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and he who humbles himself shall be exalted Pride comes before a fall. Satan fell because of pride because he wanted to be like the Highest. He forgot that he was a created being. Yes, pride does come before a fall, I can testify to that. A couple years ago, a colleague and I made a discovery about blood groups. He is a better scientist than me. Yet, at the scientific meeting, I sort pushed myself forward and when questions were asked at a national meeting, I completely fluffed it and ended up looking rather foolish. My wounded pride was made worse later that night when I found out that we had been favourites to win the national poster prize. Before the meeting I had asked God to bless the venture and he did so in his way, teaching me a valuable lesson. Because I exalted myself, I was humbled. Today we are going to investigate God’s word concerning the results of being humble and try to learn how we can become humbler ourselves. Key scripture Luke 14:7-11 Definition-To be Humble: To think lowly of oneself. To be meek Not to be proud, arrogant, or assuming To be modest To Exalt oneself: To elevate oneself in rank/standing. To lift oneself up (in pride) To raise oneself on high Whenever we find ourselves beginning to make comparisons between ourselves and others, we are already on thin ice. The tell-tale phrases such as “well, I am just as good as him/her” give away our own pride/ insecurity. Better that we do not make comparisons, but if we must, then count yourself the lowest in rank/standing. That is very practical and is the safest position to be in. You know your own heart and life, but so does God, and when you humble yourself in this way, he will exalt you in due season. If you ascribe the lowest level of honour/status to yourself, you can only go up! But if we push ourselves forward and take a high standing then He who knows all hearts may demote us. Do not develop a ‘top table’ mentality, which is a place of honour before men, but develop a servant’s heart like Jesus, be a foot washer. Some people can allow themselves to be exalted with religious titles. Pastor is an important role not a title. The only Reverend in scripture is the Lord God! Bishop is an important role not a title. Where we allow the accent to be on titles, there is a danger we can lead our people to exalt us in this way. Why should we be humble? A. Matthew 11:28-30 Because our God is humble. Jesus Christ Son of God, Saviour, and Messiah is gentle and humble in heart, he came to serve, and totally submitted to the Father’s will. Be Christ-like, be humble, be gentle, and ask God to give you a servant heart. B. We have already seen that Humility leads to honour but pride to humiliation. In fact, God loves his people so much that he undertakes to humble them. He humbled Israel in wilderness for 40 years to test their hearts. C. For many other reasons including because Jesus tells us to be humble. James 4:6-10; God gives grace to the humble. Psalm 32:11 The humble will inherit the land and will delight in abundant prosperity. Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes shame, but with the lowly is wisdom.. Summary We should be humble because.  Our God, Jesus Christ is humble, and Jesus tells us to be humble.  There is safety in humility, which keeps us from shame.  We can receive more grace.  We can inherit all God’s promises.  It is wise to be humble  It leads to great rewards. Amen Prayer In Part 2 we will consider the biblical examples of humility and give some suggestions how to live a humble life.

Identity theft in believers Marriage bring changes to our natural identities. How much more should our identities change when we become born-again through Jesus Christ? Opening Prayer (from Ephesians 1:16-21) Father of glory, we come to you in the name of Jesus Christ, give us this day the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, 18 that the eyes of our understanding be enlightened; that we may know what is the hope of Your calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of your power toward us who believe, according to the working of Your mighty power 20 which You worked in Christ when you raised Him from the dead and seated Him at Your right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. Amen There is a story about a young Christian who bumped into an experienced Christian whilst out for a walk one day. The older man asked the younger man, how are you? The younger man replied that under the circumstances, I am a bit depressed. The older man was shocked and said to the younger man, well if you are born again, you should not be under the circumstances but, in Christ you ought to be on top of them. It was as though the younger man’s identity as a born-again believer had been taken from him. Identity Theft Where do you take your sense of identity from today? Many Christians today gain their identity more from their family background, work, or human relationships than from their biblical identity in Christ. Are you one of them? Or did you start out taking your identity from the bible, but someone diverted you? Identity theft can happen not only at the level of the individual believer but to whole churches. A church that God has called to be holy and pure , a beacon to the lost, can also have its identity stolen, becoming involved in hyper-grace, wrong theology, including the wrong prosperity message (i.e. the best definition of prosperity it for God to meet any given need at any given time- or what about John Wesley who gave to the poor everything he earned over the £30 he needed per year to keep his family). Churches may also become morally permissive, willing to bend the scriptures to accommodate people. If the salt has lost its savour, then it is no use to the lost. In modern society, it is becoming increasingly common for thieves to steal someone’s identity so that they can plunder their bank accounts, credit cards etc. There is no doubt about it that this is a wicked crime in taking what belongs to an honest citizen and giving to a thief. Yet we do not seem to realize that this very problem is rampant in the church of Jesus Christ, where Satan is robbing many true believers of their birth right, your identity and your true riches in Christ. Identity theft can lead us to an identity crisis see 'Our identity is in Christ Part 2'. Personal prayer Amen

