0 comments

Redeemed – The Membership Perks Psalm 103

Redeemed – The Membership Perks

Psalm 103

Pastor Barry Kerner

These days most stores and businesses have some type of membership or rewards programs. Others such as gyms and some big box stores operate on the business model of joining a club. Many museums and zoos as well as IKEA even equate becoming a member with joining their family. The premise of any membership program is that if you sign up and become an affiliate you are then entitled to certain benefits that are not available to non-members. While some businesses’ membership programs appear to be free, others may charge an upfront membership fee. At the minimum you need to provide something personal even if it’s personal information in exchange for becoming a member. Others such as country clubs and national gyms, may charge a hefty fee, to become a member, in order to access their benefits and rewards. The greater the rewards and benefits the larger the fee that may be charged.

I’ve heard many sermons and have read many book that seemingly advertise that Christianity is free for all who would believe. I believe that they may be somewhat shortsighted. They overlook the great cost that is required to become a member of the family of God. They undervalue the rewards and benefits available to Christians when they teach that there is no price for joining the family.

Christianity seems to come at a pretty steep price. Jesus tells us clearly that whoever wishes to follow him must lay down his own life. The cost to join the family of God isn’t just some personal information or even a hefty fee. The cost to become a Christian is everything you own. Sometimes it can be hard to do this, especially when you can’t see the immediate benefits. But being a Christian is a life with only advantages! Here are some of the many benefits of being a Christian – all really good reasons to give up everything and live for Christ.

 

First, by becoming a child of God – a member of the Kingdom of Heaven, your sins are forgiven.

This is truly a good thing because Romans 3:23 says “ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” But the Bible tells us how you can be made right with God. In 1 John 1:9 we’re told, “if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness”

You are forgiven solely because of what Christ had done for you. The apostle Paul told the Colossians, “For it is by God’s Son alone that we have been redeemed and have had our sins forgiven.” (Colossians 1:14)

Christ took the punishment for your sins at the Cross to free you from the guilt and condemnation of your sins. On the account of His Son, God gives you a receipt of pardon instead of an invoice of penalty. You no longer need to fear punishment for your sins because Christ had already paid for them all – past, present and future.

Some believers are taught to dredge up their sins for them to get right with God. Counting your sins instead of your blessings will cause you to accuse yourself. It tears away your identity and derails your purpose. Every time you recall your sin, you are actually re-enacting your shameful past. It will lead to self-loathing and personal rejection.

God’s approach is to forgive and remember your sins no more (Hebrews 10:17). He no longer looks at you with a pair of judgmental eyes, but with eyes of love. It doesn’t matter how much God loves you if you don’t know that He does! The more you know that  God loves you, the better you are able to live for Him.

Paul reminded the Corinthians, “Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:11

To the Romans he wrote, “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.”  (Romans 10:9-10)

Staying focused on His love, you are able to live not in the past and not in fear.

A well-known Christian psychologist once said that he would have no patients if he could only convince them that they are truly forgiven.

God tells us that when we accept Jesus Christ we:

  • have been washed clean by the blood (Revelation 1:5)
  • are clothed in the righteousness of Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:20)
  • are sealed (Ephesians 4:30) by the indwelling Holy Spirit
  • are taught and directed (John 14:26, John 16:13) by the Holy Spirit’s power
  • are promised eternal glory (John 10:28, John 17:22)

Rejoice that Jesus had satisfactorily paid for your sins when He died on the Cross. And when you become a child of God, there is no longer a debt for you to settle. Instead, the new benefit is that there is a new life for you to live.

Second, as a child of God, you receive a personal connection with Jesus Christ

When I was a child I was taught to sing a song with the words, “I have a friend in Jesus.” It wasn’t until I was born again that I realized what a true friend is to found in Jesus Christ. Imagine, Jesus Christ –  Lord of Lords and King of Kings, a friend for life. Think of the benefits of having a lifelong friend and companion, mentor and teacher, role model and help in every situation in life. Jesus is such a person for you. He was tempted in all things like us but overcame all sin, so no matter what we meet, Jesus can relate to your situation and will help you to get through it too!

He is somebody you can talk to at any time of day about anything at all. He is always there, through thick and thin, and He is always able to help us. Jesus is somebody to whom you can say “Help, me, I’m struggling, I’m sinning, I don’t know what to do.” And Jesus will say back to you: “I know, I’ve been tempted there too, but I got victory over that, let me show you how. Let me give you strength.”

