Scripture

“Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.

~Ezekiel 18:30, NIV

Quote

The world is doing it’s best to convince people that Jesus has no power to judge sin.

~Billy Graham

The world would have us believe that Jesus was simply a good man who’s life had a revolutionary influence, but they say, He was onoly a man; not the Savior who can take care of our sins and certainly not a Judge to whom we give account. The gospel of Jesus Christ has been so watered down by the left that it is no gospel at all. If Jesus can’t save us from our sin, who can? We need a Savior, not a Sunday School teacher. Some even believe in what I call “Identification,” just imitate His goodness, help others, do good, join civic organizations that help others and try to be like Jesus. There is a huge problem with this shallow thinking: you and I do not have the power or ability to immitate His life. He was perfect. Can you immitate perfection? I know the answer and it is “NO”, but even if you could, you would be so full of pride that you would be repulsive.

No, our problem is sin. We have a sick heart which is deceitful at best. We need a SUBSTITUTE not an example. Jesus entered the arena of this life and took on our flesh and lived a perfect life in our stead, then He died in our place, taking the punishment and hell for our sin. Philanthropic deeds will not suffice and neither will social justice or pure socialism. Your neighbor needs more than a free meal or a hand out: he or she needs Jesus. I am sorry folks, the truth is you could raise a million dollars for St. Jude and then die and go to hell. According to modern thinking Jesus told the woman caught in adultery, “I don’t condemn you and don’t worry about your sin, everyone does it.” That is not what He said is it? He said, “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.” Jesus never condones our sin. He offers to take them and to forgive us for them, but He never encourages sin of any nature.

In His first advent, He was a Lamb, but when He returns, He will be a Lion. In His first advent, He came to seek and save; when He returns, it will be to judge the world. It the first advent, He humbled Himself. When He returns, He will humble us. He has a pure hatred for sin and rest assured: it will be judged.

Extra

• Sorry about the delay: internet service has been horrible all week and was out all morning. I had to go to Athens at 9:45 for a shot in my knee so I am very late posting.
• I don’t know how many of you know Bill Dobbs of Falkville. He has two sons, his younger son had a severe stroke last year and his older son died yesterday. He had been sick but I don’t think that expected him to pass. Bill is a faithful member of the Lebanon Baptist Church.
• Bible study tonight at 6:00. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Sanctification.
• Jo Ballinger surgery in the morning at 7:30 at HH.
• Grace Point CHRISTMAS dinner this Sunday following worship.

Extra/Extra

The blog reminded me of a story. Years ago I had a senior adult who watched CNN every waking hour and believed they were reporting the truth. Slick Willy was in the White House and this was right after the Monica Lewinsky affair. I was visiting in his home and of course he was listening to CNN cover up for Clinton. So I questioned him about supporting a man with such horrible character. Should any Christian vote for a man who has sex with an intern in the Oval Office. His response was “Everybody does it.” I called him by name and said, “Mr. ______, are you doing it?” “No, no, no,” he said, “I am not doing it.” I told his daughter, when you go in his house, change his TV to FOX. She said “I do but he changes it right back.”