Repost from my new blog:

When is an Author Inspired to Write?

I can’t answer this for others! However, there have been times in my life that are marked by growth and strong desires to write. I am in one of those times of life right now! Very thrilling and not a little exhausting.  You may ask, “What sparks these times in your life, Mark?”  Even if you didn’t, “I am going to tell you.”  Which you no doubt knew!

High School and College

It first happened after I came to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was 18 years old, right before my Senior year in High School.  I enrolled in college prep English because I wanted to understand my Bible better and thought, “Maybe I should go to college!”  I was like a sponge that year. I’ll never forget the look in Mr. Nolet’s eyes when I was the first one to class on that first day.  I marched right up to the front seat which was right in front of his desk. Sat down and looked him in the eyes.  No words were exchanged between us. His expression said it all, “What’s up with this kid?”  This was a time of amazing growth in my life that continued all through my college years.

Stepping Down from Pastoring

At the end of 2010, I resigned from pastoring a small congregation in Dillon, Montana which I had served for 6 years.  That was when I started the research and the writing of the “God Is” devotionals over a period of 2 years. I did my own Hebrews 11:6 adventure to know God better which began to change my life.  I then messed around with a blog for a number of years, but desire for writing began to fade.

After a Great Time of Loss and Healing through God Given Circumstances and Counseling

This was when I picked up the “God Is!” manuscript again and felt the blessing and anointing of God to reorganize and rewrite every chapter with what God had been teaching me about him and myself.  My pastor at the time recognized God’s call on my life and asked me to present each chapter as it was rewritten for our men’s Thursday morning devotional and prayer time at my local church.  Such great times of fellowship and feedback greatly helped in the eventual publication of “HE IS!” This devotional theology book was written in a group context and is presently being used in small groups in local churches for the edification of others.  God can bring something good from the pain and bad of life.  Praise God!

During the Covid Lockdown of 2020

For the whole month of April 2022, I wrote and wrote about the people who had influenced me in my life and of all things for which I am thankful.  I published these memoirs of my life on my personal Facebook page and was shocked at the responses that grew with each post. I recently read through the manuscript that I had already compiled and thought, “I should publish this in a short book for my family and friends.”  Something else to someday do!

And Presently After a New Friendship with Indie Author Connie Cook

I have enjoyed a correspondence friendship with Connie and have now read 4 of her books in the following order:

• LOOK AROUND!  Ten Observations That Lead to One Conclusion
• Mae and Me
• The Ex-Factor: Why Do So Many Leave the Christian Faith? And Why Stay?
• Symphony: God’s Sovereignty through Human Freedom

Connie’s writing is sometimes raw and certainly real.  You can tell she is working things out for her own self as she writes. It’s not just an academic or intellectual pursuit for Miss Cook.  She is searching to know God and herself better and you are along for the ride as you read her writing that is personal, enlightening, and sometime simply profound.   Connie Cook is an Indie Author that needs to be discovered!

Her writing has inspired me to start writing again for which I am thankful.  Presently, I am reading through the Gospel of Mark.  Most crazily, I am waking at all hours of the night with an insatiable desire to write devotional thoughts concerning one’s choices in life.  One of the common themes in Connie’s books is about human choices (Freewill) and God’s sovereignty and how this works out in our lives. I have come to believe and understand in a deeper way that our choices in life really do determine who we become.  This has opened up my understanding of the Gospel of Mark in a new, fascinating, and life changing way to me.  New author inspiration for me to write!

Invitation

I invite you to follow me on my personal Facebook page or the “HE IS!” Facebook page to get in on what God is teaching me in a devotional way about our choices in life.  I am fairly certain that this may be my next book!  Humm! Let’s think of a working title: “Life Directing Choice!  A Devotional Reading through the Gospel of Mark.” I am open for any ideas and your feedback.  I hope you will join me over on Facebook.  I’ll confess, my editing is a little week as a I focus on content. And I usually write my thoughts pecked out on my phone while still in bed.  TMI? Sorry!

Thanks for reading.  Blessings!

Sincerely, Mark R. Worden

“LOOK AROUND!” is the perfect prequel to “HE IS!”

One of my mentors and I believe that Connie’s book, “LOOK AROUND!” is probably her best book and is the one you should read first.  We highly recommend this book for your reading and to give to others who may be searching for meaning and purpose in life.

Will you begin the Hebrews 11:6 Adventure in 2023?