Our natural identities change when we get married to become a husband and a wife and that is a big change for the good but how much more are our identities changed in Christ? Prayer (from Ephesians 1) Father of glory, we come to you in the name of Jesus Christ, give us this day the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, 18 that the eyes of our understanding be enlightened; that we may know what is the hope of Your calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of your power toward us who believe, according to the working of Your mighty power 20 which You worked in Christ when you raised Him from the dead and seated Him at Your right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. Amen There is a story about a young Christian who bumped into an experienced Christian whilst out for a walk one day. The older man asked the younger man, how are you? The younger man replied that under the circumstances, I am a bit depressed. The older man was shocked and said to the younger man, well if you are born again you should not be under the circumstances but, in Christ you ought to be on top of them. It was as though the younger man’s identity as a born-again believer had been taken from him. Identity Theft Where do you take your sense of identity from today? Many Christians today gain their identity more from their family background, work or human relationships than from their biblical identity in Christ. Are you one of them? Or perhaps you started out taking your identity from the bible, but someone diverted you? Identity theft not only can happen at the level of the individual believer but to whole churches. A church that God has called to be holy and pure , a beacon to the lost, can also have its identity stolen, becoming involved in hyper-grace, wrong theology, including the wrong prosperity message (i.e. the best definition of prosperity it for God to meet any given need at any given time- or what about John Wesley who gave to the poor everything he earned over the £30 he heeded per year to keep his family), morally permissive, willing to bend the scriptures to accommodate people. If the salt has lost its savour, then it is no use to the lost. In modern society, it is becoming increasingly common for thieves to steal someone’s identity so that they can plunder their bank accounts, credit cards etc. There is no doubt about it that this is a wicked crime in taking what belongs to an honest citizen and giving to a thief. Yet we don’t seem to realize that this very problem is rampant in the church of Jesus Christ, where Satan is robbing many true believers of their birth right and our true riches in Christ. Identity Crisis Many believers today seem to be experiencing an identity crisis. What I mean by this is that the life they are leading does not match up the life of the believer that is found in scripture. The identity crisis leads to them being defeated, dejected, downtrodden and beaten up by life whereas the scriptures tell us we should be living in victory and that we are more than conquerors, we are the head and not the tail, we are the winners and not losers etc. We are being conditioned to believe we are less than God says we are, conditioned to believe we have nothing to offer in the Kingdom, conditioned to only see the natural instead of the supernatural. Satan seeks to steel our identity in Christ. We are no longer under the circumstances, but we are overcomers through Jesus Christ. The magnificent victory of Jesus Christ God expects us to live victoriously in and through Jesus Christ. Jesus victory was achieved via the cross and resurrection but especially in his ascension to the Father’s right hand. In this way Jesus who was 100% man and 100% God, took his humanity on to the level that increased our ranking to above the angels and fallen angels.[2] John 20:16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). 17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Ephesians 1:19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Ephesians 4 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” 9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) When Jesus Christ won the victory over sin and death at the cross and then ascended into heaven and sat at the right hand of the Father he gave us victory in every area of life; we are completely identified with Jesus Christ. The picture here is like a victorious general returning to room, with his legions, and fierce captives, in Jesus case he defeated the fallen angels. Old creation vs New creation God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit I Born again believers Old Creation Order New Creation Order Angels (Elect and fallen) Angels (Elect and fallen) OT believers Unbelievers OT unbelievers Animals Animals Hebrews 2:5 It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. 6 But there is a place where someone has testified: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him? 7 You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honour 8 and put everything under their feet.” Victory through Jesus Christ the glorified man 1 Corinthians 15:20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Victory with the devil under our feet Psalm 110 1The Lord says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” Victory over demons Colossians 115 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. Do you remember your first encounter with the demonic? As a young Christian I recall that a man at a worship service began to manifest demons. The senior pastor, pastor and an elder invited me to join them to minister to this man in a cloakroom. There was something in the man’s eyes that moved independently of his pupils I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. The man locked eyes with each of the ministers trying to psyche them, but he was the one who had to break his gaze. Then he came to me the least experienced Christian, when he locked eyes on me, I felt the power of the Holy Spirit flood through me and I knew for sure that ‘’Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world’’! Needless to say, the demonized man broke off his gaze. Victory over sin and the ability to pull down strongholds 2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Our mighty weapons through God are used in the context of our righteous living (armour of God)and include the Word of God (that Rhema living word), prayer, the name of Jesus Christ, and the Blood of Jesus Christ. Victory over our circumstances 1 John 5 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. Pray for God’s will, his good, and pleasing and perfect will in your life not what is gratifying to your fleshly desires. New Birth right Jesus marvellous victory purchased us our new birth right. What does the bible say about new believers? 2 Corinthians 5 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! Another translation puts it like this 2 Corinthians 5:17 … that person is a new creation. So many things happen to us when we are born-again, and we become a new creation. According to my favorite bible teacher (the late Roger Price [3]) there are at least 37 wonderful things that happen at the point of the new birth). Our victories are all in Christ; here are a few examples from the 37; All Christians have reconciled to God Rom 5:10 Eph 2:14-17 All Christians have been brought near to God Lk 10:20 Eph 2:13+19 The sins of all Christians have been judged in Christ Rom 4:25 Eph 1:7 All Christians have been forgiven their trespasses Eph 1:7 Col 1:14 All Christians have been justified (declared righteous) Rom 3:24 1 Cor 6:11 All Christians have been redeemed Rom 3:24 Col 1:14 All Christians have a new status; citizens of heaven Phil 3:20 seated in heavenly places Eph 2:6 higher rank than angels Eph 1:20-21 Heb 1:14 Rom 16:19-20. If you want a copy of the 37 things that happen at the new birth please let me know. In Christ new birth realities Ephesians 1 11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, Romans 14:7 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit Does your day to day life reflect this, living in right standing with God , experiencing heart peace and joy in the Holy Spirit? Are you sleeping well and know that whatever is going on in your life, it is going to be OK, because you are in Christ? There is an example in scripture of born-again Christians who had forgotten their born-again identities and were acting like spiritual babies. 1 Corinthians 3:1 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarrelling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings? God wants us to be mature believers who know who we are in Christ, not babies always squabbling. To maintain our true identities in Christ we must take control of our thinking… Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed[4] by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. The world wants to squeeze us into its mould and form worldly identities in us. But God has given us new identities and wants us to fully embrace them and we find them in the bible. Do you think people will notice your new identity in Christ? How are you doing with your identity in Christ today do you recognize the desired changes? Leaving the old identity and the old life behind I remember well the joy of my own experience of being born again, the burden of my sin lifting off my shoulders, being cleansed in my heart, it felt like a sauna in that every pore of my heart was cleansed. Being delivered from swearing and bad language. My new life in Christ had begun. The selfishness, pride, greed and pleasing only myself had to come off under the water of baptism. Yet we need to keep the old man of the flesh crucified. He would like to get down of that cross, but we don’t need to let him. John 3:7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So, it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” 9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. Nicodemus was around 60-70 years old and probably had a lifetime of personal failures and character flaws behind him. Yet here was Jesus offering him a fresh start free from the old life of bondage. The picture here to a Jew like Nicodemus , is that of the Exodus, where the wind dried up the Red Sea allowing the Israelites to pass over on dry ground. The main point is that we need to leave the old life of bondage behind in Egypt and the old life of being under the circumstances. Being born again is the only way we can turn back the clock of our lives. Summary When we are born again, we are brought into all the victories of Jesus Christ All our blessings and spiritual riches are In Christ In Him we have a higher ranking than the angels In Him we are more than conquerors In Him we ought to be living in victory In Him we ought to be behaving like overcomers In Him we do not have to be under the circumstances Final Thoughts But you say sometimes God does require his people to go through suffering, and yes that is true sometimes. But the question is ‘What kind of suffering does God require us to go through?’ Perhaps the humbling of our pride or reputation, or putting under our fleshly desires? But does God require us to go through depression or live in constant defeat or fear, downtrodden, always be the tail and not the head? The answer is an emphatic No! Prayer and ministry Brothers and Sisters, it is now time to reclaim your true identity in Christ. Let’s do it. Words of knowledge False identity vs True Identity in Christ Defeated Victorious Depressed/Downtrodden Uplifted Cursed/hate your life Blessed/love your life Lonely Part of his family Sleepless Resting in Him Empty Full Worried/anxious Faith filled Poor/lack Rich/plenty Hopeless or a Loser Hopeful or a Winner Oppressed/addicted Set free Panic attacks/under unhealthy pressure Peace of mind Those wanting a new identity in Christ please come forward for prayer Amen Printable copy and much more at https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/our-identity-is-in-christ [1] From Ephesians 1:18 [2] Roger Price, Special Topic Series no. 11: The Glorified Man [mp3]. See Additional resources menu on last dropdown menu. [3] Roger Price, Basic Bible Study no. 102: 37 Things which accompany salvation [mp3]. [4] Greek: metamorphoo (metamorphosis) same word as used in Jesus’ transfiguration, coal to diamond, caterpillar to butterfly etc.

