THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
<><><><><>
A Baptist pastor was out visiting and ran into a man who said that he would come to church but didn't have any decent clothes to wear. So the pastor went and bought the man a new suit, tie, shirt, and shoes.
Next Sunday, the man didn't come to church. So the pastor went to visit him again, and asked what happened. The man said, "Well, after I got all dressed up in that fine suit, I decided I looked good enough to attend the First Methodist Church downtown!"
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Col 3:8-15
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
KJV
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
When we become saved, we are given NEW CLOTHES. They are holy robes of righteousness earned by the blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Jesus wants us to PUT ON those new clothes and TAKE OFF the old clothes of self, selfishness, and worldliness.
The old man's mind is washed and cleaned in regeneration. And a new mind full of the knowledge of Christ takes its place (verse 10). We should think differently than before, and train ourselves to act differently than before.
The old clothes of instant anger, intentional harm, cursing and swearing should be removed (verses 8 & 9). The new clothes of mercy, kindness, humility, self-discipline and patience should be put on an worn (verses 12 & 13).
There should be a new attitude in our hearts initiated by the entrance of God's Holy love (verse 14). And that attitude should bring a lasting peace in our souls: a peace with God, and a peace towards others (verse 15).
Old clothes are usually comfortable, new ones are a little uncomfortable. The new ones have to be worn for them to become comfortable.
Love ya,
Bruce
mcge3582@bellsouth.net
http://www.linktojesus.org
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2Corinthians 5:17)