The Work of the Advocate (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “The Work of the Advocate,” let us remember the words spoken by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as he admonishes the members of the Laodicean Church, “Behold, I [the Advocate] stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). Yes, Jesus will continue to knock, and those of us who have let him in our hearts and sense the presence of God, have the right to feel that all is well and all will be right with God’s help. Yet, those who do not have the presence of “the Advocate” in their lives, do not have this luxury!!!

Chosen Ones, it does not take a great amount of intelligence to figure out how to receive the assistance of “the Advocate” in one’s life. All one needs is the attribute of repentance – circumstances by which one feels the need to change! Throughout the ages, repentance has been the key to salvation and will now be the key to restoration. This is why Jesus instructs us, “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he REPENT, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I REPENT: thou shalt forgive him” (Luke 17-3:4). In other words, Beloved, Jesus cannot “advocate” for a non-repentant individual. Therefore, just because you are a Christian, you are not to be taken advantage of and allow individuals to commit the same act of “trespasses” multiple times!! Notice Jesus said that your forgiveness of their violation is only required when they ‘REPENT’ or change!!

Chosen Ones, surely Jesus did not require us to do something He would not do himself. Jesus taught us that not EVERYONE who needs an “Advocate” for their sins obtained His services. Remember, Jesus said of “THAT WOMAN Jezebel,” “... I gave her space [time] to repent of her fornication; and she repented not” (Revelation 2:20). Therefore, He says, “I will kill her children with death” (Revelation 2:23). Beloved, just as there could be no restoration for her except she repented, let us not restore a violator except he repent. One more thing, Beloved, do not allow anyone to give an excuse for not repenting. The apostle Paul teaches us that Jesus does away with all excuses. Paul said, “... the Goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance” (Romans 2:4). God has been so good to us that there ought to always be room in all of our hearts to change. When a person refuses to repent, “the Advocate” goes on vacation, but he stays busy with a repentant heart!!!

I will write more on this subject next Sunday. Until then, know that it is a privilege to be your Pastor.

I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy