In this message we will see why Christianity is different and unique from other religions. Jesus uses fasting as the wedge to make a broader point about Christianity and to show that is not like the religions of men.
First, in Luke 5:30, the Pharisees and scribes complained behind Jesus’ back to his disciples about how Jesus himself eats with the sinners. Now, in Luke 5:33-35 they attack Jesus directly, accusing him and his disciples of eating and drinking and not fast. This bothered them because according to the centuries of Jewish religious tradition, the way to be righteous was to fast and pray and it was to them a means of salvation.

We must note that Jesus never condemns fasting. The Bible supports fasting and has numerous examples, such as Nehemiah 1:4, Esther 4:16, and Acts 13:2-3. Jesus also fasted for 40 days in the wilderness (Mt4:2). In general, fasting is a good means to fight against the temptations of the flesh. Jesus does not condemn fasting in this passage but said there’s a moment for it.

To focus on fasting in this passage is missing the point. Jesus is not concerned with fasting. The point Jesus is making is that Christianity is internal, not external. True Christianity is about character, who’s on the inside, not what happens on the outside. Christianity is all about Christ.

We can see this because Christianity starts internally not externally. First, God looks at the heart, not  your outward appearance or actions. This is where true religion begins, in the heart. Saul versus David is an example of the external versus the internal. Saul was a tall and handsome man on the outside, very much like the kings of the world, while David was a man of a righteous heart (1Sa9:2;1Sa16:6-7) 

The accusation that is made against Jesus is based on an external observation. It actually reveals the heart of the accuser, that they measure righteousness externally. But the disciples of Christ were merely responding based on the joy in their heart, for it is after a sinner repents, like what happened to the lame man and to Matthew the tax collector, that there is joy. There is a stark contrast between before and after repentance. God, the Holy Spirit works in our heart and we are changed completely (Ti3:5).

After repentance, Christ starts living in us and there is a joy and satisfaction in Christ because there is no more condemnation! (2Cor13:5, Ro8:1) This joy is different from the world’s shallow and temporary joy. We have a joy because Christ is in us, an inward joy that displays in our lives. This is why they were eating and drinking with Jesus, the one who saved them (Eph 2:1, Ro8:10). On the other hand, the Pharisees thought their righteousness and life came from their deeds of fasting and praying. True Christianity is a righteous life from within made righteous by the life Christ (2Cor4:16). Every other religion is based on externalism while Christianity is based on the divine accomplishment of Christ and the inward salvation. This is why Christianity is unique.

Christianity is a joyous religion (Ac2:13, Ac8:39). ‘You cannot make the make the attendants of the groom fast… can you? It’s a rhetorical question with the obvious answer of no. Jesus is saying it’s obviously impossible to force someone to fast on such a joyous occasion of a wedding. Israel’s relationship with God is a marriage. God rejoices over his people, his bride (Is62:4-5). Even Jesus’ first miracle is at a wedding where he turned water into wine, which in a way is a metaphor of turning a dead joyous religion (water) into a good and wonderful life (wine).
Also the source of your joy defines the type and quality of that joy. Sinners rejoice in sin so their joy is wicked and fleeting. The source of Christian joy is Jesus, who saves us out of the wilderness (Mt18:12). Jesus emphasized above even miracles that we rejoice that our names are recorded in heaven (Lk10:20). Being saved is the chief joy in this world. It is the joy that satisfies completely. If you are not satisfied with salvation then nothing can or will satisfy you since it is God’s greatest blessing and grace. This is our homework as a Christian: to find our joy in Christ. We worry sometimes, about money or health or other worldly things, but we should not worry if Christ is truly our joy (Ro8:31-32).