About the Book:

The spark that ignited the writing of HE IS! is Hebrews 11:6: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (NKJV). Will you consider beginning the Hebrews 11:6 adventure? In his deepest trials of life, Mark embarks on a quest to know God more fully and intimately through prayerful meditation on the Scriptures. He confesses that he has been a part of three main groups in this world: those who deny that God exists, those who don’t know if there is a God, and those who believe in God. Each meditation includes reflection questions that ask readers to consider topics such as whether they find comfort in sometimes not understanding God, how they feel about awesome truths regarding God, and how knowing a particular attribute of God might change the way they think and act. Ignite your faith, learn more about who God is, and help spread the Word with this book of devotional meditation by inviting others to join you in a group study. 

Awards:

American Writing Awards 2022 Finalist in the Religion Category 

About the Author:

Mark R. Worden is a lifelong learner and a student of God’s Word. He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Bible and Teaching Bible. He has served as youth pastor, missionary, and teacher at a Bible institute in Manaus, Brazil, and pastored a local Montana church for six years. Along with being a licensed property manager, he is a self-employed handyman, and enjoys woodworking on the side.

Excerpts from 3 Editorial Reviews:

• Readers’ Favorite – 5 Stars by Edith Wairimu I loved the personal anecdotes included which help expand the work and show how knowing God applies in everyday life. The reflection questions included at the end of each meditation allowed me to pause and internalize the messages. I also found the scriptures included for further reading and meditation helpful in learning more about each attribute of God. Ultimately, the work guided me in developing a more intimate relationship with Him and reminded me about who God is. I loved that the work is backed by biblical passages that support its discussions. I also found the work uplifting as it shows God as personal, all-knowing, and merciful. He Is! Knowing God Through Fifty Scriptural Meditations by Mark R Worden is a powerful and hope-filled work that expands on who God is. Recommended to any reader who wants to grow in their knowledge and relationship with God. 

• Reader Views – 5 stars by Lily Andrews “He Is!: Knowing God Through Fifty Scriptural Meditations” by Mark R. Worden is a landmark volume and a one-stop believer’s guide, well-choreographed and presented to elucidate the character and personality of God, backed up with over eight hundred biblical scriptures and well-researched phrases. [It] is a precious read and is a stunning tool that leaves you meditating on God’s word. It is not a “feel good” devotional, rather it is blissful with substance and content challenging the followers to dig deeper into their relationship with the Creator. It is truly a resource that edifies and liberates your heart. 

• BookViral – 5 Stars by anonymous Mark Worden offers us his own personal spiritual reflections in ‘He Is’-Knowing God through 50 Meditations’. Taking phrases and passages from scripture and pondering on each ‘God is’ phrase, Worden encourages his readers to reflect deeply on the multi-faceting representation of God found in the Bible, how God is evident in nature and creation, and in how he interacts with humankind. Worden interweaves frank and self-sharing personal experience into his writing, demonstrating how belief in God and who he is can have a profound and last long effect on life and happiness, as well as presenting him as an all-encompassing being who can have a powerful influence in and on lives, and who works through others to support and provide. ‘He is’-Knowing God through 50 Meditations’ could be ideally studied in sections as a group Bible study guide, or alternatively as a personal journal from which to springboard to personal scriptural meditation and is highly recommended.

More information:  www.heisministries.net

Realignment in my Past – Confession, Mercy, and a New Resolve!

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”   ESV  Proverbs 28:13

I recently watched a photo tribute of the life of my high school cross-country and track coach.  It brought back some wonderful memories. I smiled to myself as I remembered a lesson that Coach Robertson taught me about merciful forgiveness when I owned up to my wrongdoing.

It must have been my junior or senior year during track season that Coach had entrusted to me a key to open and lock the locker room each morning under the stadium stands of the football field.  A big responsibility and one that I took seriously.  I always made sure I arrived early and the door was locked back up when I was the last one to leave.

Well, for a few mornings for several weeks, some of the guys were starting to horse around with the water filled fire extinguishers.  They would grab them and pretend to spray people.  However, one morning things got out of hand.  I joined in and grabbed one myself.  Someone actually sprayed me.  In retaliation I pulled the trigger to spray back when in walked an assistant track coach.  I was caught in the act.  He said, “Put those away!  You guys know better, I’m reporting you to Coach Robertson.”  He then left as fast as he came in.

My heart was smitten.  I had betrayed the trust of my Coach.  What should I d0?   I was guilty.  I had been foolish!  I was caught!

As I dressed for school, I resolved in my heart and mind on what to do.  I must find Coach immediately.

