Things We Cannot Do Without

Things We Can’t Do Without

22nd February 2009 pm

I. Blood – Hebrews 9:22

John Philips - “Today many look with revulsion on the shedding of blood that formed such an essential feature of the Old Testament religion. They consider with equal horror the New Testament’s teaching concerning Christ’s blood. They shudder with abhorrence at many of the gospel hymns that emphasize the efficacy of the blood of Christ. Those who thus scorn the shed blood have their eyes blinded both to God’s blazing holiness and to the dreadful nature of sin. Sin is a radical and terrible reality that calls for a radical and terrible cure.”

The world may not like to think or hear about blood, but the Scripture tells us that it is only the blood of Christ that can cleanse us from our sins. The sacrifices of the Old Testament could temporarily cover sins but they looked forward to a future fulfilment. For the sins to be forgiven there needed to be a new covenant relationship that fulfilled what was foreshadowed and promised by the Old Covenant.

The Bible takes sin very seriously, more so than perhaps any other religion. Sin alienates us from the presence of God. Sin is rooted in the heart of man. Sin cannot be removed by any self-help program. No other religion in the world has any help to offer for the removal of sin.

At a great parliament of religions, held in Chicago many years ago, practically every known religion was represented. During one session, Dr. Joseph Cook, of Boston, suddenly rose and said: ‘Gentlemen, I beg to introduce to you a woman with a great sorrow. Bloodstains are on her hands, and nothing she has tried will remove them. The blood is that of murder. She has been driven to desperation in her distress. Is there anything in your religion that will remove her sin and give her peace?’ A hush fell upon the gathering. Not one of the company replied.

Raising his eyes heavenwards, Dr. Cook then cried out. ‘John can you tell this woman how to get rid of her awful sin?’ The great preacher waited as if listening for a reply. Suddenly he cried, ‘Listen John speaks; ‘The Blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanseth us from all sin’ (1 John 1:7). Not a soul broke the silence; the representatives of Eastern religions and Western cults sat dumb. In the face of human need, the Gospel of Jesus Christ alone could meet the need. The sin of the human race demanded the blood of Calvary.”

Hymn – What can wash away my sin – nothing but the blood of Jesus….

II. Faith – Hebrews 11:6

Faith is a common denominator. Every body expresses faith in something. No one can live a single day without exercising faith – faith in the physical world. When you woke up this morning you flicked a switch to boil the kettle, you had faith that it would work. When you get in your car you have faith that it will start. When you post a letter you have faith the post office will get it to the right address. When you go to the chemist you have faith that they will give you the right medication. Every time you walk into this building or any building you are expressing faith in the architect and the workmen.

Faith is also expressed in the spiritual realm. Each of us regardless of our backgrounds or educations, our social status or our talents can express faith. The difference between the faith we exercise in our daily routine and our religious faith is the object of that faith. Again everyone places their faith in something or someone.

The Muslim puts his faith in the Koran and in Mohammed. The humanist put his faith in himself. The follower of religion, in his own good works. None of these can save, because in each case the object of faith is wrong. Your faith is only as good as the object in which you place your faith. The Bible insists that we personally put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Enoch is a fascinating biblical character. Enoch lived in one of the darkest periods of the history of the world. Enoch lived just before God had to destroy the earth because of man’s evil, yet Enoch managed to keep himself pure. Enoch walked with God. The Hebrew form of the verb means he walked closely and continually with God. The walk that Enoch experienced was one of deepening intimacy with God. He lived every day in the presence of the Lord and in constant communion with Him. His faith and his obedience, as well as his worship, were outstanding.