In the early years when I started out in ministry, I organised a Word Seminar and invited several Christians. Most of them declined the invitation with various excuses. Then my friends and I went out to invite all sorts of people—thugs, cultists, street girls, and the like. Many of them came for the seminar and gave their hearts to Christ that same day.
Not long afterwards, some religious folks began to criticise us for allowing “sinners” in the church! They considered these new converts sinners still. Even though these folks were now born again and filled with the Holy Spirit, these “religious Christians” felt they had to first be cleansed from their funny dressing, tattoos, and what not, before they would qualify as God’s children. What they failed to realise was the fact that anyone in whom the Holy Spirit was pleased to dwell was already clean. No other ritual was required!
Moreover, God’s Word is the number one cleansing agent! God cleanses people through His Word (John 15:3). Each time the Word comes to you, it cleanses you and makes you as white as snow. God’s Word displaces fear and a sense of unrighteousness from a person’s heart and replaces them with God’s faith and righteousness-consciousness. It’s not right to despise God’s children who come to church, even when you think they aren’t living right. The Word of God is a cleanser, and will cleanse anyone who comes under its influence, power and authority.
Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for giving me your eternal Word. Your Word has the ability to wash me clean and purge me of any guilt. I am conscious today of the cleansing power of your Word and I trust in its ability to sanctify my spirit, soul, and body, as it transforms and upgrades my life from one level of glory to another, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
