God is Just God is Love

Hey Guys (and Gals)

I am very excited about our upcoming Easter worship celebration. What an awesome time of celebrating God's love, sacrifice, and victory over death!

In light of this time, let's take a look at what we know. First, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). In fact, Romans 1:18-20 indicates that God's invisible attributes displayed in creation scream to fact that there is a higher Being so that even the most remote and distant people and tribes are without excuse. The Bible also reveals to us that there is only one name that brings salvation, and that is Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). We also know that no one comes to the Father except through Christ Jesus (John 14:6). Our God is a just God. By His very character He must punish sin and disobedience. But our God is a God of love. What does this imply? Does it imply that God will turn His head from sin? Absolutely not! It means that He has provided a way for us to be made into a right relationship with Him. John 3:17 tells us that God sent His Son, not condemn the world, but THROUGH HIM we might be saved. All those around us who get up, go to work, and live a "good" life, are on a path to certain destruction... UNLESS, and only unless, someone shares the gospel of Jesus Christ with them, and they in response turn from their sin and trust in Him.

Now, the Bible seems to clearly show that people who have never heard of Christ are still on a path to destruction. However, it does seem to make a distinction between those who either reject God or never hear and fail to turn to Christ, and those who are children and not able to comprehend the effects and magnitude of sin. In 2 Samuel 12:23, David implies that while his recently deceased child can not come to him, he will one day go to him. Traditionally, this has been termed the "age of accountability." This is merely the fact that young and newborn children can't yet fully understand that they have a choice between right and wrong, and that their wrong choice is sin and offends a holy God.

So, what does this mean to us? It means that we have a responsibility to tell all those around us about God's amazing love. You will have a great opportunity to do this this very Easter. Our worship team will be presenting the gospel through media and song. Don't miss this opportunity to invite everyone you know to this celebration! Pick up an invite card either in the choir room or in the back of the sanctuary this Sunday. Let's pack our building out this Easter as we gather to lift up, praise, and exalt God and our Savior Jesus Christ.