If we were ever accused of a serious crime and were facing a lifetime in prison, we would want the best lawyer in the country. In fact, if he was a real person we would want Perry Mason. Perry’s clients always walked out of the courtroom as free men and women, declared “Not Guilty”.

But what about the courtroom of Heaven? We stand before the Judge, Almighty God, Maker of Heaven and Earth. We know we are guilty of sin, and the Judge knows we are guilty. Is there any hope? YES! 1John 2:1,2 says “And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous. And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world”.

We stand before the Judge, guilty, ready to be condemned and sentenced. Then, stepping up to our side is someone better than Perry Mason. It is our Advocate, our Lawyer, Jesus Christ the Righteous. Suddenly a glimmer of hope springs up in our chest. We might have a chance after all. Jesus boldly proclaims, “Let this man, this woman, go free. Their sin debt has been paid. I paid it on a cross on a lonely hill outside of Jerusalem 2000 years ago. The debt does not need to be paid a second time. Now, as you can see, this person is covered with My Righteousness”. The Judge listens to Jesus, checks the historical record, and replies, “You are correct”. We stand before Him, trembling, waiting for His next words. He turns to us and says, “Your Advocate vouches for you. I declare you, ‘Not Guilty’. You are free”.

What joy, what peace, what freedom, what comfort it is to know, that when we as Believers, confess our sin we are forgiven and cleansed. [1 John 1:9] Have you looked upon the Face of your wonderful Advocate lately, and told Him, “Thank You”? If not, today would be a good time to do so.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
1. Sanctuary Service—10:00 am Sunday
2. Adult Bible Study—6:30 pm Wednesday
3. Quarterly Church Conference this Sunday [October 18]
4.You may bring your filled Samaritan’s Purse Shoe Boxes to church any time before November 8. Place them on the platform near the piano.
5. Children’s Services will restart November 1. 10:00 -11:00 am in the Fellowship Hall. We will take all possible precautions for safety. Parents are encouraged to check their children for any signs of illness before you leave for church.
6.We thank each of you for the many ways you expressed Pastor Appreciation to Pamela and me. The words, the gifts, the cards, the gift of money, the newspaper article, all were very special. Know that we love and appreciate you as well. It is wonderful to be your Pastor

Have a week that is blessed of the Lord!!
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church