Sermon Part 4: “Godly Sorrow Is The Place of Spiritual Connection With God!”
Saints, when sin is committed don’t put your head down in despair, turn to Jesus Christ with Godly Sorrow. When Jesus said "Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden" (Matt.11:28), he was speaking to sinners, specifically those burdened by the heavy yoke of religious legalism, the guilt of sin, and the exhaustion of trying to earn righteousness.
Jesus’ invitation offers spiritual rest and freedom from the crushing load of sin and impossible rule-keeping in one’s own strength. “Godly Sorrow” is the place of “Spiritual Connection” God longs to have with every person who would believe on His only begotten son Jesus Christ to set us free indeed, and bless us according to Abrahamic Covenant.
Happy Sunday Saints!
Well last Sunday was my 70th Birthday, and I give God all the glory, honor, and praise! God is my life and length of my days. The Lord has graciously blessed me with a multi-generational legacy of Holiness, uniting my ancestors and descendants. Bound by a shared “Spiritual Connection” born out of “Godly Sorrow,” our Faith will endure until Jesus Christ Returns to Rapture His Church.
This is the next to the last Sermon of the Series, and the Letter of the Lord is very large, so I will preach from it over the next two weeks. Over this week and next, we are exploring the spiritual legacy of the ancient patriarchs (Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Joshua). We will look closely at their examples of Godly Sorrow, the protection God afforded them, and the blessings poured out on their posterity—and on us, as those who love God today. In doing so, our lives can become a powerful testimony, showing our Nation and the world that there is ultimate fulfillment in whole-hearted loving and serving God, and to call the lost to come to Christ through True Repentance. So let’s get started.
True Repentance is a turning away from sin toward God. As the Holy Ghost transforms us, God in Christ Jesus seals us with blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant, including priesthood, protection, prosperity, posterity, and a promised land. (Gen.12:1-3, 13:1-2, 24:1 & Gal.3:6-9) At Acts 3:19-20, 25-26, the Apostle Peter preached to the crowd of Jews after the healing of the lame man at the Gate called Beautiful saying:
19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.
To the Body of Christ I say, the only thing standing in our way of receiving and experiencing all of the bountiful spiritual and natural blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant is “unrepentant sin.” With Jesus Christ we have been made heirs of the world, but so many live far beneath their privilege because they lack True Repentance. (Rom.4:23) In fact, many are sick and afflicted, financially broke and suffering great lack because of iniquity abounding in their lives, though they claim belief in Jesus and His finished works on the cross. But Saints, the cross of Christ and shedding of His precious and sinless blood was given to us to make us “rich” (abundantly supplied in all good things). (Gal.3:13-14 & II Cor.8:9)
Saints, True Repentance isn't just confessing belief in Jesus Christ, or saying “Lord I’m sorry for sinning please forgive me for my sins”—it is a complete change of heart produced by “Godly Sorrow.” Without Godly Sorrow in acknowledging our sins, we are merely experiencing “Worldly Sorrow,” (worldly remorse), and remain trapped in our sins, and are in desperate need of Jesus Christ to save our souls from destruction.
I am deeply concerned that many who profess to be Christians may never have sincerely “Repented” of their sins, and may still be trapped in what II Corinthians 7:10 calls “Worldly Sorrow”—grieving the consequences of sin rather than the sin itself before a Holy God. Christ Jesus may not be abiding in their hearts and they may still be puppets of the enemy Satan; harassed, oppressed, and even some possessed by demon spirits. And God, who is long-suffering is waiting for His People to come and meet Him at the sacred place of Godly Sorrow.
Even more concerning is the trend of those who once seemed to have experienced true remorse, but have since returned to their old wicked ways, taking God's Grace for granted and turning it into a license to practice sin. The Apostle Paul wrote at Romans 6:1-2, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Furthermore, Jesus Christ explained at Matthew 12:43-45 that if an unclean spirit leaves a person, but the person remains empty without God’s Spirit filling and inhabiting, the spirit returns with seven more wicked spirits, making the final state worse.
When we see professed believers seemingly comfortable with practicing division, racism, sexual-immorality, abandoning the Assembly of God with their children, withholding tithes and offerings from God, and neglecting to share the Gospel with the lost and working miracles; it forces a difficult question of whether many are truly saved and on their way to Heaven as supposed. A lifestyle that willfully persists in sin without remorse and change, calls into question the sincerity of one’s confession of Faith. (1 John 3:9-10) Saints write this formula down and never forget it:
GODLY SORROW-- LEADS TO REPENTANCE--SALVATION (The Greek word for Salvation is “Soteria,” a noun that means deliverance, rescue, preservation, safety, and wholeness. It goes beyond a purely spiritual definition to include physical safety, health, wealth and longevity; complete soundness.)
Saints understand True Repentance isn’t about instant performance-perfection, but a genuine change in direction toward Christ. Each of us must examine ourselves to determine which direction we are headed; whether our lives have made a “U-Turn” towards God, or remain in the dead works of the flesh. Lamentations 3:40 states, “Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.” The Words of Christ recorded at John 14:12 serve as a “spiritual litmus test” to the Body of Christ, the Nation, and every believer on whether our Repentance is genuine. Jesus Christ said to His disciples:
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
Saints, if you cannot truthfully say you are practicing the Works of Christ, or earnestly seeking and striving to do them, then you have not made a U-Turn to God. Moreover, your Repentance is not authentic due to a lack of “Godly Sorrow” for your sins. If our Repentance is True, then as believers and followers of Christ we do, and strive to do, the same “Works” that Jesus did while on earth, and greater works as He is seated on the right hand throne of God the Father. Here is a News Flash for the Body of Christ: God’s Purpose for our Salvation is active Ministry, not passive waiting for the Rapture in Pews with hands folded. (Eph. 4:11-12)
The Holy Scriptures summarize Jesus’ Public Ministry Work on earth by the following: Unconditional Loving, Forgiving, Doing Good, Preaching, Teaching, Healing, Seeking and Saving the lost, and destroying the works of the devil. (Rom.5:8, Luke 23:34, Matt.4:23, 9:35, Luke 19:10, Acts 10:38, I John 3:8) To the Body of Christ and every believer individually, I ask when you examine your “ways,” are you doing the same Works of Christ, or doing your own thing?
Furthermore, we are called, anointed, and expected to do the “greater works” of Christ. Not greater in “Power” than Christ’s Miracles, but greater in “scope,” as Christ’s Work was localized to Galilee. But our greater work is to take the Gospel globally, with miracle manifestations. (Mark16:15-18) Our work is to be greater in spiritual transformation/regeneration of human hearts by the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire as Jesus Promised would occur after the Resurrection, and ignited at Pentecost. (Acts1:4-5 & 2:1-4, 38-39)
Finally, our greater work is “answered prayer” as Christ’s Ambassadors on Earth, together using the Authority in Jesus’ name, we are to render service unto the Lord and do great exploits; making the Lord’s enemies His footstool. (John 14:13-14 & I John 5:14-15, & Heb.10:13) Praise God, Daniel 11:32 states, “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries; but the people who do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”
As the Body of Christ, and every believer individually, we must ask ourselves are we “strong (full of the Holy Ghost and Power) and doing exploits for God?” Are we doing our part to move from confession of Faith in Jesus Christ and water baptism, to the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire? Are we working together to Preach the Gospel globally to expand the Church of Jesus Christ in this highest spiritual experience and life in Christ? (Jude 20)
Even, for all who have been “Baptized in the Holy Ghost,” are we witnessing to other Christians who have not yet received the gift (the Blessing of Abraham); praying and laying hands on them to receive the precious gift God Promised to all who believe on the name of Jesus? (Acts 2:38-39)
Oh, and by the way Saints, an effective way of transference of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is saying to fellow believers: "I know we’ve received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and water baptism, but have you received the fresh infilling of the Holy Ghost since you believed?” The Holy Ghost is a “Gift” meant for all who believe in Jesus, and I’d love to lay hands on you and pray for you to receive this supernatural overflow to empower your witness of Christ.” (Acts 1:8, 19:1-6)
Oh dear Saints, do we all not know of, and take seriously, the Words of Jesus Christ recorded at Luke 13:3, 5, when He said, “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall likewise perish.” Let me shout from the roof top to every person in the world saying: “Without True Repentance there is no Salvation, and without Godly Sorrow there is no Repentance of sin!” True Repentance and Faith are two sides of the same coin; you cannot truly trust in Jesus Christ while continuing to “embrace the sins” He died to forgive. Choosing to live in sin disowns Christ’s Sacrifice.
