"The standard is not man's fallen nature, but the risen Christ!"
Last week, I shared with you how perfection was both expected and mandated of those who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Solider before one could take the position, and rightfully so. These are those who stand guard over the men and women who have sacrificed themselves, in the hundreds of thousands, to preserve the freedoms we now possess (John 15:13).
This is how they honor the dead. How much more honor should be shown to the living? (Revelation 1:18)
In strong contrast to those who guard the Tomb of the Unknown, the professed church in America, to their everlasting shame, makes excuses as to why they just cannot overcome (Isaiah 30:1; 1 Peter 1:23).
Apparently, these professors did not hear Christ when He said, "Go and sin no more (John 8:11)."
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"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." – 1 John 5:4
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." – Romans 8:37
"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." – 1 John 3:9
These Scriptures are as foreign to the modern professors of Christianity as is a foreign language (1 John 1 4:5-6).
These are the same people that talk much of grace, but know nothing of it. You might see these people driving down the street with bumper stickers that say such things as "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven." Yet, when we look at Scripture, we find that it tells us that where sin abounds, grace does much more abound (Romans 5:20). So, I put forth the question to those who remain in their sins, for which they are unrepentant? Where is the grace?
"Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame." – 1 Corinthians 15:34
Perhaps, they are merely reading church signs across the nation that make light of the God of Israel (1 Samuel 2:30), signs that lightly esteem the blood of the Son of God, such as:
- "Our Sundays are better then Dairy Queens."
- "Wal-Mart is not the only saving place, come on in"
- "Now's a good time to visit, our pastor is on vacation"
- "The best vitamin for a Christian is to B1"
- "Visitors welcome, Members expected"
- "The pastor saw his shadow, six more weeks of lousy sermons"
- "Psalms read here"
- A dam holds water back it's not My last name"
- "Looking for a lifeguard? Ours walks on water"
- "Come in 4 a faith lift"
- "Let's meet at my house Sunday before the game – God"
- "Read the Bible every day prevent truth decay"
- "Is your life running on empty? Free fill-ups here every Sunday"
- "This church is prayer conditioned"
- "God answers knee mails"
- "Jesus loves you snow much" (a sign in the midst of the snow)
- "Road rage? What would Jesus do?"
- "The party is here"
- And finally "Free trip to Heaven, details inside"
Is salvation free? Why yes, it is, to those who understand the cost the Son of God paid to purchase it. But for those who do not, they establish such signs, lightly esteeming the price of redemption, and by doing so demonstrate that they are without reverence and are an offense to God. (See Isaiah 53:3-12.)
How are these people to expect others to honor the Christ when they dishonor Him? (Matthew 23:3)
This is simply making light of the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:26).
Ending on a positive note, one church sign stated: "Love the Lord Thy God with all of thy heart (Matthew 22:37), and then do what you want to do." Christian, this is so true, but I ask, what is it that you want to do? (1 John 2:6)
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