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The man who came to see me this week, had a deal for me. Sent from God to me, with instructions from God to give me what I need —prophecy. Unfortunately God never seems to tell him that he needs a local assembly where he can rub elbows with the people of God and a place where he can/ should confess His sins before the throne of God. It’s likely, then, that we need more of God’s presence, and not more prophecy… Assuming we value the Scriptures!
So, I’m wondering…how much do we wish to dwell in Gods presence… Where the practice of Holy confession thrives? Maybe as my friend would suggest, I’m out of step with the Holy Spirit, but, just maybe, we’re out of step with God wants us to be.
THE POINT!
LIVING WELL MEANS CONFESSING WHAT AILS US. ITS THE DECISION WE MAKE TO DEFY OURSELVES AND DEPEND UPON THE PROMISES OF GOD!
James the just knew it well. Writing to the church in Jerusalem, he said,
“Confess your sins, one to another, that you may be healed.”
Certainly a man with knees hardened like camels’ has something to say to us about prayer and confession.
“The Christian life seen through James’ eyes was solidified in the trenches of confession and taken for a long walk on the highlands of praise.”
But is he alone?
AUGUSTINE had his favorite psalm (32) inscribed on the wall beside his bed so that as death neared he could meditate upon it. “He liked it”, he said, “because the beginning of knowledge is to know oneself to be a sinner.”
But is he alone?
David learned from it as well!
You all know the sordid narrative of David and Bathsheba- the adultery, the murder and the endless night of sin’s retribution last lasted most of a year. And then the rejoicing that found its way into his life- Ps.51:13
The reflection that followed is a maskil found in Psalm 32:
The depth of our sin-
– transgression
– falling short (1)
– iniquity(2)
Matched against the depth of the forgiveness
– He forgives
– he covers
– he does not impute
Delivered by a God who desires to forgive!
+ before and after verse 5: Selah
+ But in verse 5, no hesitation- the willingness of God to forgive and restore, if we would only confess..
FOR THAT IS WHAT THE CHURCH IS CALLED TO DO, AND WHY OUR FOCUS IN PRAYER FOR FEBRUARY IS CONFESSION, In the presence of communion and beyond!
(6) That God may be found!
And so, Jesus, lover of my soul says,
Jesus, lover of my soul
Let me to Thy bosom fly
While the nearer waters roll,
While the tempest still is high:
Hide me, Obmy Savior hide,
Till the storm of life is past;
Safe into thy haven guide,
O,receive my soul at last…
COMMUNION
MJC
Pastor Mark Congrove
Serving with:
Bethel Church
Cornerstone University
Grace Bible College
Sermon reflective 