alcohol

Lamentations 5:16-17

“The crown has fallen from our head.
Woe to us, for we have sinned!
Because of this our heart is faint;
Because of these things our eyes grow dim”

Sin is a funny thing. It promises pleasure, but can only bring pain. Day after day the Word of God was presented to the people, and day after day they rejected it. It was not until the walls of the city were breeched, and the city lit on fire, that many realized their mistake. The sin they thought was giving them life, was actually leading them into bondage.

It is highly doubtful that an army is encircling your home, waiting for you to turn from the Lord for a pursuit of the flesh. But it is certain, fleshly pursuits will lead to bondage. Everyone who is enslaved to drugs, alcohol, pornography or any other vice, began their journey thinking their sin was bringing them pleasure. The key to ensure we do not end up bound to these things, is to never get started. I am certain, if you never take the first drink, you will never be bound to a bottle. But what about those who find themselves enslaved to sin? Is there any hope ?

Lamentations 5:21 “Turn us back to You, O Lord, and we will be restored; renew our days as of old”

The wonderful promise of Scripture is that no matter how far we have fallen, if we turn to the Lord, we will be restored. Like the thief on the cross, there remains hope for us as long as we have breath.

Don’t wait another moment, turn to the Lord today. His mercies are new every morning.

Pastor Jim

John 5:21
“For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.”

This is amazing! Jesus promises to give life. It is always tragic to watch people killing themselves, in an attempt to find life. Our country, our world, our communities, even many of our homes, are plagued with substance abuse, as people search for life. We seem to have an epidemic of extreme sports, with people risking life in order to experience life. All the while, Jesus is promising to give it away freely to any who will come to Him.

John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”

The life Jesus offers not only gives meaning to living, but is the only way to prepare for death. All of us are on a journey, and that journey will take us through the gateway of death, face to face with the one true God.

John 5:29 “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”

No matter what road you choose to walk in life, the end of that road will take you to the throne of God. If you choose to reject God for a certain lifestyle, or even denounce the existence of God, you will still find yourself standing before the throne of God, awaiting the sentence of eternity. There is only one way to prepare for that day, that is by receiving Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that as many as believe in Him, will have the privilege of becoming the children of God, and as children, become heirs of eternal life (John1:12). Sadly, even at the time of Christ we read,

John 5:40 “But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.”

I pray that is not true of you! I pray you will come to Him and receive purpose, meaning, value in living, and the free gift of eternal life.

Pastor Jim