"If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:6-9)
Jesus did not die for good people. In fact, those who consider themselves to be good tend to miss the point of His suffering and reject His salvation. No, Jesus died for honest people—those who recognize that their instinctive ways of thinking, speaking, and acting disqualify them from fellowship with God, and who therefore rely on Jesus’ sacrifice to pay for their sins and provide reconciliation with the Father. Because He is faithful and just, God forgives the sins of those who confess them; and because they are grateful, those who are forgiven are in fellowship with each other and committed to following the example of Christ. They increasingly walk in the light of His goodness, not the dark of deceit. “Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us as we are, forgiving the sins we confess, and empowering us to walk in Your light. Enable us to always be honest about our sins and to turn back to You quickly, in Jesus, amen." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NEVER LIE TO YOUR MOTHER A mother is invited to dinner with her son and his female roommate. Watching the two interact, she wonders if they are more than roommates. Reading his mom’s thoughts, the son pre-emptively volunteers, “I know what you must be thinking, but I assure you, we are just roommates.” A week later, his roommate tells him, “I can’t find the silver serving plate.” “It’s been missing since your mom ate with us. You don't think she took it, do you?” He says, “Well, I doubt it, but I'll email her, just to be sure.” He sits down and writes: “Dear Mom: My roommate and I are missing a silver plate. I am not saying you took it, but it has been missing ever since you were here for dinner. If you happen to know where it is, please let me know. Love, your son.” Several hours later, he receives a reply: “Dear Son: I am surprised your plate is missing. I am not saying your roommate sleeps with you, but if she were sleeping in her bed, she would have found the silver plate by now, under her pillow. Love, Mom.” +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The LORD give you the honesty to seek and find His forgiveness! In Jesus, Pastor Kirk
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Kirk HilleAs Pastor at Pilgrim, Kirk is fueled by a passion for God's Word and a lot of good coffee. Archives
January 2021
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