I remember a mission trip we went on to old Mexico in the middle of the summer, and the temperatures were hot - 22 of us in two crowded vans and the air conditioning didn’t work.
Sometimes we had water for bathing, and sometimes we didn’t, at the motel.
At the mission site we had to use an outdoor outhouse. If you have never had the opportunity to use an outdoor outhouse, you have missed something in life.
When I finally got home, the first thing I did was go into my bathroom and take a long hot shower. It felt so good and refreshing. When I got out of the shower I felt like a new person.
That shower reminded me of something we face in life. It is such a great blessing, opportunity and privilege to have our sins forgiven.
A person who does not take baths, wants to ride in a crowded hot van with people who are clean and sweet smelling, both have a problem. These verses, 1 John 1:7-10 and Acts 3:19, tell how we can get cleansed.
1 John 1:7-10 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 cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Acts 3:19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out...
Jesus Christ is the source of all cleansing.
2 Corinthians 7:1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
We must be willing to come to Him repenting of our sins and calling up on Him to forgive us and be our Lord and Savior.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Titus 3:5 ... he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 3:7-8 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Matthew 8:2 And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.”
See you in Church next Sunday.