“He made Him
who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God
in Him.” (2Corinthians 5:21 NKJ)
who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God
in Him.” (2Corinthians 5:21 NKJ)
“Ashes to ashes
and dust to dust” is a stark reminder of where we came from. God created
Adam from the dust of the earth, so we all know about a dusty, earthy, ashes
nature. And Hebrews 9:27 reminds us that a dusty, earthy, ashes reservation awaits
us all.
and dust to dust” is a stark reminder of where we came from. God created
Adam from the dust of the earth, so we all know about a dusty, earthy, ashes
nature. And Hebrews 9:27 reminds us that a dusty, earthy, ashes reservation awaits
us all.
I live in this
package of ashes everyday and don’t really think an annual reminder is
necessary. Now, I mean no disrespect to those who observe Ash Wednesday in
preparation for Lent and Easter. I simply observe that such reminders are
unnecessary to disciples of Christ.
package of ashes everyday and don’t really think an annual reminder is
necessary. Now, I mean no disrespect to those who observe Ash Wednesday in
preparation for Lent and Easter. I simply observe that such reminders are
unnecessary to disciples of Christ.
While ashes
contribute to the growth of plants, basically, they are worthless. And really
they are a hindrance and a liability. We can whitewash them. We can spray them
with fragrant liquids. Yet, the best thing is to avoid and destroy them. While
it is a great illustration for sermons, do believers really need constant
reminders of their former bondage to sin? Even in Lent, why not celebrate the
freedom we have through Christ Jesus?
contribute to the growth of plants, basically, they are worthless. And really
they are a hindrance and a liability. We can whitewash them. We can spray them
with fragrant liquids. Yet, the best thing is to avoid and destroy them. While
it is a great illustration for sermons, do believers really need constant
reminders of their former bondage to sin? Even in Lent, why not celebrate the
freedom we have through Christ Jesus?
Repentance is a
constant — yes, a daily — activity for the growing Christian. One time
repentance, one day a year leaves 364 days of un-protected activity. If, after
receiving Christ as Savior and Lord, we are still as sinful as many claim, then
we cannot afford only a one-time repentant act once a year.
constant — yes, a daily — activity for the growing Christian. One time
repentance, one day a year leaves 364 days of un-protected activity. If, after
receiving Christ as Savior and Lord, we are still as sinful as many claim, then
we cannot afford only a one-time repentant act once a year.
The author of
Hebrews challenged believers who are able “to discern both good and
evil” (5:14 NKJ) to leave “the discussion of the elementary
principles of Christ,” and “go on to perfection, not laying again the
foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the
doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and
of eternal judgment” (6:1-2 NKJ).
Hebrews challenged believers who are able “to discern both good and
evil” (5:14 NKJ) to leave “the discussion of the elementary
principles of Christ,” and “go on to perfection, not laying again the
foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the
doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and
of eternal judgment” (6:1-2 NKJ).
The great Apostle to
the Gentiles wrote, “forgetting those things which are behind . . ”
we should “reach forward to those things which are ahead” and ”
press toward the goal . . . In Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). When
all is said and done, our righteousness resembles torn, shabby rags. But the
sinless Christ took on our ragged, self-righteous sinfulness so that we can
“become the righteousness of God in Him” (2Corinthians 5:21 NKJ).
the Gentiles wrote, “forgetting those things which are behind . . ”
we should “reach forward to those things which are ahead” and ”
press toward the goal . . . In Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). When
all is said and done, our righteousness resembles torn, shabby rags. But the
sinless Christ took on our ragged, self-righteous sinfulness so that we can
“become the righteousness of God in Him” (2Corinthians 5:21 NKJ).
And since Christ did
that for us, we are not shackled to our past. Constantly holding on to our past
prohibits us from moving forward in the future God plans for us. Through
Calvary, God washes our sins away and as far as he is concerned they no longer
exist. Why continue to stumble over them? Rather, let us celebrate who God is
and what he has done for us and our sinfulness!
that for us, we are not shackled to our past. Constantly holding on to our past
prohibits us from moving forward in the future God plans for us. Through
Calvary, God washes our sins away and as far as he is concerned they no longer
exist. Why continue to stumble over them? Rather, let us celebrate who God is
and what he has done for us and our sinfulness!
Dear Father, thank
you for your sacrifice on Calvary. Empower us to celebrate what your cleansing
power has done in us. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
you for your sacrifice on Calvary. Empower us to celebrate what your cleansing
power has done in us. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Celebrate the
cleansing power of Christ today,
cleansing power of Christ today,