J23 The Lord Our Righteousness Church - j23tlorc

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J23 The Lord Our Righteousness Church - j23tlorc "This is the Name by which He will be called:
THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." (Jeremiah 23:6)

"Changing the world around us without having to compromise."

Are you tired of feeling the pressure to fit into everyone else's mold?Join us today, September 27, 2026, Sunday @ 3:00 ...
26/09/2026

Are you tired of feeling the pressure to fit into everyone else's mold?

Join us today, September 27, 2026, Sunday @ 3:00 PM for this month's TEENS Fellowship as we tackle a massive topic: Dealing with Peer Pressure. We'll talk about how to handle the noise and stand firm in your faith in God. 💙

Proverbs 1:10 - "My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them."
Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
1 Corinthians 15:33 - "Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character."

Come hang out, meet new friends, and discover how to build unshakeable confidence in who God made you to be! 💙

Here's last month's Teens Fellowship photos (August 30, 2026). The LORD is so good! 💙

24/09/2026

HOW DO WE TRUST GOD’S AUTHORITY IN THE MIDDLE OF WORLDLY CHAOS? (LAMENTATIONS 5:17-19)

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
THURSDAY ONLINE BIBLE STUDY
“THE LORD IS GOOD!” (NAHUM 1:7)

Intro Worship Video — Song Credits (Background):
– Famous One (Chris Tomlin) © Capitol CMG
– Kindness (Steven Curtis Chapman) © Sony / SESAC
– Hope — Lux-Inspira (licensed via Canva audio library)

All music used for worship and non-commercial ministry purposes. No ownership claimed. All songs remain the property of their respective copyright owners.

Full sermon notes + scriptures in pinned comment.
________________________________

LESSON:

HOW DO WE TRUST GOD’S AUTHORITY IN THE MIDDLE OF WORLDLY CHAOS? (LAMENTATIONS 5:17-19)

LAMENTATIONS 5:19 – “BUT YOU, O LORD, ARE KING FOREVER AND WILL RULE TO THE END OF TIME.” (GNT)

LAMENTATIONS 3:40 – “WE SHOULD THINK ABOUT THE WAY WE ARE LIVING AND TURN BACK TO THE LORD.” (CEV)
_________________________________

THE BOOK OF LAMENTATIONS

WRITTEN BY JEREMIAH SOON AFTER THE DEFEAT AND CAPTIVITY OF JERUSALEM BY THE BABYLONIANS IN 586 B.C.

JERUSALEM’S SINS AND DISOBEDIENCE MADE HER CAPTIVE AND A SLAVE.

LAMENTATIONS 1:8 – “JERUSALEM HAS SINNED SO MUCH THAT EVERYONE WHO USED TO HONOR IT NOW DESPISES IT.”
__________________________________

RECAP – SEPTEMBER 20 (SUNDAY)

HOW DO WE MOVE FROM PAINFUL REALITY OF BROKENNESS TO THE LASTING HOPE OF GOD’S RESTORATION?
(LAMENTATIONS 5:1-22)

I. THE ‘ROAD’ TO RESTORATION:
4R – RECOUNTING OF REPROACH.
RUIN OF DIGNITY AND HONOR.
RECOGNITION OF GOD’S REIGN.
REQUEST FOR RENEWAL.

LAMENTATIONS 5:21 – “RESTORE US, O LORD! BRING US BACK TO YOU AGAIN!”

II. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS:
4F – FACE YOUR FAULTS.
FIND YOUR FOCUS.
FOSTER YOUR FAITH.
FOLLOW GOD’S FOOTSTEPS.

ISAIAH 26:8 – “LORD, WE SHOW OUR TRUST IN YOU BY OBEYING YOUR LAWS.”
__________________________________

TODAY: SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 (THURSDAY)

HOW DO WE TRUST GOD’S AUTHORITY IN THE MIDDLE OF WORLDLY CHAOS? (LAMENTATIONS 5:17-19)

THE CHAOS OF THIS WORLD WILL NEVER DEPOSE THE KING OF HEAVEN!

EMPIRES RISE AND FALL, BUT THE ‘CROWN’ OF THE UNIVERSE IS HELD SECURELY BY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER!

LAMENTATIONS 5:17-19 (GNT)

V. 17 – “WE ARE SICK AT OUR HEARTS & CAN HARDLY SEE THROUGH OUR TEARS.”

V. 18 – “BECAUSE MOUNT ZION LIES LONELY AND DESERTED, AND WILD JACKALS PROWL THROUGH ITS RUINS.”

V. 19 – “BUT YOU, O LORD, ARE KING FOREVER AND WILL RULE TO THE END OF TIME.”

LAMENTATIONS 5:17-19 (PANAGHOY 5:17-19)

V. 17 – “NANLUPAYPAY KAMI, AT NAGDILIM ANG AMING PANINGIN.”

V. 18 – “PAGKAT INIWAN NG TAO ANG BUNDOK NG ZION, MGA ASONG-GUBAT NA LANG ANG NANINIRAHAN DOON.”

V. 19 – “NGUNIT IKAW, O YAHWEH, ANG HARI MAGPAKAILANMAN, ANG IYONG LUKLUKAN AY WALANG KATAPUSAN.”

I. THREE C – CRISIS. CHAOS. CROWN.

1) THE CRISIS OF THE FLESH.

V. 17 – “NANLUPAYPAY KAMI, AT NAGDILIM ANG AMING PANINGIN.”

HUMAN STRENGTH AND PHYSICAL INSIGHT FAIL WHEN JUDGMENT STRIKES. THE DIMMING EYES SHOW THAT HUMAN LEADERSHIP AND HUMAN WISDOM HAVE COMPLETELY RUN OUT OF ANSWERS.

JEREMIAH 17:5 – “CURSED IS THE MAN WHO TRUSTS IN MAN AND MAKES FLESH HIS STRENGTH, WHOSE HEART TURNS AWAY FROM THE LORD.” (ESV)

PROVERBS 3:5 – “TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART; DO NOT DEPEND ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING.” (NLT)

2) THE CHAOS OF THE FIELD.

V. 18 – “PAGKAT INIWAN NG TAO ANG BUNDOK NG ZION, MGA ASONG-GUBAT NA LANG ANG NANINIRAHAN DOON.”

WILD ANIMALS PROWLING SHOW THE COLLAPSE OF ORDER AND INVASION OF CHAOS. IT WARNS OF WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOCIETY FAILS AND LOSES ITS ‘SPIRITUAL COMPASS’.

ISAIAH 32:16-17 – “JUSTICE WILL RULE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL BRING PEACE. YES, IT WILL BRING QUIETNESS AND CONFIDENCE FOREVER.” (NLT)

1 CORINTHIANS 14:33 – “FOR GOD IS NOT A GOD OF CONFUSION BUT OF PEACE.”

3) THE CROWN OF THE FATHER.

