like it that God has chosen weak things, because I'm not weak." Well I might ask you then why you are here. We are strong because now we have the strength of God, within Him who lives within the church. If we're cut off we get natural strength.

He does play games with us, because we need him to. He does act alien, to himself. He made himself alien for our sakes. Without certain things happening in my life, I wouldn't be thankful for things like breath. There is a lot to be thankful for.

Let's get on the dark side of the road first, because that is the order of things. I want to talk with you a little bit about darkness today. We have definitions of words that are so limited. We have to go back to the Greek and Hebrew to get an understanding. Darkness is preceded by covering. Adam's wife was deceived. Adam liked hearing that he could be in control if he just ate from the Tree of Knowledge. He ate of it, but he knew better. We like to blame it on the wife, or your wife, but God isn't going for that. Adam tried to cover up his sin, with a metaphor - fig leaves. Get outside of paradise and try being God. Move to Gray Town. There are some today who try to cover up their darkness, their sin, but to no avail.

Darkness is murky - John 6:17. One of the key words in the definition of darkness is secrecy. I'm not going to let my plans or thoughts known, even to my brothers and sisters. A little seed goes into a person's heart. Maybe it’s just a little accusation. The accuser of the brethren is quite active today; the accuser of parents, the accuser of self. It's easy to find fault, to see the speck in your brother's eye, and get into the darkness of judging him. It's the mercy of God that we are not continually caught up in that. Forgiveness received can be a slam to a person's soul - bloody charity. Forde - the love of God that lives in man is manifested in the speaking of the Word, in the mutual conversation of the saints.

Why would anybody ever want to reprove you, knowing what would happen? It is no friendly job walking in the light and reproving people that need it. Without it there is no conversation. If you hate reproof you love death, separation, and you love not discerning the Body of Christ. True reproof is always given in a spirit of kindness and love, gentleness and longsuffering. If you see a brother taken in a fault, restore such a one. If someone didn't get mad at Jesus we wouldn't be here. Darkness hates light. Scorn it. "He's a big hypocrite anyway." Those in darkness watch for evil and listen to the accuser. You can get a wrong basis of viewing people - as a threat, so you don't want them near you. You put walls up to keep them out.

Can I hear a good Pentecostal AMEN?

When I 'm in darkness, what do I see? Evil. Darkness means secrecy in general. It is the spiritual or moral darkness, emblematic of sin - moral and spiritual depravity. I've known people who have been in depravity. When you get alone, which is where Satan wants you, and you have no need, it is just a matter of time when perversion comes, and you'll push it as far as you can go without people knowing. We don't war against flesh and blood. We war against principalities and powers that operate in darkness. To not fight that fight is to lose it. One of the great weapons you've been given is forgiveness - continual forgiveness. If we confess our sins... What sins?

Psalm 51 - when you’re young you read it differently.

Psalm 51:1 (KJV) To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

David had good reason to cry for mercy. If you even have thoughts of murder, or hate your brother, Jesus said that was murder. Are you a partaker of Christ and all the gifts of Christ, or do you just need a few because you are kind of strong? "I don't like the vessel that gift is coming in."

Psalm 51:2 (KJV) Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Why pray this if you have no iniquity?

Psalm 51:3 (KJV) For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

This is where everything is clean and good - when you come before the Lord and acknowledge your sin. How have you done with the Firs Commandment this week? Have you had other idols including self? Have you loved yourself more than your neighbors this last week? You can come before God and acknowledge your transgressions. I'm a Christian and I can acknowledge my transgressions. If you take sin lightly, it gets worse.

David will see, at one point, something few people ever see. Psalm 51:4 (KJV) Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

What does it mean to sin against the Lord? It is a heavy weight, a burden on a person's heart and life. As good as God was to David, when David saw it, there was a true repentance, a brokenness about him. Someday, some of you will have to look at someone you've sinned against, your earthly father, a sister, or a brother, etc., and you're going to have a decision to make. Either you will be right, or wrong. What man can say he has never sinned against his wife? You haven't seen yet what David saw. You can get a little defensive and justify yourself.

