The Pilgrim Path---Luke 18: 13, 14 

But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS / WITNESSING (Exodus 20)

Greetings Precious Souls, on Saturday! What a week!

Well, it was time to bring up the Ten Commandments for witnessing. This works. Most people are “somewhat” familiar with them. Many people think they may have “broken” a few (even evangelicals). I have been through these commandments for “formal” presentation---many times. I would highly recommend you look at the Westminster Confession Faith, Larger Catechism, beginning, Question 91---“What is the duty which God requireth of man?” You will soon find out that no man, “can attain to righteousness and life by the moral law; yet there is great use thereof, as well common to all men, as peculiar to either to the unregenerate, or the regenerate…” Quite wonderfully, the catechism will go on to say (answer . 97), that the moral law, “is of special use, to show them how much they are bound to Christ for his fulfilling it, and enduring the curse thereof in their stead, and for their good, and thereby to provoke them to more thankfulness, and to express the same in their greater care to conform themselves thereunto as the rule of their obedience.”

So---I am the soul that is “guilty” of breaking “all” the TEN Commandments…I always need a Savior. The Living Christ “is” making me more and more dead to sin, and more and more alive to righteousness---yet, I always need a Savior. I am aware of this: sanctification is imperfect in this life. I always need an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One (First John 1: 5—10). A Christian is someone who does not make a “habit” of walking in sin, but with all the means of God’s appointment---they strive to walk with Jesus the LORD.

We may very quickly turn-off unconverted people, if they detect from us---that we think we are “better” than them, or that we have, “already arrived” in the spiritual realm. I was greatly encouraged by the late Dr. Jack Miller, who used to say---no matter who he was witnessing to---he knew deep down, he was worse than them: but Jesus was his righteousness!

THE TEN WORDS & WITNESSING

---God is to be foremost: I am guilty as charged---I do not always make God # 1 in everything

---God is not to be replaced or represented by any of my idolatrous inventions: I am guilty as charged---Worship is to be according to His Holy word (that covers the mind and outward observance)

---God’s Name is to be honored: I am guilty as charged---you do not have to simply use “swearing” ---Just make promises in “God’s Name---that you Do Not Keep”

---God’s Day is to be honored: I’m guilty as charged---I don’t always give God His full attention on His Day…Neither do I consider the full range of deeds of mercy I might be involved in….

---God said parents must be honored: I am guilty as charged---this “honor” also has to do with honor afforded those in, “family—church, and commonwealth.”

---God said do not commit murder: I am guilty as charged---Jesus said if I have “hated” my brother, I am--- a murderer---whoa. Classically, this commandment also means I must promote the well-being of my neighbor’s life (Micah 6: 8). What a transgressor I am…

---God has said I am to be sexually pure: I am guilty as charged. Jesus said if I look at a woman with “lust” in my heart toward her---I am an adulterer. The heart of the matter---is the matter of the heart. The commandment asks me continually, “Is the Living Christ My Ultimate Satisfaction? Do I strive for moral wholeness?”

---God has said there is to be no theft: I’m guilty as charged---This goes “past” my stealing as a child…I’ve failed to always, “procure, preserve, and further the wealth and outward estate of others” as an agent of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

---God has said there is to be No Lying: I am guilty as charged---I’ve not always, “promoted the preserving and protecting of my neighbor’s good name.” How about You (by the way, there is too much selective hearing---and selective memory-- in the Church)

---God has said do not Covet: I am guilty as charged---Guilty of not always being content. Thomas Watson said, “perhaps you are not pleased with the size of the slice of pie---the LORD has cut for You?”

All this points to Our Need of Jesus Christ the LORD. Thank God, He said, “I did not come to call the righteous---but sinners---to repentance!” Divorce your sin---you may be married to Him…

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free GIFT of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6: 23

Ask people if they are ready--- to confess their sin, turn from it, and claim the righteousness that “is” in Jesus Christ by faith alone…

“I find Christ to be Christ, and that he is far, far, even infinite heaven’s height above man. And that is all our happiness. Sinners can do nothing but make wounds that Christ may heal them; make debts, that he may pay them; and make falls, that he may raise them; and make deaths, that he may quicken them; and spin out and dig hells to themselves, that he may ransom them.” Samuel Rutherford

O use me, Lord, use even me,

Just as Thou wilt and when and where;

Until Thy blessed face I see,

Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share.

Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)

Grace and Peace in Jesus Christ Our Risen LORD, Pastor Jason