V. 19 – “NGUNIT IKAW, O YAHWEH, ANG HARI MAGPAKAILANMAN, ANG IYONG LUKLUKAN AY WALANG KATAPUSAN.”

HISTORY IS NOT SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL; IT IS UNDER THE DOMINION OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER WHOSE THRONE ENDURES TO ALL GENERATIONS. GOD OUTLASTS EVERY EARTHLY EMPIRE, CRISIS, AND CORRUPT REGIME.

DANIEL 4:34 – “FOR HIS DOMINION IS AN EVERLASTING DOMINION, AND HIS KINGDOM ENDURES FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION.”

REVELATION 11:15 – “THE KINGDOM OF THE WORLD HAS BECOME THE KINGDOM OF OUR LORD AND OF HIS CHRIST, AND HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER.”

II. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS:

HEBREWS 12:28-29 – “WE SHOULD WORSHIP GOD IN A WAY THAT PLEASES HIM, WITH RESPECT AND FEAR, BECAUSE OUR GOD IS LIKE A FIRE THAT BURNS THINGS UP.” (NCV)

3S – SEEK. SURRENDER. STAND.

1) SEEK GOD IN EVERYTHING.

SEEK GOD’S AUTHORITY AND GUIDANCE IN ALL AREAS OF YOUR LIFE.

2) SURRENDER THE UNCONTROLLABLE.

SURRENDER YOUR NEED TO CONTROL OUTCOMES YOU CANNOT CHANGE.

3) STAND ON SCRIPTURE, NOT CULTURE.

STAND BOLDLY ON THE TRUTH OF THE SCRIPTURES RATHER THAN THE SHIFTING CULTURES OF THE WORLD.

PSALM 102:27 – “LORD, YOU ARE ALWAYS THE SAME. YOU ARE GOD FOR ALL TIME.” (CEV)
____________________________________

THERE IS STILL HOPE!

JERUSALEM WAS GIVEN ‘ENOUGH TIME’ TO ‘REPENT’ FROM HER SINS BUT SHE DID NOT, SO SHE EXPERIENCED JUDGMENT!

BUT IF THERE IS GENUINE REPENTANCE, THEN THERE IS RESTORATION! WE CAN BE ASSURED OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS!

DON’T ALLOW SIN. DON’T LIVE IN SIN. DO NOT LET SIN HAVE DOMINION OVER YOU!
_____________________________________

RECAP:
HOW DO WE TRUST GOD’S AUTHORITY IN THE MIDDLE OF WORLDLY CHAOS? (LAMENTATIONS 5:17-19)

3C – THE CRISIS OF THE FLESH.
THE CHAOS OF THE FIELD.
THE CROWN OF THE FATHER.

3S – SEEK GOD IN EVERYTHING.
SURRENDER THE UNCONTROLLABLE.
STAND ON SCRIPTURE, NOT CULTURE.

LAMENTATIONS 5:19 – “BUT YOU, O LORD, ARE KING FOREVER AND WILL RULE TO THE END OF TIME.” (GNT)

LAMENTATIONS 3:40 – “WE SHOULD THINK ABOUT THE WAY WE ARE LIVING AND TURN BACK TO THE LORD.” (CEV)

PSALM 73:28 – “AS FOR ME, IT IS GOOD TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD.” (ASAPH) (BSB)

RETURN. REPENT. REDEDICATE YOUR LIFE TO GOD.

PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO FOR MORE DETAILS. GOD IS SO GOOD!

20/09/2026

HOW DO WE MOVE FROM THE PAINFUL REALITY OF BROKENNESS TO THE LASTING HOPE OF GOD’S RESTORATION?
(LAMENTATIONS 5)

SEPTEMBER 20, 2026
SUNDAY WORSHIP CELEBRATION
“THE LORD IS GOOD!” (NAHUM 1:7)

Intro Worship Video — Song Credits (Background):
– Famous One (Chris Tomlin) © Capitol CMG
– Kindness (Steven Curtis Chapman) © Sony / SESAC
– Hope — Lux-Inspira (licensed via Canva audio library)

All music used for worship and non-commercial ministry purposes. No ownership claimed. All songs remain the property of their respective copyright owners.

Full sermon notes + scriptures in pinned comment.
________________________________

LESSON:

HOW DO WE MOVE FROM THE PAINFUL REALITY OF BROKENNESS TO THE LASTING HOPE OF GOD’S RESTORATION?
(LAMENTATIONS 5:1-22)

LAMENTATIONS 5:21 – “RESTORE US, O LORD, AND BRING US BACK TO YOU AGAIN!” (NLT)

LAMENTATIONS 3:40 – “WE SHOULD THINK ABOUT THE WAY WE ARE LIVING AND TURN BACK TO THE LORD.” (CEV)
________________________________

THE BOOK OF LAMENTATIONS

WRITTEN BY JEREMIAH SOON AFTER THE DEFEAT AND CAPTIVITY OF JERUSALEM BY THE BABYLONIANS IN 586 B.C.

JERUSALEM’S SINS AND DISOBEDIENCE MADE HER CAPTIVE AND A SLAVE.

LAMENTATIONS 1:8 – “JERUSALEM HAS SINNED SO MUCH THAT EVERYONE WHO USED TO HONOR IT NOW DESPISES IT.”
_______________________________

TODAY: SEPTEMBER 20, 2026 (SUNDAY)

HOW DO WE MOVE FROM THE PAINFUL REALITY OF BROKENNESS TO THE LASTING HOPE OF GOD’S RESTORATION?
(LAMENTATIONS 5:1-22)

LAMENTATIONS 5:21 – “RESTORE US, O LORD! BRING US BACK TO YOU AGAIN!”

LAMENTATIONS 5 IS A PRAYER FOR RESTORATION.

READ: LAMENTATIONS 5:1-22

V. 1 – “PANGINOON, ALALAHANIN N’YO PO ANG NANGYARI SA AMIN. MASDAN N’YO ANG DINANAS NAMING KAHIHIYAN.”

V. 19 – “O PANGINOON, MAGHAHARI KAYO MAGPAKAILANMAN. PAGHAHARI N’YO AY PATULOY SA LAHAT NG SALINLAHI.”

V. 21 – IBALIK N’YO KAMI SA INYO. IBALIK KAMI SA DATI NAMING KALAGAYAN.”

I. THE ‘ROAD’ TO RESTORATION:

TRUE RESTORATION NEVER BEGINS BY ASKING GOD TO CHANGE OUR OUTWARD CIRCUMSTANCES FIRST.

TRUE RESTORATION BEGINS BY ASKING GOD TO RETURN US TO HIMSELF – HIS HOLINESS AND JUSTICE!

4R – THE RECOUNTING. THE RUIN.
THE RECOGNITION. THE REQUEST.

1) THE RECOUNTING OF REPROACH (V. 1 – 10).

LAMENTATIONS 5:1 – “PANGINOON, ALALAHANIN N’YO PO ANG NANGYARI SA AMIN. MASDAN N’YO ANG DINANAS NAMING KAHIHIYAN.”

AN HONEST INVENTORY OF SUFFERING, LOSS, AND THE DEVASTATING EARTHLY CONSEQUENCES OF SIN & BROKENNESS.

