RADICAL RIGHTEOUSNESS: HEART MATTERS IN GOD’S KINGDOM
PSK 083. RADICAL RIGHTEOUSNESS: HEART MATTERS IN GOD’S KINGDOM (Jeremiah 30: 21; Matthew 5:21-37)
Welcome to Wednesday, the *_6th day of APRIL 2025._* This is the first Sunday in April, in THE YEAR OF OUR ULTIMATE TRIUMPH! Receive your *GOOD NEWS* as we continue our ultimate march *_from trials to triumph!_*
*_In this year of Ultimate Triumph, your stolen virtues will be pleasantly restored; your relationships will bloom into deep divine connections; your experience of ‘giving up as fulfilment becomes almost realised’ will end, making you take your possession of lasting success, and your household will experience such gladness that never wanes. The Almighty God has favoured you, annulling your frustration: God will manifest His glory in your life, ministry and family in Jesus’ Name!_*
AMEN! 
https://youtu.be/gsnFVQ8yqS8?si=aCCv46AYw7Vwpyph
Our Hymn: MHB – CLOSE TO THEE.
United Methodist Hymn-Book with Tunes
| Text: | Close To Thee |
| Author: | Frances Jane Crosby, 1820-1915 |
| Tune: | Close To Thee. |
| Year of Publication: | 1874. |
| Inspiration: | Jeremiah 30: 21. |
*Close to Thee*
United MHB 407.
Subjects: *Devotion, Aspiration*
Key: *G*
Meter: *8.7.8.7 D*
*1.*
Thou my everlasting portion
More than friend or life to me
All alone my pilgrim journey
Saviour let me walk with Thee
*Refrain:*
Close to Thee, close to Thee
Close to Thee, close to Thee
All alone my pilgrim journey
Saviour let me walk with Thee
*2.*
Not for easy wordly pleasure
Nor for fame my prayer shall be
Gladly will I toil and suffer
Only let me walk with Thee
*Refrain:*
Close to Thee, close to Thee
Close to Thee, close to Thee
Gladly will I toil and suffer
Only let me walk with Thee
*3.*
Lead me through the veil of shadows
Bear me o’er life’s fitful sea
Then the gate of life eternal
May I enter Lord with Thee
*Refrain:*
Close to Thee, close to Thee
Close to Thee, close to Thee
Then the gate of life eternal
May I enter Lord with Thee
Close to Thee, close to Thee
Close to Thee, close to Thee
*ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND THE HYMN!*
Fanny Crosby, blind at the age of six weeks, was a lifelong Methodist. She began composing hymns at age six. She was born on March 24, 1820.
Fanny was married, March 5, 1858, to Alex Van Alstyne. She died on February 12, 1915.
According to her book, Memories of Eighty Years (1906), Crosby, Toward the close of a day in 1874 was sitting in her room thinking of the nearness of God through Christ as the constant companion of her pilgrim journey, when her heart burst out with the words: “Close to thee”
The desire for an intimate relationship with Jesus is the primary theme of this hymn.
Fanny Crosby often intimately described her relationship to Jesus in her hymns. “Close to Thee” employs a technique common to gospel songs, the repetition of the key theme.
If all three stanzas are sung, one will sing the key phrase, “close to thee,” twelve times. A companion idea, “walk with thee,” is mentioned four times.
In stanza one, the poet seizes upon the metaphor for Christ, “everlasting portion.”
One usually thinks of the word “portion” as a measurement of food, or a part of the day.
Jesus becomes a portion of the singer’s life, a portion that can never be exhausted.
Indeed, the next phrase describes the significance of this *_“portion”: “more than friend of life to me.”_*
The Christian life as a “pilgrim journey” is an extensive metaphor.
For Crosby, there is the award Christian perfection, the state of personal holiness as one seeks to become more Christ-like, has an added meaning.
In stanza two, the author clarifies that walking with Christ is not easy and may require one to “toil and suffer.” When walking with Jesus, one will not partake in “worldly pleasure” or achieve “fame.”
The final stanza extends the journey “through the vale of shadows” and “o’er life’s fitful sea” – images of passing from earthly life through the “gate of life eternal.”
