"Clean Hands & Pure Hearts" by Ps Jeremy

Message outline 7th Jan 2007

Psalm 24 - Title: A Psalm of David
- When was it written and sung?
Answer: Probably a sacred hymn sung during the transfer of the Ark from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem (Se 1Chron 15:25) In previous attempt, David used the pagan method of using a bullock cart to transfer the Ark and Uzzah was struck dead. (1 Chron 13:9)

1. A Timely Reminder (V1-2)
1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters.

--Ownership of everything is the Lord God. The earth, everything and ALL – every tongues and tribes. The Jews during Jesus day said, “The holy land is God’s. Abraham’s heirs are his only people”. To an ethnocentric bunch of people, Jesus ‘s answer was like adding petrol on fire. eg the gentle will be included in the kingdom of God...

-- the LORD is the master over the land and seas. So many have thought that they have built on firm foundations, properties, assets, even the virtual world of the internet – yet when the great flood came, like Noah or the Tsunami…. The recent disruption to under sea cable as a result of Taiwan Earthquakes show that even thise virtual world is not safe.

2. The True Israel (V3-6)
3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD, and vindication from God his Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. - Selah

- God is seeking a true race of people, whose eyes and heart are focussed on Him. Not on other human and judge others by the color of their skins or even the language they speak. (See Rev 7:9-10. millions among the saved in heaven. The Haj is a earthly copy and a counterfeit - the real one is in heaven! (see Also Rev 21:22-27 –the New Jerusalem).

- Clean hands and pure hearts – inside and outside. We will eventually show the inside – no matter how well we dressed it up of camouflaged it. Plastic fantastic will not last. God prefer child like faith so keep it simple smart.

A VISION OF JUDGEMENT seat of Christ- let me list the following Quotes
The preaching of the judgement seat of Christ is the most neglected topic in Christian preaching in our day. Nothing is more sobering, nothing is more terrifying.

When Noah Webster the famous linguistic was asked what was the most profound thought that ever came into his mind, his reply was "the awesome reality of our personal account with God at the judgement seat." Oh how we need this piercing, heart rending, life changing vision in our day. David Smithers the Church historian stated: "We need a vision of eternity, of Hell and the Judgement Day."

Many people place utmost importance and value on things in this life but truly what will only last is that which is eternal.

Another Christian speaker stated this recently: "You cannot walk a mediocre worldly life and walk in the power of heaven. You have to be different; you have to understand that judgement is coming and that we don't know how much time we have left in this earth." How true it is we need to walk with the sobering reality of the Judgement seat of Christ everyday. When we lose focus of the judgement seat of Christ we lose focus of the true gospel. Every man that has his eyes on the judgement seat "purifieth himself, even as he is pure."

Leonard Ravenhill said: "I'm embarrassed to be part of the Church today because I believe it's an embarrassment to a holy God. Most of our joy is clapping our hands and having a good time and then afterwards we talk all the nonsense of the world. We're overboard on laughter and happiness. There's an old saying in the world, "Laugh and the world laughs with you." I change it and say, "Laugh and the Church laughs with you, but weep and you weep alone." Because there isn't enough real joy in the house of God, we need entertainment. Entertainment is the devil's substitute for joy. Because there isn't enough power in the house of God, people are always looking for something to take its place. We point the finger at the world, but we need to turn to the Church and say we'd better all get sackcloth and ashes and humble ourselves and say "Almighty God!" When I see the Church in the New Testament, they didn't have stately buildings or paid evangelists or a lot of money. (They couldn't get on television and beg!) But I'll tell you what they did - they turned the world upside-down! Have you ever seen the little plaque that reads, "Only one life, 'twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last?"

3. Herald the Ascent of the True Redeemer (V7-10)
7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory?
The LORD Almighty— He is the King of glory. --- Selah

Words have creative powers!. Speak prophetically and you will see that it happens. Speak negativity and negativity will descend upon you.

As people of God we are to be a herald – blowing the trumpet – calling the gate keeper to response.
It also has a more eternal significance. Preaching is kerusso – proclaim and herald – This is a prophetic and a Messianic Psalm.

Open your heart, let the king of Glory comes in!

How can we ignore such a great salvation? How can we stare eternal judgement in the face and just walk away?
- after we have embrace the Lord, we need to go out. We need to minister- everyone is given a gift – to reach the world. Never wait till you are ready= becos much of it is on the job training! Look at the 12 apostles
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Conclusion -- How shall we Respond?
Acknowledge His Lordship over our lives
Review our approach and attitude when we come before the King of kings
Let us usher in His kingdom by….
Shouting & Singing, proclaim it on the house top
Seek His face, consecrate our lives
Share His love - word and walk. Share our resource & plus put ideals into action.