This joy is realized because Jesus is with us. It’s funny, as Christ was leaving the disciples, He said I’m with you always (Mt28:20). The answer is Jesus sends the Holy Spirit (Jn14:18;Jn 16:7,14). The question for us is, do you have the Holy Spirit in your heart? (1Cor3:16;Rom 8:9) Without the Holy Spirit, you are not a Christian. If the Holy Spirit is in you, then walk by the Spirit and as you walk by the Spirit, you will bear His fruit which is love and joy. True spiritual joy is this close intimate relationship with God.

Ultimately, Christianity is nothing but Jesus Christ. Other religions rely on their works (Lk18:13) but Christianity is based on Jesus Christ, the cornerstone (Eph2:20). Jesus is the truth we acknowledge and believe. Christianity is not the building or programs, but Christianity is a person and that person is Jesus, who He is and what He has done. We are witnesses of Christ, not a religion (Ac1:8).

As a true Christian, Jesus will never be taken from you, but there might be a season in your life where Christ is distant, when the intimacy is gone. This is the recommended time to fast. Sometimes, we forget Christ’s words and act like Mary who was in despair (Lk24:5). This is something Christians practice by acting like Jesus is dead when He is alive. We worry, we have anxiety, we have worldly desires and stumble under the circumstances, forgetting that Jesus is alive and reigning sovereign over all things. We must be like Apostle Paul who asserted Jesus to be alive (Acts 25:19). Christian, you must continually be living in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and trusting in the will of God. This is the beacon of joy and hope for you. However if the resurrection does not encourage you or help you overcome your situation, then you must fast. Fast to remember Christ who is with you.

Christianity is internal, full of joy and all about Jesus Christ. This is the heart of true Christianity and why Christianity is unique.

Anyone that thinks he deserves to be saved errs by thinking that he is intrinsically good. If you think you are already good before your salvation, the joy that you experience from salvation is not true, because you think you deserve salvation. Contrary to this, the Bible states that no one is good. None are righteous, not even one (Rom 3:10).

The Bible states that when God created man in the beginning of history, man was good (Gen 1:27, 31). God is pleased with man as He created him. However, man is not birthed with the same goodness. Because of the sin of the first man, Adam, all subsequent generations, from Cain and Abel, become evil. Man’s goodness is not preserved. Sin enters through one man, and all sin (Rom 5:12). Again, it must be emphasized that no one is good except God alone (Mk 10:17-18), and if no one is good, none deserves to be saved.

Because of their strict adherence to the law, the Pharisees and scribes thought themselves to be good and thereby set apart from others. This is why they were indignant that the disciples would eat and drink with sinners and tax collectors, whom they considered to be unclean because of their sinfulness.

However, Jesus rejects “good people” who do not realize they are sinners. The Pharisees deny their sinfulness and are the subject of Jesus’ mourning. How, then, can anyone be good like Jesus? One must understand that goodness is not determined by outward acts alone but is ultimately determined by the heart. The Pharisees believe they are good because they believe they are disciples of Moses (Jn 9:24, 28). They have a holier-than-thou attitude, but Jesus sees through their act into their hearts. They are moralists who believe that their works will save them. Even though the law clearly delineates the need for a Savior through the exposure of sin, “through the law comes the knowledge of sin (Rom 3:19-20), the Pharisees believe themselves to be saved by their legalistic following of the law. They do not understand sin, which is an inward state that precedes evil deeds and a state of heart that refuses to be in subjection to God (A. W. Pink). Sin comes from within (Mk 7:18-23). All men are intrinsically sinners. The Biblical principle is that if you see yourself as intrinsically good, you cannot be saved. Only when you see yourself as Jesus sees you, a sinner by nature, you can be saved.

Jesus rejects “good people” who deny that they are spiritually sick. Every man is born with a congenital sickness – sin. The Pharisees reject Jesus’ diagnosis that they are sick and are in need of a Physician. Their preference is to turn to philosophy, science, or entertainment. They believe they can become perfect and fulfill their desire for anti-nomadism. Jesus states that He came to fulfill the law. How do we avoid becoming pharisaic in our self-examination? We can determine if we are spiritually sick by examining the fruit we bear (Jn 15:5) and by examining whether we are guided by the Word of Jesus (Jn 9:40-41).

