REVOLVE

Looking back on the old year and looking forward to the year ahead, listen as Pastor Rick challenges us to ensure we are revolving around the right axis.  How's your core?

Characters of Christmas Series - Light in the Darkness

Listen as Pastor Rick shares the last message in the Characters of Christmas series.  The first Christmas was embedded in darkness.  What do we do when we must face such darkness today?

COME!

The birth of Christ was God's invitation to reconciliation with the world.  Listen as Pastor Rick shares this powerful profile in the Character's of Christmas Series!

The Characters of Christmas Series - "Simple Surrender"

Listen as Pastor Rick challenges us to surrender our lives as Mary did hers.  How about you?  Are you abandoned to His will?

The Characters of Christmas Series - "Merciful Father"

Listen as Pastor Rick shares a perspective of Joseph in light of Micah 6:8.  Fascinating!

Characters of Christmas - "The Faithless Priest"

Listen as Pastor Rick begins a Christmas series with this challenge to face down the sin of unbelief with faith while trusting in a merciful God. 

Where Was God?

http://video.foxnews.com/v/2038135300001/

We Have A Hope!

Pastor Rick reminds us what it means to be a Christian in the context of Christ and Eternal Hope not the Earthly Hope of politicians!  This culturally relevant message will encourage your heart.

Christmas Is Coming...

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

SPECTACULAR LOVE!

Listen as Pastor Rick reminds us of how spectacular is God's Love toward us as shown in the story of Hosea & Gomer!  Are you serving Him today?

Secure in the Word

Listen as Pastor Rick teaches us how secure our spiritual boat amid the storms of modern times, by anchoring our lives to the Word of God.  It's still relevant today!

Contagious 3 - Salt & Light

Listen to Lesson 3 as Pastor Rick concludes the introduction to the "Becoming A Contagious Christian" series, challenging us to be salt and light!

Contagious 2 - Costs & Benefits

Pastor Rick shares the pros and cons of becoming a soul-winner/witness for the Gospel of Christ.  Are you in?

Contagious 1 - People Matter to God

Feeling the burden to reach our community for Christ, Pastor Rick begins a new series designed to help us do that.  Based on the book Becoming a Contagious Christian by Bill Hybels and Mark Mittelberg, Pastor Rick helps us learn new perspectives and methodologies to equip us for soul-winning.

PRECIOUS BLOOD

Listen as Pastor Rick shares a passionate message about the precious blood of Christ through which we experience atonement.

STRETCHER BEARERS

Listen as Pastor Rick challenges us to be stretcher bearers bringing others to Christ.

No Easy Thing

Listen as Pastor Rick delivers a straightforward assessment of the challenges of life and loss in the context of Christ's call to the cross.

A Recent Note to the FRC...

I recently sent this note to the FRC:


"Good Evening. First let me say that I am a big believer in the causes you support and the morals you hold valuable. I share many of them. However, I wanted to comment on the recent email you sent where you had a small note titled "Standards of Conduct." In it the sexual assault crisis at Lackland Air Force Base was mentioned and the implication of the article is that the military is not doing enough to protect our service members from such assault. 

As a military member for the last decade, I would like to contest that assertion. As a devout Christian serving in the Air Force, I can say with all their flaws, this is one area where the military spends huge amounts of money and time to combat the problem. It is drilled into recruits and airman from day one how there is a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct. Pornography is not permitted at work (not even pin-ups in lockers for the most part). Cursing is taboo in most work-centers, and we receive frequent regular email traffic, briefings, and commander's calls where this subject is addressed. Honestly, it is hammered home so much, that I get tired of hearing it. Sexual assault coordinators are on call 24-7 and every airman is repeatedly given the information how they may access all available resources for prevention or treatment of sexual assault. I honestly don't know how the military leadership could do more than they already are from a methodology standpoint. 

The problem is deeper than policy. I think the rising tide of sexual assault and pervasive immorality is not a reflection of military culture but rather a reflection of the American Psyche. With the breakdown of morality nearly complete in our society, it is little wonder young men and women who are thrown together from all walks of life continue to represent the culture from which they come as both perpetrators and victims. They merely display a cross-section of our culture. 

The military cannot repair brokenness of this magnitude. Only Americans with strong moral fiber and character backed by the strength of a firm faith in the living God can hope to effect change while standing against this onslaught of failure. And only God can truly rescue this nation and that only if people willingly submit to His precepts. Anyway, I just wanted to set the record straight a little from the perspective of someone in the ranks. I love this nation and am deeply saddened watching its decay. It is my fervent prayer that God will have mercy on our collective national soul. God bless your ministry."