Psalm 51:4 (KJV) Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

This is what many don't like when they are confronted with their sin. "You're judging me." "I'm not under the law, I'm a Christian." "You don't know my wife, my husband, my parents, etc." “Against thee, and thee only…” God speaks through law and gospel, and you can confirm it with Luther and Forde, that the Law is God's word just as the gospel is God's word. Many don't see themselves as sinners, because they don't allow the law into their lives. Do you love your neighbor? Were you thinking evil?

The root - pride - I know more than what God is saying right now. He, the Holy Ghost, will convict the world in respect of sin, righteousness, and judgment. When I don't believe who God says I am, and that he has given me power to be a Son of God, then I have to go about proving how great I am, how independent I am, and that I don't need help. Sons of God act like Christ. They are caught up in their neighbors and they don't even HAVE TO.

John 16:7-9 (KJV)

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. [8] And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: [9] Of sin, because they believe not on me;

Luther Sermon

When the comforter, the Holy Ghost, comes, he will convict the world in respect of sin and of righteousness, and of judgment. Why? Because they believe not. That is the root of it – the pride that says I know more than what God is saying right now, and I’m going to space out right now. I don’t have to hear this. Your mother made you come. The law came to church today. The law came to church. Convention made you come. Fear of man made you come. I didn’t want to look bad, so I came. Look, I’m not interested in this church getting bigger. You know. I hope you’re not. That always comes down to fear of man or what people are going to say about you, and the institution you belong to. Do you glory in reproaches for Christ’s sake, when all men speak evil of you? All men. Leap for joy. Be exceedingly glad. It’s in the Bible. I didn’t say it; I’m just the mail boy.

He, the Holy Ghost, will convict the world. What for? Respect of righteousness, judgment, and sin, because when I don’t believe who God says I am, and that he has given me power to be a Son of God, then I have to go about proving to everyone how great I am, how independent I am, how I don’t need any help, etc. But Sons of God act like Christ. They are caught up in their neighbors, and they don’t even have to. Really, everything gets down to what you’d like to do, although I’ve heard that perverted recently, too. “Well, Don said, “if you’d like to…backslide…separate yourself from all the people who’ve loved you your whole life.” And I say, “Amen. Go ahead. “Well they didn’t love me.” Huh! They didn’t love you? That is a very childish thing to say.

He’ll convict the world of sin because they believe not on me. Here we must let that be sin which is ascribed to include in sin by the High Majesty of Heaven. But here, only unbelief is mentioned as sin because they believed me not. When I believe that God is a gracious God, and he is gracious to me, and he has taken my sins upon himself, that’s an offence to some. But God has taken my sins upon Himself and reconciled me with God the Father, and that my sins are his, and his righteousness is mine, then there is an intermingling and an exchange that is of Christ, our Mediator, between me and the Father. And back to your Husband, Christ, the great exchange – you give him all of your sins, he gives you all of your righteousness. When you believe that, then Christ will swallow up all of our sins. No sins can remain upon Christ. Certainly, when it is no longer you that lives, but Christ, no sins can be laid on Christ; on flesh, Adam, of course. And if you sow to the flesh, you will reap death – corruption, which all of us could repent of, for last week – daily. What’s the flesh? The way of thinking that excludes Christ.

So the Holy Spirit will convict the world in respect of sin because they believe not on me. The world has never known the righteousness of Christ, and it does not know it now (and it doesn’t wish to know it). But what is the world, he goes on to say. We will interpret the world as the subtle secret sins of which the Holy Ghost convicts, which the world does not even know as sin. We dare not understand this to mean, in the course, outward sins such as adultery, murder, stealing, and theft. The world takes care of that. There are institutions, governments, gallows, worldly powers, kings (murder someone and prisons will take care of that). But we will interpret the world as the secret sins that the Holy Spirit convicts of, which the world doesn’t know yet and pronounces them as divine works. All the things that people are doing, all the wonderful things the world is doing, and churches are doing... Why? It’s getting weird. They’re selling indulgences these days, but I don’t want to get into it. They just call it something else. They call it your money. “If you really want to have the fruit of the Spirit, send us your money.” They are literally saying things like that. They are successful too.

