Tuesday, December 06, 2016

Preparation for the Gospel

We are in the second week of Advent and Christmas is coming. For us Christians it is helpful to think in terms of Jesus coming. He is coming to you. He will arrive soon. By Christmas, for sure. But Jesus is coming before then. He is coming today. He is coming here to this worship service. You have entered into His palace and will be waiting upon Him at His Table.
How should we prepare for the arrival of Jesus? We examine ourselves. Are our clothes tidy? Are we clothed in the robe that Jesus gave us? It is without spot, or wrinkle or any such thing? Or, do we need to wash our garments in the cleansing power of confession, repentance, forgiveness and restoration.
Jesus is coming. Are we in need of a Savior? We are if we confess that we are sinners and that our only hope is in His saving grace. That is the preparation for the gospel of peace. Get that and you are ready for Him to arrive, to speak to you, to sup with you and to send you out in His blessing.
 But Jesus is coming before then. He is coming today. He is coming here to this worship service. You have entered into His palace and will be waiting upon Him at His Table.
How should we prepare for the arrival of Jesus? We examine ourselves. Are our clothes tidy? Are we clothed in the robe that Jesus gave us? Is it without spot, or wrinkle or any such thing? Or, do we need to wash our garments in the cleansing power of confession, repentance, forgiveness and restoration?

Jesus is coming. Are we in need of a Savior? We are if we confess that we are sinners and that our only hope is in His saving grace. That is the preparation for the gospel of peace. Get that and you are ready for Him to arrive, to speak to you, to sup with you and to send you out in His blessing.

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