"Jesus is a sinner's very best friend." said Pastor Josh. The scribes and the Pharisees asked the question, "Why do you eat with publicans and sinners?" (Luke 5:30) Jesus had just passed a publican named Levi and said to him, "Follow me." Levi promptly got up and followed. Levi is the Hebrew name for Matthew which is Greek. Later Levi threw a party and invited a bunch of his buddies over and Jesus was there. This didn't fit well with the scribes and Pharisees' idea of the Messiah. Jesus went on to tell them that he wasn't here to call the righteous to repentance but the sinners. So, it is true. Jesus is the sinner's very best friend.
We're all sinners. Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Jesus has offered his friendship to everyone. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you...I have called you friends..." (John 15:13-15)
Jesus knows that he has to call us to him. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock..." (Revelation 3:20). The sinners who hear the knock and open the door are the ones who become followers of Jesus. From this point, the sinner's life is transformed and he is called to serve his great friend and Saviour. "If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."(John 14:23)
What does Jesus command us to do? Two things are given in John 15: one, go and bring forth fruit; and, two, love one another. Studying the Bible will help the Christian to follow the words of our Lord and Saviour.
Remember, we're in a race. II Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:" but no one knows where they are in the race. No one knows how long they have to finish it. Because our friend was courageous, we are to be courageous. Summon the courage to stand first for our Saviour. (Joshua 23:6)
Remember where we once were and where we are now. We have much to be thankful for. So be courageous and stand for the Truth. Don't back up from the strength and power of God's Word. (Joshua 23:8) Pastor Josh said that a friend of his told him to preach as though he were a dying man preaching to a dying world.
Our faith cannot compromise with other religions. God will fight for you when you love Him. Be welded (cleave) to God.
We're all sinners. Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Jesus has offered his friendship to everyone. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you...I have called you friends..." (John 15:13-15)
Jesus knows that he has to call us to him. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock..." (Revelation 3:20). The sinners who hear the knock and open the door are the ones who become followers of Jesus. From this point, the sinner's life is transformed and he is called to serve his great friend and Saviour. "If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."(John 14:23)
What does Jesus command us to do? Two things are given in John 15: one, go and bring forth fruit; and, two, love one another. Studying the Bible will help the Christian to follow the words of our Lord and Saviour.
Remember, we're in a race. II Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:" but no one knows where they are in the race. No one knows how long they have to finish it. Because our friend was courageous, we are to be courageous. Summon the courage to stand first for our Saviour. (Joshua 23:6)
Remember where we once were and where we are now. We have much to be thankful for. So be courageous and stand for the Truth. Don't back up from the strength and power of God's Word. (Joshua 23:8) Pastor Josh said that a friend of his told him to preach as though he were a dying man preaching to a dying world.
Our faith cannot compromise with other religions. God will fight for you when you love Him. Be welded (cleave) to God.
