June 29, 2022 -- I John 3:8 -- Conversion

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
I John 3:8 ESV

Many of you are likely aware that this week is, for me, a reading week. I am focused on the theme of “making disciples who make disciples”. It is wonderful, refreshing and very challenging. Right now I am reading Charles H. Spurgeon’s classic “The Soul Winner”. Spurgeon is making a strong case for the fact that one who is in Christ is a new creation—sin is thrown down.

One of Spurgeon’s illustrations is very sharp, and appropriate.
   A Christian professes to renounce his sin. If he doesn’t do so,
   his very name is a deception. A drunken man came up to
   Rowland Hill, one day, and said,
   “I am one of your converts, Mr. Hill.”
   “I suppose you are,” the shrewd and sensible preacher replied,
   “But you are certainly not one of the Lord’s, or you
   would not be drunk.”
   We must practically test all our work this way,”
C. H. Spurgeon, The Soul Winner, page 24

Those who have been Christians for a long time must not become lax in their fierce dedication to the holiness of the Living God. We are commanded to be pure, not giving any part of our life back to the slavery of sin. Those who are new converts show their radical change by the in which old sins become abhorrent. The Bibles does not pull punches on this score. Those who are in Christ, no longer toy with sin. When Christ takes of a man by the Holy Spirit, the man leaves sinful ways and follows Christ the King.

Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
    blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
    and cleanse me from my sin!

3 For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
    and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
    and blameless in your judgment.
5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
    and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
    and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
    wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Today's prayer is Psalm 51:1-7 ESV

https://youtu.be/syCSeMudbO4

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