THE MARKS OF GOD’S CHILDREN

Ps Dr Philip Lyn writing for WeeklyBlog , 23/09/08

Ever had this deflating experience in window-cleaning before? Every time you think the job’s done you notice new stains when you view the glass from a new angle or when the sun comes through. Any attempt to wipe off the stain with a wet cloth only leaves fresh blemishes. The job’s never done. Soap and water leaves more marks. Any attempts to wipe them away only reveal our imperfect efforts, making things worse. This past week, while away on holiday, I had a brand new experience in window cleaning. This time, it was with gusto, using a unique window cleaning wax formula that did not need any soap or water. By the time I was through, I had glossy, stain-free new window panes viewed from any angle and even in direct sunlight!

What happened? The cleaning liquid was a new water-free solvent. The resultant marks were glossy, shiny, scratch-free, water-repelling glass panes. How apt a picture of the effect of the greatest universal solvent for the greatest universal stain of all: the blood of Jesus for the sin of the heart. Hence John wrote: “Behold what manner of love the Father has loved us that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us because it did not know Him.” (1 Jn 3:1)This verse tells us we are different. We as God’s forgiven and redeemed children should bear marks that set us apart. And what are some of these marks?

Holiness is one mark; the desire for holiness and a shunning of sin is one sure mark of the seed planted in us at the new birth (v 3 & 8). Walking in righteousness and love is another (v 10 & 14). Not just spoken love but love lived out in action (v 16–18). Above all having a clean conscience so that we can come and ask God with full confidence for our needs; these are the marks of His children. (v 21-23). In a nutshell it simply means we are to love God and love one another! This is what will make this a great church. Not cash, concrete or congregation but LOVE.
Skyline: 2008 Year of the Sabbath

THE MARKS OF GOD’S CHILDREN

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THE MARKS OF GOD’S CHILDREN Recent Articles: GOODBYE TO 2008 THE TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS DEBT: “HUTANG EMAS BOLEH DIBAYAR?� YOUR GREATEST INVESTMENT MONEY: SCARY INVESTING OBAMA: ONE MOMENT IN TIME MONEY: WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO GOD MONEY: TITHING IN UNCERTAIN TIMES AFTERSHOCKS SUDDEN BUT NOT UNEXPECTED Other Skyline Editorials: Pastor Philip Lyn WeeklyBlog Campus Ablaze News Kidszone News Media News Youth News Ps Dr Philip Lyn writing for WeeklyBlog , 23/09/08 Ever had this deflating experience in window-cleaning before? Every time you think the job’s done you notice new stains when you view the glass from a new angle or when the sun comes through. Any attempt to wipe off the stain with a wet cloth only leaves fresh blemishes. The job’s never done. Soap and water leaves more marks. Any attempts to wipe them away only reveal our imperfect efforts, making things worse. This past week, while away on holiday, I had a brand new experience in window cleaning. This time, it was with gusto, using a unique window cleaning wax formula that did not need any soap or water. By the time I was through, I had glossy, stain-free new window panes viewed from any angle and even in direct sunlight! What happened? The cleaning liquid was a new water-free solvent. The resultant marks were glossy, shiny, scratch-free, water-repelling glass panes. How apt a picture of the effect of the greatest universal solvent for the greatest universal stain of all: the blood of Jesus for the sin of the heart. Hence John wrote: “Behold what manner of love the Father has loved us that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us because it did not know Him.” (1 Jn 3:1)This verse tells us we are different. We as God’s forgiven and redeemed children should bear marks that set us apart. And what are some of these marks? Holiness is one mark; the desire for holiness and a shunning of sin is one sure mark of the seed planted in us at the new birth (v 3 & 8). Walking in righteousness and love is another (v 10 & 14). Not just spoken love but love lived out in action (v 16–18). Above all having a clean conscience so that we can come and ask God with full confidence for our needs; these are the marks of His children. (v 21-23). In a nutshell it simply means we are to love God and love one another! This is what will make this a great church. Not cash, concrete or congregation but LOVE. Skyline: 2008 Year of the Sabbath
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