So how else can unbelief, other than secret sins, live in the heart, while the heart itself is not conscious of them? We’re not always conscious of our sins. But the destruction still comes. And we don’t even want to be conscious of them, because if the Holy Ghost shows up in a brother or sister, look out. “I have no need to hear what you want to say.” That is sin. That is sin. No, the world, and we do not mean the outward sins, children. The world is the inward sins, doing things to appear righteous by what I'm doing, or by what I haven't done. “I've not been as bad as them.” The heart of man is what we're dealing with. If you don't know what it is, read your Bible.

The wages: divisions, families with un-reconciled relationships, offences are allowed to carry on and on and on, instead of a continuous washing, baptism, communion, which is what we’re talking about.

Darkness is of those who are in moral or spiritual darkness (Eph. 5). Different forms are darkness are closely allied. Forms of darkness can even be cause or effect. Sometimes people are in darkness, which is an effect of hardening their hearts. Their foolish hearts were darkened. Satan desires a man to be alone, not receiving gifts, living in his own mind. If someone does what you don't like, just move to Gray Town 3000 miles away. You’ll start seeing people in a wrong way, as a threat, thinking they want your donkeys. It's not yours I seek, Paul said, but you. I don’t need any donkeys. Do I need you? Christ? Yes. Do I need the gift of Christ? Yes. But you too.

Psalm 51:4 (KJV) Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. This is hard to stomach if you're Uriah. God uses things. Don't worry about Uriah, he's in heaven.

When God's judgment comes to you is it clear, or do you begin to back peddle? Were there extenuating circumstances? "Well, that’s just your perspective." Jesus said, Matthew 18:20 (KJV) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. If three brothers confront you about a thing and you fight them off, you're fighting the Lord. It can also be you making sure no one comes near you except the ones you pick and choose to like, and who is that? This is law, but we are called to preach law, and gospel. "They're weak and they have nothing to give me." Okay, but you have a gift for them.

Back to communion. What's that? Sharing and giving - both ways. Partaking of Christ.

Psalm 51:6 (KJV) Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward : and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

God wants truth in the inward parts because He loves us. He knows that I will have no rest if I have a lie - darkness. Isaiah 30:1 (KJV) Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: Have you ever done this? Who hasn't? God loves us enough to want us to have truth in our inward parts. When we speak we will speak out of that truth - Christ himself - His Word. When you proclaim His Word, Christ is present in the proclamation of the Law and Gospel.

Psalm 51:7 (KJV) Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

If you're allowing his Word, His water to wash you, and the baptism is ongoing, we're being drowned and resurrected all the time. The river flows out of the threshold of God's throne; where he is, where he dwells. He dwells in you, by the Holy Spirit. When you're in darkness you can babble all you want, but what do you have to say? The wicked are silent in darkness. You're separated and cut off. People are just for using, and betraying; betraying God and your brothers and sisters. You ought to learn to hate that, even if you see it in yourself, and particularly in yourself. A lot of people don't fear God, but the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. They think Jesus is nice, in a Santa suit, with a belt. They think he's something useful, and I'll listen to him as long as he tells me what I want.

God is the one who cleans us with hyssop, and washes us and makes us white as snow.

Psalm 51:8 (KJV) Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

A broken life, a broken relationship, he restores. Once the relationship is on you, it won’t matter what others think, you will relate to the mediator of the law and gospel, whatever is required, speaking the truth in love. Then you will be making melody in your heart.

Psalm 51:9 (KJV) Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

He's done it - blotted out the handwriting that was against you. If you don't have any sins, how can they be blotted out? This is one of the greater darknesses people live in. “Thank you that I'm not as other men, sinners.” “I don't believe that there are two of me (simul iustus). There are two total states, sinner and righteous.

