Sin's Consequences Part II

I began a post several months ago that needs a part 2.

In that first post i asked what are the consequences of our sin? Are there any? Would I know it if I saw it, especially in light of a secret sin that no one know's about. As opposed to some obvious sin that effects other people around me.

Here is my own answer: whether anyone knows the sin or not and whether there are consequences or not my sin offends God. If we are looking for loop holes in our sin life, trying to hang on to those "darlings" of lust, anger, jealousy, vanity, envy, slander, gossip, gluttony, drunkenness, rebellion, etc infinity, then we had better be careful.

Why do we get worried over what will happen to us? Why aren't we more concerned with committing sin againt God. Do you wonder if Jesus rubs the scars in His hands everytime you sin?

Let our hearts be broken over our sin against our heavenly Father.

Survived Another Christmas

Like most of you I survived another Christmas. It has been a wonderful season of relaxing days off of work, playing more with my boys, spending time with my parents, working with my dad on various tasks like putting together a trampoline in the cold, and observing the celebration of Christ's advent more than the mall adventure.

My boys actually received fewer gifts this year (we are in get out of debt mode), yet they had a great time and there were no, "Is this it?", "Where's the XBox?" I was proud of my boys!

Although America is overly commercialized with newer and better, I am finding that a separated life from all the thrills and frills is quite possible. At one time I could not imagine not watching two or three movies a week, getting the newest CD available, or having the coolest new gadget or thing. Now, I realize how foolish most of those things have been. The Word of God tells me to be content with what I have and that true wealth is found in the knowledge and righteousness of God.

My prayer for you -- discover the wealth of God's righteousness and not the world's empty promises.

"If God is for us, who can be against us?" The Apostle Paul

What are you doing to extend the Gospel Call to the masses? Are you speaking to co-workers? Are you going overseas to help plant a church?

What are you doing to minister to your neighbors? Do you have a game plan for preaching the Gospel to them? "I don't know how to start," you protest. How about just getting to know them. When you drive in and out of your neighborhood, simply wave, say hello. Take walks up and down your neighborhood and speak to the people you see. Get to know them!

Once you at least know their first name, plan your next stage of attack, building trust.

Tricia and I are planning on taking a pie to each of our immediate neighbors this Thanksgiving.

When they look at you like you're trying to sell them something, just tell them you want them to know you are here for them and want to be neighborly. Of course, if that is not true, then get in your prayer closet and plead for God to break you heart concerning your neighbors. That is the surest first step in evangelizing the lost.

Saying hello and being friendly will begin to give you credibility with them.

The KEY is to really, really, really have a genuine concern for their them!!!

Now, how about your family? Do you and your spouse spend time in prayer for the Kingdom of God to be extended on earth because of your lives?

Are you having family worship? "What is that?" you ask. It is simply the head of the household sitting the entire family down for Scripture reading and discussion, prayer, and the reading of biblical or missionary stories together.

The greatest mission field you have is right in your own home. How dare you think you can serve in the church with integrity while your family goes to hell! Watch quality shows together, play video games together. Spend time together! Ultimately, preach the Gospel to your children.

Let's go church! Let us do the business of the Kingdom!