God's Thoughts for His People
God knows our thoughts and has plans for us, and He offers forgiveness and mercy to those who confess and forsake their sins.
Erlo Stegen emphasizes God's intimate knowledge of each individual, highlighting that despite the vastness of humanity, God has good plans for everyone, even those who have sinned. He reflects on Israel's return from exile and their subsequent rejection of idol worship, illustrating God's mercy and the importance of confession. Stegen reminds us that God is aware of all our thoughts and sins, and that true forgiveness comes through confessing and forsaking our sins. He encourages believers to find comfort in the assurance of forgiveness through Jesus' blood, especially when facing death. The sermon concludes with the reminder of the blessedness of having one's sins covered and the preciousness of a saint's death in God's sight.
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Summary of sermon by Erlo Stegen, 26 Jan 2014
Jer 29
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
There are more than 6 billion people on earth yet God knows the thoughts of each. And He also knows the plans He has for you.
What does God know about you and me? He knows all your thoughts! It's good for us to remember that God knows our thoughts.
Israel had sinned grievously for they had served other gods, yet God said He had plans for them, good plans. It's amazing to note that after Israel had returned from exile they never again returned to their idol worship! Not once!
In Matthew 10 we read that though two sparrows are sold for a farthing yet not one of them fall to the ground without God knowing it (Matthew 10:29).
God is everywhere and He knows everything that happens. Nothing goes unnoticed. He knows where you are going. He watches us, whether old or young.
He also knows everything about your sin. Nothing escapes His notice. So it's foolishness to say a certain sin doesn't matter for God doesn't notice it.
But the one who confesses and forsakes his sin will find mercy. On the other hand the one who hides his sin will not prosper (Prov 28:13).
I often visited the deceased and we spoke about many things, also sin. At one time it looked as though she was falling asleep but then she suddenly spoke up and said. "It's so wonderful to have your sins forgiven".
There are many people on earth who had committed many sins but it's amazing that if you confess your sins they are cleansed in the Blood of the Lord Jesus.
Have your sins been forgiven? Have you been cleansed in the Blood of the Lord Jesus? It's wonderful if you face death knowing your sins are forgiven.
The Bible teaches us that "blessed is the one whose sins are covered and forgiven" (Ps 32:1).
It's precious in the sight of the Lord when His saints die (Ps 116:15).
Sermon Outline
- I. God's Thoughts and Plans
- A. God knows the thoughts of each person
- B. God has plans for each person, good plans
- II. God's Knowledge and Presence
- A. God is everywhere and knows everything
- B. God watches us, whether old or young
- III. Sin and Forgiveness
- A. God knows everything about our sin
- B. Confessing and forsaking sin leads to mercy
- IV. The Power of Forgiveness
- A. Confessing sins are cleansed in the Blood of Jesus
- B. Forgiveness brings peace and joy
Key Quotes
“It's good for us to remember that God knows our thoughts.” — Erlo Stegen
“It's so wonderful to have your sins forgiven.” — Erlo Stegen
“It's precious in the sight of the Lord when His saints die.” — Erlo Stegen
Application Points
- Remember that God knows your thoughts and plans, and He is always watching over you.
- Confess and forsake your sins, and trust in the Blood of Jesus for forgiveness and mercy.
- Face death with peace and joy, knowing that your sins are forgiven and you are precious in the sight of the Lord.