Part 3 How ought we to live in the light of God's grace? Because God’s grace and blessings lead to eternal life, how then should we be living? Romans Chapter 6 is a go to chapter for how to live in the light of God's grace. Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. Paul here in Romans chapter 6 shows the biblical approach to our lives that we are to live in absolute, loving dedication to God the Father and Jesus Christ. We do this by walking in obedient faith through grace. Romans 6:11 Likewise, do not yield your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin; rather, yield yourselves to God as those who are alive from the dead and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 6:12 For sin shall not rule over you, because you are not under law, but under grace. Now we can clearly see how we are to live our lives before God the Father. We are to do so as if we were alive from the dead; in willing, loving submission to God, and to live according to the will and grace of God. You may recall the childhood hymn 'O what can little hands do to please the king of heaven'? In this hymn the child's hands are to be used to meet someone's need, their lips for praise and words of kindness, their eyes for looking up to heaven and reading the bible, and lastly, their little hearts can love their Maker, Saviour, and Friend. Such grace to mine be given! This is an example of using our members (all our faculties and senses) as instruments of righteousness. Such grace also to mine be given! Ephesians 1:2 Grace and peace be to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly things with Christ. 4. According as He has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, in order that we might be holy and blameless before Him in love. 5. Having predestinated us for sonship to Himself through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His own will, 6. To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He has made us objects of His grace in the Beloved Son. 7. In Whom we have redemption through His blood, even the remission of sins, according to the riches of His grace, This chapter brings out many facets of God’s glorious GRACE. Everything that the apostle Paul speaks of in this chapter is part of and is an expression of God the Father’s GRACE through JESUS CHRIST! Chapter 1 goes on to reveal wonderful blessings to each believer. Practical Conclusions- how ought we live in the light of God's grace? Be grateful that God has poured his grace into your life. Celebrate His amazing grace. Refuse to live in sin by considering your old man ‘crucified, dead, and buried’. But rather walk in newness of life and being holy and blameless before Him in love. Such a lifestyle reflects how wonderful God was/is treating us as the targets/objects of His grace. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness… Remember that the same sufficiency of grace that the Lord supplied Paul with, is ever available to you. The grace of God enables us to overcome sin and enter the victories that Jesus Christ has prepared for us. The grace of God is our enabler and only comes through Jesus Christ. Amen Prayer

Part 2 the all-sufficient enabling grace of God The all-sufficiency of God’s grace This passage of scripture (below) tells of Paul’s experience with his so called ‘thorn in the flesh’. 2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. Many have speculated on the nature of Paul’s thorn in the flesh with various approaches including it being an eye condition etc. However, I am persuaded that since Paul uses the Greek word ‘angelos’ in v7. translated as ‘messenger’ this refers to a hindering spirit that followed Paul and stirred up trouble and persecution of him everywhere he went. Sometimes as we try to discern the nature of the thorn, we can miss the big story. Paul’s thorn in the flesh whatever it was, we should note that God’s grace was enough to cause Paul to succeed in everything God had called him to do. God’s grace was enough to keep Paul going through many trials and difficulties. Paul realised that he could welcome the many difficulties in his life because where his own strength was insufficient then God’s all-sufficient grace kicked into action to enable him to succeed and keep on going in his mission. Whatever buffeted Paul, God’s grace was sufficient to keep him going…what about you? Romans 5:20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, Whatever sin can do in the life of a person, God's grace can thwart it and overcome it to produce wonderful outcomes. How amazing is God's grace? God’s enabling grace for us. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: God’s attribute of grace seems to have a double action which firstly deals with sin in our lives bringing us to repentance and salvation which in turn enables us to have the sublime rewards and privileges of being seated in heavenly places as members of God’s royal family. Without God’s grace we would never be enabled to come to repentance, salvation, and the heavenly rewards. Amen Personal Prayer In Part 3 of God's grace we consider how we ought live in light of His grace.

The grace of God Part 1 A.W. Tozer has described the grace of God as follows. ‘His goodness directed toward human debt and demerit. It is by His grace that God imputes merit where none previously existed and declares no debt to be where one had been before. Grace is the good pleasure of God that inclines Him to bestow benefits upon the undeserving.’ [1] God has an inherent inclination to pity the wretched, spare the guilty, welcome the outcast, and bring into favour those who were before under deserved disapproval. Grace makes it possible to save us sinful persons and not only this but to makes us to sit in heavenly places as we see the exceeding riches of God’s kindness to us. Modern definition “Grace,” according to the dictionary, is the unmerited favour of God toward humanity. The word “grace” is used over 170 times in the New Testament alone. Grace is not bought. It is a free gift of almighty God to needy humanity. Billy Graham EA. God’s grace flows out to the believers through the channel of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. The Pauline epistles of the New Testament extol the power of grace in our redemption but always with the conjunction of God’s grace with God’s crucified Son e.g. in… Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. John 1:17 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Tozer urges us not to make the mistake of trying to make this verse stand by itself by suggesting that Moses knew only law and Jesus Christ knows only grace. The law was given to men through Moses, but it did not originate with Moses. It had existed in the heart of God from before the foundation of the world. On Mount Sinai it became the legal code for the nation of Israel; but the moral principles it embodies are eternal. There never was a time when the law did not represent the will of God for humanity nor a time when the violation of it did not bring its own penalty, though God was patient and sometimes “winked” at wrongdoing because of the ignorance of the people. Paul’s careful arguments in the third and fifth chapters of his Epistle to the Romans support the above conclusion. The source of Christian morality is the love of Christ, not the law of Moses; nevertheless there has been no removal of the principles of morality contained in the law. No privileged class exists exempt from that righteousness which the law enjoins. The Old Testament is indeed a book of law, but not of law only. Before the great flood Noah “found grace in the eyes of the Lord,” Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. and after the law was given God said to Moses, “Thou hast found grace in my sight.” Exodus 33:17 And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. What else can we expect from God-the God of grace? Grace is an integral attribute of His Holy Being. The heroes of the old testament needed the same grace that we need today. No person has ever been saved except by grace and there is no path back to God except through the goodness and grace of God. Grace only comes to us through Jesus Christ which worked prospectively in the old testament and prospectively in the new testament. God’s grace like all his attributes is infinite and eternal and where our sin abounds God’s grace abounds much more. Hallelujah! God’s grace allows us to lift our heads up to God seeking his forgiveness, mercy, help etc. Prayer Father God, we bless you and praise that your amazing grace expressed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ has provided a way for sinful people like us to be reconciled to you, the Holy God. We continually acknowledge your grace in every area of our lives. Thankyou Father Amen [1] A.W. Tozer The knowledge of the Holy: Chapter 19 In Part 2 we consider the idea of grace before judgement .

