Study # 10
November 2, 2003
Lincolnton, N.C.
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<021> Thesis:  The two realities associated with grace are hearts that have a new objective and minds that have a new understanding. Introduction:  [Read Luke 1:15-17.] Last week we introduced the issue of John's predicted impact upon many in the nation of Israel. We saw that the prophecy was actually a declaration of the purpose for the proclamation of grace. We argued that grace is not focused, like so many of us, upon the provision of a new destination by reason of a new status. In other words, grace isn't about preaching heaven through forgiveness. This text argues that the thesis, Yahweh is gracious, is designed to address the twin issues of the focus of the heart and the understanding of the mind. According to this text, John would be the one who was instrumental in the turning of many in Israel to the fundamental focus of the heart of God and the fundamental understanding of the mind of God. That raises these questions: what is the fundamental focus of the heart of God?; and, what is the fundamental understanding of the mind of God? According to this text, people were not prepared for the coming of the Lord unless their hearts were turned to their children and their minds were turned to the understanding of the just. If that is so, do we not need to know what it means for God to be so focused upon the children that no one is prepared for Him to come unless they share that focus? And, do we not need to know what it means for God to be so focused upon the precepts of the just that no one is prepared for Him to come who does not grasp those precepts? This morning we are going to ask this question: what is the fundamental focus of the heart of God? No Theophile can make much progress in his friendship with God if he cannot answer this question about the One with Whom he seeks to be a friend!