God Can Straighten The Twisted!

Yesterday we considered how Jesus is able to take care of the wrinkles in our life so that we can be presentable before God. Some of that proverbial "ironing out" needs to take place within our minds so that proper living follows.

We live in a world of many twisted ideologies. There are many whose understanding is twisted and even the truth is twisted to support arguments that promote their point of view. There are even those who twist the Scriptures ( 2 Peter 3:16) to say what they want them to say. Paul warned the Ephesians elders that some would arise from their own midst, "men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them." ( Acts 20:30 ESV) We live in a day and age when labels are being switched (note Isaiah 5:20) and people are urged to accept what God has declared is wrong. And this is in spite of how clear God's Word speaks to many subjects. Therefore we will always be safe remaining with what God's Word has declared regarding what is in harmony with His Will.

In Paul's first letter to the church at Corinth we read. . .
"(9) Or do you not know that THE UNRIGHTEOUS WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD? DO NOT BE DECEIVED: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, (10) nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." ( 1 Corinthians 5:9-10 ESV)

Note there is no grouping as to which of these is more serious than others. All of these are contrary to the Will of God and able to keep those who practice such from inheriting God's kingdom. However, hope for such is not lost. Even with regard to these, God has provided in Christ a means of eliminating such life wrinkles and straightening out the twisted thinking.

Paul went on to state. . .
"(11) And SUCH WERE SOME OF YOU. BUT YOU WERE WASHED, you were SANCTIFIED, you were JUSTIFIED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST and by the Spirit of our God." ( 1 Corinthians 5:11 ESV)

Some of those at Corinth had been guilty of living in such a manner. However, a life change had taken place. CLEANSING, SANCTIFICATION, and JUSFICATION had occurred. The blood of Jesus is the greatest stain remover to come into contact with our life.

Though we may be living "in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation" ( Philippians 2:15 ESV), let us continue to shine as lights fueled by the "word of life" to which we firmly hold. ( Philippians 2:16) May our lives lived according to God's standard help make His expectations and wisdom for life clear to those around us.

Have a great day REJOICING IN THE CLEANSING WE HAVE IN CHRIST!
Carl

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