DEEP PREACHING!!!

Deep sermons have a clear purpose. When the Spirit is leading, your sermons will not wander in the wilderness of irrelevance. Deep sermons have a destination, a clear behavioral objective that they intend to accomplish in the lives of their listeners--"Receive with meekness the engrafted word which is able to save your soul."

LORD HELP US TO DELVE DEEPLY INTO THE RICHES OF YOUR WORD!

Turning Yourself In. Thoughts on I John 1: 6-10

TURNING YOURSELF IN
1 JOHN 1:6-10
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In Los Angeles and in other cities, there is a popular phenomenon called a high-speed chase. You’ve seen these occur; usually the network station will interrupt the regularly scheduled broadcast to bring the viewer a live update of someone fleeing from the local authorities. Some chases are low-speed others are high-speed; many flee in cars, trucks, and even tanks. Regardless of what vehicle they’re in, they refuse to pull over and turn themselves in. I must confess that I’m disturbed by this behavior, not only are they going to eventually get caught, but the assailant accumulates charges on their record. When O.J. Simpson was running from he police America watched as he and his boyhood friend took the world on a tour of Los Angeles. Although the sirens were blowing and the public jeering and shouting “turn yourself in,” O.J. Simpson and Al Cowlings continued their pursuit to its bitter and calculated end. In short, they should have turned themselves in. In the Christian life, it is possible for one to refuse to turn themselves in. Many are refusing to worship; God may be trying to pull you over. Some are not pleasing God by their lifestyles; he may be trying to pull you over. Still others are refusing to patch up old grudges; God may be attempting to pull you over. How many times has the siren of the Holy Spirit sounded and you refused to pull over and say Lord its me standing in the need of prayer. Before we go into the biblical text of this chapter it may be necessary for you to see how God tries to pull his saints over and surrender to him. God uses four types of horns to get his children to pull over. He first blows the horn of the SCRIPTURE, He warns us when we need it; others times the scriptures encourage us. Through it all God blows the horn of scripture to get his children’s attention. Secondly the horn of the SPIRIT blows attempting to convict, convert, and comfort us. Unfortunately, we wind up grieving the Spirit by refusing to be led by Him. Thirdly, God blows His divine horn through his saints; remember Nathan went to king David to virtually in form David to turn himself in (II Sam 11). Now if we don’t listen to the SCRIPTURES, SPIRIT, or The SAINTS, then God uses STORMS. Storms are interesting because when God uses storms you will have a way of knowing it is God nudging you to turn yourself in. Do you remember how Jonah went down when God told him to go up; you recall how God sent the storm Then Jonah went down into the ship. If you notice carefully, the storm got rougher the longer Jonah ran from God; but as soon as Jonah submitted to the storm God sent; the sea became calm. I ask you to hold on to that thought and we’ll revisit it at the end of this chapter. Now that you’ve seen how God blows His horn on his children, lets see how I John chapter one fits into the whole equation of “Turning yourself In.” I John 1: 6-10 Says, “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with the other, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. In the context of this passage of scripture is an apostle who loves God’s people and he is expressing to these people in the text and to those who read it today the reality of Jesus Christ. In verses 1-3 of I John the first chapter, the apostle said we have heard, we have seen, we have looked upon or have literally gazed on Him; our hands have handled him. John is speaking of God in the flesh and his association with him. The purpose and plan for writing is clearly stated in verses 4-5 which says, “ these things write we to you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message that we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. John lays the foundation by saying that it is impossible for God to be associated with any kind of darkness or sin. This is why when one comes to God they must go through his son Jesus Christ because he is the only one who is perfect, holy, and totally righteous. Let me ask you; are you on the run from God? Are you on a spiritual high-speed chase? Maybe you’ve wondered far away from fellowship with God. Has God has been trying to pull you over through the scriptures, spirit, saints, and storms? If so, turn the page because you’re going learn that turning yourself in is awesome for the child of the king.

I John is a general epistle. That is, it is not written to a specific church, but rather it is written to all Christian believers. It is an epistle written like a letter from a Father to his children. The verses that we will consider in this chapter deal with several misconceptions that people develop about the Christian life. One misconception is that man can fellowship with God and still walk in sin. The other misconception is that man is not totally sinful and depraved. The last misconception is that man can become sinless and righteous on his own. I must confess that I am uniquely qualified to write this chapter because I know what its like to be on the run and still try to worship God in spirit and in truth; I know what it is like to not please God on one hand, but on the other hand put up a front before others as if I’m God’s elite. Unfortunately, I know the pitiful plight of preaching the cross without drawing near to the Christ of the cross. I hope you have identified with me by now. You don’t have to confess to me, but it is well documented that every child of God has their own personal struggle in their daily walk with God. Since we’re all on the same page, let’s get on the path of discovery. According to 1st John 1: 6-10 you have five options in the process of turning yourself in.
Option 1. FABLES (vs.6)
Option 2. FELLOWSHIP (vs.7)
Option 3. FRICTION (vs.8)
Option 4. FREEDOM (vs. 9)
Option 5. FRAUD (vs. 10)

