During the sermons of this past weekend, Pastor Sam had us recite John 3:16. In that verse, we have a profound clause: "...that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish...".
Our pastor shared with us that, in today's context, it is unpopular to have an open discussion on the concept of perishing. Pastor Sam referenced the classic sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" (if you have never read it, you can find it at several sites online including here: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/edwards/sermons.sinners.html). To summarize very briefly, the sermon echoes John 3:16: unbelievers perish. Not a popular topic, but a true one.
It's a sad thing to see, in the world and in the church, persons who cling to sin and either misunderstand or deny their precarious state. As the Jonathan Edwards sermon indicates, our own righteousness "would have no more influence to uphold you and keep you out of hell, than a spider's web would have to stop a falling rock." We are a sinful people in desperate need of a sinless Savior.
For those of us who say we believe in Jesus, there is the expectation of evidence. Do our hearts hold a deep gratitude towards God? Do we seek a full dependence on His Spirit as we live from day to day? Or are we trying to negotiate life on our own terms?
Lord God, please help us to heed Your word so that we will not perish, but will instead have Your eternal Life dwelling in us.
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