Jesus rejects “good people” who claim to be self-righteous, who follow their own standards instead of God’s holy standards. Jesus states that he came to save the sinners to repentance (v. 32). The Pharisees’ self-righteousness arises from their studying of the law. The self-righteous serve themselves rather than God. As John Flavel states, “It is easier to cry against one thousand sins of others than to kill one of your own.”

Without repentance, no one can be pardoned. As A.W. Pink states, “Repentance is a supernatural and inward revelation from God, giving a deep consciousness of what I am in His sight, which causes me to loathe and condemn myself, resulting in a bitter sorrow for sin, a holy horror and hatred for sin, a turning away from or forsaking of sin.”. We are indeed sinners in need of the grace of God, but we can become the righteousness of God in Jesus (2 Cor 5:21). How wonderful it is that Jesus the Righteous is our Advocate with the Father (1 Jn 2:1)!

As we learned from last week’s message that man does not want to be converted if left to their own volition, but only by God’s grace and intervention can a sinner repent and turn to Christ through faith and be saved. Consequently, the converted transitions from embracing sin to embracing Christ. The stark contrast between pre-conversion and the converted life is obvious through the inner working of the Spirit of God.

Prior to our conversion, God regenerates the soul of the sinner. The quickening of the soul begins to awaken the dead spirit to seek God and eventually believe. Scripture likens regeneration as follows: “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going so is everyone who is born of the Spirit” (Jn. 3:8).  Therefore, only God enables a dead man to become alive.  And when a sinner is made alive to God, He calls the converted to forsake all and follow Christ.

And he left everything behind, and got up and began to follow Him (v. 28).

Leaving everything behind implies both the spiritual and physical. Leaving means forsaking what is non-essential (Matt. 4:4). Matthew forsook his love for the world and the things in it (i.e., occupation and pursuit of wealth; 1 Jn. 2:15-17). In addition, by God’s effectual calling, Matthew was able to forsake all, follow Christ, and living in continual obedience.

Therefore, bearing fruit in repentance and sanctification in our love for the Lord Jesus Christ is inevitable. And in all things, the converted loves Jesus and only want to share Christ to others for the glory of God. This is the aim of the truly converted, the product of the triune God.

The modern church must understand that there’s no difference between a Christian and a disciple of Jesus. To be a Christian means you are a follower of Jesus Christ. In this text, Jesus called Matthew out to Matthew and told the tax collector to follow him. Matthew’s response is what genuine conversion looks like, he became a true Christian, a disciple of Christ. Today we will go over the first part of genuine conversion which is God’s role. While many Christians claim a genuine conversion but it is the substance or the origin of your conversion that is the determining factor of authenticity. Many conversions might look similar but time will tell who is the source of their salvation, whether it is in themselves or from God above.

In this passage we have two main characters, Jesus and Matthew the tax collector. In Jesus’ time, the tax collector occupation was a good way to get rich but socially the tax collectors were looked at poorly and despised because of their crooked and treasonous methods. They were viewed as monsters, traitors and sub-human, the worst of criminals (Luke 18:11). According to the Jews, if anyone should burn in hell, it would be the tax collectors. This is how Matthew was perceived. Jesus, knowing this, directly approached this vile tax collector called him. By the calling of Jesus, Matthew was converted. He had a willing response to the gospel call, repented of his sins and followed Christ.

There is no perfect conversion, as in at conversion, no one stops sinning forever. Christians still sin and are lying if they don’t admit it. (1 John 1:8-10). Christians sin, in fact, they cannot not sin because no one is perfect on this side of glory. But should they sin? No! 2 Timothy 3:5 True Christians pursue sanctification. There is a power of godliness in a Christians life that is visible and evident. Sanctification is not only an increasing of holiness but also an increasing homesickness for Christ in heaven (Colossians 3:1-2) In contrast, a false conversion is like a dog returning to it’s vomit. There are countless examples of people who confess at different revival meetings. They are saved but eventually end up lost again. Saved and lost, repeating this cycle over and over again. This is a conversion based on man’s determination and emotions. True conversion doesn’t start with you. It’s not started with your feelings or your thoughts.

