Happy Wednesday

Today's Discussion - Sin and Its Effects

The fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death – Revelation 21:8

In our day, we have so minimized sin that we have become almost numb to its pervasive influence in our lives and in our society. Not believing Jesus Christ, worshiping material things, sexual sin, witchcraft, lying and deception…even murder — these have become so commonplace in our society that we run great risk of thinking that God is just as ambivalent toward our wickedness as we are.

But here, in this end-of-the-world revelation, we are reminded that "hell-fire and brimstone" sermons, while not always preached the right way or for the right reasons, certainly have clear foundation in Scripture. No matter how callused we become to personal sin, no matter how well we may be able to justify it to ourselves or others, no matter how much society may condone or excuse it —God assures us that the end of persistent, unrepentant sin is an everlasting lake of fire.

Our God, we are reminded, is not only love. He is truth (John 4:24), He is light (1 John 1:5), and He is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). If we desire to have fellowship with Him, then, we cannot walk in our own way; we must walk in His light (1 John 1:6).

The wonderful news of the gospel is that the Way that we need, the Truth that we need, the Light that we need is all found in the person of Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Do not rest in your sins, but do not trust in your good works, either. Salvation is only found in Jesus.

Daily Smile:

 Quick Wit: 
A police officer in a small town stopped a motorist who was speeding down Main Street.
"But officer." the man began, "I can explain,". 

"Just be quiet," snapped the officer. "I'm going to let you cool your heels in jail until the chief gets back..." 

"But officer, I just wanted to say...." 

"And I said to keep quiet! You're going to jail!" 

A few hours later the officer looked in on his prisoner and said, "Lucky for you that the chief is at his daughter's wedding. He'll be in a good mood when he gets back." 

"Don't count on it," answered the fellow in the cell. "I'm the groom."