I walked quickly across the field to his office in the men’s locker room.  As I walked, I took the key off my key ring and rubbed it nervously.  I walked into his office and saw his serious eyes meet mine.  Holding up the key, I said in shame, “I am sorry for betraying your trust,  here is the key.”  He gave me a stern look and did not say anything for a moment that seemed like eternity.  He then asked, “Did you learn a good lesson?”   “Yes, Sir!”    He slightly smiled and said, “Keep the key!  Don’t let it happen again.”

Mercifully forgiven! I did not betray his trust again.

However, I know that I probably would not have confessed, if I had not been caught.  Getting caught in that moment of foolishness was the best thing that could have happened to me.  It caused a realignment in my mind and thinking to choose to be responsible and not foolish.

Do you have a story of a lesson you learned when you got caught?

Phrases that Pop!

When you read the Bible, have you ever had a phrase leap off the page and into your mind and heart?

It happened to me for the first time while sitting on a church bus way back in 1978.  The church youth group had camped-out one night to attend the Oregon State Fair.  I got up early that morning and was enjoying the sun on my back as I sat in the bus to avoid the wind.  I opened my Bible to John chapter 14 and started reading Jesus’ words as He talked with his disciples, foretelling of His pending death.

When I came to verse 27, I knew that God was speaking not only to the disciples but to me:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.  (John 14:27 ESV)

The world did not make any sense to me until I had come to faith in God through Jesus. God had given me a peace that I had never known and one I didn’t fully comprehend.  I did not know what was ahead for me as a new Christ follower. However, according to this promise from Jesus, my heart did not need to be in turmoil and I did not need to fear.

What comfort in my soul as I sat worshiping my Savior while soaking up sunshine as God’s light brightened my day and life.

What was good for me 38 years ago is good for me today.  I can trust in a good God who cares for me.

Is there a verse or passage that has helped sustain you that you need to remember?

I would love to hear about your verse or phrase from the Bible that brought peace and hope to you.

 

 

Repenting of my I-don’t-give-a attitude

Well, for almost all of 2015 I had an I-don’t-give-a attitude.  I quite posting on this blog and sunk into a mental, social, and spiritual slump.  I spent most of my time seeking to be entertained instead of growing and striving to be a blessing to others.  To this I repent.  I was challenged today in church to let this admonishment guide my thinking this coming  year:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things  (Philippians 4:8 ESV).

O Lord, for 2016, let my thinking and thus my life be honoring to you and profitable to my family first and then others.  Please forgive me for wasting most of 2015.  Help me to love you with all my heart, for you first loved me.  Fill me with your love for others and give me joy in serving you and all whom you bring into my life. I thank you and praise you Lord for what you are going to do in and through me in 2016.  I am yours Lord!

Title: Grace Text: I Thessalonians 5:28

Message for a local congregation on January 18, 2015

Link to Audio:  http://dillonvineyard.org/church/sermons2015/DillonVCF-2015-01-18-MarkWorden.mp3

Introduction:  

• How I met Pastor Zane
• Sanctity of Human Life Sunday and New Hope of Dillon
• Prayer
• Testimony of Christian Rapper Lecrae
  with John Piper and John Ensor
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wauaI7rL0vM  Beginning to 9.33 minutes

Message Focus – Every one of us needs God’s mercy and grace and the healing it brings from sin!

Def: Mercy – not getting what we deserve. Grace – Getting what we don’t deserve.

Today I want to focus on God’s grace because that is what the book of I Thessalonians begins with and ends with – It is also a word I heard a lot last week in Zane’s message and the prayers that were offered up in worship of God.

•  . . . to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. 1 Thessalonians 1:1

 

• The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.   1 Thessalonians 5:28

Question 1: What is grace?   The word occurs in the Bible over 130 times, mostly in the N.T.

1828 Noah Webster Dictionary – first American English Dictionary

 Def. # 2. “Appropriately, the free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him.”

 Def. #3. “Favorable influence of God; divine influence or the influence of the Spirit, in renewing the heart and restraining from sin.”

 My definition:   A divine enablement, empowerment, or gifting, to have or to do what we could not have or do without God’s favorable help.

Key verses:

•  Gift of eternal life: Salvation – For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

•  Gifts of the Spirit: Service of God and others – Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies–in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.   1 Peter 4:8-11

Question 2: How do you receive God’s grace?  Humble Ask in faith

•  Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. I Peter 5:5b-7

• What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.  James 4:1-10

 Question 3: What does God’s grace look like in real life? Paul’s example:

• For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 1 Corinthians 15:9-10

• So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
  2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Conclusion: Is there a victor over sin that God want for you this year, or a special good work that he is calling you to do for Him?  By His grace you can do it for the glory of God!

