Good News For Those with a Bad Past (Part 3) by Dr. Rod Mattoon

About this sermon

In part three of this message, we continue to examine five more principles on how to develop faithfulness to the Lord. We also address insights on the importance of the filling of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian. The Holy Spirit is the flame of our passion and zeal. Warmed like a dove fledging in its downy nest, the Holy Spirit warms our hearts like sunbeams on an October morning. His fragrance is like the breath of flowers blooming on a summer day. You cannot see Him, but you know His presence is near. His whisper in your soul is gentle like morning light. He offers calming assurance and strength that are as sweet as a fresh spring to a weary wanderer in a barren wilderness. His direction is clear, hopeful, and beautiful like sunbeams that peak through puffy, pewter clouds after a summer storm. Yet, His power should not be underestimated. Like gale winds from a rolling sea that shake and fill homes with its breath, I have seen the Spirit of God invade and sweep a church service in the same powerful manner, rattling the cages of men's hearts and moving them to brokenness and repentance. Beloved, when we finally become conscious and aware of the presence of God and His holiness, it is then we will enjoy revival in our own life, home, and church. What a valuable friend is He, who is frequently ignored, snubbed, spurned, or shunned by those believers He indwells. Yet, the Spirit of God is patient with us like a gentle stream that flows day by day through rolling hills and deep valleys. Though grieved and quenched, He still gently pleads with us to yield to His direction and His summons for fellowship with Him. He is our best friend, but unfortunately, we are not best friends to Him. He gets snubbed, scolded, and forgotten sometimes when we are willful, worried, or wayward. He is the key to our success at focusing and finishing what God leads us to do. When we fall in love with Him, when we fall in love with Jesus Christ all over again, we will see revival in our own lives. That is good news for those with a bad past. How is your relationship with the Spirit of God? Are you faithful to Christ no matter what the cost? This 32-minute message was preached on Sunday night, November 20, 2022, at Lincoln Land Baptist Church.