Muzzle It!

ZChurch Message for July 1, 2023 Full service Muzzle It!

Pastor Loretta Huggins takes a deep dive into 1 John 3:19-24. At first glance, you might wonder how the title “Muzzle it!” connects to these verses, but you’ll soon discover its powerful symbolism. In this thought-provoking message, Pastor Loretta will explore the concept of silencing the voices of guilt in God’s presence. The weight of guilt and condemnation can keep us from fully experiencing God’s love and grace. Through this message, we can learn how to break free from the shackles of guilt and embrace the freedom and forgiveness that is ours in Christ.

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1 John 3:19-24 KJV 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, (incapable of condemning us in the presence of God) then have we confidence toward God. (your inner accusations are useless, they cannot win an argument against the mercies of God) 22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

1 John 3:19-20 (VOICE) There is a sure way for us to know that we belong to the truth. Even though our inner thoughts may condemn us with storms of guilt and constant reminders of our failures, we can know in our hearts that in His presence God Himself is greater than any accusation. He knows all things.

1 John 3:23-24 KJV And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

John 16:13 KJV Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Romans 8:1-2 WEY There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus; 2 for the Spirit’s Law–telling of Life in Christ Jesus–has set me free from the Law that deals only with sin and death.

Romans 8:1-2 KJV There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Mark 4:35-41 KJV And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. 36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. 37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that is was now full. 38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow; and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. (Gk. phimoo – to close the mouth and put a muzzle on it; to make speechless; to keep in check) And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Romans 8:1 KJV There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.