If as Christians, we have eternal hope of being a part of the Rapture, the Great Catching away of the Church, we must make our election sure, and experience the gift of True Repentance harvested through Godly Sorrow and live a holy life before God. According to the Holy Scriptures, the Rapture will be sudden, an imminent event where Jesus Christ removes genuine believers (The Church) from the Earth before the “Great Tribulation.” (I Thess.5:2 & 4:16-17, & Matt.24:40-42, 21)
Ensuring readiness for the Rapture involves personal, genuine Repentance and Faith in Christ, as the Caching Away of the Church is “exclusively” for those who are spiritually prepared and walking with the Lord. (I Thess.4:16-17) Sadly, there will be many left behind when Jesus cracks the sky, both sinners and those who claimed to know Jesus but never truly Repented to face the Great Tribulation. Even more tragic is the fate of those who professed Faith in Christ and die before the Rapture, but never truly Repented. As they face eternal damnation.
In her Series on the Book of Revelation, Dr. King taught and soon will teach again, the Great Tribulation is an intense three-and-a-half-year portion of a seven-year period of worldwide suffering, disasters, and divine judgment. This seven-year period is frequently associated with the "Seventieth Week" of Daniel’s Prophecy. (Dan. 9:24-27)
During the Tribulation Period, those remaining on Earth will experience a Period of exceedingly intense trial and persecution. Though surviving the Tribulation brings extreme trials, Salvation remains accessible. Revelation Chapters 9, 12, &16 tells of the Antichrist and launch of an intensified campaign of persecution and deception on Earth. As well as fallen angels and demons that will act as primary agents of God’s Judgment and Satan’s wrath; mirroring the Pre-Flood Days of Noah, in which we will talk about shortly. They will deceive humanity, inflict unprecedented physical and psychological torment, and ultimately gather the armies of the world for the final battle of Armageddon. While tribulation rages, God is not absent; He is sealing His own, (A Remnant) marking them with his ownership and protection.
Through the Message of Repentance and the Gospel proclaimed in Revelation 11, countless souls will find Salvation—not by escaping trials, but by overcoming them through the blood of the Lamb. (Rev.11:3, 14:6, 7:9, & 12:11) I beg any person hearing or reading this Sermon to realize the sense of urgency for True Repentance, listen to the Spirit of God “Calling” you to Repent with Godly Sorrow for now is the acceptable time, now is the day of Salvation. (II Cor.6:2) Tomorrow, and not even the next hour or minute, is promised to you.
Nevertheless, if you choose to delay, should Jesus Return and you find yourself in the Great Tribulation do not—under any circumstances—take the mark of the beast, no matter the consequences. It is better to face death than to take that mark. (Rev.14:9-11) As stated, there will be Evangelists in the Earth preaching Repentance and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I recommend that you search for a Bible (this is a very good reason why we should never trash or destroy our Bibles), seek out other believers, and refuse to worship or take the mark of the Beast. You can still be saved, but it will be a Time of immense tribulation and suffering. Praise God, Satan and his supernatural entities will ultimately be defeated at the Return of Christ, leading to their confinement and eventual eternal judgment.
Given the vital importance of True Repentance, and that it comes from Godly Sorrow, let’s get an understanding of the difference between Godly Sorrow and Worldly Sorrow. Since every person born into this world is a sinner and in need of Repentance, we must have a clear understanding of Godly Sorrow in order to ensure our Repentance is genuine.
Regarding II Corinthians 7:10, specifically, the Apostle Paul wrote, “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” In this Passage, Paul wants all believers to know the difference between “Godly Sorrow,” and “Worldly Sorrow.” In short, Godly Sorrow focuses on the offense against God; while Worldly Sorrow focuses on the consequences to self.
The latter, Worldly Sorrow, is expressed-grief that focuses on the impact of sin on one’s self. Persons with Worldly Sorrow will express feelings of self-pity, embarrassment, stress over facing the fallout of getting caught, they dread impending correction and/or punishment, or question why negative consequences are happening to them. Because Worldly Sorrow is focused on external consequences rather than the sin itself, feelings of regret and remorse may be expressed, but it does not result in a changed heart and way of living. Instead of offering freedom, Worldly Sorrow leaves the person trapped in their past leading to more sinful actions, repetitive vail petitions of forgiveness for sins, cynicism, false-denials, bitterness, and spiritual decay. In fact, continuing in old sins proves the person never felt Godly Sorrow over them.
Worldly Sorrow for example is like the remorse felt by Cain who slew his twin brother Able. (Gen.4:8)
Cain displayed Worldly Sorrow by focusing on the consequences of his sin—punishment and personal loss—rather than Repentance for the act of murder itself. As Cain had no regard that his brother’s blood cried out to God from the earth. (Gen.4:9) Instead of turning to God in remorse, Cain's reaction was characterized by jealousy, defiance, and fear for his own safety. After killing Abel and receiving God’s judgment, Cain lamented, "My punishment is more than I can bear." (Gen. 4:11-14) He complained about his loss of livelihood and the fear of being killed, showing concern for his personal welfare rather than sorrow for destroying his brother. When asked by God the whereabouts of Abel, Cain lied, saying "I do not know" and retorted with the defiant, “Am I my brother's keeper?" (Gen. 4:9)
Even before the murder, Cain displayed Worldly Sorrow through a "fallen countenance" (downcast face) because his sacrifice was not accepted while Abel's was, showing jealousy rather than a desire to do right and please God. (Gen.4:5) In fear of his punishment for the murder, he complained to God that everyone would kill him and that he would be hidden from God’s Face, focusing entirely on the repercussions he faced as a "restless wanderer.” (Gen.4:14) From start-to-finish, Cain’s view of his sin-actions and consequences were all about the impact on himself, and had no concern for the misery and injuries suffered by God and Able by his actions.
Ignoring the need for True Repentance is modern-day Cain behavior in Christian Circles. When believers neglect to reflect on how their sins impact God and excuse disobedience rather than confess it, they turn away from Grace and toward the dangerous consequences of unrepentant sin. Like Cain, who disregarded the danger of sin and refused to change, many believers ignore the need to Repent and, instead, complain, turn angry, or make excuses when confronted with the consequences. Until we fully embrace how our sins break God’s Heart and Law there is no “Spiritual Connection” we make with God.
Another poignant example of Worldly Sorrow was expressed by Judas Iscariot after betraying Jesus Christ. Saints, recall how Judas attempted to return the 30-pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, confessing “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” (Matt.26:14-16, & 27:1-5)
Failing to find relief, Judas threw the money into the Temple and left and hanged himself. Thus, of Worldly Sorrow we can say that it is nothing more than a “self-imposed prison” that tries to comfort sin with self-pity, only to deliver a sentence of far greater despair. Judas’ grief was Worldly Sorrow because it represented what we call, “Navel-Gazing!” Satan played Judas as a fool, impressing the temptation of immense guilt and condemnation for the sin of greed on his thought-life. Judas was blind to the Light of conviction and reproof that comes from the Spirit of God. And his displaced remorse completely drowned out the Voice of Jesus who called him “Friend” (companion) in the midst of betrayal. (Matt.24:50)
He stared downward only focusing on self-loathing, shame, and the consequences of his actions rather than genuine Repentance leading to reconciliation with God. While Judas felt intense remorse, his despair led to suicide rather than trust in Jesus’ Mercy, causing him to turn inward instead of seeking forgiveness. His regret was about his own guilt and embarrassment rather than honoring God. Unlike the Lord’s disciple Peter, who wept for his multiple denials of Jesus, and returned to the disciples and Christ upon His Resurrection, Judas ran away to the Pharisees, attempting to deal with his sin on his own terms.