'INVENTORY' OF THEIR SUFFERINGS:
V. 2 – KINUHA ANG LUPA’T BAHAY.
V. 3 – NAULILA. NABIYUDA.
V. 4 – BAYARAN TUBIG NA IINUMIN.
V. 5 – PINAGTRABAHO PARANG HAYOP.
V. 6 – NASAKOP NG EGIPTO AT ASIRIA.
V. 7 – NAGDUSA SA SALA NG NINUNO.
V. 8 – NAPAILALIM SA MGA ALIPIN.
V. 9 – NANGANIB ANG MGA BUHAY.
V. 10 – SAKIT SA MATINDING GUTOM.

PSALM 44:13 – “YOU LET OUR NEIGHBORS MOCK US. WE ARE AN OBJECT OF SCORN AND DERISION TO THOSE AROUND US.” (NLT)

JOEL 1:10 – “THE FIELDS ARE RUINED; THE LAND IS STRIPPED BARE. THE GRAIN IS DESTROYED, THE GRAPES HAVE SHRIVELED, AND THE OLIVE IS GONE.” (NLT)

HATE SIN. OBEY GOD!

2) THE RUIN OF DIGNITY AND HONOR (V. 11 - 18).

LAMENTATIONS 5:16 – “WALA NA RIN KAMING KARANGALAN. NAKAKAAWA KAMI DAHIL KAMI AY NAGKASALA.”

THE VISIBLE COLLAPSE OF GLADNESS, SOCIETAL STRUCTURES, AND CROWN ACHIEVEMENTS, LEAVING THE HEART WEARY AND THE EYES DIM.

'COLLAPSE' OF DIGNITY:
V. 11 – PINAGSAMANTALAHAN.
V. 12 – IBINITIN. HINDI IGINALANG.
V. 13 – SAPILITANG PINAGTRABAHO.
V. 14 – WALA NG NAGPAPAYO.
WALA NG GALAK SA PAGTUGTOG AT PAG-AWIT.
V. 15 – WALA NG KASIYAHAN.
V. 16 – WALA NG KARANGALAN.
V. 17 – NAGDIDILIM ANG PANINGIN.
V. 18 – NAPAKALUNGKOT NG JERUSALEM.

ISAIAH 24:8 – “THE CHEERFUL SOUND OF TAMBOURINES IS STILLED; THE HAPPY CRIES OF CELEBRATION ARE HEARD NO MORE. THE MELODIOUS CHORDS OF THE HARP ARE SILENT.” (NLT)

JEREMIAH 7:34 – “I WILL PUT AN END TO THE HAPPY SINGING AND LAUGHTER IN STREETS OF JERUSALEM. THE LAND WILL LIE IN COMPLETE DESOLATION.” (NLT)

HATE SIN. OBEY GOD!

3) THE RECOGNITION OF GOD’S REIGN (V. 19 – 20).

LAMENTATIONS 5:19 – “O PANGINOON, MAGHAHARI KAYO MAGPAKAILANMAN. ANG INYONG PAGHAHARI AY PATULOY SA LAHAT NG SALINLAHI.”

THE SHIFT FROM HUMAN MISERY TO GOD’S ETERNAL MAJESTY. EARTHLY THRONES FALL, BUT GOD’S THRONE REMAINS COMPLETELY UNSHAKEN!

PSALM 102:12 – “BUT YOU, O LORD, WILL SIT ON YOUR THRONE FOREVER. YOUR FAME WILL ENDURE TO EVERY GENERATION.” (NLT)

HEBREWS 1:8 – “BUT TO THE SON HE SAYS, “YOUR THRONE, O GOD, ENDURES FOREVER AND EVER. YOU RULE WITH A SCEPTER OF JUSTICE.” (NLT)

HATE SIN. OBEY GOD!

4) THE REQUEST FOR RENEWAL (V. 21 – 22).

LAMENTATIONS 5:21 – “IBALIK N’YO KAMI SA INYO, AT KAMI AY BABALIK. IBALIK KAMI SA DATI NAMING KALAGAYAN.”

THE ULTIMATE PLEA FOR CORPORATE REPENTANCE AND RESTORATION, ACKNOWLEDGING THAT TRUE REVIVAL BEGINS BY RETURNING TO THE LORD.

PSALM 80:3 – “TURN US AGAIN TO YOURSELF, O GOD. ONLY THEN WILL WE BE SAVED.” (NLT)

MALACHI 3:7 – “EVER SINCE THE DAYS OF YOUR ANCESTORS, YOU HAVE SCORNED MY DECREES AND FAILED TO OBEY THEM. NOW RETURN TO ME, AND I WILL RETURN TO YOU, SAYS THE LORD OF HEAVEN’S ARMIES.” (NLT)

HATE SIN. OBEY GOD!

II. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS:

HEBREWS 12:28-29 – “WE SHOULD WORSHIP GOD IN A WAY THAT PLEASES HIM, WITH RESPECT AND FEAR, BECAUSE OUR GOD IS LIKE A FIRE THAT BURNS THINGS UP.” (NCV)

4F – FACE. FIND. FOSTER. FOLLOW.

1) FACE YOUR FAULTS.

CONFESS YOUR SINS ‘TRANSPARENTLY’ BEFORE GOD INSTEAD OF ‘MASKING’ PAIN WITH ‘SUPERFICIAL’ HAPPINESS.

2) FIND YOUR FOCUS.

FIX YOUR SPIRITUAL EYES ON THE ‘UNCHANGING SOVEREIGNTY’ OF CHRIST WHEN ‘WORLDLY SYSTEMS’ FAIL.

3) FOSTER YOUR FAITH.

INTENTIONALLY DEVELOP PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IN PRAYER AND HIS WORD, TRUSTING HIM AT ALL TIMES.

4) FOLLOW GOD’S FOOTSTEPS.

FLEE FROM THE ‘WAYS’ OF THE WORLD AND SEEK THE SUPERNATURAL RENEWAL THAT ONLY THE HOLY SPIRIT PROVIDES.

WHEN EARTHLY CROWNS FALL AND GLADNESS SEEMS COMPLETELY RUINED, REMEMBER THAT THE ETERNAL THRONE OF GOD REMAINS UNTOUCHED.

SURRENDER YOUR BROKENNESS TO GOD AND TRUST HIM TO RESTORE YOUR LIFE!

ISAIAH 26:8 – “LORD, WE SHOW OUR TRUST IN YOU BY OBEYING YOUR LAWS; OUR HEART’S DESIRE IS TO GLORIFY YOUR NAME!” (NLT)

ISAIAH 26:9-12 (NLT)
V. 9 – IN THE NIGHT I SEARCH FOR YOU; IN THE MORNING, I EARNESTLY SEEK YOU.
V. 10 – ALTHOUGH OTHERS DO RIGHT, THE WICKED KEEP DOING WRONG AND TAKE NO NOTICE OF THE LORD’S MAJESTY.
V. 11 – O LORD, LET YOUR FIRE CONSUME YOUR ENEMIES!
V. 12 – LORD, YOU WILL GRANT US PEACE!

