Summary of the preaching
Sunday, February 5, 2023 – Apostle Billey.
Season of Mercy, Grace and Faith – Year 2023
(Sermons Summary)
Hebrew 4:16
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
We have entered a new season in this new year 2023.
I. What is Mercy and Grace?
Both refer to God’s unlimited goodness, but Mercy and Grace describe two different aspects.
Mercy is synonymous with Compassion. Grace, on the other hand, means Favor.
The Lord can manifest mercy and grace at the same time in man’s life.
Let us remember the case of Saul who became Apostle Paul. Before his conversion, he was persecuting and destroying Christian’s life. His evil works was approved by the authorities of the nation. He was admired, acclaimed for what he was doing, but at the same time heaven was condemning his actions. He was listed as evil. Paul was not aware of his bad and evil achievements therefore, he could never had repented for that. — Paul has been saved only by the Mercy of God.
Paul was able to return to the path of truth because the Lord Jesus showed him mercy. God therefore showed him mercy. So here, without the mercy of God, Paul would never have been converted.
And furthermore, the Lord called him to do the most noble and great work on this earth – to be a minister of God, speaking and proclaiming mysteries of the gospel from the Lord. This is the manifestation of the Grace of God.
Beloved, we have entered a special season of Mercy, Grace, and Faith.
We know there is a festive atmosphere at Christmas… With Christmas songs in places, on radio, on TV. It offers excitement, joy, christmas wishes from all sides, and sharing of presents. This is holiday’s season in USA, it lasts 4 weeks.
For us in this Year 2023, we all must be in the season and the atmosphere of Mercy, Grace and Faith. It will be for 52 weeks.
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The Throne of Mercy
Hebrew 4.16 “Let us therefore come boldly (with assurance, with faith) to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
God sits on the throne of mercy.
a- How do we approach the Throne of Grace and Mercy?
- In spirit and in truth. That mean by engaging the whole self inside us. To be real with the Lord. John 4:20-26 Romans 10:8-17
b – How do we enter the sanctuary of God? What is the way of connection to God?
- We enter by Faith; a heart filled with faith will be the link at the Mercy Seat.
Hebrew 11:1-6 2Corinthians 4:18 Psalms 73:28 Hebrew 10:19
“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus”
c – Where is the Throne of Mercy?
- It is where God is or sits. That means in heaven, but also anywhere we call upon Him.
Matthew 18:20 Matthew 21:12-13 Acts 7:31-34 1 Corinthians 6:19
For Example:
- If Jesus had not been there, the adulterous woman would have been stoned to death. John 8:1-11
- Bartimaeus was healed because Jesus was there. Mercy was there. Matthew 20:29-34
- The wall of Jericho fell because God was there – Joshua 6
- God was on the mountain where He met Moses– Exodus 3:5: “Take off your shoes from your feet, for the place on which you stand is holy ground” -.
So, where God is, Mercy and Grace will also be. Faith is the connector.
The Lord said in Matthew 18.20 “where two or three are gathered in the name of the Lord, He is in there” God being there, He can only show his mercy and his grace. Hallelujah to the Lord
For Example:
Let say someone has a serious problem … And no matter what he has tried, nothing changed. One day he met someone who refers him to a place (The presence of Christ) where many people got their problems solved.
Will he go? Yes. And certainly, he will go with confidence because of what he has heard.
Faith came in his heart from the moment he heard that help is available for him.
In the same way, in the sanctuary of the Lord, there is his Throne of Mercy. We enter by faith to have mercy and grace for our needs. [Hebrews 4:16]
Hebrew 10.22 “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water”
Beloved, in this year we must do exploits with God.
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Three Points To Remember
- a. Mercy is manifested at all spiritual levels and in all areas of our life.
- b. Mercy and Grace do not depend on our merits, our tittle, the length of our prayers, our offerings, our tithes, or the multitude of good deeds… For what we call good may not be so in the eyes of God. Put all human consideration aside and go before Him with a humble heart attitude.
- c. Mercy and Grace are only based on the love of God, his ability, and his greatness. You must decide to encounter the Lord who is able to make everything possible.
So, with the spirit of boldness and humility, we can come to the Lord and talk to Him with confidence.
II .The Use Of The Heart Not The Head
Know that for grace and mercy to flow into our life, we must also learn to listen and speak to God from our heart not from our head.
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The Language Of The Heart
The sincere language of the heart is the language of God. When the Lord speaks or listen, it is with all His Heart. It is more than urgent for us to learn to do so. Matthew 13:14-17
Ezekiel 3:10
Moreover He said to me, “Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.”
** When we listen with our heads, we see the impossibilities, doubt, unreal…
** However, when we listen with our heart, we see God’s possibilities, opportunities, faith, joy, strength…
Have you noticed the difference?
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How Do You Know That The Word Of God Has Been Accepted?
When we accept the Word of God that we are listening to as truth, we will receive faith, confidence, strength, joy, peace….etc.
And each time you feel that strong assurance within you, it means you are connected to the Lord.
So from that moment, you lean on it to put out your demand, to pray, to praise, to worship, to prophesy, to decree with the conviction received… You will be blessed with certainty. Mark 11:23-25
You must know that a soul kept in captivity does not please the Lord. It is not to the glory of God to be in a chronic suffering or in a constant state of afflictions. IT IS TIME TO GO TO THE THRONE OF MERCY AND GRACE. Hebrew 4:16
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How To Love The Lord Jesus?
Jesus said to him, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’’ Matthew 22:37
- What comes out of God’s mouth is a treasure that bind us to Him and triggers us to love Him.
What connects two married people? – LOVE. Love comes by accepting each other’s word as true. Two become one through their heart communication. So, love won’t come if the heart is not involved. – Where there is no communication there will be no relation. Communication is essential in every relationship. The exchanging of words is always powerful. It is the same with God. We must be true to God.
- How to love God? by listening to what He is saying.
The first thing to do to love God is to receive His Word in our heart and the Holy Spirit will be able to lead us into a deep relationship with the Lord. There will be no frustration or doubt in the heart rather, we will have peace, joy and love of God. The vision of Christ will be clear.
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So What To Do?
From now on, we must refuse any suggestion or word from the devil and accept the Word of God.
When God says “You are blessed” that is true. His Word is yes and amen. 2 Corinthians 1:20
The Lord can do all things, and He is the one that can reconcile us to Himself through His son Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 Hebrew 4:12-13
We must redeem the time, with Jesus: it is possible. Ephesians 5:16
We must learn to go before Him by speaking and listening with our hearts. Romans 10:9-10
The Lord is the God of mercy!
LET US PRAY →
Lord, I stand before You. I need You every day.
May your grace and mercy abound in my life throughout this year.
Give me the grace to know You and walk with You. Help me to be a successful Christian for You.
Have mercy on my home, my spouse, my children, my parents in the name of Jesus.
Without You, we can do nothing, we are lost. Remove from our lives everything that is not yours.
We need your mercy in all areas of our life: our health, our finances, our career…
Show Your mercy in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen !