Gospel Meeting 23/02/20

2^nd Corinthians ch5 vs17 – 21

Ephesians ch1 vs3 – 14

Hebrews ch12 vs1 – 2

When we were naughty as children and inevitably found out, we promised we would not do it again. We have all been there!

It is the same in other fields – professional sports people promise not to overstep the rules and be banned, but it rarely lasts because they revert to type.

Sadly, many people who have destructive addictions also slip back.

Deep down, we are all like this.

The most wonderful news though, is that anyone can be made a whole new creation!

This is not just turning over a new leaf or some temporary make-over, but a whole new person.

The Lord Jesus Christ told Nicodemus “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John’s Gospel ch3 vs1 – 21). Nicodemus questioned this, as he rightly struggled with the idea that a man could re-enter his mother’s womb. However, Jesus Christ was referring to a spiritual new birth, through the Holy Spirit of God.

How can this happen? How does one enter into a new spiritual birth and become a partaker of this new divine nature, and of the life of Christ Himself?

The only way is through reconciliation… we have all sinned and this has caused us to be separated from God, facing eternal condemnation.

 But the Apostle Paul, here, repeats the great news of the Gospel, that through the redeeming work of The Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary’s Cross, each person can have forgiveness of sins and be reconciled to God.

Reconciled, means to re-establish a close relationship, to settle or resolve a difference, and to make compatible.

When God’s Son, Jesus Christ, the only One who never once sinned, became the holy sacrifice for our sins in laying down His life, He paid our penalty in full that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

Dear friend, There at Calvary, Jesus Christ, in love, took your personal sin and mine and His Father punished Him. God must and will judge all sin!

“And it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement”

- Hebrews ch9 vs27

Absolutely nothing else will do. There is no other means of reconciliation, than the finished work of The Lord Jesus Christ. He lived, died and arose again – once for all people!

Again, dear friend, you can have your sin problem dealt with tonight – forever!

Many people across this world continue to seek or invent different ways of obtaining a “new birth” and eternal life in Heaven, but this is rebellion against The Lord Jesus Christ, and all efforts are utterly futile.

“… This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" 

- Matthew’s Gospel ch3 vs17

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”

- John’s Gospel ch14 vs6

In tonight’s reading from Hebrews, Paul encourages believer’s that although we will still be hindered in running our race well for Christ by the many sins which still seek to ensnare us, we can overcome them by keeping entirely focused on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Satan will still be present to tempt and annoy, but as Paul earlier stated in his epistle to the Romans – sin shall no longer have dominion over us! When the believer is having a struggle or trial, the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin! (1^st John ch1)

We have a wonderful provision from God – a daily cleansing through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time”

- 1^st Timothy ch2 vs5/6

Dear reader, this includes you too. Jesus Christ loves YOU! Will you turn away from your sins and put your faith and trust in this one Mediator?

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me”

- Galatians ch2 vs20

It is personal… make it personal and call upon your Saviour tonight!

1. Redemption! oh, wonderful story—
Glad message for you and for me;
That Jesus has purchased our pardon,
And paid all the debt on the tree.

Refrain
Believe it, O sinner, believe it;
Receive the glad message—’tis true;
Trust now in the crucified Saviour,
Salvation He offers to you.

2. From death unto life He has brought us,
And made us by grace sons of God;
A fountain is opened for sinners;
Oh, wash and be cleansed in the blood! [Refrain]

3. No longer shall sin have dominion,
Though present to tempt and annoy;
For Christ, in His blessèd redemption,
The power of sin shall destroy. [Refrain]

4. Accept now God’s offer of mercy;
To Jesus, oh hasten today;
For He will receive him that cometh,
And never will turn him away. [Refrain]

(Hymn by Mr.S.Sayford)