"Mercy? Me?" is a sermon series taught by Ward Fenley over six weeks. It includes I. The Prophecies of Mercy; II. The Personification of Mercy; III. The Prescription of Mercy; and IV. The Practice of Mercy.
Ward Fenley is teaching a series entitled, "Matthew 24: The Olivet Discourse". Join us as we study this popular "end times" passage. Visit us at http://www.newcreationministries.tv
Galatians 6:15-18 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision has any strength, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. (16) And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them and upon the Israel of God. (17) For the rest, let no one give troubles to me, for I bear in my body the brands of the Lord Jesus. (18) Brothers, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
This is the final message in our series through Paul's epistle to the Galatians, quite possibly the most thorough exposition of the book available anywhere.
Pat Robertson's response to the Earthquake in Haiti: The Haitians were under the heel of the French. You know, Napoleon III and whatever... And they got together and swore a pact to the devil. They said, 'We will serve you if you will get us free from the French.' True story. And so, the devil said, 'OK, it's a deal.'"
Pat Robertson declared that the earthquake in Haiti was Gods judgment for sin. In doing so, he has made a distinction between sinners, which is a decidedly anti-Christian philosophy.
This kind of attitude is part of a long history of self-righteousness that finds its roots in the pride and arrogance of man. Consider the similarities of those Pharisees whom Jesus is addressing with Pat Robertson:
Luke 18:9-14 And He spoke this parable to certain ones who trusted in themselves, that they were righteous, and despised others: (10) Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a tax-collector. (11) The Pharisee stood and prayed within himself in this way: God, I thank You that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector. (12) I fast twice on the Sabbath, I give tithes of all that I possess. (13) And standing afar off, the tax-collector would not even lift up his eyes to Heaven, but struck on his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner! (14) I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself shall be abased, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted.
Now, lets put this into our present situations terms:
Luke 18:9-14 And He spoke this parable to certain self-righteous conservative evangelicals who trusted in themselves, that they were righteous, and despised others: (10) Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one, Pat Robertson, and the other a Haitian. (11) Pat Robertson stood and prayed within himself in this way: God, I thank You that I am not as the Haitians are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this Haitian. (12) I have a syndicated show on TBN, I make prophecies, which often fail, and I accepted Jesus into my heart. (13) And standing afar off, the Haitian would not even lift up his eyes to Heaven, but struck on his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner! (14) I tell you, the Haitian went down to his house justified rather than Pat Robertson. For everyone who exalts himself shall be abased, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted.
The United States is no better than Haiti. Both nations need Gods mercy, the cross, and forgiveness. Pat Robertson, like the Pharisees of old, has despised others. Paul said, We are men of like passions as you, to the Lycaonians. The Lycaonians blatantly worshiped false gods. And yet Paul said he was no different. What gives Pat Robertson the right? Or should I say, what gives Pat Robertson the righteousness?
Haiti as well as the United States needs mercy, just like Pat Robertson needs mercy. My hope is that self-righteous U.S. citizens would begin to find mercy and forgiveness at the cross, and that they would abandon the dominating philosophy of TBN, the 700 Club, liberal as well as conservative self-righteousness, and certainly self-righteous evangelicalism. Pat Robertson has done violence to the name of Christ and has no business associating himself or his comments with Jesus Christ. There is no love in his statements. There is no Gospel. There is not declaration of God's glory and grace. Rather, Pat Robertson has simply declared himself, and his own self-righteousness and exalted himself above the Haitians.
Lets pray that as many Haitians as God would call will quickly find spiritual comfort in the cross of Christ and may that comfort guide them through this great tragedy.
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