Many Christians today make the same dreadful mistake of Judas in expressing remorse over sin; they allow Satan to impress condemnation and guilt for sin, and take their sins and burdens and share them with everybody but God. When we discuss our sins with others to “manage” them rather than bringing them to God, we turn our mistakes into “idols of foolish pride.”
Sadly, many Christian folks chatter about wrong-doing with fellow believers, and even sinners, looking for sympathy and support to soothe a guilty conscious. Oh Saints, you all know what I’m talking about; many will confide in others of “secret sins,” of how they hate/dislike someone and plot evil against them, cheat on their taxes, abort a child or have a child out of wedlock, or otherwise how they engage in illicit sexual activities, use illicit and illegal substances, and so forth. Talking about our struggles with others in “faithless conversations,” instead of Repenting before God creates a toxic substitute. This transforms a private battle into a public evil, only causing sin to multiply.
Lastly, about Judas, we recollect his infamous “Kiss” of Jesus and attempted manipulation, which resembles a move-of-foot today in some Christian Circles. (Matt.26:47-50)
A "Judas Kiss" uses the “illusion of love and intimacy” with Christ to hide spiritual rebellion and decay. Instead of having Jesus’ back, he stabbed Him in the back! Just as Judas tried to force Jesus into a violent political revolution, modern believers often try to manipulate God into serving their own nationalistic or man-made religious agendas. When we prioritize religious optics over internal transformation, we reject Christ's all-inclusive Kingdom to oppress those who disagree with us. Deceived in the manner of Judas, they sow the seeds of their own destruction. They demand the Nation bow to their religious decrees using the name of God and Jesus Christ under threat of tyranny (oppression or domination) and abandonment. Such actions are not of God, they grieve the Holy Ghost, and demand True Repentance through Godly Sorrow.
Today, it is even a sad irony to see some Christian denominations, even the largest in the United States, use God’s name to attempt to expel congregations led by women, when Jesus consistently welcomed women into His Ministry. These planned and executed expulsions seem designed to protect Human traditions rather than honoring the Calling of the Good Shepherd, who calls all his sheep regardless of gender into one flock. (John 10:16) These denominations bow before Christ the Head, while bruising Christ the Body. Oh that the Holy Ghost would provoke them to Godly Sorrow and True Repentance.
We must understand as human beings (without Christ’s transformation), we are not sinners because we sin; we sin because we are sinners. That sinful nature is the disease in our spiritual DNA from birth. (Ps.51:5) No person is “good” by their own merits; our righteousness is like a filthy rag. For all have sinned, making us “All” in need of a Savior, regardless of how good we seem. (Rom.3:23) Salvation is universal in its offer but singular in its Source: we are all reconciled to God solely by the precious, sinless blood of Jesus.
It matters not if one is male or female, rich or poor, educated or illiterate, a leader or a citizen, or of any ethnic background; at the foot of the Cross, all are equal and in need of the same Grace. Because of Adam’s disobedience, a sinful nature is passed down to everyone, making us born into this world separated from God, subject to satanic attack until we receive Salvation through Jesus Christ. Only Jesus’ sinless shed blood at Calvary can wash and cleanse us from our sins. (Eph.1:7, I John 1:7, & Rev.1:5) Our transgressions are always laid bare before God; therefore, true resolution and cleansing can only be found in Him. (Ps.51:4)
In Christian Circles, too often we have presented Salvation solely as the acceptance of a gift, separating it from the necessary, life-altering “Call” to True Repentance. True Faith is not just believing in Jesus’ Atonement; it is a heart-level turning from sin toward Him, fueled by Godly Sorrow. While we rightly emphasize Grace, our teaching is grossly “incomplete” if we do not also emphasize that saving Faith and Repentance are “Inseparable.”
We have largely forgotten that genuine contrition and a “broken and contrite heart” are essential to truly grasping the Mercy of the Cross. King David wrote at Psalm 51:17 (ESV), "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." (ESV) We need to ask ourselves: Are our hearts truly broken and contrite before God over sin committed against Him, both when we heard the Gospel and came to Christ to receive Salvation, and afterwards?
You know Saints the famous singer Dion Warrick sung the song entitled, “What the World Needs Now.” The lyrics go on to say: “What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It’s the only thing that there just too little of.” I love that song, but I disagree. The world doesn't just need more love; it desperately needs “Sweet Godly Sorrow” (2 Cor. 7:10)—a heartfelt Repentance for our sins against God, which is the missing foundation of a Spiritual Connection and dawning of True Relationship with God Almighty!
Now, let’s focus the balance of our time on Godly Sorrow. For Godly Sorrow brings to us a “World of Supernatural Good beyond human intellect, reasoning, and imagination!” We should not attempt to define Godly Sorrow without first understanding what grieves God, The Self-Existent One; The Holy God. In fact, since its God’s Sorrow, and we are to share in it, then our focus must be on what brings “Sorrow” to God’s Heart. Praise God! God is “Love” and Jesus Christ Commands all who follow Him to love our Heavenly Father God with all of our heart, mind, and soul, and strength. (I John 4:8 & Matt.22:37) If we truly love God, then what breaks God’s Heart must also break our hearts!
To the Body of Christ and the Saints gathered in this Assembly, you are to know what grieves God at Heart: It is “Sin.” Sin simply can be defined as a violation of God's Law, rebellion against God, or falling short of His Perfection. (I John 3:4 & Rom 3:23)
Further, Sin is an offence to God’s Holiness as it contradicts the Holy Nature of God. (I John 3:5) Sin disrupts the intimate relationship God desires with Humanity. (Is 59:2) Sin is a rejection of God’s Authority and beneficial Commands, which are designed for Humanity’s protection, prosperity, and posterity. (I John 3:5) Sin has harmful consequences: God, as a loving Father, feels pain when His Children choose paths that lead to sorrow, destruction, and death. (Rom.6:23) For only God has ordered our steps in this world, knows the Way we should go, and has the Plans to prosper and give to us hope and a future. (Ps.37:23, Jer.10:23 & 29:11)
Finally, Humanity stands as the pinnacle of God's Creation. Made in the image and likeness of the Triune God, we are crowned with glory and honor, set just below God Almighty. (Gen. 1:26-27; Ps. 8:4-6) Because of this highly anointed and elevated status, God “Calls” us to see and treat sin as “inferior” to who we are, refusing to give it any place in our lives. Saints, is this how you view sin, as inferior to you? Do you refuse to give sin any place in your life?
Sin originated with the rebellion of Lucifer turned Satan in the “Before Times,” during the first creation of the earth (Is.14:12-14), and working through the Serpent in the recreated earth in the Garden of Eden, Satan successfully tempted the first couple Adam and Eve to trespass against God and plunged all of Humanity into sin. (Gen.3:1-7 & Rom.5:12) As such, Satan is the enemy of God as he tempts angels and humans to use their free will to rebel against God and His Holy Word. Because God is Holy and Love, He does not hate Satan but intensely hates evil. Since Satan is the source and embodiment of all wickedness and deceit, God’s Perfect Justice requires intense disapproval of Satan’s actions and character and ultimate eternal judgment.
Saints, renew your minds with the following Scriptures regarding God’s profound hatred for sin/evil. And, know that Satan is your enemy, and by the Spirit of God dwelling in you, become a deep-hater of sin too!
Proverbs 6:16-19 (CSB):
The LORD hates six things; in fact, seven are detestable to him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.
Psalm 5:4 (ESV):
For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you.
