Psalms 51* Elder Roger feels unable to preach God’s word without God and the Holy Spirit. + Asks for prayers. + The message comes from a Monday night men’s meeting and has been contemplated for a couple of weeks. + Brother Tommy was expected to preach on it Sunday but didn’t directly address it. * Elder Roger is focusing on Psalms 51, emphasizing that the interpretation is personal and divinely inspired.

Have Mercy Upon Me, O God* Elder Roger believes asking for God’s mercy should be a daily practice. + Acknowledges personal shortcomings and the need for divine mercy, regardless of perceived goodness. + This sentiment should be shared by all born-again Christians. * Asks God to reveal shortcomings and iniquities. * Expresses gratitude to the Lord. * Churches today don’t want people to think badly about them.

Wash Me Thoroughly From My Iniquities* Recalls own baptism shortly after being saved. + Baptism is not essential for salvation but is a desired act of cleansing before God. + Believes in full immersion baptism, symbolizing complete cleansing under the blood of Jesus Christ. * Acknowledges personal sinfulness post-baptism. + Only Jesus was without sin. + Emphasizes the availability of forgiveness through God. * Cleansing is internal, transforming the soul. + God replaces the “old stony heart” with a pure one. + Internal change is more important than outward appearances or religious displays. + Example: One can dress well and attend church regularly, but the internal state matters most. * Asks for daily cleansing to avoid carrying “filthy stuff” in the heart. + One should strive to be as clean as on the day of salvation. + Allowing God to cleanse enables one to walk with Christ and have Jesus in their heart.

Restore Unto Me My Joy* Christians should exhibit joy due to their salvation and eternal life with God. + Contrasts this with the sad demeanor sometimes seen in those claiming to be born again. * Being washed in the blood of Jesus Christ is something to be proud of. * Encourages those who have lost their joy to ask God to restore it. + God is just and righteous to do so. * Elder Roger values the joy of salvation more than any amount of money. * Finds joy and comfort in knowing that heaven awaits. * Something changed internally upon salvation. * The comforter didn’t leave us. * If lost, one should be worried. * Jesus loves everyone and they need to come to him to ask him to save them.

Renew a Right Spirit Within Me* Expresses concern that some churchgoers, even in sister churches, may not truly understand the Spirit of God. + Fear that the true Spirit of God would scare them. * God speaks to everyone, not just preachers. + Encourages taking time for one-on-one connection with God. + Examples: Go to the basement, swing outside, walk. + Listen to what God and the Holy Spirit have to say. * Laments the decline in people’s willingness to listen to God. * Recalls stories of past revivals with large crowds inside and outside the church. + Salvation of people is not old-fashioned. + Attributes such revivals to the Holy Spirit working through the prayers of church members. * Questions when the last time a lost person was seen in the church. + If lost people come through the doors of the church, God will do the rest. * Emphasizes the importance of attracting lost people to the church. + God can save people anywhere, but the church is a good place to experience love. + The church should show love to lost individuals who may walk through the doors. + Otherwise, they might turn around and walk back out.

Invitation* Believes an invitation should be given every time the church doors are open. * Offers to pray with anyone in need, while acknowledging personal limitations in helping others. * Refers to Psalm 23.