21
August
2014

August's Memory Verse
Psalm 27:14
“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”

- Most Public Confession Of Sin In History -
 Psalm 51

King David was a passionate man. Everything he did, he did passionately. When he praised God he praised passionately. When he battled the Philistines, he battled passionately. And when he sinned, he sinned terribly. 
 
Psalm 51 is David's prayer of confession after his awful sin with Bathsheba. It is arguably the most public confession of sin in all of history. As long as the Bible exists, David's sin, confession and repentance will be known. Those who truly repent are unashamed of their repentance.

Notice some aspects of Psalm 51...
  • DAVID'S PRAYER OF CONFESSION. (Psalm 51:1-6)
    - Genuine confession of sin is a candid acknowledgment of that sin. A plea for mercy is an acknowledgment of guilt.
    - Genuine confession of sin accepts personal responsibility for the sin. David does not shift the blame but accepts personal responsibility (v2-3, "...mine iniquity... my sin... my transgression... my sin...").
    - Genuine confession of sin agrees with God as to the severity of the sin.(v.4-6). Sin is ultimately again God and is not simply a mistake or error, it is "evil in the sight of God," and is rooted in the sinfulness of my very nature. David did not treat his sin lightly or flippantly, he understood it was very grievous in the sight of God and treated it accordingly.
  • DAVID'S PLEA FOR CLEANSING. (Psalm 51:7-14) 
    When David realized how costly his sin was, he immediately sought the Lord for complete cleansing. He wanted to be cleansed of the sin that: stained his heart (v.2,7,10a); enslaved his mind (v.3b); stung his conscience (v.9b); stole his joy (v.8,12a); sickened his body (v.8b); soured his attitude (v. 10b); shook his assurance (v.11); and stifled his witness (v.13). 
    - Too often we want forgiveness of sin, but not cleansing from sin.
  • DAVID'S PURSUIT OF CONSECRATION. (Psalm 51:15-19)
    When his sin was thoroughly dealt with, he walked away with a passion to be fully consecrated to the Lord. He desired his heart to be fully surrendered to the Lord. He wanted to be closer to the Lord and more fully possessed by the Lord than ever before. 
    - It is NEVER God's will that we sin, but when we do, we must deal swiftly and thoroughly with the sin, and if dealt with correctly (Biblically) we can end up being stronger and closer to the Lord.
Psalm 51 is, perhaps, the most public confession of sin in all of history. Psalm 51 is an excellent and inspired pattern for us when dealing with our own sin. 

All American Sunday last week was an outstanding blessing. The great crowds throughout the day, the many visitors, the patriotic service and the powerful preaching by Bro. Dave Sommerdorf blessed our hearts tremendously. We are rejoicing in God's blessings and trust that many lasting and life-changing decisions were made for the Lord.
 
Keep in mind our first "Girls' Conference" on September 13 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The theme is "You Are Unique" and the young ladies will get a great blessing from this special day. Call the church for more information.

We're super excited about having Dr. Bob Hamblen with us all day, Sunday, August 31. Dr. Hamblen has been faithfully and powerfully preaching God's Word for many years. You definitely want to be with us for the special day and hear this his messages. It all starts in Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. on Aug. 17.

Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to keep up with what is happening around here and, please check out our website at www.mlibc.org.

Be sure to mark your calendars for Western Maryland's annual
Sword of the Lord conference here on September 29-30
 
Bring your Bible and a friend and I'll be looking for you Sunday!
 
Sincerely, your friend,
                                                          

                     

 

 

 

Dr. Dennis Leatherman - Pastor

Mountain Lake Independent Baptist Church
1005 Broadford Road, Oakland, MD, 21550
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