Thoughts for Life: Where Sinners Go

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Where Sinners Go

Dave Branon tells us, "My friend was having a conversation with a man who didn't have much good to say about the Christian faith.

My friend knew that if he were to sound too religious, he would jeopardize any chance to witness.

So, in the middle of their discussion, he said, 'Hey, Bob, do you know where sinners go?'

'That's easy,' he replied. 'You're going to tell me they go to hell.'

'No,' my friend responded. They go to church.'

Bob was speechless. That wasn't what he expected. He wasn't ready to hear from a Christian who realized he wasn't perfect.

My friend had a chance to share that Christians understand their sinfulness and their need for continual spiritual restoration.

He was able to explain grace - the unmerited favor we have with God despite our sinfulness (Rom. 5:8-9; Eph. 2:8-0).

Perhaps we don't give those outside the church a clear picture of what's happening inside. They may not understand that we're there to praise our Savior for providing "redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins" (Col. 1:14).

Yes, sinners go to church, and sinners - forgiven ones - go to heaven because of God's grace. -Dave Branon

We're far from perfection, yet perfect forever;

For Christ is our righteousness, Lord, and our Savior.

No justification for sin can we offer;

Yet sanctified fully, we're now His forever. -Lee

A church is a hospital for sinners,

not a club for saints."

Our Daily Bread

1/8/13

My prayer today: Father, as I fully know I'm not perfect, I realize that I do sin. I need Your forgiveness and mercy, please. Thank You for grace that guides and helps me get through each day. I long to become all You've called me to be, and to do. Amen

Today’s quote: Carol Barnier – “One of God’s favorite things to do is to take something seemingly hopeless in the eyes of the world and, through His love render it into something valuable and extraordinary – even breathtaking. The good news is that God is an artist, and we are His favorite medium.”[pg. 15 of Jan. 2013 In Touch magazine of Charles Stanley.]