Washed and Welcomed: Finding Peace in God's Grace
Summary
In today's message, we explored the theme of being "washed and welcomed" by God, finding peace amidst the chaos of life. We began by reflecting on a modern-day example of a portal connecting Dublin and New York, which was shut down due to inappropriate behavior. This serves as a metaphor for the chaos and imperfection inherent in human life. Despite our flaws and the chaos we face, God invites us to come to Him as we are, promising to cleanse and welcome us through His grace.
In Leviticus 8, we see the first high priest, Aaron, being publicly washed and prepared for service, symbolizing the need for purification before serving God. This act points to the ultimate cleansing provided by Jesus, our great high priest, who, unlike Aaron, was pure and sinless. Jesus willingly entered into our chaos, was baptized, and suffered on the cross so that we could be washed by His blood and welcomed into God's presence.
The message emphasizes that our efforts to cleanse ourselves are futile; only through Jesus can we be truly clean. The world may tell us to fix ourselves, but God offers a different path: come to Him, and He will wash us clean. This cleansing is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process of sanctification, where we continually repent and grow in holiness.
We are reminded that Jesus' sacrifice was once and for all, purifying us and allowing us to approach God with confidence. The Lord's Supper serves as a reminder of this truth, symbolizing the body and blood of Christ that secured our eternal cleansing. We are encouraged to let go of guilt and shame from past sins, trusting in the purity and grace of Jesus to redefine us.
Ultimately, the message calls us to find peace in the chaos by resting in the assurance that we are washed and welcomed by God. We are invited to approach the Lord's table with boldness, knowing that we are loved and accepted, and to extend this invitation to others who may feel lost or unworthy.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Invitation Amidst Chaos: Despite the chaos and imperfections in our lives, God invites us to come to Him as we are. He promises to cleanse us and welcome us through His grace, offering peace in the midst of our struggles. [04:45]
2. The Symbolism of Aaron's Cleansing: Aaron's public washing in Leviticus 8 symbolizes the need for purification before serving God. This act points to the ultimate cleansing provided by Jesus, who, unlike Aaron, was pure and sinless. [05:00]
3. Jesus' Sacrifice and Our Cleansing: Jesus willingly entered into our chaos, was baptized, and suffered on the cross so that we could be washed by His blood and welcomed into God's presence. Our efforts to cleanse ourselves are futile; only through Jesus can we be truly clean. [05:56]
4. Ongoing Sanctification: Our cleansing is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process of sanctification. We are called to continually repent and grow in holiness, trusting in Jesus' sacrifice to purify us and allow us to approach God with confidence. [15:06]
5. Finding Peace in God's Presence: We are encouraged to find peace in the chaos by resting in the assurance that we are washed and welcomed by God. The Lord's Supper serves as a reminder of this truth, symbolizing the body and blood of Christ that secured our eternal cleansing. [26:11]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:37] - Introduction to "Washed and Welcome"
- [03:08] - Modern-Day Portal Metaphor
- [03:59] - Human Chaos and God's Invitation
- [05:00] - Aaron's Public Washing
- [05:28] - Jesus, Our Great High Priest
- [06:25] - Washed and Welcomed at His Table
- [08:23] - Context of Leviticus
- [09:32] - The Stain of Sin
- [12:29] - God's Requirement for Purity
- [15:06] - Ongoing Sanctification
- [19:17] - Jesus' Sacrifice Once for All
- [22:30] - Overcoming Past Guilt
- [25:38] - Your Chaos, His Calm Table
- [30:26] - Reflecting on God's Presence
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Washed and Welcomed
Bible Reading:
1. Leviticus 8:1-6
2. Hebrews 9:12
3. Isaiah 64:6
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of Aaron's public washing in Leviticus 8, and how did it symbolize the need for purification before serving God? [05:00]
2. How does the sermon describe the modern-day portal between Dublin and New York as a metaphor for human chaos and imperfection? [03:08]
3. According to the sermon, what does Jesus' baptism and crucifixion signify in terms of our cleansing and welcome into God's presence? [05:56]
4. What does Isaiah 64:6 say about our own efforts to achieve righteousness, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about cleansing? [14:09]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the act of Aaron's washing in Leviticus 8 point to the ultimate cleansing provided by Jesus, and why is this significant for believers today? [05:00]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' sacrifice is different from the old sacrifices mentioned in Hebrews 9:12? [20:17]
3. How does the sermon explain the ongoing process of sanctification, and why is it important for believers to understand this concept? [15:06]