True conversion starts with the Lord. As we see in Luke 5:27, after declaring his authority to forgive sin and curing the paralytic, Jesus intentionally initiates his next encounter. He turns to the scum of society, to Matthew the tax collector. After claiming to be God who can forgive, can Jesus save this sinner of sinners? Is Jesus the prophesied Messiah and Son of Man? Daniel 7:13-14 Jesus cared and searched for Matthew when no one else did. (Matthew 18:12). There was nothing about Matthew that drew Christ’s attention other than that he was a worst case scenario, seemingly unredeemable and unforgivable. We are no different from Matthew. No one cared for us but Jesus Christ alone. It is an important reminder that salvation begins with God, with His seeking us out. 

The verse says Jesus ‘noticed’ Mathew. The Greek word means contemplating and interested in. Jesus was purposefully visiting Matthew. We must realize, Jesus didn’t just notice Matthew in this moment, but from the beginning, before the world began He was seeking to save Matthew (Ephesians 1:4). From eternity past, Jesus noticed this single tax collector (Luke 4:26-27). When God chooses, His choosing is perfect, His election never ends in failure. There are no draft busts in Christianity where the result is different then what God expects. A true conversion never results in a bust but true sanctification. There might be struggles in the Christian life and there might be failures but sin will not have the final say. The final say is in Matthew 25:23 ‘Well done good and faithful slave’. These are the words that await every truly converted follower of our Lord.

This means there is hope for even the lowest, the worst of the worst. Tax collector’s were not meant for the kingdom of heaven (Luke 18:11, 1 Corinthians 6:9). Yet, God creates something out of nothing. Such blessed hope for all of us. This proves that salvation is completely God’s grace. Matthew had nothing good in himself, but he was saved by a miracle which is God’s grace. God’s grace is not boring or cheap but joyful and wonderful because by it we are saved (Eph 2:8-10). Grace sounds gentle but it’s actually the full force of God. Grace starts with God’s full justice followed by His unending love. It’s His omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence and every other attribute of His divine nature. According to people’s judgement, Matthew was for sure going to hell. It was God’s wonderful wisdom to save the tax collector (1 Cor 1:18-11). He saves the small, the unknown and the unlikely. These are the ones God uses in His wisdom for His kingdom.

Jesus very clearly and directly commands Matthew to follow Him. The grammar of the word ‘follow’ implies both now and continually. Following the right person is a matter of life and death. Jesus says ‘Follow Me’. There are many people who believe somewhat correctly but act wrongly. ‘Follow me’ requires the correct belief and the correct action otherwise while claiming to follow Jesus you are following someone else on the wrong road (Luke 13:23-24). Following involves becoming a fisher of men (Matthew 4:19). Jesus’ passion is for saving the lost as seen in this encounter with Matthew. Following Jesus means we must have the same passion. Following Jesus is also denying self and going through suffering (Matthew 16:24 ). Even though there is suffering, following Jesus means full satisfaction. King David knew what it meant to follow the Lord (Psalm 23). In the case of Matthew, he was wealthy yet he was not satisfied. That changed after following Christ. As demonstrated by the tax collector, true conversion leaves visible marks in the life of the believer.

Forgiveness is the keystone to being reconciled to God. Forgiveness begins with the admission that we are sinners. This realization doesn’t come by our own understanding, but by God’s grace. Forgiveness is the greatest miracle. Anyone that is in Christ is forgiven, and he is a new creature (2 Cor 5:17). Upon seeing the paralyzed man being lowered into His presence, Jesus saw his faith and forgave him (v. 20).

