Sometimes the storm comes so quickly, that all they can do is pray and ride it out. Other times, people know the devastation is coming, but choose to ride it out anyway. Many lives can be lost, and many times people need deliverance, safety, and a way to a better life. However, there is something that is a far greater life-threatening problem that has existed since the first man and woman inhabited earth.

by Rev. Jack Richards on October 19, 2021

SCRIPTURE

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“But God demonstrates his love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“But now that you have been set free from sin and then become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life”. Romans 6:22

 

SPOTLIGHT

ARE YOU SAVED? In the previous devotional, which was from Acts, this question was answered. However, in Romans, much more insight is gained to better understand what it means to be saved. 

There are parts of the world where people believe they live in paradise, but it is also a well-known fact that these areas yearly face life-threatening hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, and other natural disasters. Often you read about them facing a near-death experience, along with losing their homes and belongings. Sometimes the storm comes so quickly, that all they can do is pray and ride it out. Other times, people know the devastation is coming, but choose to ride it out anyway. Many lives can be lost, and many times people need deliverance, safety, and a way to a better life. However, there is something that is a far greater life-threatening problem that has existed since the first man and woman inhabited earth.

COVID 19 was a worldwide life-threatening problem that led to many deaths and much sickness. This pandemic was unseen to the human eye yet could quickly travel through the air, or human touch, to cause people to face dire circumstances that could be deadly. However, long before COVID 19, or the Spanish flu, there has existed an unseen life-threatening problem that everyone on planet earth faces. The Bible calls it sin.

#1. Everyone faces the worldwide pandemic of sin. So does every generation.  In the above Scripture text, Romans 3:23 clearly states that no one is exempt. During COVID 19, I had to take 3 tests to see if I had it. Each time I tested negative. The Bible says everyone is a sinner. Every human being in the past, present, or future falls short of what God has intended him/her to be. Putting it another way, every human testing positive for sin.

#2. Everyone needs deliverance from the life-threatening problem of death. Romans 6:23 clearly states that sin leads to death. The consequences of being a slave to sin lead to your destruction. You cannot change this fact. There is nothing you can do to avoid the outcome of the sin pandemic. However, God has given the gift of His Son to pay the penalty for your sin. When you receive this gift, you will not die, but enjoy eternal life in heaven with your Savior. 

#3. Everyone can experience safety and security. Romans 5:8 clearly states that God provides the solution to avoid the disastrous consequences of sin. He guarantees everyone’s safety by loving them so much that He puts His Son on the cross even while they showed no interest in being freed from their master called sin.

#4. Everyone needs a way to a better life. Romans 6:22 clearly states that only Jesus Christ provides a better life on earth and an eternal life in heaven. Living a holy life now and living forevermore with God is what you reap when you change masters. “So that just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  [Romans 5:21.]

Isn’t it time for you to be saved? The best time to be saved is now. Not later. Not after I have lived the way I want to live. The Bible says there is no time like the present to be saved. “… now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” [2 Corinthians 6:2b.]

 

SOMETHING TO DO

During COVID 19, the following information was broadcast throughout the world to rid the threat of this deadly virus:

                          DO THE FIVE -  HELP STOP CORONAVIRUS FROM THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

  1. HANDS - Wash them often.
  2. ELBOW - Cough into it.
  3. FACE - Don't touch it.
  4. FEET - Stay more than 6 ft apart.
  5. FEEL SICK? - Stay home.

                          GENERAL PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION

Let me tell you about the GENERAL PUBLIC SPIRITUAL HEALTH INFORMATION.

Ever since sin became the master of man, God has broadcast the Gospel of Good News throughout the world to rid the threat of this deadly problem. Ultimately, God’s plan led Him to sacrifice His Son, Jesus Christ, for the sin of man. That includes you. Here is how you can become saved. The emphasis is not on what you do, but what Jesus Christ has already done for you. Follow the ABC’s;

Admit you are a sinner. [See 1 John 1:8.]

Believe Jesus Christ is the living God Who died on the cross for your sins. [See John 1:12.]

Confess in a prayer to Jesus Christ your desire to be forgiven of your sin. [See 1 John 1:9.]

Decide to live your life to please Jesus. [See Luke 9:23.]

 

SOUL TIME PRAYER

Pray for the ABCD prayer! Now contact us at the church to let us know about the most important decision you have ever made and the most important prayer you have ever prayed.

Tags: sin, god, new testament, jesus christ, deliverance, savior, life-threatening


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