When a great crushing comes upon our lives, what is our response to that great pain, whether it be the death of a loved one as it was for Pastor Ray, a major health concern, or some other crushing circumstance? God's heart is to allow this crushing to allow the flowing out to others in self-sacrificing love.
Today Pastor Ray asks the question as to whether you are saved or not? Have you been crucified with Christ? Is Jesus totally in charge of your life as demonstrated by your behavior?
The walk with Jesus is NOT about self-improvement or trying harder, it's simply is being crucified with Jesus and fully given to Him, where everything in our lives is under the Lordship of Jesus.
The reality of the modern church is that Ichabod has been written over much of the church and yet most of unaware that the Holy Spirit has withdrawn and their lampstand has been removed.
Much of the modern western church simply believe in Gnosticism and believe that they can be saved in the midst of sin and that the blood of Jesus does not have the power to transform and change them.
Through the blood of Jesus, we must overcome the human heart's tendency toward fatalism, which results in a moral morass, where where not only may give up but also where self reigns supreme.
Pastor Ray integrates the story of a dear brother, Charles Simeon (from the "They Knew Their God" series), with Micah 7. This dear brother was hidden away and largely scorned.
Pastor Ray asks the question have you made an acceptable offering before the Lord, where you have divorced your sin and have been crucified with Christ or have you offered a profane offering before the Lord?
Pastor Ray talks about the four key doctrines of Gerhard Tersteegen and many churches in the late 17th century. Make that choice to allow Jesus to go all the way to the bottom in your heart.