FABLES (V.6)
John informed us earlier that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. He is right; however there are some who claim that they have perfect fellowship yet their walk is totally different from their talk. John says this mindset is a lie and this person does not the truth. In short their profession is a fable. It is impossible to fellowship with God and still walk in sin. Have you ever noticed that when you’re out of fellowship with God there is a sense of uneasiness and guilt? Sometimes we think that we can find our own way to God and be in good fellowship with Him. Some Christians believe they can use their own minds and reasoning and find out enough about God to become acceptable and be in fellowship with him. Tragically, many saints believe they can use their own hands and energy and do enough to please God and to receive his approval. Folks, this is a fable. You would be surprised to discover that some think that if they believe in God and do have-way right, and then this belief and good deeds will put God in debt to them. The awful conclusion that some draw is you can reject Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Remember John went through great lengths in the text to inform us about what I called the reality of Jesus Christ. Lets be honest, you and I are in the dark about God. When it comes to God, we are in darkness; we cannot see God nor talk with God. We cannot even be sure that God exist, not absolutely sure. Why? Because our physical senses and flesh can know only the things of the physical and material world. God exist in a spiritual world and we have no way to penetrate it. We can take all the technology and science, all of our intellectual and creative reasoning, and we will never be able to penetrate the spiritual world. We are in the dark about God. There is only one-way: God has to leave the spiritual world and dimension and enter the physical world and dimension. God has to come to earth and reveal himself to us. This is the only conceivable way man could ever fellowship with God. This is the good news of the gospel: This is exactly what john is saying: That the Son of God has come to earth. He came to reveal God to us. When you understand this, you will see how foolish it is the say or claim that you have fellowship with God and walk in darkness. I’m not saying that you will never fall or sin, but as we shall see, sin will not be your daily walking pattern when you walk in the light. The Christian life is not some social club that you engage in on Sundays or during mid-week services. The Christian life is a journey that requires the believer to walk with Christ on a daily basis. I must admit, there were several times when I claimed to have fellowship with God and yet walked in darkness; only to discover that what I said made no difference because what I did told it all. Are you getting the point; you can say or claim anything but your walk will speak louder than what you say. John said when a person claims to have fellowship with God and yet walk in darkness; they lie and do not the truth. W. E Vine says, “The combined statements, “we lie, and do not tell the truth,” are significant. The truth is not merely a creed. It is always that which has a bearing upon the life. The truth is doctrine “according to God” that is, it is consistent with His character. Right action is an expression of the truth, and those who walk according to the truth thereby express the character of God. In I John 1:6 the passage shows a clear distinction between walking in darkness and walking in the light. The fable becomes evident when you take apart the scripture for further examination. In essence, we lie if we say we have fellowship, and we do not the truth when we walk in darkness. Instead of turning themselves in, some would rather perpetrate is if they have fellowship with God; thus living in fables.

FELLOWSHIP (V. 7)
Instead of living in fables, the best way is to have fellowship with God and our brothers and sisters. Remarkably, John shows us how to have this unique fellowship. First he says, “If we walk in the light as he is in the light we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanses us from all sin.” Let’s unpack this passage so that you can see its truth. The apostle tells us that we are to really live in the light of God’s presence. This means that each moment of your life there ought to be a constant conversation and attitude that never forgets God’s presence. Now this is far different from Sunday worship or a midweek bible class; this requires a constant remembrance of God’s will and way for your life. Further this walking in the light demands that you allow God the access to all the rooms in to your secret closets. If you noticed the scripture says, “walk” which suggest a lifestyle or way of life. To walk in the light means to live in such a way that one is enlightened by the truth of who God is. Look very closely John did not say walk according to the light that would demand sinless perfection. Listen, when you wake up in the morning turn yourself in to God and ask him to help you walk with Him throughout the day. Be honest and confess that if you walk without Him you would go the wrong way and chart the wrong course. It might surprise you, but your relationship with other brothers and sisters is predicated on your daily walk with God. I’m sure you’ve seen people who are cranky and cantankerous. I know you know someone who has a hard time getting along with others. Perhaps there is someone in your congregation who fails to develop significant relationships. All right maybe this person is you. Well the apostle John says when we walk in the light as he is in the light; we have fellowship with each other. Notice our fellowship with each other is related to our walking with God. When your conduct begins to reflect God’s character, then real fellowship is possible with other Christians in the body of Christ. Relationships will be enhanced when we walk with God. Church programs operate smoothly when individuals walk with God. Listen, if I’ve been walking closely with the Lord in fellowship all week, then when I arrive in services on Sunday my communication and overall treatment of my brothers and sisters will be in sync. Ultimately the bible says that the Blood of Jesus Christ will continue to cleanse us from every sin. See the purpose of walking in the light is to make true communion between believers possible. Jesus’ violent death on the cross, which is what blood signifies, is the initial antidote for and the ultimate defense against sin’s presence and power. You must remember the reason why this letter was written. The apostle John wants us to enjoy and share the deep sense of satisfaction and purpose that knowing Christ and walking in Him brings. Turn yourself in and strive for that close walk with God.

