Love and Holiness Meet Together

(Psalm 32)

"Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him."

I say: Lord, forgive my sin.

The Lord says: All is forgiven.

I say: Thank you (which is what Eucharist means).

When we join together for this communion service something powerful has to happen for forgiveness to take place. Love and Holiness have to meet together.

The enemy says, "Are you sure you are forgiven?"

The world says, "Come along with me."

The flesh says, "I'm not done with you yet."

The Lord says, "All is forgiven."

I say, "Thank you."

Oswald spoke about the "reality of redemption." When we recognize the reality of our redemption some noteworthy things will happen:

Reckless abandon to God

Eyes not on me (what I can do or what I am doing)

Holiness becomes the by product of the reality of redemption.

When we meet at this communion table today, love and holiness meet together. We will together say, "Thank you Lord for forgiveness of sin."

I. Love and holiness meet in a story or parable (Luke 15).

This is the famous parable of the prodigal son. This is actually a parable of the love of the prodigal son's father.

The prodigal son - understood the father's love.

The older son - did not understand the father's love.

Some start out as older sons; some become older sons.

Both of these sons come and are blest if their heart is humbled and they find forgiveness.

II. Love and holiness meet in real life (Luke 7:36).

Whoever has been forgiven much loves much; whoever has been forgiven little loves little. Amazing!

There is such a thing as a Pharisee in our day - but he or she is a representation of false religion.

"Holy" actions - you didn't wash your hands.

"Holy" thoughts - there are 6 days in which to be healed, come and be healed on those days, not our holy day.

"Holy" company - the Pharisees called Jesus a winebibber and a glutton (I don't think the ones being ministered to said that).

Jesus says clearly to these supposedly holy ones that they were hypocrites. They said Jesus was a drunk and John had a demon and they killed them both.

Real Pharisees today are also hypocrites and are not saved.

There is, however, a representation of the people of these stories in the church today.

There are saved religious stuffed shirts (like Simon).

"Get these sinners away from me; get these sinners out of here; if you were a prophet you would know this and would agree with me; away with them!"

The difficulty is not necessarily a misunderstanding concerning forgiveness; but rather and inability to love - love for the Lord and love for people.

There are saved irreligious scallywags (like Mary Magdalene).

Well of love for the Lord and for people because so much has been forgiven! Great deep experience of forgiveness (not soon forgotten). Usually a struggle to overcome (reputation and repetition).

Both say: Lord forgive me!

To both the Lord says: All is forgiven!

Blessed is he who sins have been forgiven!

Love and holiness meet together when a wholesome communion service takes place.

I should see them both.

Do they come together?

This morning I was enjoying a big slice of toast. I had a thick layer of peanut butter and a good serving of Smuckers Red Raspberry Jam - and they were meeting together!

Scripture says that I do not have any concept of the good things God has in store for those who love Him.

I also realize now that I have not fathomed the depth of the trouble this world is in and mess we have made it.