Ezekiel 33:11 (KJ)
Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Habakkuk 1:13 (NIV):
Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong.
1 John 3:4 (ESV):
Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.
Every Christian must also know that in the Holy Bible “Idolatry” is portrayed as one of the most serious sins and a primary target of God's Condemnation. Idolatry is considered the "fountainhead" of all sin; the foundational error from which other sins stem, because it involves the personal choice and decision to replace God with created things. It is fundamentally a "misdirected love," where humans serve, trust, or prioritize something else (graven images, money, success, family, or self) above God and His Word. Ye, Isaiah 45:5-6 says, “I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no god."
Now Saints watch this. Genesis 6 contains the Holy Bible's first mention of “Repentance,” offering a powerful picture of Godly Sorrow that many Christians overlook. It may come as a surprise, but in the Biblical Narrative, during the days of Noah, God “The Self Existent One” is first described as “Repenting” long before directly Commanded of Humans. Genesis 6:1-9 records the sorrowful event this way:
And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,
2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.
5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.
8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
In Genesis 6:6 it states God “Repented” that He made man on the Earth. Since the fall of Adam, Humanity had become “totally” corrupt. The word repent here in the Hebrew is “nacham” (sorry) signifying God's deep pain and heartache over Human sin as He looked upon the fallen-Human-condition. Genesis 6:5 states:
The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.
God’s Repentance was in no way a literal change of mind or mistake by God in creation. God is immutable (unchanging) and inherently Holy, He cannot lie or break His Covenant Promises, as Human beings do. (Num. 23:19, I Sam.15:29 & Ps.110:4) His Gifts and Callings are irrevocable. (Rom.11:29) Moreover God told Moses to tell Israel, “Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, who keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations.” (Deut.7:9) Israel was to be assured, and born-again Christians by extension: God, He is God, the Faithful God, He keeps Covenant and mercy towards those who “love Him” and keep His Commandments to a thousand generations!”
God’s Repentance was an “Emotional Response” to Man’s sin, a piercing with profound heartache and deep grief. The pain of a Father watching His children destroy themselves and the beauty of creation. That God’s children were so sullied with sinful hearts and minds He could not reason with them, as every thought and imagination of their hearts only produced an evil desire and work. With the exception of Noah, all flesh had pierced itself through with sin, and Humanity’s sins deeply pierced God’s Heart with Sorrow.
We can say then that not only does God “hate” sin, but it also is a source of deep “Sorrow” for Him because it destroys the people He Loves and separates them from Him. Sin works to decouple Humanity from God’s Love, Mercy, Grace, Forgiveness, and Protection from Satan and evil.
While we cannot fathom the full weight of our sin as God does, He grants us the gift of Godly Sorrow; a tender heart initiated by the Holy Ghost that leads to True Repentance. I say with emphasis Saints, “Godly Sorrow is not a human endeavor, but a Grace-gift from God initiated by the Holy Ghost. Though we cannot fully grasp our own sinfulness, God enables His called people to feel deep Sorrow and to turn to Him and toward obedience.
Praise Almighty God, one of the most profound Passages of Scripture that teaches us how to defeat Satan and his satanic forces is given to us by the Apostle James at 4:8-10, where he instructs believers in Christ to meet God in the place of Godly Sorrow. James wrote:
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
James instructs us to go to God in prayer and be afflicted, mourn, and weep over our sins in the Presence of the Holy God. With broken-heartedness, we are to bow our knees and lift our heads up towards Heaven and acknowledge how our sins have wounded the heart of God, trespassed against His Word, how they are a stench in His nostrils, how they have separated us from His Love and fellowship, how they are a reproach against us, and cry out unto the Lord to receive His Mercy, Grace, and Power to turn away from them. This is how you resist the devil! We hate sin and love Almighty God!
We meet God at the place where we have wounded His Heart and He causes us to see life and all things from His Perspective. He helps us to see that sin is nothing more than a waste of our time! And, God will abundantly pardon, deliver, lift us up, turn us around in the Way we should go, protect, and prosper us according to the Blessing of Abraham, and anoint us to do the same works and greater works of Jesus Christ. You see most Christians never enter into true seasons of being afflicted, mourning, and weeping and wailing before God about God’s hurt over their sins. Thus, True Repentance is never made, and so they continue to live with an “unrepentant heart,” which opens the door to satanic attack and commission of secret sin.
Now Saints, let’s take a deep dive into God’s Repentance at Genesis Chapter 6. This Chapter is not only a story of the whole Earth being full of corruption. It is a description of a “Spiritual Apocalypse;” a supernatural intervention that violated the boundary between Heaven and Earth the likes of which we will not see again until the Great Tribulation. It was a strategic all-out attack orchestrated by Satan and carried out by fallen angels against Creation. And, finally it helps us understand how and why demonic influence, oppression, and possession are in the world today, and even in the Church, impacting the young and old alike.
The Chapter opens describing how the "sons of God" (fallen angels) married "daughters of men" by taking on human, male forms capable of sexual intercourse and reproduction to enter into physical, nonconsensual sexual unions. These unions created the Nephilim (giants, superhuman beings), interpreted as hybrid, monstrous, or mighty beings that were distortions of Humanity. According to Genesis 6:4, these wicked hybrid beings were in the Earth both before Noah’s Flood, and important to remember after the Flood.
According to extra-biblical texts like the non-canonical Book of Enoch, the fallen angels did not merely inhabit a violent era; they actively engineered it by introducing Humanity to weaponry like spears, shields, and blades and lust for war. Furthermore, their hybrid offspring, the giants, cultivated a dark culture of greed and ruthless ambition worldwide. Under this influence, Noah’s generation fell into a chaotic, unchecked bloodlust. Beyond violence, these fallen angels reportedly introduced cosmetics and ornaments—such as eye-paint, dyes, and mirrors—as deceptive arts that altered human appearance, ultimately fueling ungodliness, fornication, and a distorted moral self-image.
Regarding the physical size of the Nephilim, according to the Dake Annotated Bible, some of them had six-fingers on each hand and six-toes on each foot, and carried spears weighing from 10 to 25-pounds. (II Sam.21:16-22 & I Chr. 20:4-8) Dake notes for example, that Goliath whom David slew wore a coat of armor weighing 196-pounds and was about 13-feet tall. Other Commentary notes the Nephilim stood perhaps as tall as 9 to 15-feet. In fact, Deuteronomy 3:11 highlights the immense size of King Og of Bashan, the last of the Rephaim (referred to in the Old Testament as a nation of giants in Canaan), by detailing his iron bedstead measured approximately 13.5-feet long and 6-feet wide. He was believed to have been 10 to 12-feet tall.
Further, the Nephilim were notorious bullies and tyrants known as "men of renown" or "men of terror" whose violence filled the whole Earth. (Gen.6: 4) They were believed to have devoured human beings and eventually started eating each other. These monsters did not just target humans; they committed acts of violence against animals and nature. They enslaved Humanity and forced them into “idol worship”—a dark practice of their own creation that plunged the Earth into absolute wickedness. These forbidden unions tainted the human seed with Nephilim bloodlines, until the global population became utterly depraved.
As the Master-mind, Satan’s goal was to destroy the sacred bond of the Marriage Covenant between man and woman, (Gen.2:23-24) to defile creation made in the image of God after His likeness, (Gen.1:26-27) and pollute the Human race spiritually, morally, and ultimately physically. (Gen.1:28) Most importantly, Satan aimed to cut off the Promised Messiah's lineage that would come through the seed of the woman, destroying God’s Plan of Human Salvation after the fall of Adam. (Gen.3:15)
This would avert his demonic forces doom and make it possible for Satan and his kingdom to keep control of the Earth indefinitely. So, in Genesis 6, Satan dispatched “some” of his fallen angels to marry the daughters of men before the Flood. (Gen.6:4) According to Genesis 6:5, their actions led to a state where "every imagination of the thoughts of [man's] heart was only evil continually," forcing God’s divine-Judgment and purging of the Earth by Flood Waters. The fallen angles had introduced forbidden knowledge such as sorcery, warfare, and bloodshed, which accelerated Humanity’s decent into evil such that all of the people’s hearts were turned to evil, violence, and corruption.
