Message from Scripture: 8/15/2020

Today our message from Scripture comes from 1 Cor. 6:11. “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

In this passage of Scripture, Paul speaks about how the Christians in Corinth had left their sinful desires and practices in the past, and now, by being cleansed by the blood of Christ, they were able to be counted just before Christ, and should live sanctified lives. To be sanctified means to be set apart, separated from sin, so they could be set apart, separated to God, to live pure and dedicated lives in His will instead. While this is easy to say, it’s not so easy to practice, as Satan seeks to pull us back into sin and condemn us for eternity. How do we live sanctified?

I think to do this, we must have a clear goal in mind, know how to reach that goal, and not let anything get us sidetracked. First, the goal is heaven, eternal life. I don’t believe anyone wants to spend eternity in hell, in punishment that never ends, that never lessens. We want to be in heaven with the Father and Son and Holy Spirit! More than any physical delight, this must be what is most important to us to gain.

If this is really crucial to us, then we will change our lifestyles. It will be more important to please God than to please ourselves. God has given us tools to help us do this very thing. He has given us His word to study and learn of Him. He has given us prayer so we can seek His help. He has given us worship to remember He is God and worthy of our praise, to put Him first. He has given us fellowship, to encourage each other not to forget and stop living for the goal.

The question isn’t whether God wants us to be saved, but if we will cooperate with Him so we can. He has given us everything needed to find eternal life. Are you taking advantage of them? Why not start today, and make your life great in Him? God bless.

Robert