FRICTION (vs. 8)
Interestingly, there were some who felt that they had no sin. Jesus taught that those who owned up to their sin could find forgiveness, while those who were blind to their sin would be left mired in it. Friction is caused when people become immune to their own sin and began feeling as if they have no sin. You might ask, why is this friction? After all I don’t smoke. I don’t drink, I didn’t curse today, nor did I steal. If this is your plea then I applaud you, however, the apostle John is not talking about sin acts, he is discussing our sin nature. If you say that your sin nature is completely gone, this will deceive you into thinking that you by yourself are perfect. The real truth of the matter is that certain people have a hard time seeing themselves as they really are. I must admit that I used to go to battle with a gentleman who said that he had no sin now that he is in Christ. To a certain extent I don’t knock his outlook. However, let’s be perfectly clear the fact that we are not conscious of sin does not mean that we are without it. Every Christian can identify with David because he is a prime example of a saint who committed sin but failed to see his sinfulness. You remember when Nathan confronted him David got indignant at the man who took and killed the other man’s sheep, yet he could not see himself in Nathan’s story (2 Sam. 11;12). To have no sin my friend is to have no need of a savior. Friends we have a sin nature that is prone to regress if we fail to walk in the light. I realize that I am born again and sin does not have dominion over me, but I also recognize that in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing. Therefore in order to prevent friction, I always acknowledge my sinful nature as ever-present. Paul said, “ I find then a law that when I want to do good, evil is present with me.” This is certainly not a license to do evil it is only a recognition of what is real in my heart. I’ve had many to disagree with me on this but I believe that a healthy recognition of my sinful nature keeps me from deceiving myself. There are many who say, “I have no sin.” Unfortunately, this causes friction and it only fools one into not receiving the truth. In Los Angeles, those high-speed chases reveal some interesting truths. Instead of pulling over the motorist cause more friction by continuing on. Somehow they believe that escape is possible; but they have to realize that they can’t escape the helicopter. The Holy Spirit that we have been given serves as a comforting, converting, and convicting helicopter encouraging us to pull over and stop deceiving ourselves. Stop the car pull over to the side God has you surrounded step out and get on your knees and surrender. Tell God that your sorry for not seeing yourself for whom you really are. “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.” ( Hebrews 4:13).

FREEDOM (vs.9)
How many of you are familiar with these words; “brothers and sisters I have sinned and repent of my sins, and I asked the church to pray for me.” Please hear me, this is not confession in the truest sense. I understand that the church should pray for others and help, however this rehearsed phrase handed down from generation to generation does not capture the idea of true confession to God. Verse nine says, “If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” To truly confess means to agree with God and to admit that we are sinners standing in the need of his mercy. I believe this verse within its context is telling us to confess our sins specifically to God. There should never be a reporting of sins before the congregation, every individual should go before God and literally agree with him that what he says about you is true. I’ve heard it all. Some say Lord I drink every now and then, or Lord forgive for that little white lie. And the list can go on and on. But dear reader, you must go deeper and confess to God all about you. Listen, you remember when Adam and eve sinned in the garden and God came looking for them. God asked Adam where are you? It wasn’t that God didn’t know where Adam was; he just wanted Adam to tell the truth and confess everything. Adam said, “I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked and I hid myself.” (Genesis 3:10). If you read that narrative closely, Adam eventually tried to blame Eve for his sinfulness. Folks God just wants an honest confession. Let me help you with what an honest confession is: Lord I am a drunkard and I need your help. Lord my lust is out of control please help me control my mind. Lord I’m having evil thoughts about others please help me to be willing to do your will. Heavenly Father I’ve been a thief for a long time please show me what it is like to earn wages honestly. Lord I’ve been faking my worship show me how to worship you sincerely. Father I’ve been pretending to know a lot about your word, but the truth is I really don’t know the first thing about studying please show me the way. Heavenly Father I’m on drugs I think I may be getting hooked please guide me. I think you get the point. I’m not knocking anyone’s system or ways, but I must tell you God wants the real thing. You see the freedom is being able to confess your sins and know for sure that God is faithful and just to forgive you. God is not trying to figure out how to save you he has already provided the way through his son Christ. Now he is trying to show you the way by encouraging you to confess your sins so that he (God) can pardon and teach you the freedom of living before him in constant communion. Turn yourself in and tell him every thing. Confess each sin that you struggle with specifically to God and remember he is faithful and just to keep on cleansing you from all unrighteousness. The freedom is knowing that God continues to cleanse as long as I confess sincerely and honestly to him.
Confession was never meant to be a ritual done at the end of a sermon; confession should be going on everyday as we walk with Christ. You should never wait until Sunday to confess, and you should never waste your time trying to figure out which sin is private or public. The confession is plainly and specifically to God, and not to men. Someone might say well Brother Murray The bible says in James Chapter 5:16 “Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous saint avails much.” And you are absolutely right and I believe that with all of my heart. However, this admonition written by the apostle James was delivered in the context of sick members who needed divine prescriptions for afflictions and sickness. The confessing in James points to a condition in which the Christian is sick and in many cases bedridden; notice that the leaders of The church in verse 14 were called to pray a special prayer while anointing the individual with oil. The point is that this confession was not for some public arena because the individual in this verse was sick and the righteous person hearing the confession prayed fervently and effectual; meaning that the persons prayed with obedience and urgency expecting external and internal results. This is not an attempt to abolish a standard order of invitational confession, but it is a plea for all of us to understand what confession really means. So remember the verb confess is in the present tense with the idea of keep on confessing. My friend second by second; minute by minute; hour by hour continue to turn yourself in keep on confessing and you will soon discover what it really means to walk in the light.

