March 31, 2018 Holy Saturday

“Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles — when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”” (1Peter 4:1-8 NKJV)

            Someone once said that if you want to see how important God is to you look at how you spend your money.  You might also look at how you spend your time.

            Some think that a moment at the Altar rail is forever to be saved but Peter destroys that belief and calls us to put behind the sin and evil of when we were lost and know that those who continue in their sin will be judged.

            Evil is not a word we like to hear.  It sounds like you are judging someone or that you think badly of someone.  Some have the idea that people are naturally good and would not do something terrible without extreme provocation.

            This view of evil can only be held if you do not read history or the morning papers!  Evil is prevalent in each and every one of us and we are all capable of terrible things.  Some say Stalin had studied the Bible and even memorized parts of it but he still would go on to kill many millions of his own citizens in the name of communism and workers rights!

            While the devil is indeed powerful and causes many terrible things humanity also either helps or does evil on its own.  History is filled with murder, rape, leaders killing their people, people killing their leaders, ethnic cleansing (only humans could make something so terrible sound almost good) and so many other terrors.

            Humanity is BROKEN and we are not naturally good but actually since the fall we are naturally evil and sinful (or full of sin).  Some say children go through the terrible two’s but if we are honest some have terrible lives.

            There are two kinds of people in this broken world and you are either someone wrestling with sin or those who have quit wrestling and accepted it!  Which are you?  Since you put your faith in God has your life changed, any at all?  Do you seek through Jesus to love others – which covers a multitude of sins?

            Looking back at my blog page I see that very few people are reading it.  While that is disappointing the reason I write the blog is to honor God and I do believe the blog does that. Bonnie got our taxes done and we will get some back!  God continues to provide!