THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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The pastor was standing at the front door at the end of the service greeting all who came. One man was genuinely smiling as he came to shake the pastor's hand.
He said, "Pastor, that was a great sermon on the ten commandments. In fact, you have inspired me to a decision. For the next ten weeks I'm going to keep one of those commandments until I've worked my way through all ten!"
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Luke 15:2
And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
KJV
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I love the old song, "Christ Receiveth Sinful Men!"
The Pharisees murmured among themselves because Jesus "received" sinners-- made welcome -- treated with kindness. He also ate with them. By this, Jesus showed that He did not despise them, and encouraged their presence with Him.
"This Man," the Creator, Savior, God-in-flesh "receiveth" sinful men! How can we describe such grace, such mercy, such love?! The very One Whom sin offends, comes to be WITH sinners; to take upon Himself their sin; to pay the debt of offense and offer forgiveness in His Name!
What a comforting thought! Jesus "receiveth" sinful men, takes them to Himself and makes them part of His "body!" And may we be reminded that, today, Christ has not changed! He is STILL receiving sinners!
He receives the penitent sinner and, by His entering into their lives, changes their very nature!
He justifies the sinner by His own blood.
He sanctifies the sinner in His Holy Spirit.
He teaches the sinner by His Holy Word.
He preserves the sinner through grace and by faith.
He, one day, will glorify the sinner to eternal perfection and joy!
Praise Him today! For "Christ Receiveth Sinful Men!"
Love ya,
Bruce