Many of you know what it means to be born again. We were once of the world and did things that went after the lusts of the flesh, but we now have a new nature in Christ. We’ve received Jesus into our lives, have repented of our sins, been baptized, and have now received the gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift is from God and helps us live for Him and not of the world. Even as we abide in Christ, His Spirit will abide in us also. Speaking of our old life before coming to Christ, Paul also explained, “and you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” (Ephesians 2:1-3) You know exactly what Paul is speaking of here. Some of you are still living in willful sin, doing things that you know are wrong. I am speaking of pornography, sex outside of marriage, affairs, drugs, getting drunk, and more. If you are in sin, then you know your own vice that is leading you on a slippery slope to hell. But it doesn’t have to continue. Simply call upon the Lord for mercy and forgiveness. Then, you shall be forgiven. God is rich in mercy.
Paul also said, “but God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4-7) The very moment that you call upon the name of the Lord for forgiveness and mercy, He is listening. As you begin to cry out in all your confessions, He is listening. Even as you plead for forgiveness and mercy, He doesn’t just listen but extends His mercy upon You. God loves it when our heart is open unto Him and that we now desire closure for the sins we once did. He wants to close those doors that you may begin to walk in His light and no more in darkness. Humility and meekness of heart are the first steps that are needed for God to now come into our lives and change us from within. Those that He is delivering He has already known, and have waited for them to finally come home to Him. Like the prodigal son, as God’s children, we go astray, but when we do return the riches of His grace and kindness are extended towards us. His words, “well done, though good and faithful servant” is heard in our ears. God loves you and so do I. Seek the Lord and He shall save you.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that You will come into my life like never before. I don’t want to just have faith, but faith that is alive. The kind of faith that people can see inside of me. I am speaking of a changed nature that only You can do within me. I know that I have made great strides at breaking addictions in my life, but I know You can do much more still. I am only able to control the lusts of my flesh for a time until I am weak again. Therefore, I need Your continued strength to overcome the temptations of the enemy. I know there is such an armor that You can put upon me that will help me stand uprightly and not fall flat on my face. Though I hate it when I sin against You, I am unable to continue to fight the enemy on my own. Therefore, fight with me, God. I need the armor of God to come upon my arms, my legs, my hands, my feet, my head, and my chest. And don’t forget my mind and my heart. Conform the person I am now into the person that You wish me to be. I know my ways are not perfect and I have a long ways to go when it comes to following You. So come into my life and teach me. Help me to know Your ways and how to do Your will also. Every time I read the Bible, I learn more of You and Your commands. I just ask that You help me walk in the ways that You have already set before me. Help me to no longer be a hearer, but a doer also. Forgive me, Lord. Have mercy upon me. I will follow You and do as You say, Lord. I love You, God. I praise Your holy Name. Amen.