THERE IS STILL HOPE!

JERUSALEM WAS GIVEN ‘ENOUGH TIME’ TO ‘REPENT’ FROM HER SINS BUT SHE DID NOT, SO SHE EXPERIENCED JUDGMENT!

BUT IF THERE IS GENUINE REPENTANCE, THEN THERE IS RESTORATION! WE CAN BE ASSURED OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS!

DON’T ALLOW SIN. DON’T LIVE IN SIN. DO NOT LET SIN HAVE DOMINION OVER YOU!
_____________________________

RECAP:
HOW DO WE MOVE FROM THE PAINFUL REALITY OF BROKENNESS TO THE LASTING HOPE OF GOD’S RESTORATION?
(LAMENTATIONS 5)

I. THE ‘ROAD’ TO RESTORATION:
4R – THE RECOUNTING OF REPROACH.
THE RUIN OF DIGNITY AND HONOR.
THE RECOGNITION OF GOD’S REIGN.
THE REQUEST FOR RENEWAL.

II. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS:
4F – FACE YOUR FAULTS.
FIND YOUR FOCUS.
FOSTER YOUR FAITH.
FOLLOW GOD’S FOOTSTEPS.

ISAIAH 26:8 – “LORD, WE SHOW OUR TRUST IN YOU BY OBEYING YOUR LAWS; OUR HEART’S DESIRE IS TO GLORIFY YOUR NAME!” (NLT)

LAMENTATIONS 5:21 – “RESTORE US, O LORD, AND BRING US BACK TO YOU AGAIN!” (NLT)

LAMENTATIONS 3:40 – “WE SHOULD THINK ABOUT THE WAY WE ARE LIVING AND TURN BACK TO THE LORD.” (CEV)

PSALM 73:28 – “AS FOR ME, IT IS GOOD TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD.” (ASAPH) (BSB)

RETURN. REPENT. REDEDICATE YOUR LIFE TO GOD.

PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO FOR MORE DETAILS. GOD IS SO GOOD!

17/09/2026

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO STOP CHASING WORLDLY PURSUITS AND FOLLOW JESUS? (LAMENTATIONS 4:17-22)

SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
THURSDAY ONLINE BIBLE STUDY
“THE LORD IS GOOD!” (NAHUM 1:7)

Intro Worship Video — Song Credits (Background):
– Famous One (Chris Tomlin) © Capitol CMG
– Kindness (Steven Curtis Chapman) © Sony / SESAC
– Hope — Lux-Inspira (licensed via Canva audio library)

All music used for worship and non-commercial ministry purposes. No ownership claimed. All songs remain the property of their respective copyright owners.

Full sermon notes + scriptures in pinned comment.
________________________________

LESSON:

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO STOP CHASING WORLDLY PURSUITS AND FOLLOW JESUS? (LAMENTATIONS 4:17-22)

LAMENTATIONS 4:17 – “OUR EYES BECAME WEARY, HOPELESSLY LOOKING FOR HELP FROM A NATION THAT COULD NOT SAVE US.” (CEV)

LAMENTATIONS 3:40 – “WE SHOULD THINK ABOUT THE WAY WE ARE LIVING AND TURN BACK TO THE LORD.” (CEV)
________________________________

THE BOOK OF LAMENTATIONS

WRITTEN BY JEREMIAH SOON AFTER THE DEFEAT AND CAPTIVITY OF JERUSALEM BY THE BABYLONIANS IN 586 B.C.

JERUSALEM’S SINS AND DISOBEDIENCE MADE HER CAPTIVE AND A SLAVE.

LAMENTATIONS 1:8 – “JERUSALEM HAS SINNED SO MUCH THAT EVERYONE WHO USED TO HONOR IT NOW DESPISES IT.”
________________________________

RECAP: LAMENTATIONS 4:1-22

V. 1-2 – HOW DO WE MAKE OUR LIFE A SHINING REFLECTION OF GOD’S GLORY?

V. 3-5 – WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PARENTS COMPROMISE THEIR DEVOTION TO GOD?

V. 6-11 – WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE IGNORE GOD’S WARNINGS?

V. 6-11 – CAN WE SURVIVE THIS LIFE WITHOUT OBEYING GOD?

V. 12-13 – WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF TRADING THE HOLINESS OF GOD FOR THE APPLAUSE OF PEOPLE?

V. 14-16 – WHAT STEPS SHOULD WE TAKE WHEN LEADERS ABANDON GOD’S TRUTH AND LEAD PEOPLE ASTRAY?
_________________________________

TODAY: SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 (THURSDAY)

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO STOP CHASING WORLDLY PURSUITS AND FOLLOW JESUS? (LAMENTATIONS 4:17-22)

LAMENTATIONS 4:17 – “OUR EYES BECAME WEARY, HOPELESSLY LOOKING FOR HELP FROM A NATION THAT COULD NOT SAVE US.” (CEV)

LAMENTATIONS 4:17, 22 (ASND)

V. 17 – “LUMALABO NA ANG AMING PANINGIN SA KAHIHINTAY NG TULONG NG AMING KAKAMPING BANSA, PERO HINDI SILA TUMULONG SA AMIN.”

V. 22 – “MGA TAGA-JERUSALEM, MATATAPOS NA ANG PARUSA NINYO. HINDI MAGTATAGAL AY PAUUWIIN NA KAYO NG PANGINOON.”

I. CHASING WORLDLY PURSUITS:

3W – THE WAITING ENDS.
THE WRECK OF SIN.
THE WIN OF THE GOSPEL.

‘TRUE RESCUE’ NEVER COMES FROM ‘PURSUING’ THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD.

OUR ‘TRUE RESCUE’ ONLY COMES FROM THE CROSS AND THE SACRIFICE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST!

1) THE WAITING ENDS WHEN WE LET CHRIST, NOT WORLDLY SUCCESS, TO RESCUE OUR SOULS.

LAMENTATIONS 4:17-19 – “LUMALABO NG AMING PANINGIN SA KAHIHINTAY NG TULONG NG MGA KAKAMPING BANSA, PERO HINDI SILA TUMULONG SA AMIN. MALAPIT NA ANG AMING KATAPUSAN. TINUTUGIS KAMI NG MGA KAAWAY SA MGA BUNDOK AT INAABANGAN KAMI SA DISYERTO PARA SALAKAYIN.”

JERUSALEM WAITED FOR OTHER NATIONS TO SAVE THEM, BUT HUMAN HELP FAILED.

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PEOPLE IGNORE THE CROSS OF CHRIST. INSTEAD, THEY WAIT FOR ‘WORLDLY PURSUITS’ – MONEY, CAREER SUCCESS, HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS – TO RESCUE THEM.

THIS IS THE ‘TRAGEDY’ OF PLACING YOUR SAVING FAITH IN ANYONE OR ANYTHING OTHER THAN JESUS CHRIST. BEWARE!

