“Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But YOUR INIQUITIES HAVE SEPARATED YOU FROM YOUR GOD; And YOUR SINS HAVE HIDDEN HIS FACE FROM YOU, So that HE WILL NOT HEAR.” (Isa. 59:1-2) This was how Isaiah pronounced judgement on the people of the old testament who chose to live without obeying God. As a reminder for us, let’s look at our opportunity to be joined with God. First, remember “…ALL HAVE SINNED and fall short of the glory of God….” (Rom. 3:23) In fact, “There is no one righteous, NOT EVEN ONE; there is no one who understands; there is NO ONE WHO SEEKS GOD. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, NOT EVEN ONE.” (Rom. 3:10-12) The bible explains that there is a SEVERE penalty to pay for this sinful life, “What benefit did you reap at that time from the things (your sinful life) you are now ashamed of? Those things RESULT IN DEATH! For THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH…” (Rom. 6:21-23)
So now what do we do??? Well, the good news is that God has a very wonderful gift for us! “For the GIFT of God is ETERNAL LIFE in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23) Wow, how do we receive this gift? We must “Repent (change our mind, involves a turning away from sin to God), then, and turn to God, so that YOUR SINS MAY BE WIPED OUT, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, TO YOU…” (Acts 3:19-20) This all comes about because Jesus says, “Behold, I STAND AT THE DOOR AND KNOCK. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will COME IN TO HIM and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Rev. 3:20)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham