God's people in Christ

He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them. (Numbers 23:21) *1/ Balaam and lessons from this account. 2/ Three things said of Jacob - God's people:* *- How God views them in Christ.* *- God is with them.* *- Jesus is their King and Lord.* ~~~~~ This sermon was preached Lord's Day afternoon at Zoar Strict Baptist Chapel Ashwell. The deacon giving out the hymns is Mr Brian Northern. ~~~~~ **Sermon summary:** The sermon centers on the transformative power of God, who turns human attempts to curse into divine blessings, as illustrated in Balaam's reluctant blessings over Israel. Though Balaam, a man driven by greed and ill intent, was compelled by God to speak words of praise, his motives reveal a dangerous spiritual danger: the separation of outward profession from inward faith, where one may speak truth without true devotion. The passage highlights three profound truths about God's people: **first,** that God sees them not in their sin but through the imputed righteousness of Christ, rendering them faultless; **second,** that the Lord's presence is their constant companion, guiding them through life and into eternity; and **third,** that Jesus Christ is their rightful King, whose authority is acknowledged not in words alone but in willing obedience. The message calls believers to examine their hearts, reject the spirit of Balaam, and embrace a faith marked by genuine submission, where the blessings of God are not merely received but lived out in faithful surrender to Christ's lordship.