TWO WOMEN, ONE STORY

Sermon Notes, August 12, 2012

Pastor Phil Perkins

Pastor Phil’s message was titled “Two Women, One Story.” He started off by telling us the story of a modern-day woman, a former sinner, who asked Jesus into her heart and became part of a church.  As time passed and she continued her Christian growth and service, the pastor’s son asked her to marry him.  Some of the people of the church were incensed: they didn’t think she was good enough for their pastor’s son.  At the church meeting where this was discussed, the pastor’s son told the angry ones, “You’re not telling her she’s not good enough.  You’re telling Jesus His blood’s not good enough.”

 Luke 7:36-50 tells of another sinful woman, in Jesus’ time, who was criticized by the church people.  She washed His feet with her tears, dried them with her hair, and anointed Him with perfume.  Everyone knew the woman and her past.  Some, including Simon, the host, were quick to judge. In her actions, the woman laid her sins at Jesus’ feet.  It was shocking to the Pharisees that Jesus forgave sins.  Her love was the evidence, not the cause, of her pardon.  It was her faith that saved her.  The difference between Simon and the woman was her recognition of her own sin. 

1 John 1:8 reminds us that if we claim we are without sin, we’re deceiving ourselves; and Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that it is by grace that we are saved.  God desires that all should come to Him, and 1 John 1:9 says that He will forgive.  There is nothing you can do that will cause God love you any more, and there is nothing you can do that will cause Him to love you less.  No one is beyond forgiveness.  No one is any better than anyone else.  Everyone has the opportunity to receive mercy and grace.

Be like Jesus and be like the pastor's son: accept God’s mercy and grace.  Accept others, where they are.  God wants all of you, and He wants you to accept others.  Receive Him, receive His grace and mercy.