Two kinds of fear, the right kind and the wrong kind. In John 20:19 on the evening of the resurrection day, the disciples were huddled together and locked in (or could we say locked down?) because of their fear of the Jews. Fear tends to lock in or lock down people. When Jesus appeared to them, what does he say, ‘Peace to you.’ God recognises this tendency of people to quickly get into a state of fear. There is still a climate of fear round the world post-pandemic. Remember that God is still in control. Every time in the bible, either the Lord or an angel appears to a believer, the first thing they say is ’fear not’ or the like. It is one of the foremost commands in scripture. Today there is a huge amount of fear around both in the church and in the other communities, particularly in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we need to recognise that there are two kinds of fear 1] the right kind of fear and 2] the wrong kind of fear. 1] The right kind of fear- is the fear of the Lord. We are made to fear God but nothing else. Fear God but nought else! God wants to have first place in every part of our lives, but our wrong fear can occupy a place that needs emptied before God can fill it. Perfect love casts out all fear. Amen What is the fear of the Lord? This expression occurs many times in the Hebrew scriptures and once in the New Testament. There are various pictures we can give from scripture. The expression ‘Fear of the Lord’ appears 15 times in the book of Proverbs, whose main theme as you know is wisdom. So, there is a link between the fear of the Lord and wisdom. Here are a few examples, Proverbs 1:7 the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 8:13 the fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the forward (perverse) mouth, do I hate. Proverbs 22:4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. There seems to be three components to the fear of the Lord a) awe and reverence b) hatred of evil c) obedience to God’s word. Let us cultivate them! There is also a natural fear that we have to protect our bodies from damage e.g.do not touch the hotplate etc. 2] The wrong kind of fear All of us experience the wrong kind of fear sometime in our lives. Fear should be a dissimilar experience for believers and unbelievers. Fear is debilitating and even paralysing and is opposite to faith. Did you know that faith and fear are mutually exclusive? Choose where you are going to live today, in faith or in fear? It is important to realise that our fear of the Lord can be the antidote/answer to the wrong type of fear. The right fear overcomes the bad fear. Again, we get to choose which type of fear is going to be active in our lives. Choose well, choose life, choose the fear of the Lord! If we live by our feelings, they can drag us down into the pit of fear. But we need to see our situations in life through the lens of faith and through the lens of the bible not through the lens of doubt and fear. Could it be that because modern society is so steeped in fear it has collectively lost the fear of a holy God? Yet many people today fear death, sickness, poverty, helplessness, loneliness, future, commitment, failure, etc. So, what is the answer? How do we deal with fear? Here is a practical approach. Firstly, we need to get ‘historical not hysterical’ {1], in other words, we need to review the Lord’s track record in our lives, in our previous times of trouble, in previous trials or difficulty. If you keep a diary or journal, you will find that God keeps coming through for you, He is a faithful God! If you have no written records, then just meditate on God’s track record in your own life- He has got you through it all up to now and He will take you through this present challenge as well. Remember God has not changed, His truth has not changed and still sets us free, His character has not changed, God is still on the throne, God loves you and is there for you to take you through each attack of fear. Do not let fear cause amnesia of all that God has said and done. Do not allow fear to cause you to forget your identity in Christ. Fear is like a virus and can rapidly spread between people! The fear virus may have done more harm than did the pandemic. Let us distance ourselves from all sources of the wrong fear and bring the disinfectant of God’s word to others who have succumbed to the fear virus. Let us continue to take every thought captive through the lens of the bible. We need to avoid being overpowered by our feelings. Do not let the culture condition your mind but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Prayer, Lord we ask in Jesus’ name, that you teach us to develop the right kind of fear in our lives and that you also teach us how avoid the evil fear in all its forms and disguises. May you cause the fear of the Lord to dispel all ungodly fears and make us bearers of hope and love to those around us. Cause us to remember all that you have done in the past to strengthen us for today. Bring those who are paralysed by fear to your people to be set free. Amen Personal Prayer Fear not, fear nought but God! [1] Pastor Ed Young (2020) The Fear Virus

Why should we love our fellow humans? What is the value of a human life? What is a human life worth? Is human life precious? Men and God view these questions from two different perspectives. What price do you place on a Human Life? In many men eyes a life is something cheap or common. A mere convenience or inconvenience to their selfish desires and such an outlook has led to terrible acts and consequences. Answer for yourself what the following say about the value of human life. Genocide: one example of the Jews by the Nazis Abortion (babies in womb) Euthanasia Starvation in Third World (wars, corrupt, politics) Homeless in our towns Neglect of the elderly Yet all these things, in a sense we allow, for they are going on in the world. Yes, people who practices or allow such things must see the human lives involved as cheap and common of truly little value. But, not so with God, our Father, he has forbidden all these things because he created and formed each person and breathed the