4. What does the sermon imply about the role of the Holy Spirit in our cleansing and sanctification process? [06:38]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by chaos in your life. How can you apply the message of being "washed and welcomed" by God to find peace in that situation? [04:45]
2. The sermon emphasizes that our efforts to cleanse ourselves are futile. What are some ways you have tried to "clean yourself up" before coming to God, and how can you shift your approach to rely more on His grace? [04:30]
3. Consider the ongoing process of sanctification. What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to grow in holiness, and what steps can you take to respond to that call? [15:06]
4. The sermon encourages believers to let go of guilt and shame from past sins. Is there a specific past sin or regret that you struggle to release, and how can you trust in Jesus' purity and grace to redefine you? [22:30]
5. How can you extend the invitation of being "washed and welcomed" to others who may feel lost or unworthy? Identify one person in your life who might need this message and consider how you can share it with them. [32:29]
6. The Lord's Supper is a reminder of our eternal cleansing. How can participating in this sacrament deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jesus' sacrifice? [27:14]
7. Reflect on the metaphor of Jesus preparing a table for us in the presence of our enemies. How can this image help you find calm and assurance in the midst of life's challenges? [25:54]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Invitation in Our Chaos
Despite the chaos and imperfections in our lives, God extends an invitation to come to Him as we are. This invitation is not contingent on our ability to fix ourselves or present a perfect version of ourselves. Instead, God promises to cleanse us and welcome us through His grace, offering peace amidst our struggles. The metaphor of a portal connecting Dublin and New York, which was shut down due to inappropriate behavior, serves as a reminder of the chaos inherent in human life. Yet, God’s invitation remains open, offering a path to peace and restoration. [04:45]
Isaiah 1:18 (ESV): "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."
Reflection: What is one area of chaos in your life where you need to accept God's invitation to bring peace and cleansing today?
Day 2: The Symbolism of Aaron's Cleansing
In Leviticus 8, Aaron's public washing symbolizes the need for purification before serving God. This act of cleansing points to the ultimate purification provided by Jesus, who, unlike Aaron, was pure and sinless. Jesus willingly entered into our chaos, was baptized, and suffered on the cross so that we could be washed by His blood and welcomed into God's presence. This symbolism reminds us that our efforts to cleanse ourselves are futile; only through Jesus can we be truly clean. [05:00]
Hebrews 10:22 (ESV): "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
Reflection: How does understanding the symbolism of Aaron's cleansing help you appreciate the depth of Jesus' sacrifice for your purification?
Day 3: Jesus' Sacrifice and Our Cleansing
Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was a profound act of love, entering into our chaos to provide a path to cleansing and redemption. Unlike any human effort, His sacrifice was sufficient to wash us clean and welcome us into God's presence. Our attempts to cleanse ourselves are inadequate, but through Jesus, we find true purification. This cleansing is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process of sanctification, where we continually repent and grow in holiness. [05:56]
Titus 3:5 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: In what ways can you rely more on Jesus' sacrifice for your cleansing rather than your own efforts?
Day 4: Ongoing Sanctification
Our journey of faith involves ongoing sanctification, a continuous process of being made holy. This process requires us to continually repent and grow in holiness, trusting in Jesus' sacrifice to purify us and allow us to approach God with confidence. The world may tell us to fix ourselves, but God offers a different path: come to Him, and He will wash us clean. This ongoing sanctification is a testament to God's grace and our need for His continual work in our lives. [15:06]
2 Corinthians 7:1 (ESV): "Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God."
Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you need to invite God's ongoing sanctification today?
Day 5: Finding Peace in God's Presence
We are encouraged to find peace in the chaos by resting in the assurance that we are washed and welcomed by God. The Lord's Supper serves as a reminder of this truth, symbolizing the body and blood of Christ that secured our eternal cleansing. By letting go of guilt and shame from past sins, we can trust in the purity and grace of Jesus to redefine us. This peace allows us to approach the Lord's table with boldness, knowing that we are loved and accepted, and to extend this invitation to others who may feel lost or unworthy. [26:11]
Colossians 1:20 (ESV): "And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."
