Dear saint of God, God only expects that you do better today than you did yesterday. Now, if you are not born again, then God's wrath abides upon you. John 3:36, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” Woe unto the human being who will one day 'DIE IN YOUR SINS' without Christ (John 8:24b). The redeemed child of God shall some day 'DIE IN THE LORD' (Revelation 14:13b).
I now speak to the saints. As God's children, we are far from perfect. Thankfully, God knows that we are flesh and considers our frailty. Psalms 103:14, “For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” This was Pastor Jack Hyles' mother's favorite Scripture passage, and for obvious reasons it should be one of every saint's favorite Bible verses. At best we are weak, vulnerable, opinionated, all strange in our own ways, children of God.
The inspired Holy Bible teaches in our text passage from Proverbs 24:16, “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” That is, when a Christian sins, we get back up and try in God's strength to do better next time.
And always remember, as believers we don't grow in strength, we grow in grace (2nd Peter 3:18). We read in Galatians 2:20-21, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” Here we learn one of the great secrets to living the Christian life, which secret is that you and I simply cannot successfully live the Christian life in our own human frailty and weakness.
Proverbs 24:16, “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.”
Every Believer Struggles with Sin
Paul tried to live right, but at times utterly failed, just as ALL believers do. Proverbs 24:16, “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” Please note that there are two separate Hebrew words used for “fall” in Proverb 24:16. The first “falleth” literally means “to trip, or stumble.” This is the believer who attempts to please God by living a holy life, but fails, and tries again, but fails, and tries again, but fails, and so forth. This is pleasing to the Lord; not that we fail, but that we keep getting back up and trying again with His help. That is, we KEEP TRYING.
As long as we are living in this selfish and carnal flesh, we will endure the constant spiritual struggle between our sin-nature and the Spirit of Christ which indwells every believer (Romans 8:9). Just keep trying dear saint of God, in the Lord's strength not yours.
Feminism has indoctrinated American women today to condemn their husbands, blaming them for everything. There are multitudes of sinful commercials and television shows nowadays which portray men as being ignorant, incompetent, stupid and naïve in comparison to women. It is heathendom and it's helping to ruin men.
“God will still use you, I don't care what you've done!” —Pastor Jack Hyles titled, “If Thou Should Mark Iniquities, Who Could Stand?”The second word “fall” means “to quit, or walk away.” This is the man or woman who deliberately commits sin, trying to justify their wickedness. This is the wife who files for divorce. She quit, i.e., she's not even trying to live for God anymore. Seeking greener pastures is what the heathen world does. The Bible tells us to hang in there doing right for God (Galatians 6:9).
Feminism has indoctrinated American women today to condemn their husbands, blaming them for everything. There are multitudes of sinful commercials and television shows nowadays which portray men as being ignorant, incompetent, stupid and naïve in comparison to women. It is heathendom and it's helping to ruin men.
The Bible is an authoritative Book written by an authoritative God; and the fathers, husbands, and preachers who live by it will be authoritative. The wicked world hates God's authority, and any authority ordained of God. I have received numerous letters in the past from women who blame their husbands for everything, but never say even one negative thing about themselves. Please read, Who's the Biggest Sinner?
It's important that you don't become discouraged when you do sin. Proverbs 24:16, “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” A wicked person doesn't even try to live right, they don't care about pleasing God. When a Christian falls, the whole world is waiting to condemn them. The world receives their own (John 15:19).
David Lee Roth (lead singer of the rock band Van Halen) is one of the wickedest men in the world today, who has spent his life destroying teenager's lives with his demonic music that promotes all manner of sexual depravity, rebellion, nasty filth and blasphemy against God. Wikipedia has nothing bad to say about Mr. Roth.
It's important that you don't become discouraged when you do sin. Proverbs 24:16, “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” A wicked person doesn't even try to live right, they don't care about pleasing God. When a Christian falls, the whole world is waiting to condemn them. The world receives their own (John 15:19).
David Lee Roth (lead singer of the rock band Van Halen) is one of the wickedest men in the world today, who has spent his life destroying teenager's lives with his demonic music that promotes all manner of sexual depravity, rebellion, nasty filth and blasphemy against God. Wikipedia has nothing bad to say about Mr. Roth.
Yet, Pastor Jack Hyles (1926-2001) spent his life helping millions of people through his 55 years of faithful ministry, and Wikipedia trashes him out like the worst man who ever lived. Judgment day is coming for this ungodly world (Isaiah 13:11). I thank God for the precious blood of Jesus Christ that cleanseth my sins away (1st John 1:7). When you fall, and you will, get back up for God my friend. If Thou Should Mark Iniquities, Who Could Stand? (awesome MP3 sermon by Dr. Jack Hyles).
All we have to do (as Christians) is saturate our mind and heart with the inspired Word of God (King James Bible), and yield to it. 2nd Corinthians 10:5, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” That's not mind-control, that's voluntarily yielding to the Holy Spirit in obedience to God's Word.
“The Devil will make you guilty about your past... You're not worthy to serve God, but neither is anybody else worthy to serve God, and so God's gotta have unworthy people serving Him... That's one reason why we should do everything we can to salvage people.” —Pastor Jack Hyles, “If Thou Should Mark Iniquities, Who Could Stand?”A very important truth for us to understand is that we, as believers, cannot live the Christian life in our own strength. Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” I love that Scripture! Jesus lives in and through me as God's child, in the form of the Holy Spirit. In Romans 8:9, the Holy Spirit is called the “Spirit of Christ.” Amen!
All we have to do (as Christians) is saturate our mind and heart with the inspired Word of God (King James Bible), and yield to it. 2nd Corinthians 10:5, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” That's not mind-control, that's voluntarily yielding to the Holy Spirit in obedience to God's Word.
Unlike satanic Hollywood and the occult music industry, who continually manipulate the human mind to deceptively control people; God is brutally honest and nothing is done in secret. John 18:20, “Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.” The world would rather trust sneaky Freemasons and Satan who deceive them, than to trust an honest and dear Savior.
The Power of HIS MIGHT
Ephesians 6:10-12, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” We cannot gain victory over sin by ourselves, we need God's power. This is exactly what Ephesians 6:10, “...be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” We are foolish if we attempt to live the Christian life in our own strength, and we will utterly fail. The Bible tells us to be strong IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT.
This is why the Apostle Paul could say in 2nd Corinthians 12:9-10, “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. 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.”
The Blood of the Lamb
I can't tell you how many times the Holy Spirit has comforted me with the Words of Hebrews 4:15-16, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” What a wonderful PROMISE from God! The throne of grace is mine to approach for help, because of the precious blood of Jesus!
Ephesians 6:10-12, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” We cannot gain victory over sin by ourselves, we need God's power. This is exactly what Ephesians 6:10, “...be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” We are foolish if we attempt to live the Christian life in our own strength, and we will utterly fail. The Bible tells us to be strong IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT.
This is why the Apostle Paul could say in 2nd Corinthians 12:9-10, “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. 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.”
God's Final Call
Someday you'll hear God's Final Call to youRomans 10:13, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
To take his offer of salvation true-
This could be it my friend if you but knew-
God's Final Call, God's Final Call
How can you live another day in sin,
Thinking some day with Christ you will begin?
O will you hear above the world's loud din-
God's Final Call, God's Final Call
If you reject God's Final Call of grace,
You'll have no chance your footsteps to retrace-
All hope will then be gone and doom you'll face.
O hear his call! God's Final Call
The Blood of the Lamb
I can't tell you how many times the Holy Spirit has comforted me with the Words of Hebrews 4:15-16, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” What a wonderful PROMISE from God! The throne of grace is mine to approach for help, because of the precious blood of Jesus!