Friends come and go. Family comes and goes. People drift into our lives for a season and we walk with them for a while. But just as fast, our paths diverge and we find ourselves moving on, having taken different paths. But Jesus won’t ever leave you. Once you’re connected to Christ there isn’t anything that can break that bond. The apostle Paul was so sure of this unbreakable bond that in Romans 8:38-39 he wrote,  “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

No matter how overwhelming the world may seem, no matter how many difficult situations you may face, no matter how many burdens may weigh you down, no matter how lost and alone you may feel, Jesus is there for you. Deuteronomy 31:6 reminds us to, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you”

A personal friend, mentor, and helper for life. What more could anyone ask for? And remember, that as a child of God, the personal connection with Christ is available to you.

 

Third, you will receive the Holy Spirit as a help and companion in your life.

Jesus has ascended to heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. But, before leaving Jesus promised His disciples that He would send the Holy Spirit to live within them. He told them, “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him.” (John 14:15-17)

Jesus also told them what the Holy Spirit will do for them, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” (John 16:13)

The Holy Spirit possesses all the attributes that the Son and the Father have. He is omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (all knowing), immutable (unchanging) and eternal. He is the third person of the trinity.

The Holy Spirit is instrumental in the redemption of every believer and without His indwelling none would be saved. Paul told Titus, “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7)

God will give you His ‘Spirit of truth’ to provide you with knowledge, understanding and wisdom.

When you become a member of the family of God, He sends the Holy Spirit to be a guiding presence and power in your life. He will guide you in all things; a helper for whatever happens. He will show you your sins, and what you must do to overcome them, and then He gives you the power to do so!  The Spirit will reveal truths about major issues in your life (purpose, morality, destiny etc.) and the reasons behind certain major world events. He will also give you the ability to discern truth and error and to recognize deception. Such spiritual understanding is unavailable to those who are not children of god

The Holy Spirit is an engine, a motor that will drives you forward and give you strength when you feel that you have none. “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8:26.

Imagine what it would be to have such a helping power in your life! The Holy Spirit can help you in your weaknesses, and can make intercession for you. With Jesus as your head and the Holy Spirit in your heart, there is nothing that can stop you from living completely according to God’s. Your life will be full of love and you will be a blessing and a help to others as well. The rewards of a Spirit filled life are worth the price of becoming a member of the Kingdom of  Heaven!

Fourth, your sins are not only forgiven but you will receive victory over sin and life’s misfortunes.

 

All the misery in the world is a result of sin. Just as Christ conquered sin, Christians can be victorious over all conscious sin.  “Victory over sin” means that you do not commit conscious sin – that which you know would be sin at that time when you are tempted. It doesn’t mean that you are without sin,  It means you are not going to face any temptation that you can’t overcome. … You don’t have to give in to sin each and every time you are tempted.

In other words, you can be free from everything that makes you miserable!

Impatience, anger, lust, jealousy – these are not pleasant things to experience. Living according to your sin is like grasping at the wind; it will only leave you empty and miserable and constantly needing more, reaching for the satisfaction of your lusts that seems so close, but will never be enough.

When you get victory over your sin then you you will find joy. A perfect, heavenly joy that won’t leave you feeling empty and miserable. Sin can feel like it makes you happy for a little while but the passing pleasures of sin are nothing compared to the joy of living a victorious life.

 

Fifth, you will take on the virtues of Christ and be transformed into His image.

Jesus spent His life victorious over all sin. He was free to bless people in all things because He didn’t have sin on His conscience to hold Him back. All that selfishness, demands on others, pride, greed, lust, and every other sin imaginable that gets in the way of everything – Jesus had victory over that.

Just like Jesus, you will be able to live this overcoming life and as you become freed from sin you become more and more transformed into the image of Jesus Christ.

Galatians 5:22 tell us, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.”   When you let the Holy Spirit come into your hearts and begin to follow Jesus in having victory over sin, then you will begin to take on the fruit of the Spirit. Think to be able to be loving, joyful and peaceful all of the time instead of selfish, proud, anxious, or angry. What a blessing you  can then be to others then!

