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Romans 2- Don’t Judge?

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Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Romans 2:1-4

A popular thing we hear from the world today or even within Christianity is “Don’t judge me” , if you make any mention of sin or repentance, the person automatically assumes you are judging them, why? Because they are being convicted by the Holy Spirit for their sin, as Jesus said “He (The Holy Spirit) will convict the world of its sin” (John 16:8) This is why anytime you preach the true gospel or the Word of God, people are going to be offended, because they are being convicted of their sin by the Holy Spirit

So are Christians not to judge anyone, well yes and no. The reality is judgment is a part of life. As soon as you walk into a room, you are being judged. As soon as you started reading this blog, you judged, judgement is a part of life, its part of the way we analyze and make decisions as humans. And ultimately everyone will be judged by The Lord one day (Romans 14:10-12) If you think your going to escape judgment , I have bad news for you, everyone will be judged in the end. 

So how do we reconcile these scriptures by the Apostle Paul, well he’s basically reinforcing what Jesus already taught us. As people love to take the words of Christ out of context “Judge not or you will be judged” (Matthew 7:1) Now most people stop there when quoting this, but Jesus has an entire teaching on this. “For the same way you judge other, you will be judged” (Matthew 7:2) Ah so now its starting to make more sense with some more context, its not that you are never going to be judged or  never judge, you must judge righteously. As Jesus continues “why do you look at the speck in your brothers eye, and pay no attention to the log in your own eye” (Matthew 7:3) Ok more context, don’t be condemning people if your living in sin also. Get right with God before you tell others how to live for God

Now look what the Apostle Paul says “for whatever you judge someone else, you condemn yourself, for you who judge practice the same things” We can’t be hypocrites , as the old saying goes “practice what you preach”, if you are judging people for their sins, and you are living in those sins also, you are condemning yourself. Pull the log out of your own eye, repent and get Born Again in Christ (John 3:3) 

The Apostle Paul asks the question then “Do you think you will escape the judgement of God”? (v3) By pretending to be righteous and condemning others, do you not think your going to stand before The Lord also? Remember the grace and mercy God has shown you, remember to demonstrate this to others also, allow the Holy Spirit to do the convicting, and put your faith in The Lord Jesus Christ, Amen

Romans 1- Blood of Sinners

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Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Romans 1:32

The state of todays Christianity is no repentance, no regeneration of the Holy Spirit, no obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ. The motto of todays Church, is come as you are and stay as you are because God loves you this way. But this contradicts the entire Gospel message of repentance and faith in Christ (Mark 1:15, Luke 13:3) If God loves you just the way you are, then why did Jesus Christ have to die for your sins on the cross?

As we look at the words of the Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, this should be a dire warning to the “friendly-seeker” Church, “knowing the judgement of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death” Let’s just stop here, the unregenerated sinner, the people who are left in their sins are worthy of death according to God. Now is it a loving thing to do to not warn these people of the condemnation that is to come? No, the loving thing to do is preach the gospel, and pray these people get Born Again (John 3:3) in Christ

The next line describes the Apostate Church today “not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them (sin)” The Apostate Church not only tolerates sin and abominations but it also celebrates it. Many denominations , including the UMC, have Pride Sundays, celebrating the homesexual lifestyle, which the Apostle Paul just got done warning, is worthy of death

Consider the words of the prophet Ezekiel “When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand.” (Ezekiel 3:18) The blood of the wicked, the unsaved, will be on your hands , if you don’t warn them about their sin! This is a dire warning to the Church, many refuse to preach the gospel, and because of that the sins of the wicked will be on your hands. If you truly loved these people, you would warn them about the wrath to come!