My, my, my! Saints, we must keep in mind that the absolute chaos that sprang forth during Noah’s generation, and in the Earth today, traces directly back to Adam’s transgression in the Garden of Eden. As long as Adam remained sinless and in direct alignment with God, his legal Authority and Dominion acted as a “divine-Protective” barrier over the Earth. (Gen.1:28) This spiritual shield kept demonic forces completely restricted and subdued—including Satan and the fallen angels who had been released from the First Flood during God's Reconstruction of the Earth. (Gen.1:2-3) But the moment that shield was shattered by sin, the floodgates opened, and the boundary between the spiritual and physical realms became entirely porous.
Humanity surrendered the spiritual Authority to look at demonic forces and say, "You cannot enter here!" Without a sinless Human-baseline of Authority to enforce those cosmic boundaries, fallen spiritual entities were left completely free to exploit, manifest, and run rampant among mankind. When Adam sinned he transferred “Legal Authority” over the Earth to Satan. This is why Jesus and the Apostles later refer to Satan as "the prince of this world" (John12:31) and "the god of this world." (II Cor. 4:4) Satan acquired the legal rights to manipulate and govern the Earthly-realm because the rightful human ruler had stepped down.
But praise God, the story doesn't end in defeat! We are not helpless against Satan’s attacks as Humanity was in Noah’s days! While Satan grabbed legal authority over the earth through Adam, Jesus Christ came and completely stripped him of his power! Through the Victory of the Cross and the Resurrection, Christ defeated the enemy and handed that stolen Authority right back to us. (Rev.1:18)
As born-again believers filled with the Holy Ghost and Power, we are secure—Satan cannot touch us! (I John 5:18) In Jesus mighty name, we have been given divine-Legal Power and Authority to bind the enemy and cast out demons and evil spirits. (Theologians posit these roaming, disembodied spirits are those of the dead Nephilim, constantly seeking human hosts to do the works of Satan to steal, kill, and destroy even today.)
Furthermore, we hold Authority over principalities, powers, and the rulers of darkness—the other fallen hosts under Satan's command (Eph. 6:12). Praise God for the final Victory! Satan, along with every fallen devil and demon, will ultimately be cast into the lake of fire for eternity. God will then establish a brand-new Heaven and a new Earth where Righteousness dwells forever! (Scripture references: Matt.16:19, 18:18; Mark16:15-18; Luke10:17; 1 John 5:18; Matt.25:41; Rev.20:10)
Saints, the name of Jesus has absolute Power over all the works of the devil, but it requires a “clean heart.” Without Godly Sorrow and True Repentance, we block the very connection that activates our Spiritual Authority. Because so much of the modern Church lacks this alignment, we find it void of genuine miracles and failing to dismantle the evil running rampant in our world today. We suffer attacks of sickness, disease, premature death, poverty and other sundry curses because our hearts have not yet been purified of inner corruption. Godly Sorrow and True Repentance serves the enemy an immediate eviction notice from our spirits and lives!
Now returning to the days of Noah, as the world strayed from the path, Noah and his family remained the last undefiled descendants of the Adamic line. Perfectly preserved in their generations, they stood firm in the faithful heritage of Seth—Abel’s appointed replacement—and continued to revere and call upon the name of the Lord. (Gen. 4:25-26) By preserving Noah and his family, God intervened to keep the ancestral line of the Savior intact, ensuring that the ultimate Plan of Redemption for the entire world could still be fulfilled. (Gen.3:15)
Praise God! Looking at Luke 3:36-38 which records the genealogy of Jesus Christ, we see how God’s Plan prevailed even in the midst of Human frailty in a fallen world. Though sin by Adam brought forth death, God provided a new beginning through Seth, replacing the righteous Abel with a godly line. Through the ages, God preserved this lineage—including Enoch, Methuselah, and Noah—safeguarding the path to our Savior and demonstrating God’s unwavering “Faithfulness” across generations. (Gen.4:25-26)
Praise God! In the Holy Bible there is a recurring theme throughout, that God always has a “Remnant.” A small, faithful group of people who stay true to God and their spiritual convictions, even when the surrounding culture or the majority around them fall into unfaithfulness, corruption, widespread apostasy, or spiritual decline.
Genesis 6:8-9 records that “…Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” It emphasizes that “…Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and he walked with God.” As noted, Noah (and his sons) had not been morally tainted nor genetically infected by fallen angels, and very key, he “walked with God.” Meaning Noah enjoyed an intimate, continuous relationship with God. He maintained close proximity with God, devoted his life to God, and conversed with God, though the Scriptures do not record him ever directly saying a single word to God, called “Blind Obedience.”
Walking with God highlights a relationship based on friendship and trust in God’s Promises rather than the ways of the world and following a set of strict rules. It signified a steadfast Grace-led-obedience, unwavering moral integrity in a world filled with corruption. Saints, examine Genesis 6:13-19, and see the closeness of Noah’s relationship with God, as God shares the burden of His grief with Noah over the condition of Humanity, inviting him into His divine-Sorrow, His Plans to destroy the Earth and building the Ark, and Covenant He would make with Noah and his family. Notice, when God Commands Noah to "behold," He is opening the spiritual eyes of Noah's heart to truly see, receive, and execute His divine instructions. As God grieved, so grieved Noah in his heart:
13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.
15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.
18 But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee.
19 And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female.
Now, in Genesis 6:3, God declared that His Spirit would not strive (contend) with Human corruption indefinitely. Instead, He established a 120-year window of Judgment before the Flood waters would sweep away all earthly life. The “Countdown” was an extraordinary extension of divine-Mercy, intentionally designed to give Humanity (men, women, and children) “Time” to Repent and turn back to Him. Praise God, time to heed the warning: “To turn around, and not drown!” Wow! Despite wickedness and corruption beyond any seen in the History of the recreated Earth, God still loved and wanted to restore the Generation of Noah to Himself. Great is God’s Faithfulness, no matter how deeply their sins had stained them, God has the Grace and Power to cleanse and make them whole! (Is.1:18)
Because no one can hear the Call of the Gospel without a Messenger, God provided a Voice for His Truth: while building the Ark of salvation, Noah served faithfully as a “Preacher of Righteousness” to a rebellious world (Rom.10:14; 2 Pet. 2:5).
Noah, having Godly Sorrow, did not just give private advice; he publicly proclaimed God's Standards and warned a violent, wicked Generation of an impending judgment and need to Repent. Also, Hebrews 11:7 notes that by preparing the Ark, Noah "condemned the world." His decades-long physical labor to build the Ark acted as a silent, powerful Sermon, demonstrating obedience, foresight, and reverence for God against the backdrop of a lawless Society. The "Righteousness" Noah preached was not self-made. Genesis 6:8 states that Noah found "grace in the eyes of the Lord."
Based on the Biblical Narrative, Noah's humble mindset can be best described as a life of righteous reliance on God. He walked with God, not out of self-righteousness, but by operating in a state of filial fear; knowing of his own self he was a sinner who sinned against God, and his salvation and righteousness were purely the result of God's Grace, not his own perfection. (James 4:6) Divinely knowing of the Mind and Heart of God, Noah’s Message called others to abandon their wicked ways and turn to the same life of Faith and obedience he practiced. Noah had received Grace for his shortcomings and cried-loud and long for others to receive the same.
Noah warned the world, but the people of his day completely ignored him and his construction of the Ark, continuing to go about their lives eating and drinking, marrying, in folly and in wickedness until the Flood arrived. (Matt.24:37-39) Oh, the unimaginable heartbreak of God; 120-years of holding back the rains, watching a world turn from Him, yet pleading with a heart full of Love for “one” more person to see the profound error of their ways and turn back. All while knowing in His “Omniscience” that only a Remnant of eight-souls and selected animals of each kind would ultimately be saved.