• And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

If time permits: Reading of Thomas Brooks exhortation on Romans 8:28

Thomas Brooks, 1662

All the sins of the saints

“We know that all things work together for good,
to those who love God, to those who are called
according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

All the afflictions, and
all the temptations, and
all the desertions, and
all the oppressions, and
all the oppositions, and
all the persecutions—
which befall a godly man,
shall work for his good.

Every cross, and
every loss, and
every disease—
which befall the holy man,
shall work for his good.

Every device,
every snare,
every deceit,
every depth,
every stratagem,
and every enterprise of Satan against
the holy man, shall work for his good.

They shall all help to make him . . .
more humble,
more holy,
more heavenly,
more spiritual,
more faithful,
more fruitful,
more watchful.

Every prosperity and every adversity;
every storm and every calm;
every bitter and every sweet;
every cross and every comfort—
shall work for the holy man’s good.

When God gives a mercy—
that shall work for his good.
When God takes away a mercy—
that shall work for his good.

Yes, even all the falls and all the sins of
the saints shall work for their good. Oh . . .
the care,
the fear,
the watchfulness,
the tenderness,
the zeal—
which God raises in the souls of His saints by their
very falls! Oh the hatred, the indignation, and the
detestation—which God raises in the hearts of His
children against sin—by their very falling into sin!

Oh what love to Christ,
what thankfulness for Christ,
what admiration of Christ,
what cleaving to Christ,
what exalting of Christ,
what drawings from Christ’s grace—
are saints led to, by their very falls!

It is the glory of God’s holiness, that . . .
He can turn spiritual diseases—into holy remedies!
He can turn soul poisons—into heavenly cordials!
He can prevent sin by sin, and cure falling by falling!

O Christian! What though friends and relations frown upon you,
what though enemies are plotting and conspiring against you,
what though needs, like armed men, are breaking in upon you,
what though men rage, and devils roar against you,
what though sickness is devastating your family,
what though death stands every day at your elbow—
yet there is no reason for you to fear nor faint, because
all these things shall work for your good! Yes, there is
wonderful cause of joy and rejoicing in all the afflictions
and tribulations which come upon you—considering that
they shall all work for your good.

O Christians! I am afraid, I am afraid—that you do not
run so often as you should—to the breasts of this promise,
nor draw that sweetness and comfort from it, that it would
yield, and that your several cases may require. “We know
that all things work together for good, to those who love
God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” I
have been the longer upon this verse, because the condition
of God’s people calls for the strongest cordials, and the
choicest and the sweetest comforts.

Forgiveness . . .

As I was eating breakfast this morning I had this thought about forgiveness:

Forgiveness is not minimizing how someone has wronged me it is maximizing how God has forgiven me.  By God’s grace I can be kind even to those who hate me.

 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths,
but only such as is good for building up,
as fits the occasion,
that it may give grace to those who hear.
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,
by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Let all bitterness
and wrath
and anger
and clamor
and slander
be put away from you,
along with all malice.
Be kind to one another,
tenderhearted,
forgiving one another,
as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:29-32

O Lord, thank you for the forgiveness I have in Jesus. Please help me to forgive as I have been forgiven . . .

God is Great!

May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you!
May those who love your salvation say evermore,
“God is great!” Psalm 70:4
__________________________________________________

We throw the word great around a lot: great food, great thoughts, great people, great catch, great church and so forth. But do we really stop to think about what the word means, or is it just a word of comparison that we use without much thought? Noah Webster’s first dictionary sheds light on how we should think about this adjective: “The sense of great is to be understood by the things it is intended to qualify. Great pain or wrath is violent pain or wrath; great love is ardent love; great peace is entire peace; a great name is extensive renown; a great evil or sin is a sin of deep malignity.” Webster lists a total of 24 ways in which the word great is used. He mentions God in reference to the following senses:

#8 – Chief; of vast power and excellence; supreme; illustrious; as the great God; the great Creator.

 #9 – Vast; extensive; wonderful; admirable. Great are thy works, Jehovah. Milton.

How do you think of God as great? What comes first to your mind?   Anything or much?

Elihu, Job’s only helpful counselor other than God, says clearly that God is great and alludes to the truth that we don’t know Him as we should:

“Remember to extol his work, of which men have sung. All mankind has looked on it; man beholds it from afar. Behold, God is great, and we know him not; the number of his years is unsearchable. Job 36:24-26

David prayed for those who love God’s salvation to voice the truth that God is great: “May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, ‘God is great!’?” Psalm 70:4 When is the last time you told someone of God’s greatness?  Would you agree that the key to being able to tell another of God’s greatness depends on if you are seeking Him as the first part of verse 4 indicates? The implication is that if you seek God you will rejoice and be glad in Him. It is really hard not to speak, sing, or shout out about what you rejoice in. What great attribute of God can you rejoice in today?

