Branded!

Written by cycleguy on February 8th, 2017

There are a few TV shows or movies I will stop to watch if I am walking through the room when they are on. When I first started watching Back to the Future we had taped it on a free weekend. My friend and his son came to visit and I think that movie played on the round the whole weekend. No sooner was it over than we rewound the tape (it was a VHS) and started watching it again.  I’m sort of the same way with the old B & W Perry Mason shows. I am a sucker for the old shows, even though I know Perry is going to win. Never a doubt even though things look awful gloomy from time to time for his client.  I still like courtroom dramas.

A big part of the beginning of I John 2 is the importance of an Advocate who goes to the “bench” on our behalf.  The word Advocate translates the Greek word which means “one who comes alongside” and denotes in legal settings the defender or counselor who comes to aid his clients. It is the same word translated “Helper” or “Comforter” in John 14.  Jesus is the perfect Advocate since the Judge is His Father and they are always in perfect harmony.

Another word used in I John 2 is the word propitiation. A big word most will have trouble saying right, let alone knowing what it means.  It means appeasement or satisfaction. John tells us that Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross satisfied the demands of God’s justice.

There is more to write but will stop there. If you care to listen, the podcast of the sermon is on the church’s website. I welcome your thoughts if you do listen.

Just as a heads up: I am posting this early because Jo and I will be leaving today (Wednesday) for the St. Louis area and return late Friday afternoon. Two of our young men play basketball for Maryville University and we are taking some time away and watching them. Sort of like killing two birds with one stone. So, except for approving a comment, I will be very scarce here and on your blogs as well. Have a great weekend!

 

8 Comments so far ↓

  1. Ceil says:

    Hi Bill! Have a good drive, and a wonderful time away with your wife. I’m sure these two young men are going to be thrilled to see you!
    Thank you for your enlightening words on the Spirit and on propitiation. I’m always appreciative of your wisdom.
    Have a great few days!
    Ceil

    • cycleguy says:

      We had a nice time Ceil. Thanks for the well wishes. The young men are always appreciative of us making the game. Also appreciate your kind words about my “wisdom.” 🙂

  2. Hi, Bill!
    I take it the sermon is for this Sunday and will appear later on the podcast? I’ll be sure to listen, and if I have time, I’ll go back and hear some of your previous ones.
    Enjoy your time away!
    Blessings!

    • cycleguy says:

      That is correct Martha. It will be posted Sunday immediately after I preach it. I’ll have to warn you though about listening to past sermons. They are sleep-inducing. 🙂

  3. floyd says:

    Legal settings, from experience, give me the creeps. It’s where you’ll always find people that lie.
    That’s the difference between having Divine on your side and just another fallen human.

    Have a good time! Praying for your safe travels and your sermon.

  4. Dan says:

    The Advocate versus The Accuser. Sounds like a WWE wrestling match. Thankfully we know who wins!