A. BEAUTIFUL SCARS
“He was wounded for our transgressions” (Is. 53:5).
“He showed them His wounds on His hands and His side” (John 20:20, NLT).
“What are those wounds in thine hands” (Zech. 13:6, KJV).
1. Our scars remind us of our pain, agony, etc. We try to hide them with clothing, cosmetics, etc.
2. A scare is wonderful – you are healed, restored, pain is gone. You are healthier.
3. Scars remind of your healing and wholeness.
B. JESUS PRAYED DURING 40 DAYS AFTER RESURRECTION
1. Peace. The last prayer benediction in Upper Room (John 16:33), and first words of prayer introduction when He returned to Upper Room (John 20:19), peace.
2. Because Jesus was no longer tied to His previous physical body, does not mean He quit praying. He introduced a new prayer ministry.
C. JESUS IS OUR ADVOCATE (LAWYER)
“My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world” (1 John 2:1-2, NLT).
1. God’s requirements. “That ye sin not” (1 John 2:1).
2. God’s grace and understanding. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive our self” (1 John 1:2). “If we say we have not sinned we are calling God a liar” (1 John 1:10, NLT).
3. God’s available answer. “If we are living in the light . . . the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:8, NLT).
4. What must we do? “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive . . . and cleanse” (1 John 1:9, NLT).
a. Jesus has two qualities: (1) faithful and, (2) just.
b. We get two results: (1) forgiveness and, (2) cleansing.
D. JESUS IS OUR INTERCESSOR
“But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf” (Heb. 7:24-25, NLT).
1. Jesus receives our prayers and directs them to the Father.
2. Jesus prays for us when we don’t pray, we don’t know that we need prayers, and when we can’t pray.
3. Jesus is high priest who pleads His blood in our behalf.
4. We can pray with Jesus because:
a. He promised it in the Lord’s Prayer, “Our Father” (Matt. 6:10).
b. He indwells us, “Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).
c. I am in Jesus, “You in me” (John 14:20).
d. He ever lives to make intercession (Heb. 7:25).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
All PBC lessons are available online at trbc.org/pbc. Go to www.Hopenow.tv for the current program schedule.
www.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-elmer-towns
Dr. Towns' email is ELTowns@liberty.edu
Dr. Towns’ web address is www.elmertowns.com