ISAIAH 31:1 (NIV)
“WOE TO THOSE WHO GO DOWN TO EGYPT FOR HELP, WHO RELY ON HORSES, WHO TRUST IN THE MULTITUDE OF THEIR CHARIOTS AND IN THE GREAT STRENGTH OF THEIR HORSEMEN, BUT DO NOT LOOK TO THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, OR SEEK HELP FROM THE LORD.”

PSALM 146:3 (NIV)
“DO NOT PUT YOUR TRUST IN PRINCES, IN HUMAN BEINGS, WHO CANNOT SAVE.”

2) THE WRECK OF SIN PROVES THAT HUMAN LEADERS CANNOT GUARANTEE OUR ETERNAL SECURITY.

LAMENTATIONS 4:20 – “NAHULI NILA ANG AMING HARI NA HINIRANG NG PANGINOON, ANG INAASAHAN NAMING MANGANGALAGA SA AMIN MULA SA MGA KAAWAY NAMING BANSA.”

JERUSALEM’S EARTHLY PROTECTOR WAS TRAPPED AND CAPTURED.

GENESIS 8:21 – “THE INTENTION OF MAN’S HEART IS EVIL FROM HIS YOUTH.”

1 KINGS 8:46 – “FOR THERE IS NO ONE WHO DOES NOT SIN.”

ECCLESIASTES 7:20 – “NOT A SINGLE PERSON ON EARTH IS ALWAYS GOOD AND NEVER SINS.”

ROMANS 3:23 – “ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALL SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD.”

3) THE WIN OF THE GOSPEL IS SIMPLY THAT CHRIST TOOK OUR PLACE SO WE CAN BE SAVED.

LAMENTATIONS 4:21-22 – “MAGALAK KAYO NGAYON, MGA ANGKAN NI EDOM. KAYO MAN AY MALALAGAY SA KAHIHIYAN. MGA TAGA-JERUSALEM, MATATAPOS NA ANG PARUSA NINYO. HINDI MAGTATAGAL AY PAUUWIIN NA KAYO NG PANGINOON. PERO ANG TAGA-EDOM PARURUSAHAN DAHIL SA KANILANG KASALANAN.”

WHILE ENEMIES MOCKED THEM, GOD PROMISED THAT THE PENALTY FOR HIS PEOPLE, JERUSALEM, WAS PAID AND THEIR EXILE WILL END.

IN THE GOSPEL, OUR PENALTY IS PAID BY CHRIST BY TAKING AWAY OUR SINS SO WE COULD BE SAVED WHEN WE RECEIVE HIM.

THE WIN IS ESCAPING FINAL JUDGMENT RIGHT NOW BECAUSE CHRIST PAID FOR OUR SINS.

ISAIAH 40:2 – “SPEAK TENDERLY TO JERUSALEM. TELL HER THAT HER SAD DAYS ARE GONE AND HER SINS ARE PARDONED. YES, GOD HAS PUNISHED HER TWICE OVER FOR ALL HER SINS.”

GALATIANS 3:13 – “CHRIST REDEEMED US FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW BY BECOMING A CURSE FOR US, FOR IT IS WRITTEN: “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO IS HUNG ON A TREE.”

II. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS:

HEBREWS 12:28-29 – “WE SHOULD WORSHIP GOD IN A WAY THAT PLEASES HIM, WITH RESPECT AND FEAR, BECAUSE OUR GOD IS LIKE A FIRE THAT BURNS THINGS UP.” (NCV)

3W – WELCOME. WALK AWAY. WITNESS.

1) WELCOME THE WORD.

GIVE UP YOUR OWN PLANS AND FULLY ACCEPT JESUS AS YOUR ONLY SAVIOR. THEN FOLLOW HIM AND HIS WORD DAILY.

2) WALK AWAY FROM WORLDLY PURSUITS.

STOP TRUSTING IN MONEY, PEOPLE, OR CAREER TO MAKE YOU FEEL SAFE.

3) WITNESS TO OTHERS.

TELL OTHER HURTING PEOPLE HOW JESUS RESCUED YOU FROM SIN AND JUDGMENT.

STOP WEARING OUT YOUR EYES LOOKING FOR THE WORLD TO SAVE YOU.

LOOK TO JESUS TODAY AND EVERYDAY, FOR HE ALONE HAS PAID YOUR ‘DEBT’ AND SECURED YOUR ‘FREEDOM’.

THERE IS STILL HOPE!

JERUSALEM WAS GIVEN ‘ENOUGH TIME’ TO ‘REPENT’ FROM HER SINS BUT SHE DID NOT, SO SHE EXPERIENCED JUDGMENT!

BUT IF THERE IS GENUINE REPENTANCE, THEN THERE IS RESTORATION! WE CAN BE ASSURED OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS!

DON’T ALLOW SIN. DON’T LIVE IN SIN. DO NOT LET SIN HAVE DOMINION OVER YOU!
____________________________________

RECAP:
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO STOP CHASING WORLDLY PURSUITS AND FOLLOW JESUS? (LAMENTATIONS 4:17-22)

1) THE WAITING ENDS WHEN WE LET CHRIST, NOT WORLDLY SUCCESS, TO RESCUE OUR SOULS.

2) THE WRECK OF SIN PROVES THAT HUMAN LEADERS CANNOT GUARANTEE OUR ETERNAL SECURITY.

3) THE WIN OF THE GOSPEL IS SIMPLY THAT CHRIST TOOK OUR PLACE SO WE CAN BE SAVED.

PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS:
1) WELCOME THE WORD – FOLLOW THE LORD JESUS CHRIST DAILY.
2) WALK AWAY FROM WORLDLY PURSUITS.
3) WITNESS TO OTHERS.

LAMENTATIONS 4:17 – “OUR EYES BECAME WEARY, HOPELESSLY LOOKING FOR HELP FROM A NATION THAT COULD NOT SAVE US.” (CEV)

LAMENTATIONS 3:40 – “WE SHOULD THINK ABOUT THE WAY WE ARE LIVING AND TURN BACK TO THE LORD.” (CEV)

PSALM 73:28 – “AS FOR ME, IT IS GOOD TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD.” (ASAPH) (BSB)

RETURN. REPENT. REDEDICATE YOUR LIFE TO GOD.

PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO FOR MORE DETAILS. GOD IS SO GOOD!

13/09/2026

WHAT STEPS SHOULD WE TAKE WHEN LEADERS ABANDON GOD’S TRUTH AND LEAD PEOPLE ASTRAY? (LAMENTATIONS 4:14-16)

SEPTEMBER 13, 2026
SUNDAY WORSHIP CELEBRATION
“THE LORD IS GOOD!” (NAHUM 1:7)

Intro Worship Video — Song Credits (Background):
– Famous One (Chris Tomlin) © Capitol CMG
– Kindness (Steven Curtis Chapman) © Sony / SESAC
– Hope — Lux-Inspira (licensed via Canva audio library)

All music used for worship and non-commercial ministry purposes. No ownership claimed. All songs remain the property of their respective copyright owners.