I hope you take the time to pray for those who fight for right in the culture wars of our nation.  They need it now more than ever!

Shepherding a Child's heart 5 - Examining Our Goals

Listen as Pastor Rick shares the fifth message in the Shepherding a Child's Heart Series.  This convicting message challenges us to think seriously about our child-rearing objectives.  What is your focus in the lives of your children?

READY TO STAY

Listen As Pastor Rick Shares another sermon in the "Ready" Series.  Feeling God's burden on our hearts to begin seeking folks in our community, Pastor Rick shares with us how to get our head in the game and be ready to play!

Shepherding a Child's Heart 4 - Defining Discipline

Pastor Rick shares new perspectives about discipline with us from Tedd Tripp's book Shepherding a Child's Heart.  Listen and learn!  This is dynamic stuff! 

Ready for Judgment

Listen as Pastor Rick shares a serious message in the ongoing "Ready" Series.  Following last week's message "Ready to Go," Pastor Rick talks about preparing ourselves to stand before God someday.  "Wherefore, comfort one another with these words...."

READY to GO!

Listen as Pastor Rick begins a new series titled, "READY."  This week Pastor Rick shares the importance of maintaining Christ's "Watch-Wait-Work" method of preparedness helping us "Keep an Eye on the Sky."

I'll Be the One

Listen as Special Speaker Mike Terrian shares important words with our kids and their parents about "BULLYING."  His heartbeat is passionate and valuable for us all to hear.  You can contact Mike directly 419-348-0710 , email mterrian72@gmail.com or his website www.iwillbethe1.com if you would like to have him visit your church or school.

Shepherding A Child's Heart 3

Listen as Pastor Rick shares episode 3 of the series Shepherding a Child's Heart.  This great series challenges all of us to better serve the children in our lives.

Just an Update...

It has been some time since I have just taken a moment to write a few words as an update.  So here we go.

Church has been going well.  God has blessed our services this summer.  It has however been a challenging summer.  You all know how it is in your church as families travel to camp meetings and vacations.  It always leaves an emptiness there.  In our small church those empty seats are keenly noticed. 

The activities of the summer have been eventful for sure.  In June I flew to the Heartland Conference Camp for a great meeting with the conference extension committee and I appreciated the opportunity to share my heartbeat with the wonderful people of the conference family.  It was an encouraging trip.

Eventful things have been happening in the lives of our church folks too.  We have welcomed Andrew & Jenn Habecker as part of our local body.  They arrived here to be stationed at Langley Air Force Base.  In a direct answer to our prayers and theirs, they found us!  And we are so glad they have joined us. Andrew has been helping us in our technical department and it is due to his hard work that you are able to enjoy the sermons I post on the blog. 

We have also welcomed the Caldwell family this year.  Daniel & Heidi and their two children have become a welcome regular part of our family.  Daniel serves with the United States Army as the only "Army Sailor" I know! :-)  They joined us earlier in the year and we have enjoyed getting to know them better through the summer.

We have two brothers who recently began attending on Sunday mornings from the local community.  Please remember Chris and Kevin in your prayers.  God wants to work in their lives. 

Mrs. Valenzuela (mother of Jody Luck) was unexpectedly diagnosed with an aggressive cancer this summer and has faced the ordeal of major surgery and upcoming chemotherapy/radiation.  Please keep her in your prayers.  She is a valued member of our church community.  Please also pray for Jody and her family as they care faithfully for "Mamma V."  It is exhausting and draining no matter how willing they may be.  Pray with me for God's strength and comfort to them during this tough time.

I have appreciated the continued support of Shane & Brenda Gardner and their family.  I have also greatly appreciated Phil & Lisa Boardman's willing and humble ministry in music and so many other areas as well. 

We have continued to search for a permanent church facility and have been turned down by three more real estate owners this summer.  We have now been searching for a church home for over two years and it is discouraging I admit.  However, we are not crestfallen or downtrodden.  The God we serve is mighty and strong to save and deliver and provide for all we need.  We trust His hand in all things.  However, I do ask that you would intercede on our behalf in this matter.  We feel we cannot minister long term in this way without the additional flexibility of facility options. 

Finally, we have some folks who are thinking of joining us from this community and beyond.  Pray that God will send those our way whom we need to best expand the Kingdom of God.  Above all, pray that we will faithfully serve our Lord Jesus Christ without waivering, looking always for His soon appearing, living with an eye on the sky. 