Oh Saints as I close for today, see the sheer blessedness of entering and sharing in “Godly Sorrow.” During the countdown of 120-years, while Noah was preaching and preparing the Ark, not a single corrupt person on the Earth, not even Satan, the Fallen Angels, nor the Nephilim could touch the anointed Prophet Noah and his family, as they were divinely-Protected by God! And Saints, this is the central Message of this Sermon God wants you to receive and embrace: “Sharing in Godly Sorrow with True Repentance for national and personal sin brings God’s divine-Protection and Salvation (deliverance, rescue, preservation, safety and wholeness) to you and your family from all evil that is in the world!”
Glory be to God! Psalm 121:7-8 says:
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
I’ve got to stop here Saints, but God is calling each of us to join Him in Godly Sorrow over our sins, and the nations’ sins committed against Him. Come and humbly bow your knees before the Lord, surrender your heart to God, completely surrender all to Him. Lift up your hands and look up to Heaven and be afflicted, mourn, grieve, wail before the Holy God for how our sins have wounded God’s Heart and transgressed His Holy Word, and let the blood of Jesus Christ wash you clean, whiter than snow!
Let the Holy Ghost convict your heart and move you to Repent of all sin and turn away from it, and go in the Way of the Lord. So God’s Covenant Promises to Abraham through faith in Jesus Christ may abundantly come on your life! “Salvation is at hand, Repent, Repent, Repent and come into divine-Protection from all evil” says the Lord God!
Amen for the preaching of God’s Holy Word!
Welcome back Saints, let’s continue with the second-half of the Sermon. If you missed the first Part, request an audio recording and/or go to our Website and review the Sermon there.
In the days of Noah, Genesis 7:21-23 describes the demise of “all life” in the Flood: All creatures and people (men, women, and children) on dry land died during the Flood, except for those with Noah in the Ark (his wife, three sons and their wives). The Text specifies that birds, livestock, wild animals, every human and all whose nostrils was the "breath of life" perished, covering the entire Earth. Yes, including the Nephilim (giants).
As for the fallen angels who abandoned their proper Heavenly dwelling to defile Humanity and violate God's Order, (with the daughters of men) during the Flood they were cast into the abyss of Tartarus (a compartment of hell), delivered in chains to await Final Judgment. (II Pet. 2:4 & Jude 1:6)
Also, while the Great Flood destroyed the physical forms of the Nephilim, which were illicit hybrids, their “immortal spirits” were cursed to haunt the Earth after the Flood. These spirits survived as disembodied, invisible, and malicious entities, acting as demons that afflict Humanity and crave physical possession until the Final Judgment along with Satan and his kingdom of darkness. These demons who roam the Earth operate under Satan’s hierarchy even today to target humans with spiritual harassment and oppression and seek to inhabit unregenerate hearts unshielded by the habitation of God in Christ Jesus and the Kingdom of God.
Recall Saints, Jesus Christ casted out of Mary Magdalene seven-devils and afterwards she served as a key minister in His Ministry along with other women who he had also healed of infirmities and casted out devils. (Luke 8:2) And, on an occasion when Jesus and the disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee and arrived in a region of the Gadarenes (which in ancient-times was filled with giants) He healed a man possessed by a massive legion of demons (thought to be possessed with as many as 6,000 demons, he lived in caves with immense supernatural strength) by sending them into a herd of pigs that subsequently drowned in the lake. Afterwards the once demon possessed man was left clothed, calm and in his right mind, leaving the local people amazed by the transformation. (Luke 8:30-33)
Now back to Noah. After enduring the 40-days deluge and a grueling 377-day Flood, Noah steps into an altered landscaped-world. In Genesis 9:8–17, we see God reveal Himself as the ultimate Promise-Keeper, establishing a sacred Covenant with this new world's Patriarch and every living creature.
God Promises never to destroy the Earth in this way again, setting the “Rainbow” as an enduring sign of this Promise. As He did with Adam, God restarts through Noah; blessing Him and his sons and re-issuing the Mandate to replenish the Earth with a focus on human life being made in His image. (Gen.9:1) Noah lived 950-years and became the heir of Righteousness, which comes by Faith.
However, being defeated by the Flood did not stop Satan from making another attempt to prevent the coming of the Redeemer who would be his final downfall. According to the Dake Bible Commentary, in Satan’s view, it was now to his advantage that God had Covenanted with Noah never to again destroy the Earth by water. Satan, reasoned that he should make a second attempt to do away with the Adamite stock. If he came within eight- souls of doing it before the Flood, his opportunities were even now greater, with the Promise that there would again be no such Flood.
While the Old Testament does not specify the exact timing or generation of the second angelic incursion—fallen angels mating with the daughters of men to produce giants—Scripture clearly attests to their widespread presence in a specific geographic location called the Land of Ancient Canaan, where the seed (Christ born in Bethlehem of Judea, located within the landmass that made up ancient Canaan) would ultimately be born to save the world; this long before the time of Abraham and God’s Promise of the land of Canaan to him.
Ancient Canaan was a vital geopolitical land-bridge connecting Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean, called the “Great Sea.” Bounded by the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, its location made it a bustling, multicultural nexus of the ancient world. Because it sat directly between, and was routinely con
by, overlapping generational “superpowers” (Egyptian, Hittite, Assyrian, and Babylonian) it rarely enjoyed true independence. This ideal crossroads location, paired with abundant agricultural resources and access to vital maritime trade routes, made it a constant target for ancient empires.
About Canaan it had abundant natural resources, described as a “Land flowing with “Milk and Honey,” highly fertile compared to surrounding parched deserts. (Num.13:27) The land supported extensive agriculture, producing valuable monetary crops like olives, grapes, and grains. Canaan provided crucial access to cedar wood, and had areas that contained important early copper mining operations. Umm, Canaan's agricultural success relied on seasonal rainfall rather than large-scale river irrigation. This reliance made the land highly dependent on divine-Provision, contrasting with river-valley civilizations like Egypt.
The inhabitants of the Land of Canaan were “filled” with giants, spawned from the unholy union of fallen angels and human women. There, Satan’s use of his fallen angels once again corrupted the land through idolatry, violence, and sexual immorality, saturating the region's nations with a giant offspring. As we zoom into the map of Canaan, the landscape reveals itself as the stronghold of formidable giant clans.
While the Pre-Flood giants were called Nephilim and covered the entire Earth, Post-Flood giants were often identified in the
the Pentateuch (First 5-Books of the Bible) by tribal names and localized in Canaan; and were along with the superpower nations, all trying to contest God’s Claim on the Promise land: Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaims, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, Jebusites, Hivites, Anakims, Emims, Horims, Avims, Zam-zummins, Caphtorims, and Nephilim. (Ref. Gen.6:4, 14:5-6, 15:19-21; Ex.3:8,17 23:23; Dt.2:10-12, 20-23, 3:11-13, 7:1, 20:17; Josh.12:4-8, 13:3, 15:8, 17:15 &18:6)
Scriptural accounts frequently distinguished the giant clans as “a people great and tall,” occasionally referencing their territory as the “valley of giants” or the “land of the giants.” Saints, recall in the days of Moses and children of Israel, the events of Numbers 13 and 14, when Moses sent twelve spies—including Joshua and Caleb—into Canaan. They returned praising the richness of the land, bringing back fruit so large it required two men to carry it on a pole. However, ten of the spies brought back a faithless, evil report. They terrified the people by speaking of the descendants of Anak—giants of great stature—claiming they devoured their inhabitants. In their terror, they declared, “We were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” (Num.13:32 &14:1).
