
Anyone who dies and goes to eternal judgment instead of eternal life does so because they deny Jesus, not because of the sins they committed.
[This sermon is one of a series entitled “Sermon on the Mount, Concentrating on the Beatitudes,” which is being preached on Sunday mornings by Pastor Tim Senter. You may access previous messages from this chapter, which may be referenced in this message by clicking here.]
Last week we talked about laying a foundation in the solid rock of scripture and salvation in Christ as opposed to the foundation of shifting sand, which is relativism and man’s sociological musings. When we see two homes built on different foundations, we find that eventually one will crumble while the other will stand fast in the storms of challenge. When we look at scripture as a standard, and we search out the truths therein to apply them to our lives, through prayer we begin to bend our hearts more toward God and submit more readily to His instruction and desire in our lives. If we permit God to build the foundation, frame the home and even decorate it, we build a place that will withstand the challenges of the world. We do all this recognizing that sin will challenge the purity of God’s word and His precepts.
Many, if not most, do not realize that you are never truly independent. God is in control and His will will be done. Equally, Satan is a wicked and powerful being who is capable of influencing things around us, either positively or negatively. Satan has the power to “bless” and help, as well as to destroy and hurt. This sets up a very wicked paradox for people to figure out. The only way we can absolutely find the source of a blessing is to ask whether the blessing came from a godly source. If you are experiencing blessings for committing sins, be assured it is not God blessing you. God permits trials in life to strengthen and instruct us while Satan uses them only to destroy.
Satan is on the prowl to devour any Christian he can get his hands on. He will do anything to pull people away from God, including giving them a sense of independence or self-reliance. He will seem to bestow blessings as well as curse the lives of people to accomplish his wickedness. A home built on a shaky foundation may look beautiful. Satan can build it to look just like a godly home. However, it is easy prey for the wise deceiver. Most deception comes in the form of pride, and that pride is mostly the result of the question, “Why can’t I do what I want to do?” The truth (what is accepted by the world) is that you can do whatever you want within the laws of society. However, the godly believer asks, “Have you searched the scriptures, sought counsel from godly folks and submitted yourself to those things to find what God would have you do? Is that addition to your home godly or a deception of Satan?” Continue reading