“THE MIRACLE OF FORGIVENESS” DAY OF THE LORD – AUGUST 15, 2022

ISAIAH 64:1

1. Oh, that You would rend the heavens, and that You would come down, that the mountains might quake and flow down at Your presence. Amp.

The Israelites had suffered as though they had been through the wrath of God. They are humbly saying they need God’s help. They say in verse three that the Lord did terrible things that they did not expect. They realize that their best deeds are as filthy rags. Their eyes are opened at last.

The Lord answered them in Chapter 65. He tells them He was to be found by those who asked not, who walk after their own thoughts, and He is continually provoked. He says He will not keep silence but will repay. He is serious about our sins.

What I have heard in Church about repentance is more like sin confess, sin confess. They forget the part of turning from your sin and having a hatred for it. We can spend all-day saying we are sorry. But they are empty words to Him if you keep doing the same thing.

Acts 2:38 And Peter answered them, Repent – change your views, and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it — and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amp.

These are the words Peter used on the day of Pentecost. He was telling the Jewish people that they must change the way they do things and receive Jesus Christ. He is saying that we must reject the sins and our own will and accept the will of God in our heart. Only then will we receive forgiveness and “the release from our sins.”

That is what is missing in the Church. There is no release from their sins. Most believe that if sex, drugs, and alcohol are not present in their lives, that is enough. But the Lord is dealing mainly with idolatry and the putting of other things before God. Everything done will be in vain if the Lord is not first. Then He will deal with anger, pride, greed, fear and unbelief which are just as deadly.

If there is no release from sins, it will still have a hold on you and you end up in a cycle of sin confess, sin confess. Only when this cycle is broken do you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. I believe many are walking in their own strength without the Holy Spirit and will fall away when He comes.

It is so important to come to the Lord every day to repent of anything we may have done or said to offend Him. We must pour out our heart to Him and empty it of self so He can fill it up with Himself. This is the true gift of repentance and forgiveness which is such a miracle that we have been given.

How wonderful it is that we have been delivered from sins dominion and are not the same. That is truly a miracle. Is this miracle flowing in God’s House?

🎵 SONGS – AMAZING GRACE – ALL GLORY, ALL HONOR – I BELIEVE IN YOU – PHIL DRISCOLL