As you become more and more like Christ, your capacity to bless and to serve others increases. Not only will Christianity make you happy, but through it you will also be able bless others and make those around you happy.

Sixth, you can obtain happiness and satisfaction in your earthly life.

Everywhere you look people are wondering what the formula is for a happy life. It is a universal goal, yet very few have come up with the answer. But as a Christian, a happy life is promised to you!

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  Jeremiah 29:11.

It was never God’s intention that you should be miserable on the earth for 80 years and then become happy in heaven. God has thoughts of peace towards you – He wants you to be happy now! And as long as you align your will with God’s will for your life, then of course that is what is going to happen.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.” (2 Corinthians 7:4.) This is what it means to be a Christian: to be exceedingly joyful in all your tribulations! It is easy to be happy when everything in your life is going well but being a Christian means being happy even when things seem to be going against you.

In Philippians 4:11-13 Paul said, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Paul found contentment when he answered Jesus’ call and became a child of God. This same contentment is available to you when you too are a child of God.

Seventh, you can experience unimaginable peace and rest – a life without worry.

The world is a very uncertain place. Natural disasters, financial insecurity, economic crises – how can anyone possibly find rest in such a tumultuous time? Because, “we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”  (Romans 8:28

This means that no matter what happens in the world, God will take care of His children. Come what may, God will take care of those who love Him. Nothing will be able to happen to you that isn’t for your absolute best.

Whether you understand what the end result of a situation is or don’t understand it at all, you will be able to go through life in complete confidence and rest in God, knowing that your whole life has been arranged for the best.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must rightly remember who is in control.  God is sovereign over all things, including COVID-19.  As preacher and theologian Charles Spurgeon  said, “The sovereignty of God is a soft pillow on which weary people lay their heads.”

Remember also God’s gracious promises, and that they are true and He is faithful to keep them:  Hebrews 13:5 …”I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”  The next verse remind us of the power that comes in trusting God and how you can live:  Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man [or COVID-19] shall do to me.”

God loves you, and in Christ you can find confidence and calm in times of uncertainty and trouble.  When you trust in God, fear is replaced with faith, stress is replaced with strength, anxiety is gone and hope abounds, problems become opportunities, and you will be able to receive the blessings God has for you in the midst of difficult circumstances. Turn to Jesus. He will lead you to the still waters and give rest for your troubled soul. 

When you come to the understanding that God is sovereign and in control you are able to hold on to His promises allowing you to release all your fears and anxieties. Peter wrote, “Cast all you anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

To the Philippians Paul wrote, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This freedom from anxiety and fear are available to you as a child of God!

But the greatest benefit of being a member of the Kingdom of Heaven is that you are guaranteed life eternal as a child of God

Death is the greatest “unknown” in life. Fear of death can be the cause of much worry and anxiety. But Christians can go through life with the hope and certainty that they will always be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

 Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life, He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” (John 11:25-26.)

We get an eternal life in heaven, living forever in peace and happiness worshiping God.

John wrote of believers in the New Kingdom, “They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”  (Revelation 7:16-17)

An eternal life in heaven without hunger or thirst, without tears; what could be better than this? How could anyone ever say no to such a life!

Television Commercial salesmen often try to get the viewer to buy by reminding them of  the additional benefits of their product. Psalm 103:2 reminds us to, “ Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:”

Psalm 103 goes on to list the many additional benefits that are available to members of God’s Family:

  • He forgives our iniquities (vs 3)
  • He heals our diseases (vs 3)
  • He redeems our lives from destruction (vs 4)
  • He crowns us with loving kindness and tender mercies (vs 4)
  • He satisfies our mouth with good things (vs 5)
  • He renews our youth (vs 5)
  • He executes righteousness and judgment for the oppressed (vs 6)
  • He makes known His ways (vs 7)
  • He is merciful, gracious, and slow to anger (vs 8)
  • He is forgiving and forgetting of our sins (vs 9, 12)

All of these benefits are available to you. The only price is that you need lay down your life here on earth by putting to death sin like Jesus did, and living only according to God’s will. God has the ability to give you  everything you could possibly want or need, according to His perfect will.

All of these benefits and more are available to the children of God. When the prize is this great, the cost to become a member of the Kingdom of Heaven seems like nothing at all.

Won’t you consider this moment to become a member of the family of God.