Christians come to Christ because He calls them (Jn 10:3). Not only does God call them, but He also convicts Christians of their sin (Jn 16:8-9). “The influence of the Holy Spirit in an unsaved person’s life will lead that person to the realization that he is guilty, that God is just, and that all sinners are deserving of judgment. Once a sinner has been awakened to his soul’s great need, the Spirit will point him to Christ, the one and only Savior and Refuge from judgment” (Charles Ryrie). One cannot blame God for lack of conviction, for “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them” (Rom 1:18-20).

Repentance precedes forgiveness. Without repentance, there is no forgiveness. Jesus has the authority to both heal and to forgive. He can heal and forgive effortlessly because He is omnipotent. Jesus often called Himself the Son of Man to highlight that, although in appearance He is Man, all the fullness of God still dwelt in Him. 

God knows the heart of man. Christians hate sin because it goes against the very nature of God, who is holy. “Sin forsaken is one of the best evidences of sin forgiven” (J. C. Ryle).

The word ambition is often misconstrued or misunderstood that it is always accompanied with evil. However, ambition is itself neutral and can be good or bad. The Webster Dictionary (1828) defines it this way:

Ambition: A desire of preferment, or of honor; a desire of excellence or superiority. It is used in a good sense; as, emulation may spring from a laudable ambition It denotes also an inordinate desire of power, or eminence, often accompanied with illegal means to obtain the object. It is sometimes followed by of; as, a man has an ambition of wit. Milton has used the word in the Latin sense of going about, or attempting; but this sense is hardly legitimate.

The church must have a holy ambition for the glory of God. The church is always looking forward to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14). God is always searching for and ready to use ordinary believers to use for His will to be accomplished on this side of glory. But in order to possess this holy ambition it is the heart that matters.

What do we need for this Biblical and holy ambition? The Christian that has a holy ambition must possess a relocated heart (2 Chron. 16:9), broken and contrite spirit, and faith.

The believer that possesses a relocated heart from having a dislocated heart (i.e., new heart in Christ).

Before a person is able to have the desires of God, God must first grant a new heart. After being given a new heart as we repent and follow Christ, the Christian still has to intentionally get out of their comfort zone and risk their lives in order to have holy ambition. Jesus Christ Himself exemplified this attitude as He risked everything to do the will of the Father. Therefore, desiring God’s will, which is our holy ambition, requires complete sacrifice that is rooted in selflessness. Thoughtful consideration, through ceaseless prayer, of whether or not we are desiring the will of God is how believers can ensure they possess a holy ambition.

The believer that possesses a broken spirit.

A broken spirit (contrite spirit) means pride and self sufficiency becomes humbled by the guilty conscience. It is contrary to a hopeless spirit. Rather, a broken spirit that is before God is the one that is justified by God. He is the one that restores the contrite spirit to be exalted and used for the will of God, whereas a divided heart has one foot in God and the other in the world, whom God does not use. Those that have a passion for God’s will hold a high view of God. A practical way to know our view of God is high or low is by the content of our prayers. Are our prayers self-centered or God-centered? Therefore, the broken spirited that has truly repented holds a high view of God in their commitment to serve the God that forgives. Christians are to be encouraged even though there are sins remaining as God patiently allows them to repent and have a renewed commitment that is only possible if they possess biblical faith.

The believer that holds to biblical faith.

Biblical faith allows for a holy ambition to the point of risking one’s life as we see in the example of Prisca and Aquila (Rom. 16:3). They were no different from today’s Christian as they faced all kinds of temptations to do anything but obey God’s will. But what allowed them to even risk their lives for God and other believers is because they knew and loved God. Knowing God is prioritizing spending time with Him through reading, studying and meditating in His word daily. Thus, reading the word and praying to God as a way of life is the only means to grow and improve the faith of every believer.

Biblical ambition is only possible by a radically transformed heart. After receiving this new heart from God, holy ambition and faith grows and improves through daily Scripture reading and prayer. Consequently, when a church is filled with these type of Christians, the Lord uses them mightily to accomplish His will.