Full sermon notes + scriptures in pinned comment.
________________________________

LESSON:

WHAT STEPS SHOULD WE TAKE WHEN LEADERS ABANDON GOD’S TRUTH AND LEAD PEOPLE ASTRAY? (LAMENTATIONS 4:14-16)

LAMENTATIONS 4:16 – “THE LORD HIMSELF HAS SCATTERED THEM, AND HE NO LONGER HELPS THEM.” (NLT)

LAMENTATIONS 3:40 – “WE SHOULD THINK ABOUT THE WAY WE ARE LIVING AND TURN BACK TO THE LORD.” (CEV)
________________________________

THE BOOK OF LAMENTATIONS

WRITTEN BY JEREMIAH SOON AFTER THE DEFEAT AND CAPTIVITY OF JERUSALEM BY THE BABYLONIANS IN 586 B.C.

JERUSALEM’S SINS AND DISOBEDIENCE MADE HER CAPTIVE AND A SLAVE.

LAMENTATIONS 1:8 – “JERUSALEM HAS SINNED SO MUCH THAT EVERYONE WHO USED TO HONOR IT NOW DESPISES IT.”
________________________________

RECAP:

AUGUST 27, 2026 (THURSDAY)
HOW DO WE MAKE OUR LIFE A SHINING REFLECTION OF GOD’S GLORY? (LAMENTATIONS 4:1-2)

AUGUST 30, 2026 (SUNDAY)
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PARENTS COMPROMISE THEIR DEVOTION TO GOD? (LAMENTATIONS 4:3-5)

SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 (THURSDAY)
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE IGNORE GOD’S WARNINGS? (LAMENTATIONS 4:6-11)

SEPTEMBER 6, 2026 (SUNDAY)
CAN WE SURVIVE THIS LIFE WITHOUT OBEYING GOD? (LAMENTATIONS 4:6-11)
________________________________

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 (THURSDAY)

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF TRADING THE HOLINESS OF GOD FOR THE APPLAUSE OF PEOPLE? (LAMENTATIONS 4:12-13)

V. 13 – “IT HAPPENED BECAUSE OF THE SINS OF THE PROPHETS AND PRIESTS, WHO DEFILED THE CITY.”

I. DANGERS OF TRADING GOD’S HOLINESS FOR THE APPLAUSE OF PEOPLE:

3P – PRESUMPTION OF PROTECTION.
POLLUTION OF THE PROPHETS.
PERSECUTION OF THE PURE.

II. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS:

3G – GUARD AGAINST GREED.
GRIEVE OVER GUILT.
GROUND IN GODLINESS.
__________________________________

TODAY: SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 (SUNDAY)

WHAT STEPS SHOULD WE TAKE WHEN LEADERS ABANDON GOD’S TRUTH AND LEAD PEOPLE ASTRAY? (LAMENTATIONS 4:14-16)

WHEN SPIRITUAL AND POLITICAL LEADERS ABANDON GOD’S TRUTH, THEY LOSE MORAL AUTHORITY, LEAD THEIR PEOPLE ASTRAY, AND BRING COLLECTIVE RUIN. BEWARE!

LAMENTATIONS 4:14-16 (NLT)

“THEY WANDERED BLINDLY THROUGH THE STREETS, SO DEFILED BY BLOOD THAT THE PEOPLE SHOUTED AT THEM. ‘YOU’RE DEFILED! DON’T TOUCH US!’ SO, THEY FLED TO DISTANT LANDS AND WANDERED AMONG FOREIGN NATIONS. THE LORD HIMSELF HAS SCATTERED THEM, AND HE NO LONGER HELPS THEM. PEOPLE SHOW NO RESPECT FOR THE PRIESTS AND NO LONGER HONOR THE LEADERS.”

LAMENTATIONS 4:14-16 (ASND)

“SILA NGAYON AY NANGANGAPA SA LANSANGAN NA PARANG MGA BULAG. PINAGSISIGAWAN SILA NG MGA TAO, ‘MARUMI KAYO. HUWAG N’YO KAMING HIPUIN!’ KAYA SILA’Y NAGPALABOY-LABOY SA MGA BANSA. ANG PANGINOON ANG SIYANG NAGPANGALAT SA KANILA. HINDI NA IGINALANG ANG MGA PARI AT MGA TAGAPAMAHALA.”

I. WHEN LEADERS ABANDON GOD’S TRUTH

TRUE LEADERSHIP IS A SACRED TRUST.

LET US RETURN TO INTEGRITY, AND THE FEAR OF GOD, BEFORE OUR INFLUENCE CAUSE OUR OWN DOWNFALL.

4P – PREACHERS. PEOPLE. PRESENCE OF GOD. POSITIONS OF POWER.
________________________________

1) PREACHERS ARE POLLUTED BY PRIDE.

“SILA NGAYON AY NANGANGAPA SA LANSANGAN NA PARANG MGA BULAG.”

THE SPIRITUAL LEADERS (PROPHETS AND PRIESTS) BECAME SO CORRUPTED BY SIN THAT THEY DEFILED THE COMMUNITY THEY WERE MEANT TO PROTECT.

EZEKIEL 22:26 – “YOUR PRIESTS HAVE VIOLATED MY INSTRUCTIONS & DEFILED MY HOLY THINGS. THEY MAKE NO DISTINCTION BETWEEN WHAT IS HOLY & WHAT IS COMMON.”

MICAH 3:11 – “LEADERS SELL JUSTICE FOR BRIBES. PRIESTS TEACH GOD’S LAW FOR A PRICE, AND PROPHETS WON’T PROPHESY WITHOUT MONEY.”

PREACHERS POLLUTED BY PRIDE!

2) PEOPLE ARE CONFUSED AND PUSHED AWAY.

“PINAGSISIGAWAN SILA NG MGA TAO, ‘MARUMI KAYO. HUWAG N’YO KAMING HIPUIN!’ KAYA SILA’Y NAGPALABOY-LABOY SA IBANG MGA BANSA.

BECAUSE OF THE LEADERS’ CORRUPTION, SOCIETY TREATS THE PEOPLE LIKE OUTCASTS, CRYING OUT ‘UNCLEAN! STAY AWAY!’ AS THEY WANDER AIMLESSLY.

ISAIAH 9:16 – “FOR THE LEADERS OF THIS PEOPLE HAVE MISLED THEM. THEY HAD LED THEM DOWN THE PATH OF DESTRUCTION.”

MATTHEW 15:14 – “SO, IGNORE THEM. THEY ARE BLIND GUIDES LEADING THE BLIND. IF ONE BLIND PERSON GUIDES ANOTHER, BOTH WILL FALL INTO A DIKE.”

PEOPLE CONFUSED AND PUSHED AWAY!

3) PRESENCE OF GOD INTENTIONALLY WITHDRAWN.

“ANG PANGINOON ANG SIYANG NAGPANGALAT SA KANILA AT HINDI NA NIYA SILA PINAPANSIN.”

GOD HIMSELF SCATTERS THE CORRUPT LEADERS AND NO LONGER LOOKS UPON THEM WITH FAVOR OR PROTECTS THEM FROM THEIR ENEMIES.