The prophet Ezekiel again warns about this “When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you shall surely die!’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand.” (Ezekiel 33:8) Again God warns the blood of the wicked will be on your hands if you don’t warn them. But what if they don’t listen? Here is what the prophet says next “Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.” (Ezekiel 33:9) Only God can save people, but it is our job to warn people about the consequences to come

Lets see what the words of our Lord Jesus Christ said “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3) and again “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:5) Christ made it clear unless we all repent of our sins we will all perish for our sins, the real loving Church preaches the gospel or the blood of the sinners will be on your hands, Amen

Romans 1- No Return

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And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: . Romans 1:28-31

Sin is a dangerous game people like to play, but the reality is you can get so deep into your sin, that there is no point of return for you! Alot of people don’t like to hear this , alot people like to believe they can “dance with the devil” their entire life and then turn back to God later. Consider what the Apostle Paul says under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit “God gave them over to a reprobate or depraved mind” Many people love their sin more than they love God, so eventually God will just give them over to their sin, and allow them to destroy themselves. 

If you look at the original Greek word “adokimon” it means to fail the test, unapproved or worthless. This is why God has given them up over to Satan, they become dead branches, fruitless, as Jesus said “Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is thrown into the fire” (Matthew 7:19) This is why some people are impossible to reach with the gospel, their hearts and minds are hardened and deaf. And you probably experienced this also, interacting with people who are so far into their sin, they are unreasonable or totally incapable of logic.

Consider what the author of Hebrews says under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit “If we sin willfully or deliberately after we have received the knowledge of truth (gospel), there remains no longer a sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 10:26) Again another difficult text for us to swallow. But this is the Word of God, and the truth is some people will reject Christ and embrace their sin more. Eventually God will give them over to their first love, their sins, and there remains no more possibility of salvation for them

Man has made false doctrines , such as purgatory, the idea we can remain in our sin and deal with it later, to get to Heaven. No the author of Hebrews also said “its appointed to us , once to die, then to judgement” (Hebrews 9:27) There are no second chances in Hell, you must be Born Again (John 3:3) 

I understand this concept is difficult for us to grasp, because the Church has taught a “cheap grace” theology for many year. Consider what the Apostle Jude said “The angels, who did not keep their  proper domain, left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgement of the great day (Jude 1:6) Is their any hope left for the fallen angels? No, they rejected the knowledge of Christ and were given over to their sins which results into judgement from God. 

I would like to just end by this scripture “Fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10) Turn to Jesus Christ for salvation and remain on the Narrow Path that leads to life, the Broad Road leads to destruction, and many will enter through it (Matthew 7:13) Amen

Romans 1- Sexual Immorality

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For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. Romans 1:26-27

Many people like to argue today that God never condemned or prohibited homosexuality or other acts of sexual immorality. These scriptures today, given by the Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, totally destroys their false arguments, and reveals the depravity of society. 

The argument these false Christians like to make is the word Homosexual is not in the Bible. There are several issues with this argument, first the Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek not English, Secondly the word Homosexual is a newly created English word, therefore we wouldn’t expect to see this word in the original text. This is a straw-man argument, people who make this claim make it clear they are ignorant of the Bible or they are just being deceitful

As you read through the entire Bible, starting in Genesis, sexual immorality has always been an issue with mankind. As God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah as an example to the world, for their total depravity including their desire to rape the angels and sodomize them. (Genesis 19) In the Mosaic Law, God had to condemn the practice, as it is an abomination to God, and punishable by death (Leviticus 18:22) Scripture made it very clear, a man is not to have sex with another man as he would with a woman. There is no word play here or lost in translation, very clear, as the Bible states “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

So how do we know when a society is under the judgement of God? Look at the level of depravity in the culture, as the Apostle Paul says here “God gave them up to their vile , shameful, dishonorable passions and affections” Why is sexual immorality so rampant today? Because God gave them over to their sins, remember previously they worshipped the creature rather than the Creator. They love their sin and depravity more than they love God

The woman gave up her natural use what is against nature, the NIV states “woman exchanged their natural sexual relations with unnatural ones” You don’t have to be a Greek Bible scholar to know Paul is talking about lesbians. Men abandoned their natural relations with women , burning in lust for one another. Again very clear Paul is referring to homosexuality. There is nothing lost in translation or debate about wording here.

