At First Baptist Church we are in the midst of a series called BEHOLD. In this series we are learning to pay attention to God, in order to be transformed by God. In last week’s message, as we considered a story about the prophet Elijah, we beheld the reality that GOD IS SPEAKING. But, we also we asked ourselves the question AM I LISTENING? And, the God who you and I are listening for one of the most glorious, most freeing, most life-changing things we can hear him say is “YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN.” Today behold the glorious truth that JESUS FORGIVES FAILURES.
That’s one reason why Luke 15:1 tells us that “sinners drew near to hear him.” When they drew near they could hear him say “your sins are forgiven.” Or its why Jesus’ opponents one day ask him why he spends time with these failures. Jesus answers their question with this statement “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” Luke 5:31 NIV JESUS FORGIVES FAILURES.
Too often in life we try to minimize or ignore our failures, our sin. But, the gospel of Jesus Christ calls us to be honest about our failure and sin, because only then can we draw near to Jesus, to hear him say “your sins are forgiven.”
And, all of us need to hear Jesus say those words, that one word has the power to lift the weight of my sin. That one word has the power to tear down the wall of my shame. That one word has the power to relieve my worry that I am not worthy of love. Church family, this morning are you ready to be open and honest about the failures in your life, so that you can draw near to Jesus and experience the glorious reality that JESUS FORGIVES FAILURES.