Psalm 51:10 (KJV) Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Now that David has been busted by the prophet God sent. God doesn't even need a human being to prophesy against us. He could send rain or storms to get us to where our own wits are worthless and we know it. Read Psalm 107. Do you fear God? I'm not worried too much about it, because if you don't fear him today, you don't get the beginning of wisdom today.

Psalm 51:11-12 (KJV) Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. [12] Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Those of you, who think you're doing things for the Lord, let me say this to you. Psalm 51:17 (KJV) The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. This is a gift. The law humbles us. God gives grace to the humble. Humble, is where David is at right here. He’s not denying it.

Who God loves, He chastens. Proverbs 3:11 (KJV) My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: Know that the heart of man is desperately wicked. Those the Lord loves, He chastens. He brings them to poverty, humility, daily, so that they can heaer, "Blessed are the poor, blessed are those who hunger and thirst." “Poor in spirit? I have nothing in myself, I'm so poor.” How often do you need to forgive, Peter? "Well, my brother sinnned agaisnt me so I have to stay offended." Peter, if your brother does it as many times as 7 x 70, you're to forgive him. Remember, Peter, the measure you use; if you withhold forgiveness from him, he might withhold forgiveness from you. We could agree with the Word of God.

Psalm 34:1 (KJV) A Psalm of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

This is a man who is not sitting in darkness. The wicked are silent; they talk about themselves and their problems all the time. They are putting a trip on you all the time. They really have nothing to give you. That will work.

What does it mean that his praise is continually in his mouth? The Gospel is not about anything you do. It is about your husband who made an exchange. He gave you a wedding garment. You either believe it, or the Holy Ghost might convict you again, of not believing. There could be a lot of sins he could have said he would convict us of: selfishness, lust, stinginess, etc. Unbelief is trusting myself. You believe, but like Adam. Where does that always lead? Out of the garden, out to where you have to toil and sweat for your daily substance.

But when we come to the Lord, and I don't say you'll all get a Rolls Royce, but you will have all you need for godliness, and you will have enough to give. "Well, we need to stop talking so much and do something." Let me say - Go ahead! What that's really saying, and it is an accusation, is "Why aren't we doing more?" Who is stopping you? Would you like to do more? Go ahead! Don't let me hold you back. "Well, I don't have any neighbors because I live in Gray Town." There are a lot of neighbors in Gray Town, and you have a lot to give them. Go, like I did, and sit in a hospital waiting room for 4 hours. You will meet some people who have bigger problems than you. One woman didn't have any legs, and she didn't whine as much as some other people who had legs. I know you've got the biggest problem. You're getting a little sleepy right now – suffering here.

Galatians 6:7 (KJV) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

What kind of thoughts you sow, you will reap.

Psalm 34:19-21 (KJV) Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. [20] He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken. [21] Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.

Psalm 34:10 (KJV) The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.

Psalm 34:12 (KJV) What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?

Scorning each other should never be named among us.

Psalm 34:13-16 (KJV) Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. [14] Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. [15] The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. [16] The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

Psalm 34:18 (KJV) The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

How do I get a broken heart? When I see, when the law shows me, how I've sinned and who I've sinned against, who I've betrayed. Acts 2:36 (KJV) Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. The 500 weren't there at the crucifixion, but they were told they crucified Jesus.

Cain got a bad deal, and Esau too. Heb 12 - Esau sold his birthright, for a piece of meat. Have you done this? Sold it for a lie, darkness you've lived in for years, some of you? You get numb. The soil of your heart is so hard you don't hear a word I'm saying right now. The Word would be a threat to your lie, to your way of living, to your desires, your secret plans you don't want others to know about. You could have fellowship with demons, evil thoughts, evil pictures, even evil people, and others wouldn't know. You've not cut the cord and you will reap for that. You'll end up justifying the wicked and not proclaiming the law to secure sinners.