FRAUD (vs.10)
This verse refers to those who deny they have committed individual acts of sin. Listen; to say that we have not sinned is literally going against what he says about all people. In Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” It is one thing to lie but it is more critical when we make God a liar. Now God said we have sinned and for one to say they have not sinned shows utter denial of their nature and the need for a redeemer. Many commit the fraud of claiming that they are something that they are not. In this case it is a perfect example of nature fraud. No matter how beautiful and ornate a snake appears, its nature is still the same. We may be blood bought, spirit filled, and washed in baptismal waters; but our nature still has a predisposition to sin. There must be a willingness on every Christian’s part to surrender their bodies on a daily basis. Ok let’s keep it real; the only thing that keeps most people from sin is opportunity. In order to enhance your Christian walk and experience victory on the journey you must understand how grace operates. The bible says in Titus 3:5 “ for the grace of God the bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men, teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lust; to live soberly righteously and godly in this present world.” The key word is “teaching” God’s grace is teaching or schooling us on how to live day by day. Living for Christ is not accomplished over night. Turning yourself in is acknowledging that you are incapable of getting it right by yourself. When are you going to turn yourself in? When are you going to pull over and say, “it’s me Oh Lord standing in the need of prayer.” The siren of the Holy Spirit and the helicopter of God’s word is beckoning all saints to pull over daily and confess their sins. Don’t worry about the charges because God is faithful and just. He will forgive you. He will cleanse you. He will teach you how to live day by day.

FINAL ADMONITION:
The objective is to keep on confessing. Never wait until you feel the time is right. Satan enjoys how you put off confessing your sins. The longer you wait to confess the more Satan sifts you. I know it is not easy acknowledging failure; but remember say the same thing that God would say about your sin. Don’t sugar coat it call it what it is. If you live in this way you will soon discover the beauty of walking in the light as He (God) is in the Light. (I John 2:1) “ My little children these things write I unto you that you sin not, but if any one sins you have an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous and he is a propitiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for the sins of the whole world.” Now lets continue the journey!!!

Praise is a terrible thing to waste!

I had to re-submit this first blog--Since this is my first blog I wanted to share this verse on Praise--I wrote this for an upcoming expositional Hip-hop soon to come out called Pulpit MC's--I'm not trying to be a rapper; but I'm attempting to use my calling in several genre's.

Are you on the playground, the battleground, or Holy ground, check the sound-doctrine as I lock you in with a spin turning from sin---PRAISE is YOURS true, to the one who died for You-or do you do what others do cause your not connected to -the Master, tempest is raging say stop staging your praise its a disease attempting to please -

Those who hate praise, lack praise, these are the last days change your ways give the Lord some praise get off those evil ways-CALL HIM UP! But Don’t focus on the steeple, have favor with all the people then the Lord will add to the church more people- Listen, some fruit, more fruit, much fruit we should salute, each other-

I’ll never besmirch, I love the church talking about others can hurt—biting and devouring one another- tell me, what’s up my brother? it’s a crime, talking about other believers makes you less the a dime-like Judas who sealed his fate for a dollar thirty eight- you lie in wait to slam others who praise who made you keeper of the gate?

You shouldn’t wave, raise your hand, or clap your hand, or you should never stand-Saints please- praise detractors step to the left no to the right never mind just move I don’t wanna fight – I’m commanded to praise God and love you too, but the praise is directed to God not to be judged by you-

God is a Spirit you must worship Him in truth-its God who seeks worshippers why are you looking at what I do. Seriously, I’m not trying to flex-but looking at the text I see what’s next- Praise is celebrating God as our heart’s true home -focus on the scriptures and you’ll never roam—around mysterious scratching your head delirious. The scriptures are filled with injunction to praise period.

1 chronicles 29 and verse twenty I sing, David encouraged the assembly to bow low and prostrate before the king. Then in Psalm 106 and verse one too clever; Praise the Lord give thanks cause his love endures forever. I extend my praise through my vocal cords Psalm says let every thing that has breathe praise the Lord.