Reflection: How can you actively rest in God's peace today, and who can you invite to experience this peace with you?
Quotes
"Despite the chaos and imperfections in our lives, God invites us to come to Him as we are. He promises to cleanse us and welcome us through His grace, offering peace in the midst of our struggles. The world tells you that there's only one option: I'm going to deactivate you, I'm going to shut you down. But God says very differently. God says, no, come to me and I will clean you up." [00:04:45]
"In Leviticus 8, we see that God publicly asked for Aaron, the high priest, the first high priest, to be washed, to be cleaned, and he was going to be then clothed and welcomed into His service. God was going to make him ready. And we'll see in the book of Hebrews too that Jesus is that great high priest. Aaron was the first high priest, but Jesus is the great high priest, the last high priest." [00:05:00]
"Jesus willingly entered into the Waters of baptism. He didn't have to be baptized, but he said, suffer it for all righteousness' sake. He didn't have to suffer the cross, but he suffered it, and he did all that so that you and I could be washed by his blood. And that's what I'm just trying to focus on this morning, the Lord's Supper from a different angle, and we're looking at how we can be washed clean." [00:05:56]
"Our cleansing is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process of sanctification. It's repentance for our whole life, but your status never changes. You're secure in Christ. There is also a warning not to abuse Grace; we shouldn't abuse it. But why then do I need to be washed? Because God is holy, and that sin separates us." [00:15:06]
"We are encouraged to find peace in the chaos by resting in the assurance that we are washed and welcomed by God. The Lord's Supper serves as a reminder of this truth, symbolizing the body and blood of Christ that secured our eternal cleansing. We must believe by faith in that finished work of Christ. It is finished, he cried on the cross." [00:26:11]
"Jesus is the one who saved. Jesus is the one who welcomes. Jesus is the one who washes. So can I take the communion if I'm not a Christian? No, you can take it, obviously, but I would not encourage you to do that because you first must receive Christ. You must know in your heart of heart, I'm a Believer. I have confessed my sin." [00:29:46]
"Let us take the Lord's table, your son's table, with confidence, knowing that we're washed and welcomed. Help us in Jesus' name, amen. So welcomed and washed, finding peace in your chaos or your crisis, you could even say as well. Just a bit of context for Leviticus. Leviticus was first originally for the Levites, you know, how to live, how to live a holy life." [00:08:23]
"Jesus is that great high priest. He's the one that offered himself once for all. All sin, all stains, all pain can be taken away. And this is it. That was Hebrews 10:1. This is Hebrews 9:12. Neither by the blood of goats or calves, but by his own blood, he entered once into the holy Place, having obtained an eternal Redemption for us." [00:19:17]
"Your past is Purity. This is Hebrews 79 and 10. We just selected verses. Hebrews 79 and 10. Your past is Purity. So again, the old sacrifices, they never really removed sin. They were a picture. They had to keep getting repeated, all of that in Leviticus. And this is in Hebrews 1011, and every priest standeth daily ministering and offering sometimes the same sacrifices." [00:22:30]
"Jesus at the table, picture Jesus now looking at you. Do you hear him saying, come, come, you're welcome, come, well done, my good and faithful servant, come today, right now, come because you and I, we're either washed and welcome or we're still standing outside. I don't want anyone to stand outside. I want everyone to know here that everybody is welcome, everybody can be washed." [00:30:26]
"Let the spirit remove each item. Don't let them cling to you. Let the spirit wash you clean. Let's learn from that. There may be a possibility that you have to name your stain, name the thing that's causing you pain, name it, and then pray about and say, Spirit of Christ, wash me clean, wash me head to foot instead of trying to hide the stain, hide the fears." [00:18:06]
"Jesus willingly entered into our mess. He came into our mess. He came into our stress. He even said, I have a baptism that you can never have. Did I have that? And he did that in our place. He took our filth. He took our filth, and he went to the cross, and he was washed clean even though we didn't need to." [00:25:38]
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