Thursday, August 16, 2012

THE CHRISTIAN BAR OF SOAP


SHEPHERD TO SHEEP
THE CHRISTIAN BAR OF SOAP
(1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
There’s nothing like the feeling of being clean! Stepping out of the bath or shower you feel good all over. All the dirt and sweat from the day is washed away and you feel and smell fresh and ready for anything. And all because of that simple bar of soap.
That’s how Peter felt when Jesus was washing the disciple’s feet. At first he objected to Jesus’ humble offer. But then the Lord said something to change his mind: “…If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” (John 13:8) After that Peter wanted a whole bath! But Jesus replied: “…He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet…” (John 13:10).
What was Jesus trying to say? He was stating that when you are born again you have been placed under the washing of regeneration and are clean before the Lord because of the work of Christ on the cross: (Titus 3:5) not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. But as you continue on that journey you pick up dirt on the road. So when you enter a house you don’t need to take a whole bath (or get saved again). You just need to wash your feet and freshen up (confess you sins).
What a wonderful promise we have in 1 John 1:9! It says if we confess our sins to the Lord, He is so faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. When we realize we have sinned and fallen short we can just go to the Lord and tell Him we are sorry. We can ask Him to pardon our iniquity and purify us. After we pray we can be assured that it’s been done! The Lord will forgive us and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness. We will be squeaky clean and feel so close to the Lord and thankful for His cleansing.
David needed that scrubbing. After he sinned he said: (Psa 51:2) Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin…(Psa 51:7) Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. The Lord forgave all his sins and restored to him the joy of his salvation.
I’m so thankful for THE CHRISTIAN BAR OF SOAP. It’s for big or little sins because all sin is defiling and makes you dirty. And it’s the bar of soap that is always large like when you first bought it. We all know how a bar of soap shrinks as you use it. It doesn’t seem to work as well and it’s so hard to use. Then you tend to drop it and it’s such a hassle to retrieve it. But not THE CHRISTIAN BAR OF SOAP! The Lord’s forgiveness is abundant and always accessible. Is that good news for you today? Maybe it’s time lather up and get that clean feeling again!
Louie

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