God bless you for your kindness and faithful support of all we do here. 

By God's Grace & For His Glory,
Pastor Rick Alexander

A REAL CHRISTIAN

What is a real Christian? Are you sure you know how to describe one?  Better yet, do you know how to be one?  Listen as Pastor Rick breaks down what it means to be a Real Christian. 

SEEING JESUS

Wow, this was one of those humbling moments...I reached the middle of this sermon and realized not all my notes were present.  I had to wing it and come to a more rapid conclusion than originally planned.  I hope the message retains some coherence!  As my Dad always says, "That'll keep you humble!"  :-)

A Real Relationship

Listen as Pastor Rick adds an unexpected installment to the "Reality" series as he talks about the importance of a genuine relationship with Christ.  Is it a religion, a relationship, or both?  Listen to find out!

Ringing the Bell - By Harmon Schmelzenbach

One of the greatest sermons ever!  If you aren't inspired, call so we can pray together!!!!

A Regular Frog-Choker

A Regular Frog Choker! from Richard Alexander

A Little Slideshow of the Frog Choker we had here this afternoon! The forecast called for scattered thunderstorms, not two-hour gully-washers! Tickets to the ark anyone?

Shepherding a Child's Heart 2 - Shaping and Orienting

Listen as Pastor Rick shares the second message in the series "Shepherding a Child's Heart" based on the book by Tedd Tripp.  In the context of the "Reality" series of the past several weeks, Pastor Rick gives us another installment to shape our perspective on Biblical child-rearing - a timely message for us all.

The Reality of Eternity

Listen as Pastor Rick Concludes the "Reality" series with this "apology" on the "Reality of Eternity" -  a sobering yet essential message to impact our eternal perspective.

Shepherding a Child's Heart

Listen as Pastor Rick begins an ongoing series based on Tedd Tripp's book titled "Shepherding a Child's Heart."  This relevant series on Biblical parenting will encourage and challenge you.

The Reality of Man

In light of the tragic shootings in Aurora, Colorado, listen as Pastor Rick continues the series on "Reality" with this timely sermon titled, "The Reality of Man."  Listen as he explains why people commit terrible crimes and perform acts of sin.  But don't worry.  He doesn't leave it there.  Listen as he also shares the solution to man's dilemma.

The Reality of God

Listen as Pastor Rick begins the "REAL" Series with this sermon titled, "The Reality of God."

Letting Down the Nets

Listen as Pastor Rick shares a message originally inspired by Rev. Bill Blair.  "Thanks Brother Blair for sharing your heartbeat with me.  I only hope I did it justice when passing it on to my folks!"

ADOPTED!

Inspired by friends and the Apostle Paul, listen as Pastor Rick elaborates on the beautiful picture of our relationship to God, portrayed through the act of adoption.  Are you part of the family?

Is God?

Listen as Pastor Rick shares his personal creed about his beliefs in God, how they were formed, and how they impact his life.  You will be challenged and blessed!

The Finest Declaration in the History of the World (Beside the Gospel!)

I love this document!

 

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776

 

 

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

hen in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

Sin & Its Solution

Listen as Pastor Rick shares a serious message about our understanding of sin and how to find a solution to sin in our lives.  If you would like a copy of the notes from this sermon, please see below.

Sin & Its Solution Sermon Notes

Someone requested that I post the notes to this sermon, so please see below.  If you wish to hear the sermon as it was preached, listen above!  Thanks!

SIN & ITS SOLUTION

Sin is the great predicament of humanity.  You’ve felt it and its effects in your life, just as I have in mine.  Our children feel it even before they can understand it or even be held accountable for it.  But the world today does not like to admit that sin exists.  They would rather say that people are “sick.” However, the problem of evil confronts us everywhere and reminds us that sin is very real and needs a solution.

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Most rational minds admit the existence of evil.  Former Los Angeles Police Chief, Daryl Gates dedicated an entire chapter of his autobiography to the subject. (Gates, )  He wrestled with the topic that has confounded man through the centuries.  That evil exists is indisputable.  From Nazi Germany to Darfur, we see its indelible imprint upon history as nations continue perpetrating crimes such as genocide.  We see its specter in the news nearly every day with headlines like “Infant Rape Crisis Jolts South Africa (CNN.com).”  The crimes of Charles Manson, Edward Gein, Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, and countless others like them are appalling.  (Layder, 99) That these actions were influenced by external factors and environment is quite probable.  Yet, no rational mind can for one moment entertain the idea that these actions were legitimate or justified. 

