I hear people say more often than I like, I want to get my life straightened out, get right with God or tired of being sad all the time but I can't seem to stop cussing, drinking, smoking and, and, and... I don't think he'll have me. Like we have to DO something so God will accept us. Well, that is simply not true.
I have been in church most of my life and, for the most part, it worked for me. But lately I've had to backtrack in my faith and do a little investigating. What have I been taught in church that didn't come from God? Stop laughing!! I'm serious here!
I was under the impression that I have to DO something to be a "good Christian"
I could really go on about this for hours but I won't.
Instead, I want to settle this by telling you about "The Other guy on the cross"
There was a guy in the bible that I think most people tend to forget about but he personified the reason Jesus had to do what He did. Jesus was crucified "Between 2 thieves" that day.
That wasn't chance, it happened for a reason.
You remember that the first guy was a jerk as were most of the "passers by".
They attacked His son-ship. "If you are the Christ, The Son of God, then save yourself and us too"
Sound familiar? In Matthew 4, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness "to be tempted by the devil"
after He had fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, He was hungry. The Devil showed up and what was He tempted with first? "Turn these stones into bread so you can eat" is the usual answer but that's incorrect.
"If you are the Son of God" He challenged Jesus son-ship.
Back to the cross. There was a second guy being crucified and he was different.
He didn't mock. "Don't you even fear God? he said to the other thief, we're up here because we're guilty but this one has done nothing wrong"
Jesus, will You remember me when You come into your Kingdom?
Do you remember what it was that Jesus said?
"Well, I would but you smell like cigarettes. Is that cheap perfume I smell, have you been with a prostitute? and you're drunk!!!! You need a haircut and to clean up!!! Of course He didn't!!
Jesus simply said Truly I say to you, this day you will be with me in paradise!
The time for the thief to mend his ways were over. He was dying on a roman cross and could do NOTHING to "earn" his salvation.
Jesus was doing it for him. Tetelestai!!! His debt's paid in full!! Today, that hasn't changed, but we still seem convinced that it isn't real unless we to DO something.
If that were true, then Jesus didn't have to die. But He did.
If you can't stop smoking then SMOKE!!Apply this principal to whatever sin is stopping you. OK if the sin is hurting other people... like violence or selling drugs or...you understand...right?
In your pursuit of Jesus HE will take that off you at the right time.
Pursue Jesus!! No more guilt and the self-deprecation! You are Children of the Living God!!
You call Him Father don't you?
Tetelestai!!
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