Ignorance is also a form of darkness.

The day will come when the tears will flow from your heart. God seems to be in no hurry about showing us things. He loves us; therefore he wants to create something good in us. He that covers his sin shall not prosper. Have you ever covered your sins, for a length of time, and you didn't prosper; not just in money, but in more important areas of your life? You squandered money on things you didn't even need. How many of you can bear witness?

Proverbs 28:13 (KJV) He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. But he who confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy; he who says what the prodigal says, "I have sinned." No washing it under the table or justifying it. "I betrayed my father."

Isaiah 30:1 (KJV) Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:

He that does evil hates the light. Jesus said you are the light of the world, the city set on a hill. Those who love evil will hate you, even if it is someone here. When you allow your mind to go into darkness, you will hate the church.

Acts 5:1 Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, thought, "I can just say something." This was called that lying to the Holy Ghost. The hidden sin, we start hiding from ourselves. If you've sinned against the Lord, you can be sure your sin will find you out.

Numbers 32:23 (KJV) But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.

Proverbs 26:26 (KJV) Whose hatred is covered by deceit (even flattery), his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

“Stay away, I'm in darkness, and I want to be alone.” The devil wants me alone in my thoughts, my plans.

John 3:20 (KJV) For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

Ephes. 5:13 (KJV) But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

Luke 12:2 (KJV) For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

Sin - our sin may be like Cain's, done in secret. He took his brother for a walk and secretly murdered him. Have you taken your brother for a walk and thought evil of him, spoken evil of him? Esau sold his birthright, lusting for meat - flesh. Joseph's brothers' sin was hidden for nearly 20 years. No wonder they argued with one another. They could never confess their sin - they buried it. It was hidden from their father; though the guilt was still there. Some of you young people in this room now, you have not allowed the Lord to wash your sins away, and you allow the Devil to keep brining it back to you. "Wash me Lord, with your blood, again, now." I don't care what people think. I'll scream if I want. I've got a vexed daughter and that's the way it is. Who doesn't have one? The sin of Akin - he hid the garments under the tent. Sampson - he shouldn't have told Delilah, and it was death to him. Ahab – he was prompted by others. Belshazar – it was the influence of strong drink. Herod – he made a foolish promise to his wife. "I’ll give you half my kingdom. Just make her dance." Judas - he had the approval of all the authorities. I've seen people gather up authorities so they can speak evil. Judas' problem was no different than mine; he would not receive the bleeding charity of the cross. He wanted to remain strong, which leads to suicide, death.

Here is something to remind us of what we've been given:

2 Cor. 3:6 (KJV) Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

The letter of God kills me. When I take the Bible from beginning to end, every word shows me my utter inability to keep the total, full law of God. It brings me to an end to where Christ can become my beginning, again. "That's me." How much could I say this today? Don't take it lightly, for that would not be a broken or contrite heart. You have to ask to get the gift, and even that he gives you grace to do.

2 Cor. 4:2-4 (KJV) But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. [3] But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: [4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. The god of this world can blind us. Then you wonder why there is unrest in you - no peace. God doesn't want you to have something good, right?

Psalm 34:6 (KJV) This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

Rev. 21:5 (KJV) And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. They read the scrolls to those who are in darkness, but they are sealed to them. He opens the book for us and what does he say? I make all things new!

Rev. 21:5-6 (KJV) And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. [6] And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Rev. 21:5-7 (KJV) And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. [6] And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. [7] He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. The victory that overcomes the world is faith, faith in Christ's blood that was shed for you and me, and brings us to a new creation, gives a heart of flesh instead of our heart of stone, and opens our eyes to see what we would like to do for our Heavenly Father.

Remember, it is a battle between darkness and light. It is not flesh and blood that you deal with every day, but the things that come and try to take your thoughts captive, your physical energy captive, and your emotions captive. If I'm spending my energy on the wrong things, it begins to drain me. Some people are a continuous distraction - they won't repent. Go ahead, if you'd like! Some of you have families and neighbors to care for. Even now, you're thinking of how it all relates to you. But is the love of God that lives in may, for his neighbor.