            R. H. Cantrell wrote, “All the great dramatists have recognized the existence of sin in their portrayal of remorse, disillusionment, penalty, forgiveness and reconciliation.  Historians describe the reality of sin in depicting the struggles of mankind.  Government with its stress on the necessity of law and protection, is an acknowledgement of the presence of evil.  Philosophers have wrestled with the problem of evil in man’s existence.” (Purkiser, 200) Thus, while psychiatrists wrestle with what is sickness or sin, and relativists say sin is only a matter of perspective (there is no right or wrong), humanity shuffles on ever perplexed by its own depravity. 

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While their solutions are many and varied, most major religions also agree that evil exists and that man must deal with it at some level in the form of sin.  Buddha chose to ignore the source of evil or “suffering” and focus rather on its assuagement. (Koslowski, 14)  Mohammed “regarded sin as a mere external pollution…capable of being washed off by certain rites” (prayer, pilgrimage, almsgiving). (Adams, 142) Catholics have an entire system of the “Means of Grace” whereby one performs various rites to be justified or absolved of his or her sins. (Jackson, 294)  The Protestants contend that one is justified “by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ.”  (Hastings, 921)

This message today however, is not to debate the merits or flaws of various religions.  Rather we want to examine sin in its Biblical perspective and most importantly its role in the New Testament.  Disagreement about its origins may be hotly debated and its cure subject to much dispute.  However, its existence is the fundamental reason the Christian religion exists.  Time and space also limit us from discussing all the relevant factors of theology influencing and impacted by the theology of sin, such as the roles of grace, faith, and works.  We have no time discuss atonement or the propitiation for sin, or explore the factors of the expiation of sin.  There is so much more.  From this discussion we desire to scratch the surface by discussing sin and its solution as presented in the New Testament.  So without further ado, let us consider the “human predicament”: the reality of sin. (Harris, 356)

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What is sin as it is seen in the Bible?  The Hebrews of the Old Testament used several words that English translators rendered “sin.”  Chattaah, the most commonly used word, meant “an offense (sometimes habitual sin).  This came from the root chata’ which meant, “to miss, offend, or trespass.”  The word che was also used, which meant “crime.”  In the book of first Kings, the writer used the word ‘avon which meant “perversity, i.e. (moral) evil.”  The writer of Proverbs used the word ‘asham which meant “guilt.” (Strong) Addressing this diversity of sin perspectives in the Old Testament, R. H. Cantrell quoted A.B. Davidson, who wrote, “In the sphere of religion, sin is idolatry; in the sphere of speech, truth is righteousness and sin falsehood; in the sphere of moral life, justice is righteousness and sin is injustice; in the sphere of the mind of man, sin is the want of sincerity, either toward God or man, guile; purity, [is] the opposite of this, being purity of heart, simplicity, openness, genuineness.” (Purkiser, )

The New Testament writers used three variations of one Greek word hamart from which translators directly translated the word sin: hamartia meaning, “offence;” hamartano meaning to “miss the mark (and not share in the prize), to err especially morally;” and hamartema simply meaning “sin.” (Strong)

The English definition of the word sin, is general, “an offense against religious or moral law,” and specific, “a transgression of the law of God” or “a vitiated state of human nature in which the self is estranged from God.” (Merriam-Webster, Online)

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Theologians further divide sin into two categories, original sin and actual sin.  The ninth article of the Church of England stated, “Original sin standeth not in the following of Adam (as the Pelagians do vainly talk), but it is the FAULT and corruption of the nature of every man that naturally is engendered of Adam, whereby man is very far gone from original righteousness, and is, of his own nature, inclined to evil, so that the flesh lusteth always contrary to the Spirit, and therefore IN EVERY PERSON BORN INTO THIS WORLD IT DOTH DESERVE GOD’S WRATH AND DAMNATION.” (R. J. Cooke, 89)

This is scripturally supported in various places.  The prophet Jeremiah exclaimed, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it (Jeremiah 17:9)?”  In the New Testament, Jesus indicated that such was the case when He stated, “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:  all these evil things come from within, and defile the man (Mark 7:21-23).” 

