More on the Power of the Blood.
Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
'...YOU BELONG HERE...' EPHESIANS 2:19 TM
Ever notice when somebody sins, on falls short in an area that we relate to, we're quick to say I made that mistake myself; and I can understand how that happened, or give thanks that Jesus' blood covers all our sins!
But if that person happens to fail in an area where we're strong, often our first inclination is to feel morally superior, and think deep down that, that was a stupid thing to do, or them the blood's cleansing power. (Especially if that person is not a committed Christian).
Sin affects each of us differently, according to our background and disposition. But regardless of the symptoms it's the same disease, and there's only one remedy; the blood of Jesus. Without that we are all in trouble; black, white, rich, poor, homosexual, heterosexual, drug addict and alcoholic alike. Jesus' blood is the only thing that makes forgiveness and a clean slate possible, regardless of what we've done.
The Bible says that Jesus '...created...a fresh start for everybody.. .through His death.. .Christ came and preached peace to.. .outsiders and... insiders.. .treated us as equals.. Through Him we.. .have equal access to the Father.. .You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone.. .He's using us all - irrespective of how we got here...'(Ephesians 2:15-20 TM).
Ephesians 2:15-20
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Don't for a second think that you have unlimited access to God's mercy and forgiveness, then deny that same access to your brother and sister in Christ! The Bible says,'.. .If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself.' Why? Because, 'You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out' (Galatians 6:1 TM).
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
This ties in with:
Luke 6:29-31 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.
Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
In other words, don't burn the bridge you yourself might need to cross some day. If you're secretly harbouring a condescending attitude about somebody else's failures today, you need to repent and allow the blood of Jesus to cleanse you.
'...YOU BELONG HERE...' EPHESIANS 2:19 TM
Ever notice when somebody sins, on falls short in an area that we relate to, we're quick to say I made that mistake myself; and I can understand how that happened, or give thanks that Jesus' blood covers all our sins!
But if that person happens to fail in an area where we're strong, often our first inclination is to feel morally superior, and think deep down that, that was a stupid thing to do, or them the blood's cleansing power. (Especially if that person is not a committed Christian).
Sin affects each of us differently, according to our background and disposition. But regardless of the symptoms it's the same disease, and there's only one remedy; the blood of Jesus. Without that we are all in trouble; black, white, rich, poor, homosexual, heterosexual, drug addict and alcoholic alike. Jesus' blood is the only thing that makes forgiveness and a clean slate possible, regardless of what we've done.
The Bible says that Jesus '...created...a fresh start for everybody.. .through His death.. .Christ came and preached peace to.. .outsiders and... insiders.. .treated us as equals.. Through Him we.. .have equal access to the Father.. .You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone.. .He's using us all - irrespective of how we got here...'(Ephesians 2:15-20 TM).
Ephesians 2:15-20
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Don't for a second think that you have unlimited access to God's mercy and forgiveness, then deny that same access to your brother and sister in Christ! The Bible says,'.. .If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself.' Why? Because, 'You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out' (Galatians 6:1 TM).
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
This ties in with:
Luke 6:29-31 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.
Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
In other words, don't burn the bridge you yourself might need to cross some day. If you're secretly harbouring a condescending attitude about somebody else's failures today, you need to repent and allow the blood of Jesus to cleanse you.
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