Now Saints, moving from the days of Noah to Abram. While Noah was tasked with preserving and repopulating the Earth after the Flood, Abraham was called to be the foundational Patriarch of a chosen people. Through Abraham's lineage—passed to Isaac and Jacob—God established both a physical and spiritual homeland, eventually bringing the ultimate blessing of Salvation to the whole world through Jesus Christ's finished work on the cross.
At age 75, Abram, later renamed Abraham by God, in Faith and blind obedience, departed Haran (Ancient Mesopotamia) for Canaan, a massive logistical undertaking traveling about 500 to 600-miles on foot with his family, livestock, and heavy belongings. Though he wandered as a foreigner in Canaan, he was abundantly blessed and prospered by God all of his days. (Gen.13:1-3, 24:1) However, he did not actually own or govern the territory himself. The fulfillment of God's Promise that he and his descendants would permanently possess and inherit the land was realized much later through his offspring.
It is truly awe-inspiring that God chose Abram—a man born directly into the righteous lineages of Seth and Noah—to inherit the land of Canaan. Despite his ancestry, Abram was raised in an “idol-worshipping home.” Yet, in His profound Grace, God pursued him and Called him to leave his past behind, patiently waiting for Abram to finally step out in ultimate obedience. The profound Calling of Abraham was urged by God to leave the idolatry and astrology of his kin in Ur of the Chaldees for the Promised Land of Canaan. Through repeated Calls, Abraham demonstrated obedience by Faith; leaving familiarity to follow God, who Promised to among several things make his name great, bless him, and bring forth the Messiah.
This act of Repentance, removing himself and his household from pagan influence, stands as a testament of Abraham experiencing Godly Sorrow in choosing God over idols, transforming him into a vessel of blessing, as seen in Genesis 11:31-32 and Gen.12:1-5. Once Abraham committed himself to worship God, he never returned to idolatry! Umm, no place is sweeter than Godly Sorrow and Repentance, where we drop our man-made idols for the Unseen God and walk with God by Faith. When God opened Abraham's eyes to the Truth, the Holy Ghost restored him to a life of blessing and glory. In that place of Godly Sorrow, God became his ultimate source of divine-Protection from all evil and source of abundant wealth supply.
Notice Saints in Gen.12:3, God Covenants to “curse” anyone who curses Abram. Meaning God was his “Shield of Protection.” Praise God! Any person who lifted their hand against Abram, God would personally hold accountable. The Faithful God Promised, He would become the enemy of Abram’s enemies for Abraham would become the “Friend of God.” (Is.41:8) In Abraham’s Call was a different Purpose from Noah: to initiate a new, proactive and Everlasting Covenant of Faith. Faith despite Failure, as Abraham is portrayed in Scripture as a flawed, human figure who struggled with fear and doubt—demonstrated by twice lying about his wife, Sarah.
Praise God! Abraham was justified by Faith, as he was not considered righteous due to perfection, but because he believed God's Promises, which were "credited to him as righteousness." (Rom. 4:3) Rather than abandoning us in our failures, God sustains us too! Abraham, our father in Faith, transitioned from his ancestral roots of idolatry to become a true worshipper, marking every step of his journey to Canaan with an altar unto God. (Gen.12:7-8, 13:18, & 22:9) His legacy peaked in his total obedience on Mount Moriah in planned obedient sacrifice of Isaac, showing that God was more precious to him than his own son.
Like Abraham, our journey is a beautiful pattern of learning, repenting through action, and growing in Grace, until we—too—are called “Friends of God.” (James 2:23) This is exactly how God gently pursues and embraces us!
Now, Abraham is historically recognized as the first major Post-Flood figure to confront armies that conquered the "giant-clans" of Canaan. During the War of the Nine Kings (Genesis14), he targeted a Mesopotamian coalition that had just subdued the formidable Rephaim, Zuzim, and Emim—peoples renowned for their giant stature. The Mesopotamian armies, massive in size and strength were more formidable than even the nations with giants!
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
7 And I will establish my covenant between By rescuing Lot (his nephew) and defeating this “superpower” coalition with a vastly inferior force of 318-trained servants from his household, Abraham's story serves as a foundational example of Faith over sight, demonstrating that superior military strength is “no match” for divine intervention arising from a heart aligned with God’s Heart. Yes, the superpower nations were no match for the Supreme God fighting on Abraham’s behalf!
In a miraculous deliverance, Abraham and his small band of men struck the allied kings, who had previously defeated the mighty giants, returning without loss of a single life. He rescued all the captives and recovered every stolen possession. Honoring God's Priest, Melchizedek, Abraham offered him a tenth of the spoils of battle, while ensuring his fellow warriors received their rightful share. (Gen.14:17-24). Praise God! When a person embraces Godly Sorrow, they shift from relying on their own strength to trusting God's Power. This leads to a life-changing Repentance that overcomes any challenge.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the magnificent moment God reaffirmed His Covenant with Abraham—a full 25-years after their relationship began. Despite the agonizing wait, God proved that His Promises are always right on time. Even at 99-years old—long after human logic would suggest a change—God Almighty revealed Himself, established an Everlasting Covenant, and changed his name from Abram (exalted father) to Abraham (father of a multitude), recorded at Genesis 17:1-8:
me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
God Promised to give the “whole” land of Canaan to Abraham and his seed (through Isaac’s lineage who would be born to he and Sarah) as a perpetual possession, and He would be their God. Ancient Canaan corresponds to the modern-day Middle Eastern region encompassing Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, and southwestern Syria.
God chose Canaan for several reasons: Because as noted, its strategic global location as a land bridged between three continents (Africa, Asia, and Europe) and major empires such as Mesopotamia, and its international trade routes passed through this corridor making it the perfect location for God to place His People as a “light to the nations” to fulfill a Covenantal Promise to establish a “Holy Nation to serve as a witness to the world. (Is.42:6 & 49:6)
According to the Biblical Narrative, the native Canaanites had engaged in widespread moral decay, including practices such as ritualistic child sacrifice influenced by the giant culture. (Deut. 18:9-12 & Lev.18: 24-30) God gave the land to the Israelites, partly to act as a physical Judgment on these wicked practices and to prevent the Israelites from adopting them. For example, God speaking through Moses bore His Heart in Deuteronomy 9:4-5, clarifying that Israel was not inheriting the land because of their own righteousness, but rather because of the wickedness of the Canaanite nations and God’s Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Also, in Deuteronomy 7:7-8 through Moses, God explicitly tells Israel why they were chosen, saying:
"The Lord did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors..."
Moreover, in the Law of Moses—specifically within the Ten Commandments—God strictly Commanded Israel to have “no other gods” before Him and forbade the creation of graven images modeled after anything in Heaven or on Earth (Ex. 20:3-4 & Deut. 5:7-8). Revealing His Holy Heart, God declared Himself to be a “Jealous God.” (Ex.20:5, 34:14 & Deut.6:15)
In describing Himself as “Jealous,” God was saying to Israel He is protective, possesses passionate Love, and has exclusive rights over Israel’s devotion. God’s warning to Israel against idolatry was a call to Godly Sorrow. To treat idolatry as “inferior” to who they were, refusing to give it any place in their lives.
Having witnessed the God of their forefathers rescue Israel from 400-years of Egyptian bondage with an unmatched, mighty hand, they were called to deeply grieve how they had previously fallen short through idol worship. This divine Command was a perpetual decree to reject “false gods” and worship Him alone for generations to come. As such, God Commanded Israelite parents to teach their children to love Him with the entirety of their beings. (Deut.4:9, 6:4-7, & 11:18-19) This total devotion would not only strengthen their relationship with God, but also ensure they experienced Godly Sorrow if ever they disobeyed the Mosaic Law. (Deut. 6:13–15 & 7:5)
God's Covenant Love and Choice of Israel as the rightful possessors of Canaan traces directly back to Haran—where Abraham’s Repentant and obedient heart fostered by Godly Sorrow for his sins of “idolatry” answered the Call of Faith. By turning from the false gods of Haran to seek the Promised blessings of Canaan, Abraham established a timeless pattern. His journey of Godly Sorrow and radical Faith proved that Israel's perpetual protection, prosperity, and posterity would always be realized through the very same path of obedience. Abraham lived to be 175-years old and God blessed him in all things; yes he lived a long satisfied life with wealth and riches untold!
