Monday after Pentecost, 6/4/011Corinthians 6:9--11 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. --NIV In the name of the One Who washed, sanctified, and justified us in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
Do you wash your car every week, or do let it go for weeks, months, even a year or more at a time? I've always admired people who were fanatics about keeping their cars clean. I think it shows that they take care of the things that God has given them.
By nature, human beings are like dirty cars. Like cars that are dusty, full of tar, bugs, and other road dirt, we are full of the dirt of rebellion, lust, gluttony, and other evil. And, like dirty cars, we aren't just dirty on the outside, but we are filthy on the inside as well.
Fortunately, God the Holy Spirit washed us clean in the water of Baptism. He washed us clean on the inside as well as the outside. Now we are shiny and attractive to God once again. Amen.
Prayer: Dear Holy Spirit, we came into life full of sin and wickedness. But You cleansed us by the water of Baptism, the soap of Jesus' blood, and pressure washer of Your holy word. Cleansing Spirit, keep us clean so that we may serve You in righteousness all the days of our lives on earth, amen.
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