Spiritual gifts are important for every believer to understand. Like the Corinthians, we may need clarification on what the Bible says about spiritual gifts so that we may view them biblically and use them effectively for the edification of the church.
Spiritual gifts are given freely and generously by the Holy Spirit to every believer. They are important because they are signs of an individual’s salvation. The Holy Spirit who saves you gives you spiritual gifts the moment you are in Christ. Therefore, when reflecting on spiritual gifts, the first question to ask yourself is, “Am I saved?” To be saved is to have a personal, loving relationship with Jesus Christ. If you are saved and love Jesus above all else, you must seek to know what your spiritual gift is.
Spiritual gifts are also important because they function for the health of the church. There is no gift that is not vital for the church body. When spiritual gifts are actively used, the church is healthy.

Having acknowledged the importance of spiritual gifts, why then do we fail to use them?When we consider spiritual gifts, we tend to think more about personal ability and skill. But the Greek word for “gift” refers to something that is given without price, rather than the common English definition that describes an impressive capability. As we erroneously focus more on our abilities, we are hindered to believe we may have a particular spiritual gift because we don’t see that ability within us.

How then can we know what our spiritual gifts are?
All those who have been saved have been called by God. Moreover, every believer is called into ministry. We are all evangelists; we are all ministers. Though we are weak, God enables us by His power to serve the church in the roles He assigns to every willing believer. As we desire to know and use our spiritual gifts to serve Jesus and His church, it is vital that we understand spiritual gifts are not about spiritual ability, but they are for spiritual roles and assignments. We must therefore pray and ask the Lord,Where do You want me to serve?

Every believer has been gifted generously by the Holy Spirit to serve the church. Everything we do can be a spiritual gift that edifies the church. Spiritual gifts are not about ability; they depend on your love for Jesus Christ and His church.

In Acts 2:36-47 we see the beginning of the true Christian church. In verse 47 we see the goal and result of a truly redeemed and biblical Church, ‘And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.’ At Bible Community Church, our desire is not just to grow numerically but growing with true saved believers. There is no guarantee of growth because God causes the growth (1 Cor 3:6-7) but there are timeless principles from the early church we be good for us to follow.

How did the early church start?

The church started with repentance. Repentance is the most important thing. In Acts 2:36 Peter indicted the people as murderers. They were perpetrators in Christ’s crucifixion. We are also murderers. In Matthew 5:21-22 Jesus teaches that any type of anger is a murder. Romans 5:12, Eph 2:1. We are all sinners, that’s why we sin, and why we must first repent.

When they heard, they were pierced to the heart. Their sin was exposed and they felt their guilt and shame by the Holy Spirit. Like a water balloon pricked with a needle, their sin came bursting out. The cried out in desperation, ‘What shall we do?’ This wasn’t a fleeting guilt or a guilt easily brushed aside. It was a guilt wrought by the Holy Spirit. ‘What shall we do?’ was an admission of guilt and a surrender to the consequences.

Peter said to them, ‘Repent’. True repentance is an act of the heart. (Psalm51:16-17) Repentance means turning away, which consists of realizing your old ways are evil (Isaiah 55:7, Ephesians 2:2-3) and forsaking them. However, repentance is not just stopping immoral deeds, that’s just moral reform. True Repentance is turning away from sin and turning into Christ. Jesus paid the full penalty for our sins. Jesus took our sin and gave us His righteousness. Repentance is trusting the work and person of Christ. Our sin demands our death, yet Jesus died on our behalf, so our repentance can only redeem if it is in Christ. (1 Cor 15:1-4) The fruit of repentance is a change from before and after. The repentant no longer live for self but live for Christ. By the process of repentance, a true Christian knows the true horrifying nature of sin and will turn to the one who saves them from it, Jesus Christ.

How was the early church built?

