01/23/2021
We are all sinners; you, me, all of us, but God sent His Son Jesus to cure this disease in us... to overcome the sin that plagues us. Yet you respond to me by saying: “You don’t understand, I have done terrible things, my sins are black as coal, I am unforgivable.” Well my friend, I am glad to hear you say that because it tells me that you realize the tragic power of sin in your life, but trust me when I say that you are not the worst of us, and even if you were, Jesus is greater than the sin in you. Every sinner has echoed your words... even the Apostle Paul.
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.”
1 Timothy 1:15-16 ESV
The apostle Paul did terrible things in his previous life as Saul. He pursued, persecuted, even put to death Christians, and didn’t believe in Christ; yet Jesus came to him on the road to Damascus, and changed his life; He did what He does for each of us sinners... He washed him clean of sin and began showing him who he really was, and what God willed him to do. Listen as a changed Paul speaks of his old self, and What Jesus has done for him...
“I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 1:12-14 ESV
Before we can be saved by Jesus, and used by God, a couple of things must occur, first we must lose sight of who we were, by being blinded to our old sins, and then our sight must be restored in such a way that we see that we have been forgiven, and who we are becoming. This happened in a physical way to Paul, but for most of us it is a spiritual, or emotional transformation. Listen as Saul is blinded, and then again as his eyesight is restored...
“Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.
So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.”
Acts 9:8, 17-19 ESV
Saul did horrible things to those who believed in Christ, and he was in the process of doing more when Jesus knocked him down and blinded him. I told you that we are all sinners, and that is true. Like Saul I was doing some terrible things myself when Jesus redeemed me, but I can tell you now that Jesus has come for you in like fashion. He sees past the sin in you, and uncovers the good. He blinds you to your old sinfulness, and restores your sight as you look towards a new and righteous you. Yes... He even does this for you, no matter your sins.
“He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”
1 John 2:2 ESV
Now you argue once more that your sins are too black, but listen to a short list of sins that Paul recounts, and know that yours are nothing new...
“understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.”
1 Timothy 1:9-11 ESV
Do any of these include the sin you say you can’t be forgiven in your life? Well these are but a few examples, because Jesus took on the sins of the WORLD... even those world class sins of yours. So are you ready to be redeemed, blinded, restored, and transformed into a new person? If so then stop believing the lie that Satan has been telling you, and know that you can be forgiven by believing in Jesus.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
1 Peter 2:24-25 ESV
Prayer:
Father, we thank you for your Son Jesus who you sent to die on a cross; bearing the sins of the world. We thank you for loving us so completely that you would do this for us while we were yet sinners. Today Father we join together in prayer asking that all those currently living in sin will hear your voice, and believe. We pray that they will be blinded to their old selves, and that their eyes will be reopened to a new and righteous existence. Strengthen them Lord and give them the courage to walk evermore with you. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who loves us as you would have us love you; with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. We feel unworthy Father, and yet you wash us clean of sin, and clothe us in the righteousness of Christ. You are merciful towards us, and your gift of grace rests upon us in all its amazing glory. You give us these gifts of mercy, forgiveness, grace, and eternal life, asking only that we believe, and have faith in Jesus. We praise your name Lord for reaching out in redemption to every sinner, and we sing Psalms to you as we watch these lost souls being returned to you. You are our Mighty God, and overcome every sin... even the darkest of them. You hear the sorrow, and desperation, in our prayers, and come to us with salvation. Hear now the prayers of the sinners who are weeping in remorse, and calling out for your rescue. Lift them in Christ from the clutches of their sin, and hear our joy as we shout your praises! Blind every eye to sin, and open it again to righteousness. Let the blood of your Son Jesus Christ cleanse the sin from the most desperate sinner, and give them eternity as your reward for their belief and faith... then join us with them Lord.
Rich Forbes