breath of Life into them. God sees each unique ( like a fingerprint) human life as unbelievably valuable and precious to him. For God so loved the world that he gave (that which was most precious to Him) his only begotten son Jesus Christ (to die the death of the cross) so that whoever (of the precious human lives) believed in Him (Jesus Christ) should not perish (go to hell) but have everlasting life. God revealed how he felt about man`s value and worth when he himself became the man Jesus Christ who went about doing good, healing the sick, sick opening blind eyes, deaf ears, setting the captives free and proclaiming the good news about salvation. Yes, God absolutely loves humankind in general and each unique life in particular is precious, and he earnestly desires that his people should be like him in how we view mankind. We need to recognize the value of each human life and so love our fellow humans and it is this is what we are considering in this study. Why should we Love our fellow humans? There are many reasons to why we should love our fellowmen and here are three of most important: Reason 1. God Has Commanded It Matthew 22:36-40. Deuteronomy 6:5. Leviticus 19:18; God has commanded us to be like Him. Just love people the way you love yourself. Just treat people the way you treat yourself. Just speak to people the way you would like to be spoken to. Just excuse and forgive people the way you would to be excused and forgiven. So simple, so true, so absent, in so many lives. Who is my Neighbour? Anyone who needs your help. Anyone made in God`s image, Which is everyone in a sense of immense value demands a response. Remember the Good Samaritan? [Luke 10:37] Go and Do thou likewise! Reason 2. Man is God`s special creation and Is made in the Image of God (according to His likeness)' Genesis 1:26-27; God said let us plural (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) make Man in our own Image. What does this mean “made in the Image of God”? God fashions each person as a potter forms a pot from clay and then breathes life into it and we become a Living Soul. Man has a Body, Soul, and a Spirit. There is a divine imprint on man, as a coin receives the imprint of the monarch's head so does each person receive something that reflects God our maker. This image/imprint is seen most clearly in our souls, God has made us Beings (like Him) Who have personality as does God which helps us connect with Him Who have moral choice between right or wrong Who have intelligence or ability to think Who have ability to love or to hate God has given dignity and honour above all the rest of the earthly creation and given us dominion of other life forms. Each person no matter how far fallen still in some way reflects the Image of God. Matthew 22:20; Give to God what belongs to him. All your heart, all your soul, all your might and strength. God`s Image is on all humankind let us bring these lost coins back to Him. Valuable and precious lost coins, sweep until we find them and rejoice. Genesis 1:26-27; When God made man (Adam) he had both male and female personalities in Him. And in [Genesis 2:21-22] we find God taking the woman out from a rib in Adam`s side. Now, God himself is a trinity, one in essence but three in personality (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). A community of personalities formed in one being. And in this respect was man like God, male/female in the original Adam. Genesis 2:24; And when a man and woman marry, God views the two personalities as one flesh or being. And this union of a man and woman reflects the ultimate union of Christ and His Church. Become one. All our personalities in constant union with God himself. God wants to bring personalities into community and unity. Reason 3. God sets such a High Value on Human Life that He Personally Identifies with It 2 Peter 3:9; God does not want any to perish but all to come to repentance. God has no pleasure in death of wicked. He sees something unbelievably valuable and precious lost. Something made in his own Image in some ways like Him. Matthew 25:31-40; Jesus Christ so loves, so values humankind that he totally identifies himself with them in their suffering, at their lowest, at their worst, hunger, thirsting, nakedness, sickness, in prison, yet recognizing that they are like God in some way. Seeing their immense value through the eyes of God. Identifying himself (being so in community) with them that he felt them their very acceptance or rejection, personally, and will judge us according to how we treated our fellow man. This identification reveals intense love. Summary We should love our fellow man because a] God loves them so much that he gave his most precious Son to the cross. He has commanded it, he wants a community of love. b] Each man, woman, child in some reflects God being made in his Image and likeness. Each individual person has God`s stamp on them. c} God so loves mankind that he completely identifies with Him in their suffering and judges us according to how we helped and failed our fellow man in their distress. How should we react to his precious creations? Q. What value has a human life? A. Infinitely high in God's eyes. John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you that you love one another as I have loved you. Go and do thou likewise. Amen Prayer For a printout and much more please click on the link below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/made-in-god-s-image

