Saturday, February 18, 2017

Training to Trust – Part 2 – The Turnaround


1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 
Michael continues his message, saying that the secret to forgiveness of sins is not to dwell on the sin, but to turn from sin to the Savior. Jesus taught His disciples that we need to walk in the world as Ambassadors of Heaven and get our feet dirty. Jesus called His disciples to the upper room before He died and washed their feet. This illustrated that He came to wash us from the contamination of this God-rejecting world system. “Though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow.”

It's easy to get caught up into the distractions of this sinful world. God has called each and every one of us to repent ... to do an about face, turning away from the world by turning to Him. God did not call us for the purpose of calling fire down from heaven or to cast out the devil spirits. Jesus said, “I have not come to destroy, but to save.” He did not come to destroy the law of sin and death, but to fulfill the law. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ has made me free from the law of sin and death. Jesus did not call us to protect His reputation. His righteous standard stands on its own. He did not call us to defend the truth. The truth is its own defense. Jesus called us to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 3:15-16 “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

He shows us the imperfections in ourselves and others so that we can know what to pray for. Jesus said, "Bless them that persecute you, bless and curse not."  Jesus' prayer was, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." Jesus has called us unto “Liberty”. Our liberty in Christ is not to be used as an excuse to sin, but rather our liberty is to serve others in love and point to the foot of the Cross, where forgiveness of sin and eternal salvation are found in Jesus Christ alone. Speaking the truth in love will turn an upside down world right-side-up. He didn't call us to condemn unbelievers to hell. The world is already condemned. Jesus came into the world not to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved.

Therefore, stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free and be not entangled with the yoke of sin’s bondage. Following in the footsteps of our Lord as His true disciple is continuing in His Word. Jesus said "if you continue in my word, you shall be my disciplined followers.  And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."

May God richly bless you!
Your brother in Christ, Michael

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