THE WAR IS OVER--THOUGHTS ON ROMANS 5: 1-11

THE WAR IS OVER
Romans 5:1-11
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I have good news for you. The War Is Over. A story is told by H.G. Well’s of a man of affairs whose mind was so tensed and strained that he was in serious danger of a complete nervous and mental breakdown. His doctor told him that the only thing that could save him was to find the peace that fellowship with God can give. “What!” he said, “ to think of that, up there, having fellowship with me! I would soon think of cooling my throat with the Milky Way or shaking hands with the stars!” God, to him, was the completely unknowable. A Vietnam Veteran had been in a coma for many years, but miraculously, he awoke from his coma shouting and running for cover. The doctors and nurses tried to contain him but the soldier prevailed. While security officers were coming, he became extremely violent. Finally, another Veteran had overheard the commotion and he wheeled himself down the hall and said, “The War Is Over.” Immediately, the once ferocious soldier became tranquil. This poor soldier had no idea that everything was made right and he no longer had to fight. Many Christians are fighting a war that has already been won. We try to work our way, win our way, and wallow our way to victory; not understanding that victory is in Jesus Christ. It is only when we realize that God is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ that there comes into life that intimacy with him, that new relationship, which Paul calls Justification. Before Jesus came, no one could ever be close to God. Paul writes:“ For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.” ( Romans 8:3).
Scripture states clearly that no one can justify themselves, moreover, no one can be justified or made right with God by keeping a law, going to church, and not cursing.
Dear reader stop fighting, quit trying to please God with your works. Paul informs the Roman Christians: “ Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3:20).
In this chapter I hope you discover the remarkable reality of justification. I want you to see how God Literally makes us right with him. On your journey you need to be aware of the process of Justification, the privilege of Justification, and the praises of Justification. May the Holy Spirit remover the scales and help the reader to see that The War Is Over.
THE PROCESS OF JUSTIFICATION
While we may be correct in saying that the War Is Over, one needs to understand how
The war was won. The process of Justification explains in detail how the war between God and mankind is settled. There are three keys in this process that will help us
Understand our glorious victory.
1. NOT OF WORKS.
2. BY FAITH.
3. THROUGH JESUS CHRIST.
NOT OF WORKS
No matter how hard you try, your good works will never make you acceptable before God. As a lad, I tried everything imaginable to be right with God. The harder I tried the
worst I became. It was amazing for me to discover that the Lord Jesus Christ has already laid the foundation for me to be Justified (made right with God). I had to come to the horrible end of myself. The fact is Scripture charges everyone with sin (Romans 3:9-18),God’s law is not intended to save, but to make us aware of our sin! (Romans 3:20) Salvation is something that we appropriate by faith; plus it is a gift and cannot be earned by anything a person might do. (Ephesians 2:8).
If works justified Christians then there would be boasting on every hand. The first key to understanding the process of justification is: remembering that works alone can’t justify. It is not work then faith; it is work of faith (Romans 4:1-5). Paul does an excellent job outlining how righteousness is required in Chapters 1-3 of Romans. But he also shows how this righteousness is provided in Chapters 3-5 of Romans. Christ provides the perfect righteousness thus he was able to totally justify us. Paul says, “ Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Romans 3:24-26). We are made right with God by the sacrifice of Christ and not our works. Remember Abraham believed God and was counted righteous because his faith produced works.
BY FAITH
Faith is the second key to understanding the process of Justification. The entire fourth chapter of Romans is dedicated to show the Christian how one is Justified by faith. Paul demonstrates from history that salvation has been a gift received by faith. Righteousness was credited to Abraham because he “believed God” (Rom 4:1-3).
The real question is, do you really believe God? Abraham was not trying to do God’s word; he was relying on God’s word. When we try the power comes from us. But when we rely the power comes from another source. Genesis 15 Chapter records this wonderful testimony of how God promised Abraham a son and a numerous seed (vv.4-5). Abraham did one simple thing; “he believed the Lord” (vs.6), that is real faith. Because of his faith, “God counted it to him for righteousness” (v.6b). You see, true faith will be coupled with works. Was not our ancestor Abraham Justified by faith when he offered his son Isaac on the alter? You see that his faith and his actions were working together and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone (James 2:21-24 niv). Let’s clear the fog, true faith will not only believe what God says but will also act on what God says. Abraham serves as a perfect picture of justification by faith. Paul concludes the fourth chapter of Romans by showing how Abraham did not waver in his faith but hoped against hope. It is amazing how Abraham was fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he had promised (Romans 4:21niv). You might wonder, how does this relate to me? Well, Abraham is an illustration of faith; to show how one should have the same faith in God. Are you fully persuaded that God sent his son to die on the cross for your sins? If so, believe and obey him.
THROUGH JESUS CHRIST
Notice Romans 4:22-25,-- This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness. The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord form the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
This leads us into the third key in the process of justification- Our third key to the process of justification is simple yet profound. One cannot say he/she is justified unless they’ve come through Jesus Christ. Remember Jesus Christ lived a perfect life, died a righteous death, and was raised perfectly; thus he secured a righteousness that no human can achieve on their own. The crack addict, the hustler, the prostitute, the drunkard, all sinners must come through Jesus Christ. How can someone come through Jesus Christ? Good question, now in order to see this, read Romans 4:25 carefully-HE WAS DELIVERED OVER TO DEATH FOR OUR SINS AND WAS RAISED TO LIFE FOR OUR JUSTIFICATION” did you see it? Jesus died for every sin Past, Present, and future (His death covers). Further his resurrection is the proof that our sins are gone forever (His resurrection cancels).
The only way to be truly justified is to come through the only avenue God has provided. Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Praise the Lord! NOT OF WORKS, BY FAITH, THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. ---THE WAR IS OVER!