What was forbidden to all Old Testament saints except the high priest (i.e., entering into the holy of holies) is freely available to us today through Christ's blood. Yet, so many of us neglect and take for granted our privilege as born-again believers to approach God's throne of grace. We are so undeserving. Thank God for the literal blood of Jesus which gives us the victory over sin if we want it. Revelation 12:11, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
All God expects from you dear saint of God is that you get back up when you fall, and simply KEEP TRYING. Pardon my reference to a secular movie, but I love what Alfred tells Bruce Wayne in the 2005 popular film 'Batman Begins,' when Mr. Wayne is watching his family's mansion burn to the ground at the bottom of a deep elevator shaft. Alfred says: “Why do we fall Sir? It is so that we can learn to pick ourselves up.” I love Alfred's helpful advice. What saith the Scripture? Proverbs 24:16, “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.”
I understand that by God's grace He resurrects us from dire circumstances (2nd Corinthians 1:8), and is our Rock unto whom we flee in a time of storm. Psalms 18:2, “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” That being said, God has given every man a free will to exercise. Whether or not we get back up from a sinful fall is our decision alone. The Lord doesn't force Himself upon anyone. God has never forced any lost sinner to trust Christ. Calvinism is a perversion of God's grace and a pack of lies from Satan!
The Lord better than anyone understands our weaknesses, temptations and frailty as humans. Psalms 103:14, “For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.”
Proverbs 24:12, “If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?” God is the keeper of every man's soul. It's not hard to grasp in lieu of the fact that God created the human race. The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good. Hebrews 4:13, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”
Dear saint of God, KEEP TRYING. Don't give up! I love what Pastor Jack Hyles (1926-2001) said: “UNSHAKABLE FAITH COMES FROM HAVING YOUR FAITH SHAKEN.” The following passage of Scripture teaches us how to live right...
2nd Corinthians 10:3-6, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”
And I absolutely love verse 6, which teaches us to “REVENGE ALL DISOBEDIENCE.” That is, when you mess up and fall (as we all do regularly), we should have a burning desire and determination in our soul to never make that stupid mistake or commit that willful sin again. This is why a God-fearing Christian KEEPS TRYING, because we have the indwelling blessed Holy Spirit of God who convicts us about the sins in our life.
The wicked are not so, the Bible says, they instead deliberately KEEP SINNING. ...
Proverbs 2:10-14, “When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked.”
Verse 14 caught my attention... “WHO REJOICE TO DO EVIL.” The wicked person couldn't care less about pleasing God, since they do not know Jesus as their personal Savior. The natural man (i.e., unsaved person) does not have the indwelling presence of God's Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9; 1st John 3:24; 1st Corinthians 3:16-17).
One of my favorite sermons by Pastor Jack Hyles is titled: 'If Thou Should Mark Iniquities, Who Could Stand' based upon Psalms 130:3, “If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?” If the truth be known, no Christian is a shining example of what a child of God should be. We all have our ugly Skelton Closet full of bones.
The good Lord simply desires that we do better today than we did yesterday. What more can any Christian do? When the woman caught in the very act of adultery was dragged to Jesus' feet by a bunch of wicked Pharisee hypocrites, He did not condemn her. John 3:17, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” Jesus came into the world to save sinners, not condemn them (Luke 19:10). Satan on the other hand does nothing but accuse the brethren to condemn us before God our Father (Revelation 12:10). The Devil's days are numbered and he knows it (Revelation 12:12).
So, be encouraged Oh child of God, we serve a forgiving God who loves to pardon. You may be rotting in prison for the rest of your life because of your crimes, but in Heaven's legal system your record is spotless if your sins have been cleansed by the precious blood of the Lamb of God. Revelation 1:5, “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.”
God fully knows that we will fail regularly to live above sinning. It's impossible for any Christian to do, because we are still trapped in this troublesome fleshly body. Romans 7:18, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.”
The good Lord loves to forgive. Micah 7:18, “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.” I cherish that Bible verse. A righteous person loves to forgive, just like our heavenly Father ;loves to forgive. Proverbs 19:11, “The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.” All God expects of His redeemed children is that we keep trying with His strength through His indwelling Holy Spirit who guides, rebukes, comforts, leads, chastises, helps and convicts us as the Lord's dear saints.
A godly Christian, despite our many flaws and sins, KEEP TRYING to obey the Holy Bible, please God, win souls with the Gospel and do better today than we did in the past.
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