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This concept however, finds its clearest exposition in the writings of the Apostle Paul.  His treatise to the Romans describing how by one man sin entered the world and how, by one man (Jesus Christ), the consequences of that sin could be rendered null and void is one of the fundamental doctrines of Christianity (Romans Chapters 5,6).  Also, in a letter to the Ephesian Church Paul wrote, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others (Ephesians 2:1-3, emphasis mine).”  The Greek word Paul uses here for the phrase “by nature” is phusis which means, “by lineal descent or natural disposition.” (Strong)  Thus we see that Paul believed and taught that there was a “nature” of sin or a predisposition toward sin, as though a once straight steel rod had been permanently bent then passed on intrinsically in the character of every man in every generation.

Additionally, we recognize that there are direct actions motivated by this corrupted inner nature.  The list Jesus gave of things that “come out from within” (listed above) is indicative enough of this idea.  Saint Thomas Aquinus discussed the inevitable transmission of that corrupt inward nature to the outward members by the choices of will. (Aquinus, 669)  Pope Innocent III wrote in a letter to the Archbishop of Arles in 1201, “Sin is twofold, original or actual; original sin is contracted without consent, actual sin is committed with consent.” (Murdoch, 55) 

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The existence of sin therefore implies three things.  First it implies a moral authority somewhere that dictates what is and is not sin.  Second, if sin indeed exists in violation of some just code or person, there is an implied responsibility to that authority be it code or person.  Third, if we must indeed shoulder responsibility and reap consequences for our transgressions against that code or person, then the necessity of somehow satisfying the justice demanded becomes clear.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus left the startling command, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48).”  It is clear the Apostles believed this truth that God is the ultimate moral authority.  In his first General Epistle, the Apostle John stated, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5)  The Apostle Peter invoked the Torah, quoting the writer of Leviticus: “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy (1 Peter 1:15,16,).”  The Apostle Paul agreed that God calls us unto perfection when he wrote to the Thessalonians, “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness (1 Thess. 4:7).”  This unequivocal agreement between writers assures us that they believed God to be the ultimate moral authority.

If God is then the ultimate moral authority of the New Testament and is holy and perfect demanding obedience, then violation of that holiness and perfection, whether in nature or action, must be construed as “sinful” (missing the mark, committing a crime, etc.).  If therefore sinful, it is in need of reconciliation else consequences inevitably must follow.  

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Paul very simply stated that “The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).”  He also stated that “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).”  This leaves all men without any hope of life unless something is done to correct their position in relation to God Who is the ultimate authority.  “As violating that [divine] law and thus incurring guilt and meriting penalty, sin must have its consequences endured and its guilt expunged from the record.  When this is done, the claims of the Lawgiver himself are met.” (Purkiser, 221,222)

The exact methodology and through what varying measures of grace, faith, and works this reconciliation is accomplished has been the result of much serious debate and frankly has resulted in the plethora of “Christian” churches we have today.  This paper will not address all the theologically debated questions concerning this formula.  However, I see some simple concepts worth considering.

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As we have already established, there are two facets of the sin problem that need resolution.  Let us discuss them in reverse order they were presented.  First is actual sin, those outward actions generated from an inner corruption.  These acts are criminal violations of the ultimate moral authority for which there must be an accounting. 

Man in his fallen state is unable to atone for his wrongs.  Regardless of what penance he might perform, his corrupt nature merely continues to generate a steady flow of wrongdoing.  Though he may with violent will control his tendencies, his very nature precludes his ability to utterly change himself.  This would be an insurmountable problem except that “God commends His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)  In other words, when we were incapable of providing justification for ourselves Jesus Christ submitted Himself as a sinless sacrifice in our stead to satisfy the demands of perfect justice.  The only part we play, according to the Apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Ephesus, is acceptance by faith: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8,9) 

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However, this only deals with one part of the problem.  If one’s committed sins have been absolved, what about the catalyst that prompted those actions?  This returns us to the root problem of original sin.  If it remains intact, the logical conclusion is that it will re-infect the justified life from within.  Can anything be done about this second facet of sin to eliminate its inescapable corruption of our outward lives? 

Jesus commanded some whom He healed to “Go and sin no more.”  John wrote in his first General Epistle, “Whosoever abideth in him [God] sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.  Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.  He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.  Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his [God’s] seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” (1 John 3:6-9)  These seem to be pretty plain statements indicating that we cannot continue in a pattern of sin once we are reconciled to God.  However, if we are still interwoven with intrinsic corruption, it is inevitable that we will sin again.  There must be more to the solution. 