Men with men committing what is shameful and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which is due. So is the loving thing to encourage these people to remain dead in their sins and headed for an eternal damnation? Love warns (Proverbs 3:12) Churches that encourage and affirm this behavior are the most vile, because they are leading people to the broad road of Hell. (Matthew 7:13)

Jesus set the example and model of the family and human sexuality “He who made them in the beginning, made them male and female, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become One flesh. They are no longer two but One flesh, there what God has joined let no man separate (Matthew 19:4-6)

Romans 1- Total Depravity

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And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. Romans 1:23-25

Idolatry has always been a major issue with humanity. Even if you go through the history of Israel, they kept creating and worshipping idols. God would command them to repent and remove their idols, they would and then go back to worshipping their idols. Its no different today in the Church. There have been many idols created within the Church, many people have created a false Jesus into their own image. 

As the Apostle Paul says under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit “they changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man” Are you worshipping the real Jesus Christ of the Bible? Or are you worshipping a false Jesus you have created in your own mind? That was created over tradition and false doctrine? If we are wrong about Jesus, doesn’t matter what we are right about!

The world loves to worship the creature rather than the Creator. We see this through everything, money, entertainment, sports, you name it, people have made an idol out of it. Eventually God has had enough, “God also gave them up to uncleanness or sinful desires, through the lusts of their own hearts” People love their sin more than they love God, eventually God will allow them to worship their sin. This is why you see the total depravity in humanity. 

People ask what is wrong with this world? What happened to society? This is what happened, God gave them over to their sins, the people act like human animals looking to please the flesh at any cost. Carnally minded and headed to eternal destruction, they have no care in the world, except to please the flesh. As Paul says “to dishonour their own bodies between themselves” sexual immorality, transgenderism, homosexuality, all fruits of the flesh

They have changed the truth of God into a lie, this is what we see from a Romans 1 society also. Total depravity has become normalized, there is no spiritual discernment because they rejected the true God for their own idols they have created. They served the creature more than the Creator. There only hope is to be Born Again in Christ and be regenerated by the Holy Spirit, to create a new heart and mind, the gospel must be preached! Amen!

Romans 1- No Excuse

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For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, Romans 1:20-22

The Word of God says “A fool says in their heart, there is no God” (Psalms 14:1) Many people today believe there is an easy escape from the wrath of God, to just pretend God doesn’t exist at all. They believe if they create crafty arguments to refute the existence of God, this will make them exempt of their sins. But don’t be deceived, God will not be mocked, what you reap is what you will sow (Galatians 6:7)

The Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the evidence of God’s existence is clearly seen in Creation, therefore we are without excuse on judgement day. The human idea that we can trick or persuade God in believing we didn’t know He existed is blasphemy. God knows the intelligent design of His creation reveals the Creator. All the Bible says “The Heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1)

One thing I would like to point out is that in the KJV translation, we see the reference to the “Godhead” this is a reference to the Triune God,  I find it interesting that “newer” English translations take out the reference to the Trinity. Among other scripture, because The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were all part of Creation as they stated “Let Us Make Man in Our Image” (Genesis 1:27) So the Atheist who is made in the image of God, rejects and blasphemes his Father and Creator, we will be held without excuse on judgement day, as every knee will bow to The Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 2)

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, this sums up the state of humanity. Ever since the garden of Eden, when man tried to be like God, to the tower of Babel, where man tried to reign like God, to today where man tries to eliminate God, we have become fools. Many in their depravity, deny the basics of common sense, that nothing can’t create anything. Yet the minds of the world, push this agenda to the masses, the scientific impossibility that nothing could become or create anything, this defies all science and common sense. This is why God considers these people fools, they are not being honest, because they love their sin more than they love God

Their foolish hearts have become darkened, and this describes the state of the world. The only way they can be enlightened is through Christ, they must become Born Again otherwise they will perish in their state of depravity, Amen

Romans 1- Wrath of God

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For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.  Romans 1:18-19