Throughout the Biblical Narrative—from Abraham (noted above) to the reigns of Moses, Joshua, David, and Jonathan (nephew of David)—God’s People triumphed over impossible giants and mighty nations by relying entirely on Faith. When Israel obeyed the Lord, they possessed enemy territories in Canaan through miraculous victories. Yet, whenever Israel succumbed to fear, unbelief, or idolatry, they suffered devastating setbacks from giant nations. This happened because they cut themselves off from Godly Sorrow that leads to True Restoration. For example, as mentioned earlier, when Israel first reached the edge of the Promised Land, they encountered literal giant nations (the descendants of Anak).
Instead of relying on God, they succumbed to fear and unbelief. Instead of having Godly Sorrow for their lack of Faith, they grumbled and wept worldly tears of self-pity and rebellion.
The ten spies brought back a terrifying report of fortified cities and giants, which caused the entire congregation of Israel to panic, mutiny against Moses, and attempt to appoint a new leader to take them back to Egypt. Because of their unbelief, God sentenced that entire generation to wander and die in the wilderness over a span of 40-years. When they tried to fight the local nations out of regret rather than True Repentance, they were utterly defeated. (Num.13 &14)
On the other hand, the Israelites’ major military victories over nations with giants (the Rephaim, Anakim, and Emim tribes) took place in two primary stages: the Transjordan conquest (led by Moses) and the Canaanite conquest (led by Joshua), with final battles against giant descendants concluding under King David and Jonathan where the last of the giants were destroyed. The Israelites’ major military victories over nations with giants from Moses through the days of Joshua and Jonathan were as follows:
Transjordan (East of the Jordan River)
The initial victories were against Amorite kingdoms that had previously displaced older tribes of giants.
Battle of Jahaz: Israel defeated King Sihon of the Amorites after he refused them passage through his territory. (Num.21:21-35)
Battle of Edrei: Israel defeated King Og of Bashan, famously known as the last of the Rephaim giants, as mentioned last week, whose massive bedstead was said to be nine cubits long. (Num. 21:33-35 & Deut.3:1-11)
The Central Campaign (Canaan)
After crossing the Jordan River, the Israelites engaged in a series of lightning-fast strikes to establish a foothold.
The Fall of Jericho: A miraculous initial victory inside the Promised Land. (Jos.5:13 through 6:27)
The Battles of Ai: After an initial defeat due to internal transgression, Israel successfully destroyed Ai and Bethel. (Jos. 7 & 8)
Treaty of Gibeon & the Southern Campaign: The Gibeonites made peace with Israel, provoking an attack from five Amorite kings. Joshua defended Gibeon, during which he famously commanded the sun to stand still, and it obeyed, allowing Israel to complete the conquest before night fall. This campaign yielded victories in cities including Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir. (Jos. 9 & 10)
The Northern Campaign
Battle of Waters of Merom: King Jabin of Hazor formed a massive northern coalition against Israel. Joshua routed them, destroyed Hazor, and subsequently cleared the Anakim giants out of the hill country. (Jos.11:1-11)
Later Victories over the Giants of Gath (Era of David)
Although Joshua successfully drove many giants out of the hill country, pockets of them (the Anakim) remained in Philistine cities like Gath. (Jos.11:21-22)
David vs. Goliath: David famously killed the Philistine champion Goliath with a sling and one smooth stone and decapitated him. (I Sam.17:48-51)
Subsequent Battles: During later skirmishes, David’s warriors (including Sibbecai, Elhanan, and Jonathan) killed four remaining Philistine giants who were descendants of Rapha of Gath. (2 Sam.21:15-22)
The Scriptures state that after Joshua conquered the giant nations (such as the Anakim) and the other kingdoms of Canaan, the land had “rest from war” and he distributed the land for an inheritance according to their tribes. (Jos.11:23) Furthermore, Joshua 21:43-45 reminds us that God gave Israel the entire land of Canaan, exactly as He swore to their ancestors. They took full possession of it and settled down. God granted Israel “Peace” on every side, and not a single enemy could stand against them because the Lord handed over all their adversaries. Every single good Promise God made to the house of Israel came completely to pass. Truly, Godly Sorrow brought forth complete Restoration to Israel.
However, Israel did not ultimately take full possession of all of Canaan as God intended during the period of Joshua and the Judges. While they successfully broke the unified military power of the Canaanite nations, they failed to completely clear- out the indigenous populations or occupy the full territory Promised to them.
The conquest remained unfinished due to a combination of military setbacks and deliberate compromises made by the individual tribes of Israel regarding their allotted lands. According to Judges 2:1–3, this incomplete possession was classified as willful disobedience. Because Israel made peace treaties with the local populations instead of destroying their altars (V. 2), God declared that He would stop removing the remaining nations. (V. 3, 21) As a result, they became a continuous military and spiritual “snare” (V. 3) that led Israel into generations of idolatry. (V.11–13)
In closing-out this Sermon Saints, I shared how the Patriarchs, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Israel walked with God. They felt deep grief for the sins of their time. They turned back to God with True Repentance: God protected Noah and the Ark, no human nor spiritual force of darkness could touch him! God in the same way guided Abraham as an anointed pilgrim passing through Egypt to Canaan from mighty super-power nations. God led Moses and Joshua to take their Promised Land of milk and honey with numerous supernatural victories over enemies far greater than themselves. Their testimonies leave to us a rich legacy of how to walk with God: That is, Godly Sorrow and True Repentance brings forth Divine-Salvation.
But Saints we have an even greater Promise through Jesus Christ than the Old Testament Saints. Jesus finished His work on the cross. His Resurrection defeated Satan and broke his power, all of his authority over the Earth. We don’t need to fear the devil, nor demon spirits that roam the Earth today. The Holy Bible tells us to resist the devil and he will flee from us. (James 4:7) Nothing Satan hates more than for a Christian who has committed sin to earnestly draw near to God with a sincere heart and Godly Sorrow which brings forth True Repentance. And, he is powerless to stop our advance against his damned kingdom as we decree and declare the Word of God.
As joint heirs with Christ, we hold Authority and Dominion over the Earth. We have the Power to put darkness under our feet and Jesus is waiting for us to do it! (Heb.10:13) With pure hearts free from idols, we can do the works of Jesus, and greater works. So today we make the clarion Call to Repentance and Revival. Come boldly to the throne of Grace with a broken heart towards God. Grieve over personal, family, neighborhood, and national sins against God. The Holy Ghost will revive us and lift us up! He gives us the Power to resist temptation and pray for our Nation. Satan fears believers who guard their thoughts. When we fall, we run back to God with sorrowful hearts and change our ways by the help of the Holy Ghost.
I encourage everyone in this digital House of God to kneel before God. Confess your sins with a heart full of love for God to enter into Godly Sorrow with the Lord over sins committed against Him. Talk to God in the secret place of your soul. Acknowledge that you need the Savior’s blood shed to cleanse you from sins, and the Lord to rule over your life. Let God plant your feet in His Word. Receive the Salvation (protection, health, prosperity, and posterity) Promised before the foundation of the world.
Now Saints stand in the Holy and all Powerful place of Godly Sorrow and True Repentance today and forevermore. Command the enemy to leave your life and your family. With the Power of the Holy Ghost clear him out of your home, neighborhood, Church. Speak to plagues of the enemy and declare they will not come nigh your dwelling. Relieve the suffering of demon harassed, oppressed, and possessed people with the Authority which is given in the name of Jesus Christ. Walk in your True Kingdom Authority all the days of your life, and with gladness of heart enjoy the blessedness of your Salvation through Jesus Christ. Amen for the preaching of the Word of the Living God.
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