Power Point - July 11, 2005
July 11, 2005
“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
--Isaiah 1:18
I heard a story of a little girl who had a large collection of dolls. A family friend was over visiting at her house and said, “Are these your favorite dolls?”
The girl replied, “No, they aren’t. My favorite doll is in a special place.”
The man said, “Can I see your favorite doll?”
So, the little girl took his hand and led him to the back of the house. She pulled out an old raggedy doll that was missing both eyes, both arms, and one leg. The man said, “Why exactly is this one your favorite doll?”
The little girl looked up at him and said, “Because if I don’t love her, no one else will.”
God looks at us and sees our sin and brokenness, and He loves us more than anyone else ever could. In the story of the adulterous woman who was brought before Jesus by the scribes and Pharisees, she was broken, torn, and ready for condemnation. But instead of damning her, Jesus changed her life, healed her soul, and loved her despite her past (John 8:3-11). Jesus saw and heard her faith in Him.
Our God is compassionate, personal, and forgiving. Jesus didn’t ridicule her like the scribes and Pharisees for her sticky past or sins. Instead, He said, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more” (John 8:11). Some of you feel trapped right now. You feel like you can’t change. But I can promise that Christ will change your life if you’ll just accept His forgiveness. His power is that awesome.
You can start over. You can begin again. Simply put your past behind you, accept Christ’s forgiveness, make Him the Lord of your heart, and put your life in His loving hands. Ask God to take your life and transform it. Pray that He would move powerfully in your soul, so that others can see the difference in you.
ONLY THE NAIL-SCARRED HANDS WILL WELCOME YOU, LOVE YOU,
RECEIVE YOU, AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