HOSEA 4:6 – “MY PEOPLE ARE BEING DESTROYED BECAUSE THEY DON’T KNOW ME. “SINCE YOU PRIESTS REFUSE TO KNOW ME, I REFUSE TO RECOGNIZE YOU AS MY PRIESTS”, SAYS THE LORD.”

1 PETER 3:12 – “THE EYES OF THE LORD WATCH OVER THOSE WHO DO RIGHT. BUT THE LORD TURNS HIS FACE AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL.”

PRESENCE OF GOD WITHDRAWN!

4) POSITIONS OF POWER COMPLETELY POWERLESS.

“HINDI NA IGINAGALANG ANG MGA PARI AT MGA TAGAPAMAHALA.”

HUMAN PRESTIGE, TITLES, AND EVEN ROYAL STATUS CANNOT SPARE CORRUPT LEADERS FROM THE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR REBELLION AND SINS.

PROVERBS 11:21 – “BE SURE OF THIS: THE WICKED WILL NOT GO UNPUNISHED, BUT THE RIGHTEOUS WILL GO FREE.”

PROVERBS 16:12 – “KINGS CANNOT TOLERATE EVIL, BECAUSE JUSTICE IS WHAT MAKES A GOVERNMENT STRONG.”

JAMES 4:17 – “WHOEVER KNOWS WHAT IS RIGHT BUT DOESN’T DO IT IS SINNING.”

POSITIONS OF POWER POWERLESS!

II. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS:

HEBREWS 12:28-29 – “WE SHOULD WORSHIP GOD IN A WAY THAT PLEASES HIM, WITH RESPECT AND FEAR, BECAUSE OUR GOD IS LIKE A FIRE THAT BURNS THINGS UP.” (NCV)

4P – PERSONAL PURITY. PEER POWER. PRIMARY PURSUIT. PROTECT PEOPLE.
____________________________

1) PERSONAL PURITY.

GUARD YOUR CHARACTER CLOSELY. MAKE SURE YOUR ‘PRIVATE LIFE’ MATCHES YOUR ‘PUBLIC PLATFORM’.

2) PEER POWER.

BUILD STRONG, HONEST, AND GODLY RELATIONSHIPS THAT WILL KEEP YOU HUMBLE AND PROTECT YOU FROM PRIDE.

3) PRIMARY PURSUIT.

PLACE GOD’S TRUTH ABOVE POPULARITY, PLEASING HIM RATHER THAN TRYING TO WIN HUMAN APPROVAL.

4) PROTECT PEOPLE.

LOOK AFTER ‘WEAK PEOPLE’ UNDER YOUR CARE, ALWAYS WORKING WITH DEEP EMPATHY, JUCTICE AND HOLINESS.

THERE IS STILL HOPE!

JERUSALEM WAS GIVEN ‘ENOUGH TIME’ TO ‘REPENT’ FROM HER SINS BUT SHE DID NOT, SO SHE EXPERIENCED JUDGMENT!

BUT IF THERE IS GENUINE REPENTANCE, THEN THERE IS RESTORATION! WE CAN BE ASSURED OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS!

DON’T ALLOW SIN. DON’T LIVE IN SIN. DO NOT LET SIN HAVE DOMINION OVER YOU!
________________________________

RECAP: WHAT STEPS SHOULD WE TAKE WHEN LEADERS ABANDON GOD’S TRUTH AND LEAD PEOPLE ASTRAY?
(LAMENTATIONS 4:14-16)

4P – PREACHERS ARE POLLUTED BY PRIDE.
PEOPLE ARE CONFUSED AND PUSHED AWAY.
PRESENCE OF GOD INTENTIONALLY WITHDRAWN.
POSITIONS OF POWER COMPLETELY POWERLESS.

4P – PERSONAL PURITY. PEER POWER. PRIMARY PURSUIT. PROTECT PEOPLE.

LAMENTATIONS 4:16 – “THE LORD HIMSELF HAS SCATTERED THEM, AND HE NO LONGER HELPS THEM.” (NLT)

LAMENTATIONS 3:40 – “WE SHOULD THINK ABOUT THE WAY WE ARE LIVING AND TURN BACK TO THE LORD.” (CEV)

PSALM 73:28 – “AS FOR ME, IT IS GOOD TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD.” (ASAPH) (BSB)

RETURN. REPENT. REDEDICATE YOUR LIFE TO GOD.

PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO FOR DETAILS. GOD IS SO GOOD!

10/09/2026

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF TRADING THE HOLINESS OF GOD FOR THE APPLAUSE OF PEOPLE? (LAMENTATIONS 4:12-13)

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
THURSDAY ONLINE BIBLE STUDY
“THE LORD IS GOOD!” (NAHUM 1:7)
_____________________________

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF TRADING THE HOLINESS OF GOD FOR THE APPLAUSE OF PEOPLE? (LAMENTATIONS 4:12-13)

LAMENTATIONS 4:13 – “IT HAPPENED BECAUSE OF THE SINS OF THE PROPHETS AND PRIESTS, WHO DEFILED THE CITY.”

LAMENTATIONS 3:40 – “WE SHOULD THINK ABOUT THE WAY WE ARE LIVING AND TURN BACK TO THE LORD.”
_____________________________

THE BOOK OF LAMENTATIONS

WRITTEN BY JEREMIAH SOON AFTER THE DEFEAT AND CAPTIVITY OF JERUSALEM BY THE BABYLONIANS IN 586 B.C.

JERUSALEM’S SINS AND DISOBEDIENCE MADE HER CAPTIVE AND A SLAVE.

LAMENTATIONS 1:8 – “JERUSALEM HAS SINNED SO MUCH THAT EVERYONE WHO USED TO HONOR IT NOW DESPISES IT.”
_____________________________

RECAP:

AUGUST 27, 2026 (THURSDAY)
HOW DO WE MAKE OUR LIFE A SHINING REFLECTION OF GOD’S GLORY? (LAMENTATIONS 4:1-2)

AUGUST 30, 2026 (SUNDAY)
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PARENTS COMPROMISE THEIR DEVOTION TO GOD? (LAMENTATION 4:3-5)

SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 (THURSDAY)
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE IGNORE GOD’S WARNINGS? (LAMENTATIONS 4:6-11)

SEPTEMBER 6, 2026 (SUNDAY)
CAN WE SURVIVE THIS LIFE WITHOUT OBEYING GOD? (LAMENTATIONS 4:6-11)
______________________________

TODAY: SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 (THURSDAY)

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF TRADING THE HOLINESS OF GOD FOR THE APPLAUSE OF PEOPLE? (LAMENTATIONS 4:12-13)

NEVER TRADE THE HOLINESS OF GOD FOR THE APPLAUSE OF PEOPLE BECAUSE THE HIGH COST OF A LEADER’S FALL IS PAID FOR BY THE PEOPLE THEY WERE CALLED TO PROTECT. BEWARE!

