Our associate Pastor gave the message this morning entitled “Poison.” He pointed out that poisons can be physical and/or spiritual. Some churches have toned down the messages of morality and holiness in order to reach today’s contemporary person. It is true that we support the doctrine that we should “hate the sin, but love the sinner”. But is it right to downplay sin? Is it enough to get the drug addicted or criminal on a journey with Jesus without also encouraging a transformation? Pastor says “No, that is not enough.”
2 Timothy 2:19 says “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” Proverbs 14:12 says: “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”
Even Jesus was not a popular teacher when He focused on sin. If we do not stand on the truth of the Word, the message gets distorted. It is not easy to follow all that is proper and holy. Holy lives are hard; the narrow way is hard. The world says sins are generic. It is easy to find those who support the view we might want to justify even if it is wrong. Society continues to allow what is “right” to slide. The poison of moral decay continues to seep in. We have a shifting moral base. There is no anchor if we do not stand on true principles. God wants us to stay on the right road.
What is the antidote to the seeping poison? Our faith comes from hearing the word and our source, foundation and support is scripture. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5.
We must stay in the word and meditate on it. It is not enough to be ‘good’ people. We can never be good enough to earn our way into heaven. Are we willing to make a stand? We may have to accept that we may be accused of being old fashion kooks. But Truth doesn't change when the culture does.
I wasn't quite sure what song I wanted to go with this message.
I found and chose this song: Wholly Yours.
Verses for today:
2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NIV)
3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
Lord, help me to stand firm on the Truths that you have given us through your Word. You are so faithful to me; Help me to be faithful to you.
Letter from Birmingham Jail
by Annie Solomon (2 ARCs)