Crosby understood that Christian perfection is achieved in heaven, where one experiences eternal closeness to Christ.
https://youtu.be/gsnFVQ8yqS8?si=aCCv46AYw7Vwpyph
Our *GOOD NEWS –* for this Sunday is titled:
*_“RADICAL RIGHTEOUSNESS: HEART MATTERS IN GOD’S KINGDOM!“_*
Our TEXT is *Jeremiah 30:21*
NKJV.
[21] *_Their nobles shall be from among them, And their governor shall come from their midst; Then I will cause him to draw near, And he shall approach Me; For who is this who pledged his heart to approach Me?’ says the Lord._*
*BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 5:21-37* (NKJV).
Heart Matters In God’s Kingdom.
- *_“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’_*
- *_But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire._*
- *_Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,_*
- *_leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift._*
- *_Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be imprisoned._*
- *_Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny._*
- *_ “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’_*
- *_But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart._*
- *_If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell._*
- *_And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell._*
- *_ “Furthermore, it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a divorce certificate.’_*
- *_But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery._*
- *_“Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’_*
- *_But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne;_*
- *_nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King._*
- *_Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black._*
- *_But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one._*
Our Theme is *” RADICAL RIGHTEOUSNESS: HEART MATTERS IN THE KINGDOM“*
Our TEXT is *Jeremiah 30:21*
NKJV.
[21] *_Their nobles shall be from among them, And their governor shall come from their midst; Then I will cause him to draw near, And he shall approach Me; For who is this who pledged his heart to approach Me?’ says the Lord._*
Our LORD, Jesus Christ, started with prayers. He succeeded in His mission. So shall we, through our unfailing…
*SEVEN-FOLD PRAYER RAID:*
1) *Topic: _Transforming Hearts._*
*Link:* Seeking a deeper, transformative connection with God.
*Anchor Verse: Jeremiah 30:21 –* _Their nobles shall be from among them, And their governor shall come from their midst; Then I will cause him to draw near, And he shall approach Me; For who is this who pledged his heart to approach Me?’ says the Lord._
*Prayer: _Lord, in Jesus Christ’s Name, transform our hearts to reflect Your radical righteousness, guiding us to live authentically with love, mercy, and justice as we prepare for your Kingdom._ *
2) *Topic: _Awakening to Righteousness._*
*Link:* Seeking a heart aligned with God’s ways.
*Anchor Verse: Romans 13:14 –* _“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”_
*Prayer: _Heavenly Father, awaken our hearts to seek Your righteousness daily, empowering us to live in alignment with Your will, in Jesus Christ’s Name._*
3) *Topic: _From Fear to Faith._*
*Link:* Trusting God in uncertain times.
*Anchor Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:7 –* _“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”_
*Prayer: _Lord, strengthen my faith in You, helping me to stand firm in Your truths, especially when uncertainty surrounds me, in Jesus Christ’s Name._*
4) *Topic: _From Indifference to Compassion._*
*Link:* Cultivating a heart of empathy.
*Anchor Verse: Colossians 3:12 –* _“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering.”_
*Prayer: _Father, fill my heart with compassion for those around me, helping me to act justly and love mercy, in Jesus Christ’s Name._*
5) *Topic: _From Division to Unity._*
*Link:* Building a community of believers.
*Anchor Verse: Ephesians 4:3 –* _“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”_
*Prayer: _Lord, help us to promote unity among believers, breaking down barriers and fostering love within our communities, in Jesus Christ’s Name._*
6) *Topic: _From Doubt to Assurance._*
*Link:* Finding confidence in God’s promises.
*Anchor Verse: Hebrews 11:1 –* _“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”_
*Prayer: _Lord, assure me of Your promises, strengthening my belief as I step out in faith, in Jesus Christ’s Name._*
7) *Topic: _From Sorrow to Joy._*
*Link:* Embracing the joy of the Lord.
*Anchor Verse: Nehemiah 8:10 –* _“For the joy of the Lord is your strength.”_
Prayer: Father, fill my heart with Your joy, transforming my sorrow into gladness as I walk in Your presence, in Jesus Christ’s Name.
*“RADICAL RIGHTEOUSNESS: HEART MATTERS IN GOD’S KINGDOM!”*
*_Exhortation._*
Our Theme is: *“RADICAL RIGHTEOUSNESS: HEART MATTERS IN GOD’S KINGDOM!“*
Our TEXT is *Jeremiah 30:21* NKJV.