LAMENTATIONS 4:12-13 (NLT)

“NOT A KING IN ALL THE EARTH – NO ONE IN ALL THE WORLD – WOULD HAVE BELIEVED THAT AN ENEMY COULD MARCH THROUGH THE GATES OF JERUSALEM.”

“YET IT HAPPENED BECAUSE OF THE SINS OF HER PROPHETS AND THE SINS OF HER PRIESTS, WHO DEFILED THE CITY BY SHEDDING INNOCENT BLOOD.”

LAMENTATIONS 4:12-13 (ASND)

“HINDI MAKAPANIWALA ANG MGA HARI SA BUONG MUNDO PATI NA KANILANG NASASAKUPAN, NA MAPAPASOK NG MGA KAAWAY ANG PINTUAN NG JERUSALEM.

“PERO NANGYARI ITO DAHIL SA KASALANAN NG MGA PROPETA AT MGA PARI NITO NA PUMATAY NG MGA TAONG WALANG KASALANAN.”

I. THE DANGERS:

3P – PRESUMPTION. POLLUTION. PERSECUTION.

IN LAMENTATIONS 4, JERUSALEM BELIEVED THEIR SPIRITUAL HERITAGE MADE THEM UNBEATABLE, ONLY TO BE DRAGGED DOWN BY THE HIDDEN SINS OF THEIR OWN LEADERSHIP.

1) THE PRESUMPTION OF PROTECTION.

“HINDI MAKAPANIWALA NA MAPAPASOK NG MGA KAAWAY ANG JERUSALEM.”

JERUSALEM HID BEHIND A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY. THEY ASSUME GOD’S PRESENCE GUARANTEED PROTECTION FROM JUDGMENT REGARDLESS OF HOW WICKEDLY THEY LIVED.

JEREMIAH 7:4 – “DON’T BE FOOLED INTO THINKING THAT YOU WILL NEVER BE DESTROYED JUST BECAUSE THE TEMPLE IS HERE.”

AMOS 6:1 – “WHAT SORROW AWAITS YOU WHO LOUNGE IN LUXURY IN JERUSALEM, AND YOU WHO FEEL SECURE IN SAMARIA! YOU ARE THE GREAT LEADERS OF THIS GREAT NATION, AND THE PEOPLE GO TO YOU FOR HELP.”

2) THE POLLUTION OF THE PROPHETS.

“PERO NANGYARI ITO DAHIL SA KASALANAN NG MGA PROPETA.”

THE LEADERS CHOSEN TO REPRESENT GOD’S TRUTH CHOSE TO COMPROMISE INSTEAD. THEY ALLOWED CORRUPT CULTURE TO POISON THEIR CHARACTER, TRADING HOLY SERVICE FOR PERSONAL GAIN, POPULARITY AND MORAL DECAY.

MICAH 3:11 – “YOU LEADERS HAND DOWN DECISIONS FOR BRIBES. YET ALL OF YOU CLAIM TO DEPEND ON THE LORD. YOU SAY, ‘NO HARM CAN COME TO US FOR THE LORD IS HERE AMONG US.’”

ZEPHANIAH 3:4 – “ITS PROPHETS ARE ARROGANT LIARS SEKING THEIR OWN GAIN. ITS PRIESTS DEFILE THE TEMPLE BY DISOBEYING GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS.”

3) THE PERSECUTION OF THE PURE.

“MGA PROPETA AT MGA PARI NITO NA PUMATAY NG MGA TAONG WALANG KASALANAN.”

THEY SILENCED THE RIGHTEOUS, MANIPULATED THE SYSTEM, AND SHED INNOCENT BLOOD TO PROTECT THEIR POWER AND MAINTAIN THEIR PLATFORMS.

JEREMIAH 2:34 – “YOUR CLOTHING IS STAINED WITH THE BLOOD OF THE INNOCENT AND THE POOR.”

MATTHEW 23:37 – “OH JERUSALEM, THE CITY THAT KILLS GOD’S MESSENGERS! HOW OFTEN I HAVE WANTED TO GATHER YOUR CHILDREN TOGETHER AS A HEN PROTECTS HER CHICKS UNDER HER WINGS, BUT YOU WOULDN’T LET ME.”

II. THE APPLICATION:

3G – GUARD. GRIEVE. GROUND.

HEBREWS 12:28-29 – “WE SHOULD WORSHIP GOD IN A WAY THAT PLEASES HIM, WITH RESPECT AND FEAR, BECAUSE OUR GOD IS LIKE A FIRE THAT BURNS THINGS UP.” (NCV)

DO NOT MISTAKE GOD’S PATIENCE FOR HIS PERMISSION.

1) GUARD AGAINST GREED.
MODERN BELIEVERS MUST DELIBERATELY REJECT THE SUBTLE ALLURE OF WEALTH, STATUS, AND UNCHECKED INFLUENCE.

2) GRIEVE OVER GUILT.
RATHER THAN HIDING PERSONAL FAILURES, MODERN BELIEVERS MUST PRACTICE TRANSPARENT, SINCERE REPENTANCE WHEN THEY STUMBLE.

3) GROUND IN GODLINESS.
SPIRITUAL ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIRES DAILY, PRIVATE DEVOTION OVER PUBLIC PERFORMANCE.

A BELIEVER’S ‘PUBLIC PLATFORM’ WILL NEVER PROTECT THEM FROM THE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR ‘PRIVATE REBELLION’ AGAINST GOD.

THERE IS STILL HOPE!

JERUSALEM WAS GIVEN ‘ENOUGH TIME’ TO ‘REPENT’ FROM HER SINS BUT SHE DID NOT, SO SHE EXPERIENCED JUDGMENT!

BUT IF THERE IS GENUINE REPENTANCE, THEN THERE IS RESTORATION! WE CAN BE ASSURED OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS!

DON’T ALLOW SIN. DON’T LIVE IN SIN. DO NOT LET SIN HAVE DOMINION OVER YOU!
_____________________________

RECAP:

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF TRADING THE HOLINESS OF GOD FOR THE APPLAUSE OF PEOPLE? (LAMENTATIONS 4:12-13)

3P – THE PRESUMPTION OF PROTECTION. THE POLLUTION OF THE PROPHETS. THE PERSECUTION OF THE PURE.

3G – GUARD AGAINST GREED. GRIEVE OVER GUILT. GROUND IN GODLINESS.

LAMENTATIONS 4:13 – “IT HAPPENED BECAUSE OF THE SINS OF THE PROPHETS AND PRIESTS, WHO DEFILED THE CITY.”

LAMENTATIONS 3:40 – “WE SHOULD THINK ABOUT THE WAY WE ARE LIVING AND TURN BACK TO THE LORD.” (CEV)

PSALM 73:28 – “AS FOR ME, IT IS GOOD TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD.” (ASAPH) (BSB)

RETURN. REPENT. REDEDICATE YOUR LIFE TO GOD.

PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO FOR MORE DETAILS. GOD IS SO GOOD!

Address

Unit B1 2F Santiaguel Bldg Villa Cristina Avenue Corner Alabang-Zapote Rd Pamplona III
Las Piñas
1742

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