The Need for Divine Mercy

Psalms 51 Elder Roger feels unable to preach God’s word without God and the Holy Spirit. Asks for prayers. The message comes from a Monday night men’s meeting and has been contemplated for a couple of weeks. Brother Tommy was expected to preach on it Sunday but didn’t directly address it. Elder Roger is focusing on Psalms 51, emphasizing that the interpretation is personal and divinely inspired. Have Mercy Upon Me, O God Elder Roger believes asking for God’s mercy should be a daily practice. Acknowledges personal shortcomings and the need for divine mercy, regardless of perceived goodness. This sentiment should be shared by all born-again Christians. Asks God to reveal shortcomings and iniquities. Expresses gratitude to the Lord. Churches today don’t want people to think badly about them. Wash Me Thoroughly From My Iniquities Recalls own baptism shortly after being saved. Baptism is not essential for salvation but is a desired act of cleansing before God. Believes in full immersion baptism, symbolizing complete cleansing under the blood of Jesus Christ. Acknowledges personal sinfulness post-baptism. Only Jesus was without sin. Emphasizes the availability of forgiveness through God. Cleansing is internal, transforming the soul. God replaces the “old stony heart” with a pure one. Internal change is more important than outward appearances or religious displays. Example: One can dress well and attend church regularly, but the internal state matters most. Asks for daily cleansing to avoid carrying “filthy stuff” in the heart. One should strive to be as clean as on the day of salvation. Allowing God to cleanse enables one to walk with Christ and have Jesus in their heart. Restore Unto Me My Joy Christians should exhibit joy due to their salvation and eternal life with God. Contrasts this with the sad demeanor sometimes seen in those claiming to be born again. Being washed in the blood of Jesus Christ is something to be proud of. Encourages those who have lost their joy to ask God to restore it. God is just and righteous to do so. Elder Roger values the joy of salvation more than any amount of money. Finds joy and comfort in knowing that heaven awaits. Something changed internally upon salvation. The comforter didn’t leave us. If lost, one should be worried. Jesus loves everyone and they need to come to him to ask him to save them. Renew a Right Spirit Within Me Expresses concern that some churchgoers, even in sister churches, may not truly understand the Spirit of God. Fear that the true Spirit of God would scare them. God speaks to everyone, not just preachers. Encourages taking time for one-on-one connection with God. Examples: Go to the basement, swing outside, walk. Listen to what God and the Holy Spirit have to say. Laments the decline in people’s willingness to listen to God. Recalls stories of past revivals with large crowds inside and outside the church. Salvation of people is not old-fashioned. Attributes such revivals to the Holy Spirit working through the prayers of church members. Questions when the last time a lost person was seen in the church. If lost people come through the doors of the church, God will do the rest. Emphasizes the importance of attracting lost people to the church. God can save people anywhere, but the church is a good place to experience love. The church should show love to lost individuals who may walk through the doors. Otherwise, they might turn around and walk back out. Invitation Believes an invitation should be given every time the church doors are open. Offers to pray with anyone in need, while acknowledging personal limitations in helping others. Refers to Psalm 23.