TEXT: MATTHEW 22:23-29

INTRODUCTION

Some definitions of misconception: a wrong or inaccurate idea or conception; an idea that is wrong because it has been based on a failure to understand a situation.

We are now in the third week of the series on Clarifying Misconceptions in Christianity. This is a very important topic as our foundation is very important so that we do not commit heresy, and also so that we can have a fulfilling experience.

Our Bible text indicates that Jesus Christ Himself declared that there were misconceptions in Christianity when he was explaining to the people that there is no marriage in heaven.

OUTLINE 1: IF I DONATE A LARGE SUM OF MONEY TO THE CHURCH OR BUILD A CHURCH HALL/AUDITORIUM, MY SINS WILL BE FORGIVEN?  Sorry, no!

1. Sin cannot be covered up or cancelled by good works. Heb 10.10 1 John 4.10
2. Good deeds do not wash away sins. We are redeemed by Christ. Rom 3.20-24
3. God cannot be bribed. Deut 10.17 Prov 17.23
4. Nothing except the atonement provided in Jesus’ sacrifice will atone for sin. It is only the blood of Jesus Christ that wash away sins. 1 John 1.7-9 Heb 9.22 1 John 2.2

SONG: What can wash away my sin

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

What can make me whole again

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

Oh precious is the flow, that makes me white as snow

No other fount I know

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

Are we engaged in pretend Christianity? Our popularity with Man does not equate that we are in right-standing with God. His ways are not our ways. Is. 55.8-9

Every sinner must repent and seek forgiveness of sins. We cannot pass the back door. Acts 3.19-21

OUTLINE 2: IF I PAY OFFERINGS AND TITHES OUT OF ‘DIRTY’ MONEY, THE REMAINING SHALL BE CLEAN. Sorry, no!

Judas as an example. Matt 27.3-6. What sinful act was committed from which the money presented to God was realized? Deut 23.18

1. Deliberately committing sin so as to bring the money for God to cleanse is a great misconception because such money cannot be cleansed. Money made from committing the sins of stealing, fraud, looting, deception, abuse of the body which is the temple of  the Holy Ghost cannot be acceptable sacrifice. Rom 12.1-2

• The house of God is not harbour evil. Matt 21.12-13

• God cannot bear to look at the sinner talk less of accepting gifts from him. Hab 1.13

• We must not cover up or explain a sin under the excuse that everyone does it. Gal. 6.4-5.

• God cannot be mocked. Gal 6.7-8

OUTLINE 3: YOU SHALL NOT BORROW MONEY AS A CHRISTIAN

1. A Christian can borrow money, for good cause, which must be reasonable risk. The
2. consequences of a failed transaction can cause a believer to backslide. Prov 14.12-14

• Treasure your name and your calling as a child of God. Prov 22.1

• Display integrity and the fear of God as a borrower. Lev 19.11-12

• Love your neighbour as yourself. Rom 13.8

• However, caution is necessary. Prov 22.7

What is the money being borrowed for? To show off? 2 Cor 10.12-13.

1. To succumb to family or societal pressure? To pursue an unreasonable business risk that is not supported by any proven economic index.

• Are you a wicked borrower with no plans of repaying? Do you dodge your responsibility when it is time to repay? Ps. 37.21

• A loan transaction gone wrong can destroy relationships. Phil 2.3-4 Prov 15.27

CONCLUSION:

No person can bypass the protocol as laid down in the Scriptures when it comes to living a Christlike life. The process for us to be cleansed necessarily involves personal intentional spiritual exercise. We cannot go through the backdoor. 1 John 1:9

Thank You Jesus,

Salvation Prayers

If you don’t Know Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour and would like to accept him into your life as your personal Lord and Saviour, Please say this prayer:

Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from You. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward You. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that Your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send Your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your Will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Support Our Ministry,

Good Morning Dear,

It cost a lot of money to maintain a website, Nonetheless a non-profit Christian website,

Please if you have been blessed by this ministry and you are led to support and bless this ministry in return,

Please make your donation to this account,

Chukwuemeka Obiorah Ogwo,

Account Number,0139438409,

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc Nigeria,

To help us continue in the spreading of The GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST to every corner of this world,

Thank You Very Much For Your Support,

May GOD, we Serve Bless You A Million Times in return, Amen,

May God Bless Israel, Nigeria, And America And Take Care Of Us; May God Make His Face Shine Upon Us, And Be Gracious To Us; May The Lord Lift Up His Countenance Upon Us, And Give Us Peace, In Jesus Christ Name, We Pray! Amen!

May The Grace The Lord Jesus Christ, And The Love Of God, And The Fellowship Of The Holy Spirit Be With You All. Amen!

Chukwuemeka Obiorah Ogwo.