~~~ Philippians 3:3-8A ~~~ Psalm 105 ~~~ Luke 15:1-10 ~~~
...sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus...
What was the attraction for the local sinners?
Is the label 'sinner' used because the Pharisees had so
many rules about such people?
Jesus was crossing the countryside contradicting all of these rules.
Paul even says he was faithful to the rules
thereby giving him permission for his actions.
...in observance of the law a Pharisee,
in zeal I persecuted the Church,
in righteousness based on the law I was blameless.
Paul uses his religious affiliation to excuse his actions.
He claims it was actually his right and responsibility to persecute others.
Paul's conversion experience stopped him abruptly in his tracks.
He was able to see the necessity for substantial change.
He had to completely change his thoughts, words and his actions.
Is the label 'sinner' used because the Pharisees had so
many rules about such people?
Jesus was crossing the countryside contradicting all of these rules.
Paul even says he was faithful to the rules
thereby giving him permission for his actions.
...in observance of the law a Pharisee,
in zeal I persecuted the Church,
in righteousness based on the law I was blameless.
Paul uses his religious affiliation to excuse his actions.
He claims it was actually his right and responsibility to persecute others.
Paul's conversion experience stopped him abruptly in his tracks.
He was able to see the necessity for substantial change.
He had to completely change his thoughts, words and his actions.
Paul refers to this change as a 'circumcision',
he literally had to cut away that which no longer worked in his life.
Paul had to under go a circumcision of the heart.
Once Paul was found by God he
took the necessary steps to clean up his act.
he literally had to cut away that which no longer worked in his life.
Paul had to under go a circumcision of the heart.
Once Paul was found by God he
took the necessary steps to clean up his act.
Sinners flocked to hear Jesus speak because
they were in need of circumcision of their heart.
Jesus had an uncanny way of seeing deep within a person.
Once Jesus pierces into the heart
of a sinner all things thereafter must change.
Once Jesus pierces into the heart
of a sinner all things thereafter must change.
The sinner is draped across the shoulders of Jesus
and returned to the flock.
and returned to the flock.
The precious gold coin, seemingly lost,
shines froth from its hidden place in the light of Jesus.
shines froth from its hidden place in the light of Jesus.
Sinners come to Jesus because he is the only one who
has the capacity to reach inside and draw out
any shred of remaining goodness.
Circumcision cuts away that which
does not lead you to greater holiness.
Sinners came to hear the words Jesus spoke.
They came and were circumcised.
They left with a new heart.
Today sinners continue to come to Jesus
to hear his words of mercy.
They came and were circumcised.
They left with a new heart.
Today sinners continue to come to Jesus
to hear his words of mercy.
Conversion is a circumcision of the soul.
Are you willing to cut away that which does not bring
you closer to God?
Are you willing to cut away that which does not bring
you closer to God?
...there will be rejoicing among the angels of God
over one sinner who repents.
over one sinner who repents.
The Divine Physician holds the scalpel of conversion.
Blessed to draw near with courage to listen to Jesus.
~~~Peace~~~
~~~Peace~~~
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