For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. Titus 2:11-15
A Purified People
.. And what is He doing He’s purifying for Himself a peculiar people. That is why the title says today ‘ Who Gave Himself For Us. ‘ He has given Himself to us, He didn’t have to, it is a gift from Almighty God our Father. He is a gift given to us in which to purify us. To purge us, to save us from the wrath of God that is coming at the Second Advent. This is also an experience, you are the reality of Him giving Himself for you. Our gathering today, your confession your faith.. belief.. enduring.. walking by faith is a sign that He gave Himself for us – for you.
The Damascus Experience
That is the reality.. the test, the foundation of this gospel. We see Him who is invisible but one day He will appear, He will be seen. The Good News of the Gospel is we’re looking again for His appearing.. He experienced it on the road to Damascus. He’s zealous to destroy ‘ these heretics ‘ these Christians and a voice from heaven says ‘ why do you persecute me Paul [Acts 9:4]. ‘ He fell on his face – and was never the same. What was he experiencing? The grace and mercy of God and that’s why he makes such an emphasis in all his writings – because he speaks from experience. He speaks from a changed life.
Speaking From A Changed Life
The words that come out of your mouth are affective and anointed when you have had a changed life. Then when you speak and when you share this Good News you speak from experience. It is anointed – He has to reveal Himself to us. Is your life.. has your life been completely changed? That is the question. Has He appeared to you, has He revealed Himself to you by the Spirit? Because when He does we immediately see our need of change through the Baptism of The Holy Spirit to prepare us to look for His appearing.. .. ..
