Confessions of a Church: Neglecting the Gospel

The Psalm writer wrote: "Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law." As we come before a Holy God and hear his word, may we have eyes open to the wonderful and fearful things from his law. May it move us to repent and seek forgiveness, fear disobedience, and live in light of the grace we have received.   This is the word of God. It is eternally true and applicable for all of life:

Proverbs 15:21-33 Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, But a man of understanding walks straight. Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed. A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word! The path of life leads upward for the wise That he may keep away from Sheol below. The Lord will tear down the house of the proud, But He will establish the boundary of the widow. Evil plans are an abomination to the Lord, But pleasant words are pure. He who profits illicitly troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live. The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. The Lord is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous. Bright eyes gladden the heart; Good news puts fat on the bones. He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof Will dwell among the wise. He who neglects discipline despises himself, But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding. The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom,And before honor comes humility. A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word. Pleasant words are pure. Good news puts fat on the bones.

On this Easter Sunday, we can say with certainty, that there are no words more delightful, more pure, than the Good News, the gospel of our LORD Jesus Christ, Who said: “ Do not be afraid; I Am the First and the Last, and the Living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.” It is the Gospel which is the power of salvation for those who believe, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. How have you neglected the good news this past week? Have you walked in a way that suggests you do not truly believe the gospel, keeping your light hidden under a shade, rather than burning bright for those stumbling in darkness to see? Have the meditations of your heart been on the things above, on your LORD Jesus, or on those things that are perishable, that never provide lasting joy and peace? How about your words? Have they been seasoned with salt, pointing people to the cross of Christ, have they been timely and pure, or have you been mute while your friends, family, and colleagues stumble towards hell?

 If you are able to, please kneel. Let us confess how we have failed to keep God’s Law by not being faithful to share the Good News with the lost and dying world:

Most High God,
We come before you this morning as sinners saved by grace through faith in our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. We recognize that apart from Your Son Jesus, there is no merit, no work, no inherent goodness that we can display before you that would lead you to save us; on the contrary, all we deserve from You is Your wrath. Help us to believe this. Heavenly Father, you have condescended toward us by sending Your Son Jesus into this world to save sinners from the wrath to come, and this is good news. LORD, we have sinned against You. When we had opportunities to shine Your light into darkness this past week, we shrank back, fearing man and his wrath, rather than You. Please forgive us. Master, You alone are worthy of praise, and honor, and glory, yet we have been frequently drawn away this week by perishable things that we allow to have footholds in our hearts and minds. Father please be merciful to us. LORD, You ordained circumstances for us this week which permitted us to engage in conversation with those who walk in darkness, and rather than share timely words of good news, we chose to instead speak trivialities, sounding like noisy gongs and clanging cymbals. Please forgive us. Please help us to believe Your promise when You tell us that when we confess our sins, You are faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. It’s in Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Listen now to the comforting assurance of the grace of God, promised in the gospel to all that believe:

For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer And give heed to the voice of my supplications! In the day of my trouble I shall call upon You, For You will answer me. There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord, Nor are there any works like Yours. All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And they shall glorify Your name. For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God. - Psalm 86:6-10

Lift up your hearts to the Lord!!

(From the liturgy of Sovereign King Church)   Written by Aaron Sabie.