God’s Name Friend Of Sinners

Tuesday September 6, 2022

Recovery

Many of us, prior to seeking help, lived in an unmanageable lifestyle and had never taken the time to familiarize ourselves with the 12-Step program. We heard about others who were freed from their dependency and chaos by applying the principles of this program and it brought hope that it might work for us. As we work the program, we will meet a person who is called a “friend of sinners.” If we are honest, we will admit that we fit into the category to be included as one of this person’s friends.

The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ (Matthew 11:19a ESV)

Who is this “Son of Man” who socialized with the riffraff of society? His name is “Jesus.” Jesus came from Heaven to earth to be born of a virgin. He grew up from a baby to an adult, just like the rest of us. What was different about Him was that the eternal God had sent His Son into the world, not to judge it, but to save it. That means, sinful people like us have been given the chance not to be judged by God for all our wrongdoing but, by accepting Jesus’ death as the “penalty” for our sins, we can be free and born again to a new life.

I'm here inviting outsiders, not insiders—an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out. This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. (Luke 5:32; John 3:16 MSG)

Jesus, who knew no sin, was associated with sinners even in death. Jesus’ cross was between the crosses of two convicted thieves who were being punished for their sins. One thief chose to believe in Jesus and was told, “Today you will join me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43b MSG) The other mocked Jesus and went to a lost eternity. Today, what will we choose to believe about Jesus?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I choose to believe in Jesus’ finished work on the cross as payment for my sins and ask Him to be my friend and Saviour. Please help me to change my ways so I may have the full and everlasting life You are offering me. Amen

More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/

God’s Name Friend Of Sinners

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