THE PRIVILEGE OF JUSTIFICATION
The subject of the entire Epistle to the Romans is a man’s justification before God through Christ. The verb “to justify” (dikaio in Greek) is a legal term meaning to acquit, to declare righteous; the opposite of condemn. What a privilege to be acquitted; we deserve the wrath of God, yet God declares us righteous. God does not declare us justified or righteous unless two things are accomplished: First, a person must be truly Born Again by the power and energy of the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-8). Secondly, a truly born again Christian will manifest their new life in Daily Living. If one does not live the life, they do not have this life within them, but is simply under a delusion that they’re saved. Justification is a once and for all accomplishment by Christ. Remember, once a person has received Christ in their hearts, the Lord considers that person justified---The War Is Over. I would like to share with you five privileges of being justified.
WE ARE SPIRITUALLY ALIVE (Vs 1)
Look at verse one “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The first privilege is being made spiritually alive by Christ. Paul wants us to understand that our faith in Christ death, burial, and His resurrection power actually activates us spiritually. The Christian is Born again ( born anew; from up above.) Without trusting Christ for salvation, there would be no justification whatsoever: you must receive His blood that was shed on the cross in order to be made spiritually alive. Let me illustrate: A teenager was dying and needed blood in order to survive. There was nothing the surgeons could do to save his life. Several attempts were made to find his blood type, but no one had the match. Finally, a doctor heard of this young man’s dilemma and he remembered he had a son with the same blood type of the dying young teenager. Anxiously, the doctor rushed away to pick up his son. While on the way back to the hospital, the doctor was explaining to his son how he is going to participate in the saving of a life. Suddenly a car crossed the lane and hit the doctor and his son head on. The doctor’s son was ejected through the window and thrown headlong to his death. This doctor staggered to his son in tears sobbing and whaling as his son lay there limp. Amazingly, the doctor collected enough blood from his son to administer to the dying teenager. The doctor, displaying Christ-like strength burst into the hospital room. He was bruised, bloody, and battered by the recent accident. He said, “ I have to blood you need to survive and remain alive; here take my only sons blood.” The dying teenager said, “ Sir I don’t want your sons blood, it won’t save me.” When this boy rejected the blood, he refused the only thing that could keep him alive.
An awesome blessing occurs when are justified . Verse 1a of Romans 5 says, “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This means that we can have a relationship with God. In regard to this verse, Denney says, “ The justified have peace with God......” Dear reader, his wrath no longer threatens us we are accepted in Christ. It does not mean a change in your feelings, but a change in God’s relation to you. The Greek word for “peace” is (eirene) the verb is Eiro meaning “to bind together that which has been separated.” Our Lord made peace through the blood of the cross ( colossians 1:20). His death binds together again those who trust him. The word “with” is from the original word pros meaning “facing.” In other words, the justified sinner has peace facing God. As a Christian we stand before God guiltless and uncondemned. Paul says this is all through our Lord Jesus Christ. Look what Paul said about being made spiritually alive. As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, Made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions it is by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:1-5).

WE ARE SPIRITUALLY ACTIVE (Vss 2-4)
In our second privilege we see Paul continuing a thought from verse one into verse two. Verse 2 says, “ through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” The Christian has been made spiritually active. The first part of verse 2 says, “ through whom we have gained access.” We are spiritually active because the Lord has given us access to God. In my wallet, I have an ATM card, most Americans possess an ATM card. The ATM card gives us access to our funds anytime of the day or night. The ATM card, introduces us to our funds. In the same way Christ introduces us to God the Father. Let me me say it another way, Jesus clothes us in his righteousness by his own blood and then brings us in full favor with God. Now, how long do we have this access. The word “have” in verse 2 of Romans 5 is interesting; it is called the perfect tense meaning action in the past with the results continuing into the present. Christ has given us permanent access to the Father and His grace. What does it mean to be spiritually active? Simply, we are now able to draw on the spiritual resources from God. (His love,joy peace, kindness,goodness, faith, gentleness and many more). These blessings are available because we have access to God through Jesus Christ.

THE WAR IS OVER
Our spiritual activity is not temporary; look at the later part of verse 2: “ And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” The Christian has access into His present grace to live, and we also rejoice because we know that this access allows us to participate in the glory of God in heaven. Rejoice! you have the hope of actually being with God in glory! As a spiritually active Christian, we even have the capacity to rejoice in our tribulations. In verse 3, Paul’s tells every Christian that we should rejoice in our tribulations. When difficulties come, it is hard to rejoice; but notice Paul is not admonishing the Christian to rejoice in the tribulation alone, but he is saying rejoice because of the benefit that tribulation will bring. Paul says it works patience, in other words every difficulty and trial is accomplishing or achieving something beautiful. Let me illustrate, clay in a potters hands is undone. The potter, beats it, pats it, molds it, and puts it under tribulation; however, this is only accomplishing an amazing thing. One day that clay will be a beautiful picture piece for use. The Christian goes through all kinds of tribulations; death, divorce, disease, distress, depression, and other maladies. But this is only going to produce patience. God wants to develop in his spiritually active saint a quality called perseverance or patience. Friend, God wants us to remain under trials so that we can learn the lesson they are sent to teach, rather than attempt to get out from under them to be relieved of their pressure. If you have ever prayed for the Lord to “give you more patience, Well, guess what? He may use trials to teach you to be steadfast, constant, and enduring. As a result of the patience produced in the Christian, there is experience. It simply means that the Christian was put to the test by tribulation and it worked patience, and this patience proves that the Christian has met the specifications. Now, we need to always remember that this experience produces lasting hope in the glory of God.
Every Christian will have to suffer. Our Justification does not mean that we will not have to suffer. Someone has said, “ in the future we will become, but until then we must overcome. This means we will experience difficulties to help us grow. The life Application Study Bible includes a commentary that has been helpful in the understanding of this verse. “ We rejoice in suffering, not because we like pain or deny its tragedy, but because we know God is using life’s difficulties and Satan’s attacks to build our character. The problems that we run into will develop our perseverance- which will strengthen our character, deepen our trust in God, and give us greater confidence about the future. The actual verse sheds a floodlight on our understanding.“ We can rejoice too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us- they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation” (Romans 5:3-4). Life application Study Bible; As a spiritually active Christian, there will be seasons of trials that will teach us endurance and build character. Praise God, because through it all we become more assured of salvation.
WE ARE SPIRITUALLY ASSISTED (Vs 5)
The hope that is developed from being spiritually active carries over into us being spiritually assisted. Paul says in verse 5, “And hope does not disappoint us.” In other words the hope we have in our salvation will not lead us to final frustration. There is a reason why our hope will not disappoint us. God is not going to deceive us. God loved us so much, that He willingly offered His son for our sins. Moreover, He assists us in our daily walk. God assist the believer by: “ Pouring out His love into our hearts” That is how He does it. “ By the Holy Spirit whom he has given us” That is specifically who does it. God Actually pours His love deep into our personal lives, directly into the seat of our affection. The Lord pours in and still floods our hearts. The person of the Holy Spirit actually drops nuggets of comfort just to let us know that God the father still loves us and will not let us down. The New living Translation gives us new meaning to Romans 5:5 “ For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.” It is refreshing to know that while on the journey, the Holy Spirit confirms that God is in the midst of every moment of our lives. The Holy Spirit within assists us on our journey assuring us that the war is over.

