May 13 , 2006
Newsletter Archives

“A Friend of Sinners!” What a name – what a title to give anyone! Who would not consider it a disgrace to be called “a friend of sinners?” And yet that was what they called Jesus when he was here upon earth.
Who was it who gave Him this title? It was not those who were known to be sinners, but the respectable, those who thought themselves better than others, those who kept up the outward appearance of being religious. Speaking of the Lord Jesus they said, “This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.”
Do you admit that you are a sinner? If so, there is a Friend for you. The Lord Jesus Himself tells us: “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.
The Lord Jesus speaks to us while in all our sins and failures and tells us of God and His grace and mighty power. And then He speaks of Himself: “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Notice the words; not only to save, but to seek and to save.
Friend, God’s Word says that “there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:22-23. The promise is to “whosoever believeth in Him.” Can you rest and trust in Him, the One who took the sinner’s place and suffered for you? “God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.

Russ Nesbit