Asaph composed a hymn at a time when God seemed to have abandoned His people to challenge himself and the nation to focus on God’s greatness:

Then I said, “I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.” I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? Psalm 77:10-13

Will you seek to know God and His greatness this year and find the blessings of joy, comfort, and peace that God our Savior has for you?  I know that choice is before me and I want to make that choice for this year of 2015. How about you?

With Prayer, Mark           © December, 2014

Scripture quoted: ESV Emphasis added

To read more God is devotional click here for links:  https://magnifythelord.wordpress.com/god-is/links-to-all-52-devotionals/

Commandment Six – “Thou shalt not kill.” What about self-defense?

Hebrew Definition – “Kill” – raw-tsakh’ –“A primitive root; properly to dash in pieces, that is, kill (a human being), especially to murder: – put to death, kill, (man-) slay (-er), murder (-er)” (Strongs def.).

English Definition – Murder – “1. The act of unlawfully killing a human being with premeditated malice, by a person of sound mind. To constitute murder in law, the person killing another must be of sound mind or in possession of his reason, and the act must be done with malice prepense, aforethought or premeditated; but malice may be implied, as well as express” (Noah Webster, 1828).

1.   Examples of self-defense that resulted in killing others:

• Genesis 14:14-16

• Esther 8:11-14, 9:1-6

2. Christians are to obey every ordinance of man that is not contrary to God’s Word – Romans 13 – Self-defense that leads to the death of the one who threatened your life is not considered murder under the laws of our land.

3.  We must be careful not to take vengeance into our own hands – vengeance that leads to the death of a person who wronged you is not self-defense:

• I Samuel 25:21-35
• Isaiah 34:8
• Nahum 1:2
• Hebrew 10:30
• Romans 12:19

In matters of an offense we need to turn the other cheek:

• Matthew 5:38-39

Conclusion:  Romans 14:23 “ . . . whatsoever is not of faith is sin”

Ten Commandments Bible Study: Commandment Six

“Thou shalt not kill.” Exodus 5:13

I.  What does this command forbid?

 Define – “Kill” – raw-tsakh’ –“A primitive root; properly to dash in pieces, that is, kill (a human being), especially to murder: – put to death, kill, (man-) slay (-er), murder (-er)” (Strongs def.).

II.    First murderer recorded in Scripture:    Genesis 4:8-13

III.   What is God’s punishment for breaking this command?

•  Genesis 9:5-6
• Leviticus 24:17
•  Numbers 35:15-34
•  Revelation 21:7-8

IV.  This command does not forbid capital punishment – the death penalty for certain crimes. Under God’s law, Israel was to put people to death for the following sins against God and man:

• Exodus 21:16 ______________________________
• Exodus 35:2             ______________________________
• Numbers 35:31 ______________________________
• Leviticus 20:2 ______________________________
• Leviticus 20:9 ______________________________
• Leviticus 20:10 ______________________________
• Leviticus 20:11-12 ______________________________
• Leviticus 20:13 ______________________________
• Leviticus 20:15-16 ______________________________
• Leviticus 20:27 ______________________________
• Leviticus 24:16 ______________________________
• 13:6-9             ______________________________
• 21:18-21 ______________________________

V.   The New Testament teaching on this command makes it clear that we can be guilty of murder in our heart without committing the outward act:

• Matthew 5:21-22
•  I John 3:15We have only our own wicked hearts to blame when we sin!

• Mark 7:20-23

VII.    Can a murderer be forgiven by God or is there no hope?

• Barabbas was a murderer – Luke 23:18-19

• Murder is listed as a work of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21

• Murder is left out of this list: I Corinthians 6:9-11

 “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

• Paul testified that he persecuted believers to death:

Acts 22:4, I Corinthians 15:9

• Revelation 9:20-21 indicates that murderers can repent.

• Paul lists murder (Romans 1:29) along with many other sins against God’s law that causes us to become guilty before God (Romans 3:19-20). This guilt can lead us to understand our need of God’s forgiveness through faith in Christ’s provision for sin (Romans 3:21-31).

Praise God that Christ’s provision for sin covers the actual act of murder and the murder in our hearts when we are angry enough to kill. Otherwise there would be no hope for all us murderers.