[21] *_Their nobles shall be from among them, And their governor shall come from their midst; Then I will cause him to draw near, And he shall approach Me; For who is this who pledged his heart to approach Me?’ says the Lord._*
Beloved in Christ, today we gather to explore the profound theme of *_“RADICAL RIGHTEOUSNESS – HEART MATTERS IN GOD’S KINGDOM.”_* As we delve into the heart of this message, we will examine what it means to embody radical righteousness in our daily lives, especially in a world that often seems detached from the values of God’s Kingdom.
Understanding Radical Righteousness*
Radical righteousness goes beyond mere adherence to the law; it reflects a transformation of the heart and a commitment to living out God’s principles in every aspect of our lives. Jeremiah 30:21 reminds us that God desires a personal relationship with us, asking, “For who is this who pledged his heart to approach Me?” This inquiry invites us to reflect on our own commitment to God and His ways.
Jesus calls us to a higher standard, as seen in Matthew 5:20, where He states that our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. This radical righteousness is not about outward appearances or legalistic observance; it is about the condition of our hearts and our genuine desire to align with God’s will.
*The Call to Live Radically Righteous Lives*
Living as radically righteous individuals means embodying qualities that reflect God’s character—love, mercy, justice, and humility. It requires us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). This is especially vital in today’s world, where societal norms often clash with biblical truths. The LORD reaches out to some of us as inspired:
- *To the Atheistic Individual*
- For those who identify as atheists, the concept of righteousness may seem foreign. However, every individual seeks purpose and meaning. As believers, we can demonstrate radical righteousness through our actions, showing compassion and integrity. By living authentically, we can spark curiosity and openness to explore the deeper questions of life.
- *Operators of Firms/Businesses Under Economic Distress*
- Business leaders facing challenges can embody radical righteousness by prioritising ethical practices and treating employees with dignity. In times of economic distress, let your integrity shine. Remember, radical righteousness involves making decisions that reflect God’s principles, even when it may not be the most profitable route. As stated in Jeremiah, true leadership comes from a heart aligned with God’s righteousness.
- *Anguished Believers*
- Many believers may feel disheartened by their circumstances. As radical followers of Christ, we are called to uplift one another, reminding each other of God’s promises. Our radical righteousness is most evident when we support those in need, offering hope and encouragement. In doing so, we reflect the heart of God—a heart that cares for the downtrodden and restores the broken.
- *The World’s Religious Teachers*
- Religious leaders have a crucial role in teaching radical righteousness. Communicating that true discipleship goes beyond rules; it is about cultivating a heart that seeks God wholeheartedly. As teachers, we must challenge our congregations to look beyond mere compliance and to strive for a transformative relationship with Christ.
- *Government of Nations*
- Governments are called to uphold justice and righteousness, reflecting God’s character in their policies. Leaders who embrace radical righteousness will prioritise the welfare of their citizens, promoting peace and equity. We must pray for our leaders, encouraging them to seek divine wisdom as they navigate the complexities of governance. Criticising them to high heavens would not change them as praying for them would!
As we reflect on the theme of *“RADICAL RIGHTEOUSNESS – HEART MATTERS IN GOD’S KINGDOM”*, let us commit ourselves to living in a manner that glorifies God and embodies His principles. In a world that often strays from righteousness, we have the unique opportunity to shine brightly as examples of God’s love, justice, and mercy.
In this season of ultimate triumph, let us not only seek our own righteousness but encourage others to join us on this journey. Together, may we reflect the heart of God and lead others to His everlasting light.
As we conclude, let us remember that radical righteousness is not merely a lofty ideal; it is a practical commitment to living out God’s will in our lives. We are called to be salt and light in this world, demonstrating the transformative power of God’s love and truth.
In this journey, let us draw near to God, pledging our hearts to Him, as we seek to embody His radical righteousness. May our lives reflect His glory, and may we inspire others to pursue a closer walk with Christ.
May we be inspired to pursue radical righteousness daily, ensuring that our actions, words, and hearts align with God’s will. As we engage with the various communities around us—whether in our workplaces, among our families, or in the public sphere—let us carry the light of Christ, demonstrating the transformative power of His grace.
Now, let us enter into a time of prayer, seeking God’s strength and guidance as we commit ourselves to live as radically righteous disciples in a world that so desperately needs His light. Let’s go forth, empowered by the Spirit, living as radically righteous disciples in these end times, making a profound impact on the world around us.
