Just as I Am

"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." (Isaiah 1:18 NIV)

Recently the United Church of Christ has been running a series of TV and Radio advertisements that have the purpose of raising the public`s awareness of this denomination, and in doing so to let the public know that this denomination throws out the welcome mat for all kinds of people - including gay and lesbian couples. The implication is that such people do not need to do anything about their present lifestyle if they join this denomination.

The Church of Christ in Cedar Key is not, nor has it ever been associated with any denominational association or hierarchy - especially the one called the United Church of Christ. We sincerely believe it is possible in this 21st Century for Christians to be one in Christ by accepting the authority of Jesus Christ in all matters pertaining to salvation and living as a Christian. It is not necessary to belong to a denomination in order to obtain salvation through obedient faith in Christ, and to live a productive life now. In fact, we believe that denominational structures actually take away from the beauty and simplicity of the Body of Christ that we read about in the New Testament. Accordingly, we call upon believers everywhere to denounce all the creeds and confessions of the various sects and simply become Christians, and work and worship together as an independent, autonomous church of Christ.

God has always demanded that His people separate themselves from the world and live holy live according to his standard of holiness. Long ago God became displeased with the sons of Eli who were practicing sexually immorality right in the Holy Tabernacle of the Lord. Because of this sinful and rebellious behavior, God issued a stark warning to Eli: "Therefore the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: 'I promised that your house and your father's house would minister to me forever.' But now the LORD declares: 'Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.'" (1 Samuel 2:30 NIV)

When we come to the New Testament, many people form a conclusion that Jesus no longer represents the wrath of God against evil practices. They present a view of Christ as that gives people the impression that a person can become a Christian and never change their sinful behavior. This is far from the truth that Christ himself taught. Consider that we come to salvation because of the wonderful grace of God. (Titus 2:11-14)

We are all sinners and sin is the very thing that separates us from our Holy God. The apostle Paul wrote: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! – God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:17, 21 NIV) When we make up our minds that we have had enough of living under the control of Satan and all his wicked schemes, we must turn away from sin and turn toward Jesus Christ who shed his blood on the cross to save us.

The Bible word for this change of heart and life is repentance. In the book of Acts, we read about the beginning of the church on the first day of Pentecost after the resurrection of our Lord. The apostle Peter taught thousands of Jewish people who were still in Jerusalem for the feasts. Many people in his audience had actually been participants in the trial and crucifixion of Christ Jesus. When the people were convinced that Peter's sermon was true, they cried out for Peter to tell them what they could do to receive forgiveness of their terrible sins. Listen to the Holy Spirit inspired response. "Peter replied, `Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" (Acts 2:38 NIV)

Friends, do you sincerely believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Will you come just as you are and confess your faith before other people? Jesus promises that when we acknowledge him before men he will acknowledge us before the Father in Heaven. Will you truly repent of all sins and obey Jesus by being baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit? Live for Jesus as a new person, and receive heaven as your home.

You are encouraged to attend the services of the Church of Christ at the corner of 3rd and E Streets. Write me with any questions or comments. David Binkley, Sr., P.O. Box 186, Cedar Key, FL 32625 or E-mail at dgbinkley@aol.com. You may also request to receive the daily WORD OF THE DAY by e-mail. Check out our web site at http://www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com.