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The disciples (though devout followers of Christ and his teachings) found themselves unable to stand with Christ when he faced the cross.  There was some fundamental change needed to enable them to abandon themselves to the message of Christ, whatever the consequences might be: to look beyond their own inherent selfishness.  This is the reason Jesus commanded them to wait in Jerusalem after His ascension until they were endued “with power from on high.”  () After the day of Pentecost when they received the outpouring of the Holy Spirit we see them preaching without fear or favor.  Something had happened to their nature.  Somehow they had been empowered to “put off” the old selfish man that always forced them to act according to their own lusts and fears.  Throughout the New Testament we then see them propagate the idea that in addition to being baptized unto the baptism of repentance, they should be filled with the Holy Spirit Who would guide them into all truth.  We see this demonstrated in the house of the devout Roman Cornelius (Acts 10) and with the disciples in the coasts of Ephesus (Acts 19).

Paul told the Ephesians, “If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Eph 4:21-24)  Now that one is in the position of being reconciled to God, he is to “put off the old man, which is corrupt.”  This is an action which must be accomplished through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit made available at Pentecost.

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With this twofold approach, we find a solution presented in the New Testament that deals with the two facets of sin.  One is saved by faith in the work of Christ on the cross which constituted a gift of grace freely given to reconcile us to God by pardoning the committed acts of actual sin.  Additionally one is cleansed from the inner nature of original sin when he “puts off” the old corrupt nature through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

This does not preclude us from making mistakes or stop us from dealing daily with the general degradation of the world and humanity.  It does not remove the elements of sickness, suffering, failure, stress, or physical death from our lives.  These things remain consequent facts in a fallen world.  What it does present however, is the opportunity to understand the human predicament in terms of a problem and a solution.  The accurate “no-holds-barred” depiction of the state of man and the clear presentation of a solution beyond ourselves at no real cost to humanity is unique to Christianity.  It presents a way in which fallen men may be pardoned from the ultimate consequences of their failures and empowered to live lives of pure motive guided by the Holy Spirit.  This is an amazing perspective worth considering.  The writer of Jude exclaimed, “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.  Amen.” (Jude 24,25)

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This is all very good.  Now you share with me a clear knowledge of what sin is at a very basic level.  You now know that sin came into the world and passed on to all of us.  You recognize its consequences still rippling across all the earth.  And the wages of sin is death.  But what does it mean very simply for you and for me?  It’s great to talk about all these things and think about them in a theological or theoretical way.  But that is not enough.  You and I must be convinced of our own sin.  We must admit we are under the law and face certain eternal damnation and darkness without God.  We must personalize the responsibility and recognize it was by the actions of our hands that Christ was nailed to the cross.  You put Him there.  I put him there.  And you may say, “I wasn’t even thought of then.”  Perhaps.  Nevertheless, in your lifetime, have you not also trampled under foot the blood of Christ and resisted His gentle voice upon your heart through conscience or kindness?  Sure you have; as have I.

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Therefore we all stand guilty in the courtroom of eternity and we are destined one day to stand before the judge for sentencing.  And without some miracle of grace, we are destined for hell as certainly as we breathe.

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But the wonderful thing is that the condemnation need not remain.  The words of Paul as he penned the book of Romans did not stop with the declaration of sins penalty!  Rather, I rejoice that they continued on with the promise of life instead of death!

When you recognize the seriousness of sin as it is in your heart, then come running to the foot of the cross and exchange your burden of sin for true freedom!  Let Christ shatter the shackles that bind you.  Submerge yourself in the river of eternal life given freely via the purchase of His blood.  Exchange your penalty for His purity.  Trade sadness for joy and death for life. 

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Then Run forward to the tarrying place and wait until your heart is filled with power from on high – till you are filled with His Spirit which enables you to live above sin, to walk in peace, to carry your cross without complaint, and permits you to be presented blameless before Heaven’s throne on that great and terrible day of judgment!

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Then RUN forward to the tarrying place and wait until your heart is filled with power from on high – till you are filled with His Spirit which enables you to live above sin, to walk in peace, to carry your cross without complaint, and permits you to be presented blameless before Heaven’s throne on that great and terrible day of judgment! Then go on.  Don’t stop.  This is just the beginning.  The dawning of a life of service and fulfillment as you walk in obedience and grow in grace and share this glorious message of hope for humanity’s greatest predicament: the solution to sin.

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A Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, Vol I, Hastings, John, D.D., Editor, Edinburgh, 1906

Christianity and Childhood, Cooke, R.J., A.M., D.D., Cincinnati, Cranston & Stowe.  New York: Hunt and Eaton, 1891

Darkness and Daybreak, Adams, Isaac Rev., Grand Rapids, MI, Dickinson Bros. Engravers and Printers, 1898

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Strong’s Concordance

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