We are living in a state of cultural chaos.  And in a time of tolerance and chaos, how do we reach the lost today?   5 common characteristics of today’s lost:

Searching for a meaningful relationship.  This is their number one desire.  Dating websites are exploding, promiscuity

Want immediate gratification.  Give it to me, and give it to me NOW.

Want something for nothing. There is an entitlement mentality that exists within today’s culture from all socioeconomic groups.

Want guilt-free living.  This generation still has a conscious, and at the end of the day they strive to feel good about themselves.

Thirsty for prosperity, but not certain how to attain it.

FORGIVENESS!

1. Everybody Needs it

The paralytic

The spiritual paralytics

Guilt shatters the personality

Guilt paralyzes the body.

Guilt paralyzes the human spirit

Guilt paralyzes the relationships marriage

2. Anybody can have it

It’s POSSIBLE

Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

These are REAL riches.  When we realize the grace offered to us, we realize that we have true wealth.  It isn’t measured by what’s in our bank account, but by what God offers us!

He Can Forgive

Not what these hands have done Can save this guilty soul;

Not what this toiling flesh has borne Can make my spirit whole.

Not the labor of my hands Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;

Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears forever flow,

All for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to the cross I cling;

Naked, come to Thee for dress; Helpless look to Thee for grace;

Foul, I to the fountain fly; Wash me, Savior, or I die.

He Releases the Sinner (Aphiemi)

It’s PERSONAL

Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

the answer to their deepest desire to have a meaningful relationship is given to us in Jesus Christ.   we have 3 relationships in our lives.  

Outward (relationship with one another),

Inward (relationship with self)

vertical (relationship with Christ.)  

Successful relationship with one another and with self lies in having a successful relationship with Christ.

It’s PRESENT

Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

we have it RIGHT NOW!  No waiting.  When we accept Christ as our personal savior, the joy of Christ is within us.  We don’t have to wait for our redemption, there is no initiation.

He Announces the Sinner Released!

–The Accusation

–The Answer

–The Act

–The Acknowledgement

It’s PROVIDED

(“. . . through His blood. . .”)

The gift of salvation is just that – a GIFT.  It is something for nothing.  We cannot earn it or deserve it.  We don’t have salvation because of the life or works of Jesus – we have it because of His BLOOD.

Its PROFITABLE

  (“. . . according to the riches of His grace.”)

When we confess our sins to God, he is faithful to forgive us.  The Bible says He remembers them no more.  Sin will haunt you, but God will forgive you!  We need not live in guilt, because we have the forgiveness offered through Jesus.

He Receives the Sinner

# posted by Groseys messages @ 5:26 AM