What can we do when our faith fails? Simon Peter (Take 1) his faith did not appear to work when Jesus was arrested. Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. 33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. 34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. Luke 22:54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off. 55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, this man was also with him. 57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. 58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. 59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilæan. 60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. 61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. Simon Peter (Take 2) preaching boldly Acts 2:14-35 But Peter standing up with the eleven , lifted up his voice... Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men, and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. What was the difference between these two takes from Peter’s story? Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Is it possible to be filled with the Holy Spirit more than once? Yes! Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. Luke 11:12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Whenever you feel that your faith is failing ask Jesus to fill you with his Holy Spirit. Ask in faith and you will surely receive! Amen Prayer Full text for printout and access to other parts of 'Faith Cameos' please click on the link below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/faith-cameos-part-5

Faith and Neighbours/Friends The Good Samaritan Luke 10:29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? 30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spend more, when I come again, I will repay thee. 36 Which now of these three, think thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?37 And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. Who is your neighbour? From God's point of view a neighbour is anyone who we see needs our help. Do you have faith to help a stranger or even an enemy? Questions to consider Were the Jews and Samaritans friends at this time? Why did the priest and the Levite not help the man? Who is your neighbour? At home, at work, when we travel? What did it cost the good Samaritan? In what circumstances do you think do you think you might be a good Samaritan? Amen Pray that the Lord will give you daily opportunities to be a good Samaritan. For full text for print out and access to other parts of 'Faith Cameos' click on link below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/faith-cameos-part-4

Faith applied in family situations In this cameo we look at faith at work in various serious family situations. Peter's mother in law Matthew 8:14-15 (KJV) 14 And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. Notice- no one asked Jesus to heal her- notice his gentle bedside manner- simply touching her hand- the fever lifts- her wellbeing and strength are immediately restored- she resumes her role as hostess serving her guests. Question: Does God care about our in-laws? Do we/should we care about our in-laws? The widow of Nain's dead son Luke 7:11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. 12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. Jairus' daughter Mark 5:39 And when he was come in, he says unto them, why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. 41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. 42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. 43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat. Questions: Why did Jesus raise these people (Widow of Nain’s son/Lazarus/Jairus Daughter) from the dead? Are there financial aspects to this story? How would the sisters/mother have felt? Does God care about the bereaved/ widows and orphans? How can we help widows and orphans? What about your family, does anyone need a healing miracle today? Amen Prayer For full text for printout and access to all parts of 'Faith cameos' click below https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/faith-cameos-part-3

Faith applied for healing Over the next 5 sessions we are going to look at a snap shot (cameo) of faith in various areas of life. The purpose of these short teachings to inspire you to use your own faith in these areas. A simple working definition of faith can be 'simply doing what God tells you to do' or else 'trusting God'. Our Focus is to find examples of biblical faith which we might learn from, in the areas of health, finance, family, neighbours and what to do when our faith fails us. 1. Health: The woman who touched the hem [1] of Jesus’ garment Luke 8:42b (ESV) But as he went the people thronged him. 43 And a woman having an issue of blood [2] twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians neither could be healed of any, 44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. 45 And Jesus said, who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, who touched me? 46 And Jesus said, somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue gone out of me. 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what because she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. 48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made you whole; go in peace. This woman was ritually unclean and so was anything she sat on. The social consequences of her uncleanness meant she was a social outcast just like a leper. Narrative- the woman was afraid to speak to Jesus, trying to keep her herself hidden, touch was a point of contact for her faith with his authority. There was instantaneous healing. The meaning of the hem see {2} below. Jesus perceived 'virtue' had gone out of him. Jesus asks 'Who touched me'? The woman self identifies. Jesus blesses her publicly thus not only healing her but also restoring her status status-by pronouncing her to be no longer unclean or a social outcast. What a healer! [1] Hem (tassel) of garment-Tsi-Tsit (Numbers 15:38 c.f. Deuteronomy 22:12) blue and white fringes representing the law of God. Reminder/Warning to the Jews to do all the law of God. [2] Leviticus 15:25 (ESV) If a woman has a discharge of blood for many days, not at the time of her menstrual impurity, or if she has a discharge beyond the time of her impurity, all the days of the discharge she shall continue in uncleanness. As in the days of her impurity, she shall be unclean. Do you need to touch the hem of Jesus' garment today by faith? We can draw virtue as healing power by faith today. Jesus never refused to heal anyone nor was he unable to heal anyone (although he prayed for one man's eyes twice). Amen Prayer For full text for printout and access to other parts of Faith cameos please click https://www.psalmonesermons.com/post/faith-cameos-part-1