Which Is Your Master? by Brother Curtis Hansen

         This morning, we will be reading from the book of Romans chapter 5. We will be reading starting in verse 9 and read to verse 12.

        9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

       10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

       11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

       12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.

        There's no surprise when sinners sin. When people do bad things, it shouldn't be shocking. Sin entered in the beginning in the Garden of Eden with Adam. Man can get a little confident, which can grow into haughtiness, to outright rebellion against God. Sin is not an action to man, it's his identity. You have inherited sin from your forefathers.

        Sin is normal life to those who aren't saved. You are predisposed more to your flesh rather than God. God brings new traits, behavior, and identity. Adam put the struggle of sin on you and not God. What you think affects the way you feel and what you feel affects your behavior. Pride is the feeling and rebellion is the behavior.

        We are in a sin/repent lifestyle. When you are trying to stop one behavior, your focus is in verse 12.

        13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

        14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

        Paul is writing that the evidence of sin is death. Death had reigned between the life and time od Abraham and Moses before the law.

        15 But not as the offense, so also is the free gift. For if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

        1/3 of the the teachings from Jesus in the gospels were about finance. The point often was money was a temporary commodity. The two masters in the world is God and money. Which master are you under more? Money and resources, God will give you, it's in how you manage it for hi,. This is the test for you in life.

        Every dollar, job, promotion God gives you is a test. We are going to the book of Joel. Chapter 2 and verses 12-14.

        12 Therefore also now, says the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.

        13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

        14 Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the Lord your God?

        Wring out your heart with fasting. If you are trying to get God's attention, fast something you life. Why use fasting? It's to kill off your flesh down enough for God to communicate to your spirit. Let's look at Romans 5:17.

        17 For if by one man's offense death reigned by one; much more they which recieve abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

        God has a problem with you getting the question. Where is your God? from the world. 1) A storm. God is putting you through something to teach you. It looks like abandonment. After the lesson you're back on the mountain. 2) Wilderness. When you're drawing closer to God, he gives you an answer you don't like, so you run away. God may put pressure on you. 3) Chastisement. You live in iniquity and often mistake chastisement with storm. You won't draw close enough to God to hear from him. You know the blue print he gave but don't follow up. God will apply pressure to either your health, family, or finances. The reason? Comfort and complacency.

        The question Where is your God? was asked frequently through the Old Testament. It's still asked to this day. Seek a word from God whether in fasting, prayer, or study this coming year.