Most people today want to just focus on the “Love of God” this is obviously everyones favorite attribute of God, if God didn’t love the world, He wouldn’t have given us His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ for salvation (John 3:16) He wouldn’t have created us in His image (Genesis 1:27) Gods love, grace, and mercy is beyond our human comprehension, where God demonstrated his love on the cross, even though we were still sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)

However we need to understand God is Holy (1 Samuel 2:2) God Hates Sin (Proverbs 6:16, Psalms 5:4) Therefor God can’t be in the presence of sin, since we all have fallen short and sinned (Romans 3:23) We because of our sin have been separated from God. But Christ on the cross, paying the penalty for our sins, has reconciled us back to the Father (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) So understanding all of this, we need to understand just as God is Love (1 John 4:8) God is also Just (Deuteronomy 32:4) Therefor the Wrath of God will fall upon all repented people because of the wages of your sin (Romans 6:23)

So the problem with most people is even though they know God is Love, they don’t really Love God. If they truly loved God, they would repent of their sin and believe the gospel message of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15) But most, as the Apostle Paul reveals, they love the creature rather than the Creator. They love their sin more than they love God. And the apostate “Churches” are teaching today to remain dead in your sins, which ultimately rejects the love and sacrifice of Christ. “For if we willfully and deliberately continue to live in sin , after we have received the knowledge of truth, there remains no more sacrifice for us” (Hebrews 10:26)

As the Apostle Paul revels later in the epistle, “The wages is death” (Romans 6:23) The wrath of God will fall upon those who continue to reject the Holy Spirit and live in the flesh, which is an enmity against God. Notice Paul says “They suppress the truth in unrighteousness or their wickedness” They know they are living in sin, yet they love their sin more than they love God. Therefor they will eventually be given over to their lusts and be destroyed just as the fallen angels. 

Scripture also reveals “God has made it plain or manifest to them” they know they are sinning against God, but believe God will turn his eyes from their sin. Don’t be deceived God will not be mocked, what we reap is what we sow (Galatians 6:7) Amen

Romans 1- The Church Part 2

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For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. Romans 1:11-15

As Born Again Christians there should be a desire for community among other believers, as the Apostle Paul says here “For I long to see you” Paul had a great desire to be in fellowship with his brothers and sisters in Rome, but was unable to at the present time due to his mission of spreading the gospel. However Christians should not forsake the assembly of each other (Hebrews 10:25) There should be an actual desire for community and fellowship.

You might ask Why? Why does Paul need to fellowship with this community? Why do you need to be a part of a Church? Well as Paul says here “that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift” Hopefully most know, if you are a Born Again Christ, the Holy Spirit is living inside of you, you have been given gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12) When you forsake the Church, you forsake sharing your spiritual gifts with the rest of the body of Christ. This is a very self centered attitude, the Church needs you just as you need the Church. Paul had a great desire to share his spiritual gifts with the body of Christ, as he continues to bless us today with his writings inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Another reason we need the Church for community, as the Apostle Paul says here “that I may be comforted together with you by mutual faith” When you become set apart in Christ, fellowship in the world becomes almost impossible. While the world has desires of the world, Christians have the desire of Christ. Your soul longs and earns for mutual fellowship among other believers. You won’t find spiritual fellowship outside of Christ, or the fellowship you find may lead you away from Christ. It’s important to be part of a community of Christ that comforts one another. As the Apostle Paul also says , we the Church are to “bear each others burdens” (Galatians 6:2) 

As I continually try to teach new believers, this Christian walk will be difficult, there will be persecution, there will be trials and testing. Nobody is going to survive this walk alone, you need the Church and the Church needs you. As Jesus said “those who endure to the end, shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13) This is not going to be a easy walk, you need the Church!

The Apostle Paul again states “I don’t want you to be ignorant or unaware brethren (Church), I planned to come to you” The Apostle Paul continually had a strong desire to be with his brothers and sisters in Christ, why? “That I may have some fruit or have a harvest among you” We have a mission as the Church, to fulfill the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19) It’s another blessing to see the spiritual fruit that is produced by an active Church sharing the gospel in their community and reaping a harvest for The Lord, Amen!

