9th June 2013 - God's Eyes Look For Those Whose Heart Is Completely His
This is a recording of the Message delivered during the Sunday CHurch Service on 9th June 2013 at Christian Fellowship Church, Bangalore
Summary
God's eyes are constantly searching for those whose hearts are completely devoted to Him, not just partially committed. The message uses King Asa's life to illustrate that God strongly supports those who are 100% committed, requiring believers to purge all idolatry from their hearts. This commitment leads to God's provision, rest, and blessing.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God is on the lookout for those totally committed to HimGod is constantly searching the earth to strongly support anyone whose heart is completely and one hundred percent His.2 Chronicles 16:9
King Asa's early obedience and radical purgeKing Asa did what was right in God's eyes by removing foreign altars and idols, commanding Judah to seek the Lord, and enjoying rest under God's support.
Victory over the Ethiopians through trust in GodWhen faced with an overwhelming army of a million men, Asa cried out to God in complete dependence, and God granted them a resounding victory.
The prophet Azariah's message on seeking GodThe prophet Azariah reminded ASA and the people that the Lord is with them when they are with Him, and that distress is often used by God to turn people back to Him.
Asa's downslide in his thirty-sixth yearLater in his reign, when faced with conflict, Asa relied on silver, gold, and a human treaty with the king of Aram instead of trusting the Lord.
The prophet Hanani's rebuke and Asa's angerThe prophet Hanani rebuked Asa for acting foolishly and relying on man, but Asa reacted in anger, putting the prophet in prison and oppressing the people.
Asa's sad ending without seeking the LordIn his final illness, Asa relied solely on physicians rather than God, demonstrating that beginning well is not enough if we do not endure and finish well.
Never take God's presence and favor for grantedBelievers must never presume upon God's grace or take His presence for granted, because wholeheartedness requires ongoing humility, thankfulness, and daily dependence.
Wholeheartedness is in the inner man, not just externalsJust as Asa focused on external purges while his heart grew cold, believers must focus on cleansing the inside of the cup and having truth in the innermost being.
The danger of lacking a true knowledge of God and teachersIsrael suffered because they lacked the true knowledge of God, teaching priests, and God's law, leading to widespread confusion and spiritual blindness.
Everything pertaining to life through the true knowledge of HimGod's divine power has granted believers everything needed for life and godliness through a true, personal knowledge of Jesus Christ.
The scarcity and importance of teachers in the churchModern Christendom suffers from a neglect of biblical teachers in favor of sensationalism, putting the future of the church in jeopardy if young people do not devour God's word.1 Corinthians 12:28
A call to surrender and yield completely to GodThe message concludes with a call to stop being careless hearers, break every idol, and sincerely yield body, soul, and heart completely to the Lord.