WE ARE SPIRITUALLY ACQUITTED (Vss 6-8)
Let all of us come to the sobering conclusion that we are weak and powerless creatures needing a savior to save us from our sins. Someone had to come and rescue us. We are going to see how God demonstrates His love by acquitting us of the charges of sin. Yes, sin has a penalty. Romans 6:23 says, “ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal.” Christ saves us from the penalty of sin (death); the power of sin (dominion; and ultimately the presence of sin (deliverance). If you are a truly born again Christian, then you are acquitted of all charges. Glory! Christ came exactly at the right time. Verse 6 says, “ You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless Christ died for the ungodly.” This verse really shows how we are powerless to obtain justification by works and it even shows how God in His divinely appointed time sent His son. How encouraging it is to know, that Christ did not die for the pretty, sassy, and rich; “ He died for the ungodly.” As you read this, can you imagine the sinless Son of God taking your place? While we were helpless and doomed without hope, Christ died for all sinners. Keep in mind that Paul is addressing the Church at Rome about the amazing sacrifice that was made for all who would trust Christ for salvation. Think about it, you’re in the courtroom; the jurors have just entered the room with a verdict. Your family and friends all wait nervously. The attorney selected for you tries to gives you words of encouragement knowing that the verdict will be unanimous. The bailiff hands the verdict over to the judge to be read; before reading the verdict your hearts beats overtime knowing that you don’t stand a chance. While the judge prepares the court for the reading of the verdict, your mind contemplates the death sentence, prison life, and possible parole. Then the judge simply says, “GUILTY ON ALL CHARGES, AND IS SENTENCED TO DEATH.” The blood in your veins becomes cold and your head drops to the floor; but all of a sudden the judge takes off his robe and steps from behind the bench, he comes to where you are standing and says, “ I’ll Die for you.” In a similar fashion, the Son of God took our place on the cross. That’s why Paul said, “ at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” Glory to the lamb that was slain in our place. God’s son was not guilty, but took the penalty for those who are guilty so that the guilty may be acquitted. To further show the war is over, Paul continues in verse 7 of Romans 5 by saying, “ Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.” How many people do you know that would die for their good next-door neighbor? Moreover, how many of you would die for the winner of the noble peace prize? Listen, my friend it is hard enough to just imagine dying for good upright people. In verse 7, justice is the motive of the righteous man, and love is that which inspires the good man. The Holy Spirit wants us to be aware that it is hard even to die for one who is control by justice and love. Paul wants us to see the magnitude of God’s love. By the way, would you die for rapist, murderers, thieves, and outcast?
Romans 5:8, continues and expands on the subject of the love of God by contrasting between what we can conceive might be done for the good man and what Christ has already done for sinners. It begins by saying, “But God” This conjunctive phrase helps us to understand that God has the ability to change our human frailty. In Ephesians 2:1 Paul says in verse 1, “ And you hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins......... but in verse 4 of Ephesians he says, “But God, who is rich in mercy loved us even when we were dead.” My friend, can you see that a “ But God” can change the atmosphere on a dark and cloudy day. A “But God” can add brightness in a dim room. Dear reader, the light in our lives was dark and dim, “But God” commended or demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The word commended in this verse means to give proof of. God proved or demonstrated His own love--WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS. These are beautiful words. God sent His son Jesus to die for us. The savior died, not because we were good enough, but because he loved us. Whenever we feel uncertain about God’s love, we should remember that he loved us even before we turned to Him. Wow, just think, the Son of God took our place so that we can share in his righteousness. The war is over please go and tell someone else that Christ took his or her place on the cross.
The story is told of a minor who once said to a preacher, “ I’d like to be a Christian, but I can’t receive what you said tonight.” “Why not?” Asked the preacher. “Well, I’d give anything to believe that God would forgive my sins, but I can’t believe He’ll forgive me if I just turn to Him. It’s too cheap.” The preacher looked at him and said,” have you been working today?” Surprised, the man replied, “Yes, I was down in the pit as usual. Why?” How did you get out of the pit?” “The way I usually do. I got into the cage and was pulled to the top.” “How much did you pay to come out of the pit?” The minor looked at the preacher in astonishment. “ Pay?” of course, I didn’t pay anything.” “Well,” said the preacher, “weren’t you afraid to trust yourself to that cage? Wasn’t it too cheap?” “ Oh no,” he said; “it was cheap for me, but it cost the company a lot of money to sink that shaft.” Then the implication of what he had said struck him, and he saw that though he could have salvation without money and without price, it had cost the infinite God a great price to rescue lost souls. Christ acquits us.

