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The last state has become worse for them than the first

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For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. 2 Peter 2 19,20 ESV

The picture above illustrates these verses very well for us. Just like this house when abandoned is taken over by nature, so it is with our soul when our walk with Christ is abandoned. The old nature takes over, salvation is lost and death and decay follow.

To know Jesus and His ways and to walk away and abandon those ways is to crucify Jesus all over again.

For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. Hebrews 6:4-6 ESV

Returning to our old ways is the equivalent of crucifying Jesus. To return to the old ways is to treat Jesus with contempt.

Look at the picture above and see how nature is more than happy to take over, when the premises is vacated. In time the house will return to the ground and all that had been worked for will be lost. When we turn away from Jesus and vacate our place in the Kingdom of God, the old nature is ready to reclaim what Jesus worked to establish in us. (Ephesians 4:22)

If today you are considering your old life and longing to go back there, remember to walk away and abandon your life in Christ is to put put the nails in Jesus hands and feet once again. Your soul will come to great harm.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman

Back to Church Sunday

The Kittery church of Christ is participating in "National Back to Church Sunday" September 16th. If you haven't been to church in awhile come join us for worship at 11:00am. Our doors are open!

www.kitterychurch.org

Yesterday's Sermon

Yesterday's sermon "The Generous Will Prospser" is up on the website.

www.kitterychurch.org/audio_sermons

Today's sermon

Today's sermon "He Will Rejoice Over You" is up on the website.
www.kitterychurch.org/audio_sermons 

Yesterday's sermon

Yesterday's sermon "Come Before Winter" is up on the website.
www.kitterychurch.org

He entered into the temple

-->And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, saying to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be a house of prayer,' but you have made it a den of robbers."

Luke 19:45,46 ESV

Earlier in the chapter Jesus disciples are proclaiming Him to be King. The Pharisees on the other hand are telling Him to quiet His disciples. Their Lord and King is coming into His city, His temple and they refuse to see Him for who He is. They want to cling to power and refuse to relinquish it to God.

Jesus then prophesy’s the end of the Pharisees reign and the fall of Jerusalem. Jesus entered into the temple. Think of the significance of this moment, God in the flesh entering His temple. Upon entering He quotes prophecy, (Isaiah 56:7). As He is driving out the merchants He is proclaiming, this is my house! The Lord claimed His Holy Temple and drove out those that profaned it.

Jesus is letting it be known in no uncertain terms that He will reign as King. The Messiah has arrived, salvation and restoration are at hand. The hypocritical religious leadership will fall. Jesus purged His temple that day, showing that it was time for a change.

When I read these verses I am reminded that Jesus is King and that we are His new Jerusalem and He reigns supreme. We must never forget that we are subject to His leadership and authority. There is no earthly authority above Him, we serve only one master, Jesus the Christ! He is our teacher, our shepherd, our savior and our King.

Does Jesus reign in your life? Does He reign in the congregation where you attend? If He doesn't He needs to. Simply being religious like the Pharisees won't cut it. Obedience to the King is what is necessary. Let's serve Him today.

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."Joshua 24:15 ESV

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman