The Consequences of Sin

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JESUS SPEAKING

Then they asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, “Take up your bed and walk’?” But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.” (John 5: 12 – 15)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

In their effort to destroy Jesus, the religious leaders sought to discover who had healed a paralyzed man. When questioned, the man remained uncertain. Afterwards, Jesus found him in the temple and warned him to stop engaging in sinful activities. According to Jesus, continuing in sin will eventually lead to even worse suffering. Simply put, the consequences of sin are devastating.

There once lived a famous gangster named Al Capone. He ran an organized crime empire that promoted gambling, prostitution, and bootlegging. He committed atrocious acts of violence, theft, bribery and extortion. One day he was arrested and convicted of his crimes. While in prison he was diagnosed with two sexually transmitted diseases. syphilis and gonorrhoea. Over time the syphilis morphed into neurosyphilis, which damaged and degenerated his brain. Eventually, his mind was completely destroyed. Al Capone suffered greatly because he continued in sin without restraint. He engaged in promiscuous encounters with numerous partners who were themselves promiscuous. Obviously sex outside of marriage is sinful and has consequences. Following a life of purity would have prevented Al Capone from enduring a great deal of suffering.

All those who are called to be Christians must avoid godless activities. As a result, the consequences of sin won’t create any devastation in their lives. If we have faith and place our trust in the Lord, He will give us the strength to avoid the mistakes that so many others have stumbled into. May God keep our hearts pure, our minds clean, and may we avoid worldly sins and embrace everlasting life.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we yearn to be Holy, even as You are holy. May we commit ourselves to living in accordance with Your will. May we abandon sin and death, and instead follow you with enthusiasm and devotion. Without You Lord we can do nothing; but with You, we can accomplish impossible things. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

The Power of Miracles

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JESUS SPEAKING

‘So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked, “What do you want Me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.” Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.’ (Luke 8: 40 – 43)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

A blind man’s request for a miracle is granted by Jesus. Overwhelmed with gratitude, the man begins glorifying God. Using his restored vision he chooses to follow Jesus. Those who observed this individual’s transformation were compelled to praise and honor the Lord as well. Miracles are powerful tools that can bring many to Christ.

Concerning transformation, there once lived a demon possessed man who had escaped from his chains and made his home alone in the tombs. He ran around naked, screaming like an animal and cutting himself with sharp stones. His behavior was an expression of complete insanity. However, one day he encountered Jesus and was utterly transformed. His crazed demeanor evaporated; giving way to sound judgment. The locals were astonished to see him clothed and in his right mind. Jesus told the man to return home to his family and friends, so that they could observe the wonderful things that God had done for Him.

Like the demon possessed man who was restored and the man who received his sight, those who have been healed and transformed by God are living examples of the Lord’s miraculous power. We are a walking testimony to those who are lost and in need of hope. If we are willing, there is nothing God cannot accomplish.

“Lord Heavenly Father, You are an awesome and amazing God. We praise you for all of the lives you have transformed and the miracles you have performed. As we follow Your Son, may we spread Your message far and wide. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Don’t Waste Your Time

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” (Matthew 7: 6)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Like expensive pearls, the gospel message is a sacred treasure; holy and divine. Jesus likens those who have no taste for salvation to dogs and pigs; both of which were considered filthy animals in the Jewish culture. He thus implores every believer to exercise discretion when spreading the gospel. As Christians, our efforts must remain efficient; and so presenting fools and God haters with the truth is an unacceptable waste of time, energy, and resources.

For many years I mentored a young man who was struggling with issues related to sin. He proclaimed to be a Christian, and so I offered him my time, my resources, and my biblical knowledge. And yet despite brief periods of repentance, he failed to overcome his demons. One day we met, and much to my dismay, he informed me that he had converted to atheism; apparently he no longer believed in Christ or the bible. After refuting his flimsy arguments and contending for the faith, we parted ways. I was shocked and saddened by his decision. However, that very instant God revealed to me that my friend was an apostate. Thus the Lord no longer wanted me to spend any of my time or resources on him. So we stopped speaking. I knew that reaching out to him and attempting to maintain our friendship was an absolute waste of God’s time; my efforts would be better spent spreading the gospel to other lost souls.

As Christians, our time and energy is valuable. We must therefore use discretion when spreading the gospel. If we encounter a foolish and antagonistic person, the precious words of salvation are wasted on them. We can better serve God by abandoning them and moving forward. There’s no shortage of souls in this world that need saving. May we choose wisely and not squander the gifts that we have been given.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we spread Your message of salvation with efficiency and wisdom. May we avoid those who are unwilling to receive the truth and pour our resources into those who might submit to Your will and be converted. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, guide us in all things. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You. And we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.” God bless all of you!