What Man Thinks - God Says
The sermon emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, peace with God, and love for God, and warns against self-justification and the consequences of unbelief.
D.L. Moody emphasizes the contrast between human perceptions and divine truths, illustrating that our self-assessments often fall short of God's standards. He points out that while we may think we are not as bad as others, all have sinned and need redemption. Moody stresses that salvation is not based on our works or efforts but solely on faith in Jesus Christ. He also addresses misconceptions about God's love and the reality of hell, urging listeners to recognize the necessity of being born again to enter the kingdom of heaven.
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WHAT MAN THINKS GOD SAYS I am not so bad as others There is no difference, all have sinned. (Rom 3:22) I will do the best I can, then God will make up the rest. Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Eph. 2:9) I will try and merit a place in heaven. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of heaven. (John 3:3) I will make my peace with God. Being justified by faith, we have peace with God. (Rom. 5:1) I will try and feel love to God. We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19) I know God is love, therefore He will overlook my sins. He that believeth not the Son, the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36) Perhaps there is no hell. The wicked shall be turned into Hell. (Psalm 9:17)
Sermon Outline
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Man's Thoughts vs. God's Truth
- Man's self-justification
- God's standard of righteousness
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Salvation by Faith
- Not by works
- Not by merit
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New Birth
- Required for heaven
- Not by human effort
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Peace with God
- Through faith
- Not by human works
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Love for God
- Not by human feeling
- Through God's love for us
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Consequences of Unbelief
- The wrath of God
- The reality of hell
Key Quotes
“There is no difference, all have sinned. (Rom 3:22)” — D.L. Moody
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of heaven. (John 3:3)” — D.L. Moody
“He that believeth not the Son, the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)” — D.L. Moody
Application Points
- You must put your faith in Jesus Christ to be saved and have peace with God.
- You cannot earn your way to heaven through your own works or merit.
- Love for God is essential, but it must be based on God's love for us, not our own human feelings.