After a genuine repentance, the early church was devoted, committed, even risking their lives for the following principles. The following four principles never change for the church.

1. The Apostles’ teaching (God’s word): The true believer loves God’s word and experiences their relationship through the reading and practicing of it (Psalm 119:2). The Holy Spirit uses God’s word to build the Church. You must see God Himself in the written Bible to sustain your faith.
2. Fellowship: Fellowship comes from the Lord, from the relationships in the Trinity. As a church, Biblical fellowship comes from Biblical understanding. Fellowship is companionship, sharing and being united, working together, being transparent, and stewardship of one another.
3. Breaking bread (Lord’s supper): The table is the picture of Christ and the church remembers its Savior. It reminds us that Jesus is with us and convicts us to live for Him pursuing sanctification because of His redeeming sacrifice.
4. Prayer: Knowing that God is omnipotent, omniscient sovereign and good, then we should always pray. Prayer is our humility and walking according to God’s will. This is how our Lord prayed (Luke 5, Psalm 116:3-4, Luke 18:7). We must realize God hears our prayers and answers them (Matthew 15:27-28). The church is full of the weak and helpless which is why we devote ourselves in prayer to the almighty God.

How did the early church live?

They enjoyed holy fear and wonder (Acts 2:43). But how are we to experience this exciting environment without miracles? By faith through the Bible. The willing Christian can see what God is doing every day as they read God’s word. The Bible is more exciting and more powerful than miracles because miracles cannot save people but God’s word does. This is a serious problem in the church. How long will church remain routine without the awe of God? People are changed by the presence of God and His word.

The early church also practiced what they learned (Acts 2:44-45). They helped each other (Acts 2:46) and they were of one mind. They wanted to be together and they risked their lives worshipping together. Unlike what is going on in the current lockdown where churches are willingly keeping their congregations at home without any community. The early church shared everything together, truly loving one another.

The early church was always praising God; it was their lifestyle. Their praise was such a stark contrast to their lives before repentance. They went from shame to praising God because in this world, there is no comparison or competition to the gift of redemption (Romans 8:32). As believers, we too, must be satisfied with Christ and have lives filled with praise, otherwise we debase God and His complete salvation.

The early church had favor in the sight of everyone. Not they were worldly or like the world, but because of their genuine love and sanctification. They were so different from the world that the world was interested.

At Bible Community church, we desire to be a part of the growing Church. It is our desire to apply the principles here and experience the work of God.

Jesus Christ is our Savior – our caring Savior who is mighty, forgiving, and is ever calling His own.

“Behold, there was a man covered with leprosy…” (v. 12).

In the time of Jesus, lepers had to be isolated so as to not pass their infectious disease onto others. They had to cry out, “Unclean!” as they approached the city so that others might stay away from them. In the Bible, leprosy is a symbol of sin – it spreads all over the body and brings with it terrible consequences. Sin, like leprosy, begins small. Leprosy often may start off as a skin blemish, but it eventually leads to multiple skin lesions and nerve damage. In the same way, Adam and Eve’s disobedience of eating the forbidden fruit may seem small and inconsequential, but it was through this one small act of rebellion that their relationship with God was broken.

Leprosy starts from within, by a bacterial infection. We have a similarly viral sinful nature, which causes us to sin. We all sin because we are all sinners (Mark 7:21-23) endowed with sinful nature. We have no basis for self-righteousness.

Leprosy damages the brain and spinal cord leading to numbness. Likewise, when we are overtaken by sin, we become spiritually numb to sin, and it becomes difficult to distinguish between good and evil.

Leprosy, however, is curable, though it often it leaves permanent deformities and scars. Unlike leprosy, sin is incurable – and the permanent consequence of sin is death. This is why all of humanity faces death – except for Jesus, who was sinless and faced death as a choice, conquering death through resurrection. If we receive salvation through Jesus, we are not left with permanent deformities and scars of sin; we are cleansed perfectly.