WE ARE SPIRITUALLY ACCEPTED (Vss 9-10)
We have seen how we are made spiritually alive, active, assisted, and acquitted, finally under the last privilege of justification; lets see how we are spiritually accepted. Look at verses 9-10 of Romans 5: “ since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him. For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life.”
All Christians have bee made right or justified by His blood; moreover, we shall be saved from God’s wrath through Christ. When we received Christ as savior, His blood made us right with God. Ultimately, we shall be saved through his life. Paul’s argument is from the greater to the lesser; Since Christ died when we were unlovely and unlovable, how much more will he save us now that we are in Him. How many ways do you need to read verse 9 to see that God’s salvation is full and free. Now friend, slow down and read this carefully. “ When you receive and accept God’s Son, God the father accepts you!” I hope you believe this. Paul uses the phrase “how much more,” it denotes a greater abundance. I loved my daughter Whitney before she was born; I loved her while she was an embryo, how much more will I love her now that she is born into this world. You see, the war is over. We cannot live the Christian life struggling against God; we have to reckon that God has made us right with Him because of His Son. Lets begin living as heavenly citizens. Verse 9 literally lifts the restrainers of bondage and allows us to bask in the wonder of being saved from God’s wrath through Christ. Since Christ purchased our redemption, a friendship has been restored. We are no longer enemies. Can you believe it, God accepts us as his children. Verse 10 is almost a repeat of verse 8. But verse 10 includes what I call a bonus. It is true, Jesus Christ died for us while we were still at war with God. However, since we have been reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. My friend, Jesus lives. Hebrews 7:25 says, “ Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Jesus not only had an earthly ministry, but he has a heavenly ministry in which He intercedes on our behalf. Since He acted in our favor when we did not know him, how much more will he save us? The Christian is free from guilt because we were reconciled by the death of Christ. The word of God says, “ God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself.” Our justification cost the death of Christ, moreover, our present life depends on him as a living savior. I postulated this quote. “ A good friend is hard to find, but an enemy is always available.” Thank God, we have a friend in Jesus. He made us friends again with God. We should continually Thank God for these privileges of justification. I maintain that these salient truths should assure us that the war is over.
THE PRAISE OF JUSTIFICATION
The word praise is an interesting word. In its verb form, it means to sing, to laud, or more specifically to sing the praises of. We shall see that a Christian has every right to sing the praises of God who justifies us through His Son. Verse 11 reads like the beautiful lyrics of a love song, or a doxology of a letter. This verse provides the Christian with just the right dose of assurance. Romans 5:11, is a conclusion on the thought of verses 8-10. Paul says, “ Not only is this so, but we rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” Notice, Paul affirms what he already stated by saying, “Not only is this so.” In other words , “not only will we be saved by his life, but we also rejoice in God through Jesus Christ. There are two keys to note. The first key is: By His life we are saved. The second key is: Through Him we rejoice. There is praise in our justification. In the beginning of this chapter, I informed you that on your journey you need to be aware of the process, privilege, and praise of justification. Well, I want you to get this in your heart. God had freed you! You may rejoice! We live in an age where Christians try to legislate praise. Some try to stifle or prevent others from expressing their thanks to God. What a shame. Many are locked in on how you rejoice or praise, that they forget to rejoice altogether. The text says, “ Rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul simply tells us who to rejoice in. We are reminded time and time again to rejoice. A person who receives so much from God is bound to be filled with joy and praise. Let us not forget, the word “reconcile” is KATALLASO: meaning to change thoroughly, to exchange, and to change from enmity to friendship. The idea is that two persons who should have been together all along are brought together. We can praise God for sending His Son to make us right with Him. The Christian is a recipient to reconciliation, which means that we accept what God has done for us. God reached out to man therefore we must receive Him. How can we resist praising God for making us alive, active, assisted, acquitted, and accepted? Listen to God’s word, “ to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved” (Ephesians 1:6).
“And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven” (Colossians 1:20.)
“ Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful High priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:17).
We were once without hope fighting an enemy that can only be defeated with divine help. God sent his son in our likeness to defeat death, hell, and the grave. Now, because of Jesus, the war is over. Hurry, go and tell that Christian who is trying to save themselves; quick, run and inform the traditionalist; please someone remind the legalist, that the “WAR IS OVER”

THE FINAL ADMONITION:

Although the war is over in reference to our position in Christ, there is still a battle being waged. The difference is that God is in the battle with the Christian fighting for us. Again, we are no longer at war with God because our obeying the gospel of Christ made us accepted. However in the next chapter we will see how the battle shifts, and the Christian must KNOW that they are buried with Christ, RECKON that they are dead to sin, and YIELD themselves to God.