* Let Us Proceed Into Consolidatory Prayers:*
8) *Topic: _From Weakness to Strength._*
*Link:* God empowers the powerless.
*Anchor Verse: Isaiah 40:29 –* _“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.”_
*Prayer: _Almighty God, strengthen me in my weakness and restore my vigour for Your work, in Jesus Christ’s Name._*
9) *Topic: _From Fear to Courage._*
*Link:* God has not given us a spirit of fear.
*Anchor Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 –* _“For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and of a sound mind.”_
*Prayer: _Lord, replace my fears with courageous faith as You restore my confidence, in Jesus Christ’s Name._*
10) *Topic: _From Illness to Health._*
*Link: God is our healer.
*Anchor Verse: Exodus 15:26 –* _“For I am the Lord who heals you.”_
*Prayer: _Jesus, touch my body, increase my lifespan with Your attendant graces, and restore my health entirely in alignment with Your will, in Jesus Christ’s Name._*
11) *Topic: _From Confusion to Clarity._*
*Link:* God brings light into our darkness.
*Anchor Verse: James 1:5 –* _“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach.”_
*Prayer: _Father, illuminate my path with Your wisdom, guiding me into clarity and understanding in Jesus Christ’s Name._*
12) *Topic: _From Defeat to Victory._*
*Link:* God gives us victory through Jesus Christ.
*Anchor Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:57 -* _“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”_
*Prayer: _Lord, grant me victory over every battle I face, restoring my faith in Your power, in Jesus Christ’s Name._*
13) *Topic: _From Lack to Abundance._*
*Link:* God provides for our every need.
*Anchor Verse: Philippians 4:19 –* _“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”_
*Prayer: _Heavenly Father, restore divine abundance into my life, meeting every need according to Your riches, in Jesus Christ’s Name._*
14) *Topic: _From Indifference to Passion._*
*Link:* God ignites our hearts for His mission.
*Anchor Verse: Revelation 3:15-16 –* _“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.”_
*Prayer: _Lord, ignite my passion for Your kingdom and Your purposes, restoring my zeal to serve and enjoy Your flourishing wealth in all ramifications, in Jesus Christ’s Name._*
15) *Topic: _From Hopelessness to Renewal._*
*Link:* God renews our minds and spirits.
*Anchor Verse: Romans 12:2 –* _”And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”_
*Prayer: _Lord, renew my mind and spirit, transforming my outlook so that I may align with Your perfect will, in Jesus Christ’s Name._*
16) *Topic: _From Darkness to Light._*
*Link:* God calls us out of darkness into His light.
*Anchor Verse: 1 Peter 2:9 –* _“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.”_
*Prayer: _Heavenly Father, let Your light shine brightly in my life, dispelling any darkness and enabling me to reflect Your glory, in Jesus Christ’s Name._*
*_I now command every sickness – including emotional, financial or spiritual barrenness – and failure in your life, home, and ministry to be cast into the desolate places, NOW, in Jesus’ Name._*
*_Amen._*
* * *
*_At Christ Jesus’ inspired word, the great help of God will cause you to flourish, annihilating your fears and destroying the traps set for you at these dangerous times, in Jesus’ mighty Name. ONLY BELIEVE!_* 
GLORY BE TO GOD!
*_Alleluia!_*
As God’s Anointed, I humbly prophesy, according to the Word of God, the evil declarations against your life are NOW divinely annulled and defeated, in Jesus’ mighty Name.
*_Every plan of the Kingdom of darkness against your soul has perished – forever, in Jesus’ mighty Name._*
*_As for me and my household – including these prayer partners reading, hearing and praying along – we shall serve the living God in sound health, good wealth and prosperity of our souls, in Jesus’ Name!_*
Love and obedience are the keys to receiving_“THE POWER OF GOD’S RESTORATION!“_*
*_I love you, in Jesus’ Name!_*
*God Bless You!*
*Enter To Worship… Depart To Serve!*
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*Bless Someone Today: It’s Your Happy First Sunday!* I seize this opportunity to bless those notable persons whose birthdays or special anniversaries are today. May you continue to receive power to excel, unmerited favour, love and grace to overcome evil, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
HAVE A GLORIOUS APRIL AND A SUCCESS-FILLED JOURNEY INTO DIVINE FULFILMENT, in Jesus’ Name. 