Romans 1- The Church

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First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you Romans 1:8-10

While many Christians view “Church” as optional or unneccessary, here we see the deep love the Apostle Paul has for the Church of Rome. It’s a demonstration of love when we understand the Church is a family of God, a spiritual community of believers and not an institution. When others become our spiritual brothers and sisters through The Lord Jesus Christ. Without this foundation, your walk as a Christian is in serious danger of being led to the broad road of destruction

The Apostle Paul begins with saying “I thank God through Jesus Christ for you all” Wow, what a beautiful statement, have you thanked God for the brothers and sisters in your life? Can you imagine your life without the Church? Think about this, its only because of The Lord Jesus Christ we are saved and united, if none of us were saved, there is a good possibility many of our paths would have never crossed. The unity of Christ is a powerful thing, I think its often reminded and demonstrated during the sacrament of Communion. We are all united together by one bread and one cup, a remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ and what He has already done for us all

So what influence does the Church have? Think about what the Apostle Paul says here “that your faith is spoken throughout the whole world” The Church of Rome was in the heart of the Roman Empire, the capital of paganism and wickedness. Yet the Church had a major influence on this wicked society, the Church of Rome was the salt and light Christ has called us to be, what influence does your Church have on your community? Is your Church involved in representing Christ in the community?

Another question is how often do you pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ? As the Apostle Paul says here “I make mention of you always in my prayers” Instead of criticizing your brothers and sisters, are you praying for them? If your not happy with the state of the Church, are you praying for them? Are you praying for your Pastor and Elders? Are you praying for the Holy Spirit to lead and guide your community? Prayer is a powerful thing, typically you can tell alot about someone’s spiritual life by their prayer life.

The Apostle Paul strongly desired to be with his brothers and sisters in Rome, his dedication to Christ and the Church ultimately led to him losing his life in Rome. Do you have a strong desire to fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ? Keep praying for the Church to be the Salt and Light in your community, to produce fruits of the Holy Spirit, to make disciples of everyone in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen!

Philemon- The Mediator

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If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. Philemon 1:17-20

Again we read the Apostle Paul continues to plead with the Church to receive Onesimus back as a brother in Christ. It’s believed that Onesimus stole from Philemon and then fled to Rome to hide. It’s there when he had a divine meeting with the Apostle Paul and gave his life to Christ. However even as God is willing to forgive us, people are not so easy or willing to forgive, including the Church.

The Apostle Paul as the Shepherd of the Church, basically becomes the mediator between Onesimus and the Church, Paul is basically saying this “If you consider me a brother in Christ, then receive him (Onesimus) as a brother in Christ” (v17) Paul is vouching for Onesimus, remember Paul was in the same predicament when he first got saved, we were in the same predicament when we got saved, don’t forget the grace and mercy God has allotted to you!

Paul even goes one step further “anything he (Onesimus) has done wrong or owes you, put in on my account” (v18) Paul is saying “if your holding a grudge against Onesimus because he stole money or property from you, don’t worry about it, I will personally repay you.” We know when it comes between people and their money, things get very personal. But Paul is pleading with them , let it go, I’ll make everything right.

Now as we read this interaction, can you imagine being in Onesimus shoes, having an Apostle of Christ, fighting for you, standing for you, even when you don’t deserve it. Being totally redeemed and justified, even when we don’t deserve it, this is a true demonstration of the gospel, of the grace and mercy of God being demonstrated by the Holy Spirit.

This whole interaction reminds me of our salvation story, we were Onesimus, we were guilty sinners but Christ not only forgave and redeemed us before our Heavenly Father, but Christ is our mediator, and justifies us before the assembly of saints. We were washed by the blood of Jesus and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, this is our salvation story!

So just like the Prodigal Son came back home, we can also repent and be forgiven by Christ, come back home to our Father in Heaven, be transformed by the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name Amen