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After not listening to God, Adam and Eve found themselves in a terrible predicament. Their first reaction was to cover up rather than "fess up." Fig leaves can never hide the root problem of sin, but even today, we still try this approach (v. 7). Instead of acknowledging and confessing sin, we often attempt a quick surface fix of the situation.
Adam and Eve's second response was to avoid God. They knew they were guilty of disobeying, but instead of coming to Him to reestablish their relationship, they hid from Him in fear (v. 8). We can do the same thing when sin breaks our fellowship with the Lord. Have you ever found yourself avoiding prayer and time in the Scriptures because you were struggling with sin and felt guilty?
A third reaction was to try and avoid personal responsibility by blaming others (vv. 12-13). Shifting guilt to another person can't remove it. We are each responsible before God for our actions, regardless of the circumstances or who else is involved.
Despite Adam and Eve's sin and their evasive ways of handling it, the Lord came to them (v. 9). Our sin is never large enough to keep Him away; our Father still calls to us and asks, "Where are you?" He knows what we have done and why, but He questions us so that we can come to realize our desperate state.
Never let guilt or shame keep you from God. He continually seeks those who have made a mess of their life and speaks to them through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. Forgiveness and a restored relationship await all who are willing to listen and respond with confession and repentance.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
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Sermon
Series
Too often, we make huge plans and major resolutions, and we get burned out when we can't keep them. We need to learn to make small, manageable, incremental changes that really add up. When we guard our words, make our thoughts obedient to Christ, and cultivate new actions, we can see long term life change.
Last Week:
We need to audit our words that we speak to others and ourselves. Are our words life-taking or life-giving. There are 2 rules that we need to follow to have life-giving words: 1) If it is not helpful, skip it. 2) If it is helpful and encouraging, say it.
Sunday's message is available for
streaming or for download on our website, just under the
calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will conclude our series: Small Things, Big Differences by looking into Our Habits from Romans 7.
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Upcoming Events
August 25 - Trustee's Meeting at 7 PM
August 29 - Church Work Day from 8 AM to noon.
August 30 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering
September 6 - Carry In Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship service
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