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  EPBRAIM, HE HATH MIXED HIMSELF
  by A.B. Simpson
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Summary: A God-centered life allows you to use material blessings for
His glory and to extend His love and grace to others.

Topics: "Idolatry", "Prioritizing God"
Scripture References: Psalm 23:1, Psalm 37:4, Proverbs 10:22, Matthew 6:33, Matthew 19:21, Philippians 4:19, Colossians 3:2, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, James 1:17, 1 John 5:21

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DESCRIPTION
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A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God above all
else, warning that anything desired more than God becomes an idol. He
teaches that true satisfaction comes from God alone, allowing us to
receive other blessings without fear of them becoming harmful. When we
are spiritually separated from our possessions and find contentment in
God, these blessings can serve as channels to deepen our relationship
with Him. Simpson illustrates that every aspect of our lives, including
family and material wealth, can be transformed into instruments of God's
love and grace. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heart fully devoted
to God, enabling us to enjoy His gifts without attachment.

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CONTENT
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It is a great thing to learn to take God first. Then He can afford to
give us everything else without the fear of its hurting us. As long as
you want anything very much, especially more than you want God, it is an
idol. When you become satisfied with God, however, everything else so
loses its charm that He can give it to you without harm. Then you can
take just as much as you choose and use it for His glory. There is no
harm whatever in having money, houses, lands, friends and children if
you do not value these things or ones for themselves.

If you have been separated from them in spirit and become satisfied with
God Himself, then they will become to you channels to be filled with God
and to bring Him nearer to you.

Then every little lamb around your household will be a tender cord to
bind you to the Shepherd's heart. Then every affection will be a golden
cup filled with the wine of His love. Then every bank, stock and
investment will be but a channel through which you can pour out His
benevolence and extend His grace.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ab-simpson/epbraim-he-hath-mixed-himself/
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