A Monster

I am giving a shout out to Pastor J. J. because of the inspiring message he brought forth yesterday.  He let us know the condition of our lives before God   when we were born, something I have said many times and I will say again, we were born in sin and shaped in iniquity.  He let us know how easily we could verify this, all we have to do is look at some young kids playing together and how selfish and mean they can be to one another.  He not only spoke to us about our position before God but He also spoke of God’s grace and how we need, and can find, His forgiveness.  He had a lot to say and it was a real blessing to me and many responded to the words he spoke.  This kind of message is hard to find spoken today because I guess we think someone might be offended if they hear it.  But it is like I have said many times, “it is not what we want to hear but what we need to hear that is important.”  

Even though we were born in sin and we have a sin nature and we’re basically enemies of God, separated from our heavenly Father, the good news is that God loves us and is willing to forgive us and reconcile us to Himself.  He chose to do this through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Jesus was the perfect sacrifice and He was willing to lay His life down for us, the innocent for the guilty.  He suffered horribly for our sins, being beaten and spit on numerous times.  I think at one time I read that He was spit on so many times that the spit ran down off His garment onto the ground.  When men were whipped in that day there were pieces of metal and glass embedded into the leather straps that would tear out chunks of flesh which would in some cases expose the bones and they would bleed extensively and some may have died before they were crucified.  It was a horrible way to die and it was meant to be that way; this was meant to deter thieves and other undesirables and their rebellious behavior.

But like I said earlier, Jesus was innocent of any guilt or crimes or any kind of sin, He was the sinless sacrifice for the sins of the world.  Jesus let the Romans crucify Him.  It was so hard on Him to hear the people that He came to set free hollering, “Crucify Him, Crucify Him,” and how they wanted a murderer to be set free and not Jesus when He did so many things for them; like loving them, teaching them, feeding them and healing many of them, besides setting many free from demon possession and even forgiving some of their sins.  Oh how He loved them but many wouldn’t receive that love, at one time He said this to them.

Read what it says in Luke 13:31-35, “The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee. And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”

On top of all that just before He died He said, “Father forgive them because they know not what they do.”  But there is also great news, the grave couldn’t hold Him and death had to flee and Jesus rose from the grave just like He said   He would, praise the Lord, and because of what Jesus did we can be reconciled or made right with God.

Please read this good news in John 3:16-18, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”           

God is still saving souls today, so turn from your sins and put your trust in Him and receive the Lord Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  Don’t be in a big hurry; ask Him to fill you with His perfect peace, love and joy.  This is the most important decision you will ever make in your life so don’t rush through it.  This is not something you just do; this is a lifetime experience and a lifetime transformation.  Don’t think you are never going to have any more trials or tribulations, but when they come, and they will, you will have the Lord to help you while you experience them, praise the Lord.  Then find a congregation that believes in the Word of God and teaches it and start growing in your new faith.  Read the Word of God daily for spiritual food, for spiritual growth and start praying and seeking the Lord’s guidance and then thank and praise the Lord for who He is and for what He is and for what He is doing and also for what He is going to do in your life!!

May the good Lord bless you and yours and may you have a super day!!  I hope this has been an encouragement and a blessing for all who read it!!