GRACE UNVEILED 17 Matters of the Heart | Jim Hammond
Pastor Jim gave the 17th installment of his series on the book of Romans, entitled, “Grace Unveiled.” Subtitled “Matters of the Heart,” the text for the message was Romans 5:20, “Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” When the law was given, it exposed the many sins of the people. The law’s effect is that the more clearly they saw what was right, the more things they discovered that were wrong. The more we see our sins, the more aware we become of the penalty from which God has saved us. But thanks be to God, those who put their faith and trust in Christ receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life!
Old Testament “gods” Devastating America | Pastor Jim Hammond | December 4, 2022
Recap:
What a celebration we had this past weekend with our annual Christmas Show. It was such a beautiful celebration of our Savior! We had Christmas music during our Sunday morning services as well followed by a message from Pastor Jim on the time in which we currently live. He looked into the Bible to show how some of the demonic forces from the Old Testament have been allowed back into our society. What does this mean and what can we do about it? These were some of the questions that Pastor Jim answered.
Dive Deeper:
When America said that God was no longer allowed in our educational systems, that void wasn’t left empty. It was filled with demonic spirits that have been dragging our nation slowly away from God. In fact, every time our nation has let go of Bible-based values throughout the decades, this transition from godly to secular has continued.
This opening of our society to paganism explains why truth has become based on opinion and people assume they can do what they’d like without consequence. Now, more than ever, however, the body of Christ is called to stand strong against evil. We need to hold fast to our values and to God’s truth even when the world is crumbling around us. The church is withholding evil and the antichrist will not be revealed until the church is removed from this earth.
While we stand firm, we also need to pray. Our prayers keep us and protect us as we fight for God in this day. So stand up for your beliefs, stay true to God and His Word, and don’t compromise.
Read About It:
Matthew 12:44–45 KJV
Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
Acts 17:22–23 KJV
Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
2 Thessalonians 3:1–15 KJV
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
2 Thessalonians 2:15 KJV
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
Discussion Questions:
1. Where have you seen paganism take over in our society?
2. How can you stand strong for your beliefs in your daily life?
3. How can Christians as a whole stand strong for God in a world that has turned away from Him?