2 Cor. 5:13 (KJV) For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. If we have to come down to your level Greek, it is for your sake.

2 Cor. 5:14 (KJV) For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

The gospel is about what God has done for you - married you in effect, and gave you a certificate, a covenant, and sealed it with his blood that says, "You're mine. No one can mess with you, as long as you're under my covering." On the other hand, Israel did go outside of his covering, and that did not stop his love, but there are consequences.

2 Cor. 5:14 (KJV) For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

The root of your darkness comes down to unbelief. One of the big things I find in children is that they don't believe that he's given them power to be a Sons of God, and they don't know what it means to be a Son of God - complete in Christ. When you stand complete in Christ, and you believe it, you start looking different. When a person looks a certain way, downcast, countenance fallen, there is a reason. Don't think I'd judge you. The morning star rises in your heart, Christ, and shines on you, and on your countenance. This is really his blessings on you, which are unspeakable. "Who me? I'm the very guy you've been talking about that has been bad." Yes, but can you admit it?

Paul is beside himself trying to tell them something.

2 Cor. 5:14-15 (KJV) For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: [15] And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

You are risen with Christ in God, far above all principalities and powers. I didn't say your flesh. Don't try to be antinomian. In this world there are laws, but they are for your good always, that you would have much life. What if you rode down the street and said, "That stop sign, and that red light, are judging me." If a brother comes and tells you something in love, even not in love but just the cold facts, you could get some money out of it.

2 Cor. 5:14 (KJV) For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: The only thing that is dead is Adam, but he still has a flesh.

Modern Reformation Article: I can't understand why 5 seconds from praising God I’m mad at my boss, and angry. Friend, he ended up saying how thankful he was for Romans 7. Are you thankful God put Romans 7 in the Bible?

2 Cor. 5:15 (KJV) And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

If you'd like to live unto yourself, where it is all about you, go ahead. Seek first the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness, and what you'll get is a better life. What you get, you'll get without striving. Who are you living unto today? He has given me His Spirit, the Holy Spirit, in this earthen vessel, right here, and you too. You can sin against the Holy Ghost, but God is a God who forgives, and forgives, and forgives again and again. He’s not like us, or like we used to be. What if someone sins 7 times? Peter just didn't believe he was that bad. He just didn't believe what Jesus said about the human heart. "That's true about those guys. I can see it in them."

2 Cor. 5:16 (KJV) Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

How do you know them then? In Christ - a new creation. "I make all things new." New means that whatever you had up until a minute ago, has been made new. To be a Christian means that you are continually baptized (call it what you want) and your faith his renewed continually. In this church you have an outside word helping you continually.

2 Cor. 5:16 (KJV) Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

2 Cor. 5:18 (KJV) And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

You've been given the ministry of Christ - to reconcile the people of this world, those whom the god of this world has blinded, even if they're next to you.

David confessed, in Psalm 51, the big joke, like C.S. Lewis says, “We were all wrong.” Are you so proud that you can't say you're wrong? God humbles the proud - he resists them. Are you able to say, the whole great divorce joke, "Frank, we were all wrong?" When were you last wrong? 1984?

Acts 26:13 (KJV) At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.

The light of God is radiant. Darkness has past, and the light, the morning has come. The darkness of your own understanding of the things of God, trying to understand with our carnal mind instead of faith, is past.

Acts 26:13-14 (KJV) At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. [14] And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

When I persecute the church, I persecute Him, because he is in every one of you. I always need forgiveness for that.

Acts 26:15-18 (KJV) And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. [16] But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; [17] Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, [18] To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Therefore, I can say to you today, again, in the Name of Jesus, the name of the Father, and in the name of the Holy Ghost, that all of your sins are forgiven, for Christ's sake. His death, his blood poured, out was enough. We no longer have to bring atonement. Faith is all we bring, and that is a gift.

AMEN