Jesus came to save sinners and defeat sin, because it is only through Christ that sinners will receive salvation through repentance. As we repent of our sin, we will receive salvation – but how can one identify a sinner who is genuine in his desire to be rescued form his life of sin unto salvation? Sinners who want to be rescued consider Jesus as God (Jn 1:1,3; Col 2:9). “And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, ‘Lord, if You are willing…” (v.12). They also consider Jesus as the Lord of lords and the King of kings. They surrender everything to the Lord in every moment of their lives, realizing that they are undeserving. “Lord, if you are willing…” (v.12). They leave everything up to God; they are humble (Lk 18:12-14). They know and recognize that Jesus is the only object of their saving faith.

Jesus healed the leper in a unique and unprecedented method – Jesus touched the leper. “And He stretched out His hand and touched him…” (v.13).  The healing came through a divine intervention in which God answered Jesus’s prayer for the healing of the leper, which displayed the power of God to all those around Him. Just as He willingly intervened for the salvation of the leper, Jesus willingly died on the cross for our sins. (Isa 53:4-5). He bore our sins in His body on the cross (1 Pet 2:24). Jesus touched the leper. “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor 5:21). Having been saved, we sinners can be cleansed and sanctified by the Word of God.

Jesus came as Messiah to fulfill the Old Testament. It was prophesied that the Messiah would drive away demons, heal the blind, and cleanse lepers. Jesus came and drove out demons, healed the blind, and cleansed lepers. He came to rescue sinners, spiritual lepers, by His crucifixion and resurrection.

With the close of a year that for some, was incredibly difficult, many are hopeful and optimistic that this new year will be better. But just like any other year, this year will be unpredictable and undoubtedly filled with difficulties that may include sickness, affliction, loss, and death. This may even be the year that Jesus returns. How can we be prepared? Luke’s account of Peter’s encounter with Jesus shows us how. As we begin a new year, we can be confident because of our election, conversion, and commission. In Christ, we can be ready to face all that God has ordained for us in 2021.

We are chosen by God. Jesus was getting increasingly popular because of His authoritative teaching and miracles. In Luke 5, crowds gathered to hear Him speak, leaving Him no room to stand, so He chose Simon’s fishing boat to preach from there. (Lk 5:3) This illustrates God’s election.

Election is God choosing who will be saved purely on the basis of His sovereignty. Many don’t like the doctrine of election, claiming it is unfair, but it is a biblical and wonderful doctrine. Without election, there can be no salvation because no man deserves salvation. If God acted strictly on the basis of fairness, we would all be condemned because of our sin. Election is the cause of our salvation. Without it, we could never be assured of salvation. God is the One who began the work of our salvation, and He is the One who will complete it. (Eph 1:4, Phil 1:6)

How do you know you are elect? Just as Jesus spoke to Peter, commanding him to let down his net for a catch, and Peter obeyed, the elect will listen to Christ and obey Him. (Lk 5:4)

We are converted to Christ. Conversion is to turn away from sin and unbelief and to turn to Christ in faith. Peter’s response to Jesus illustrates his pre-converted state, his conversion, and the effects of his conversion.

Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing…This describes what life is like without Christ. We can do nothing without Jesus. All our works are futile and full of hardship and toil.

…but I will do as You say…The sign of conversion is surrender. We put ourselves in Jesus’ hands and let Him do as He pleases.

..they caught a great quantity of fish…But when Simon Peter saw this, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”Peter became humbled before God. He knew that he was a sinful man before a holy God. He immediately recognized Jesus as Lord.

We are commissioned. Believers are sent by Jesus to be fishers of men. When our work here is done, we will be called home. In fulfilling this great commission, we do not have to fear anything, because we have faced the greatest fear of all- the holiness of God- and have been preserved by being in Christ. We must leave everything by entrusting all things to Christ our Lord. Lastly, to fulfill Jesus’ commission, we must follow Him. Those who follow Christ daily will naturally become effective fishers of men.