In this world, we do not find much mercy. Rather, we see a lack of love; a thirst for revenge; and unmerciful conduct. But God shows us that we must be merciful in order to obtain His mercy. In many cases, self-righteousness prevents people from being merciful, as they may think that they are so much better than others; that they could never do what others have done; and that it is therefore necessary to dig up what has been buried. Such an attitude will never give us inward peace.
Forgiveness
A Catalog of Sins—Not that Important?
Have you created a catalog of sins that distinguishes between important and not so important actions? Does the Bible teach the concept of the seven deadly sins? Or is every sin wrong and an abomination in God’s eyes? What does God call sin and an abomination anyway? And what does God say who will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Why does God designate certain character traits as “most important” in the law? And do you love God and neighbor when you break the spiritual law of the Ten Commandments?
FOT: Relentless Sins
We all sin for we are not perfect. What about recurring sins? What can we do to conquer them? The Bible gives us valuable advice, including examples of those who struggled with this very issue and how they overcame.
The Rise and Fall of the Beast
The Old Testament Book of Habakkuk contains prophecies for our time. It predicts the rise of the modern Chaldeans under a political and military leader, the beast, to destroy the modern descendants of the ancient houses of Israel and Judah. We are also told that God will use the modern Medes to destroy the end-time Babylonian system. In spite of all the terrible warnings of worldwide destruction, the Book of Habakkuk contains a message of hope and encouragement for His people and the reassurance of God’s righteousness and unlimited almighty power.
Why SEVEN Days for Overcoming Sin?
Can Biblical Fasting Really Help?
The Bible commands us to fast on occasion. But why? And how can we make sure that God accepts our fasting and that He does not reject it as useless? How can we distinguish between correct and wrong fasting? And what could be the result of proper fasting in our lives and the lives of others?
Do You Have to Be and Stay Evil? (Part 3)
Are you a bad person? Are you doing evil things? What is evil in the eyes of God? Can you obtain forgiveness? Can you change? Or are you a helpless victim of external circumstances? Will evil triumph in your life even though you want to do what is good and right? On the other hand, will you obtain God’s grace when you continue to live an evil life? Three examples of Jewish rulers in Second Chronicles—Manasseh, Amon and Josiah—give you important answers which may be determinative for your life and your death.
The Passover and Christ’s Sacrifice
Properly baptized members of God’s Church who have received the Holy Spirit are commanded to partake of the New Testament Passover, but they must do so in a worthy manner. They must be able to appreciate the significance of Christ’s Sacrifice for their personal lives. They must understand what Christ did and does for them, and they must respond accordingly. But far too often, they do not. This sermon will show some pitfalls and dangers in thought and action.
God’s Law—Blessing or Curse?
The New Testament rejects the ridiculous idea that Christ came to abolish or destroy the Law of God. We must know, of course, which Law the Bible is talking about. The Book of Isaiah shows what happens when we break the Law… and when we keep it.
Wrestling Sin
The Bible says that we all sin and at times it can be a constant struggle, as we try to overcome. What can we learn from the examples in the Bible about those who continuously wrestled with sin?