"Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them." -- Luke 15:1-2

Reverend J.D. Smith of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland preaches on Luke 15:1-2. Sabbath, July 31, 2022 (Auckland, New Zealand).

His three points of the sermon (from my notes):

1.) The Person. "This man" Christ Jesus
* The scum of society kept on drawing near to Him. It was grace and love that drew them. God was in the heart of Christ and heaven was in the voice of Christ. Because He has the same nature as sinners, He can sympathize with them. Truly human. The Savior is a Man with compassion: no need to be terrified of Him as God. He satisfies the weary soul. He spoke vividly of hellfire because we need the warning; we need to be awakened. "fury is not in me" (Isaiah 27:4).

2.) The Reception. "receives sinners"
* Christ doesn't receive the godly or churchgoers but sinners. He even received publicans. These tax collectors were considered traitors to Israel: collecting money for Rome. They're grouped together with harlots by Christ. He received and welcomed the worst of all sinners who repent. The father of the prodigal son didn't need to sit him down and get him to confess all the details of his evil. He ran to him and restored him with full grace. A sinner must give a hearty approval and consent to Christ and expect complete forgiveness.

3.) The Communion "and eats with them". His fellowship with sinners
* Sinners came to Him and He received them: not Him coming to sinners at bars etc.; hanging out with them in their sinful activities and places. No. He received repentant sinners who sought after Him (v.1). Christ is more willing to receive you than you are to receive Him. Don't wait until you're sinking in hell and the voice of grace turns into a voice of fury. Don't wait until all hope is lost and the final judgment arrives. There is always hope while you live on this earth of mercy. No sinner is beyond saving. No sin is too great for the Savior. Come to the Fountain with all your filth. Come to the Doctor with all your spiritual disease. He is ready and willing to receive you: only come.

For many more Free Presbyterian sermons from the Auckland congregation, see this link:

http://www.fpchurch.org.nz/sermons

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