The Advent Series

Past & Present 

Titus 3:3-7 ^{New Living Translation}

“Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”

                 Christ’s birth was an event in history that had a specific purpose.  He was to be our Savior.  In other words he was sent by God to save us all from ourselves and our sinful ways.  Before we knew the Lord we thought that while we certainly weren’t perfect we were good people who were trying to do the right thing in life.  Without set parameters or boundaries to contain us we ended up all over the place morally, ethically, and spiritually.  Christ was born among men so that he could relate to us and by becoming relatable cause us to see the purpose of his coming.

                 God is kind.  His kindness is revealed thru his mercy and grace.  Grace can be viewed as an acronym that stands for “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense”.  It’s what we become entitled to if we receive God’s forgiveness and allow ourselves to be changed by his Holy Spirit.  The gift of God’s Son provides a second chance to live life as God intended, godly living free from sin.  Our previous lives were fraught with foolish disobedience that made us slaves to our own ungodly desires.  We weren’t free at all, though we seemed to think we were.  Christ came to rescue us.  He took on our sin.  That is some gift.

                 The Advent Season is a season of incredible miracles and resulting hope which breeds confidence.  Knowing Christ in a personal way enables us to know in our hearts and not just in our minds that we will inherit eternal life with God as we allow the Holy Spirit to perform his spiritual surgery on our heart and soul.  Salvation is like getting a complete makeover.  The Lord forces himself on no one.  We must want to become all he knows we can be in him.  It all starts with the birth of the baby who would shake up and change the world forever. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.