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August 29, 2016
Abusing God's Patience - Romans 2
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| Have you ever ignored the press of conviction upon your heart? Maybe you rationalized your wrongdoing with the thought that if God were really upset, He'd put a stop to things by disciplining you. Psalm 50:21 reminds us that the silence of heaven does not mean approval. Remaining in sin is an abuse of the Lord's patience.
When God seems slow to react, we might hope He's overlooking our transgressions - we'd like to continue in sin because the momentary pleasure is more appealing than obedience. But thankfully, the Father knows our weaknesses, our innate carnality, and the state of our spiritual growth, and He therefore measures His response. Motivated by love and a desire to gently restore His children to righteousness, God refrains from doling out immediate punishment. Instead, He waits for the Holy Spirit's proddings to impact the believer's heart. The weight of conviction is actually an invitation to turn from wrongdoing and return to godliness.
However, we're a stubborn people. There are times when we persist in sin because the sentence against an evil deed isn't executed quickly (Ecclesiastes 8:11). In this dangerous situation, it's possible to immerse ourselves in sin and harden our hearts against the Lord. Then the Holy Spirit's call to repentance falls on spiritual ears rapidly going deaf.
As we learn and understand more about God and His ways, we are increasingly responsible to live righteously. The Lord is not slow; He's patient. Do not abuse His patience with callous disregard for His statutes. Repent and be holy in the sight of the Lord.
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Upcoming Sermon Series
As you scroll through your day, does it feel like everyone else has it all together? Someone always has the best job, cutest kid, or happiest relationship. We're pressured to measure up to other people's social media status updates and left with more #struggles.
This five-week series studies what it's like to live a Christ-focused life in a selfie-centered world. Topics include finding compassion, authenticity, relationships, contentment, and rest among all the pressures and distractions of social media. We will start this series on September 25, 2016.
Last Week:
As we concluded our series, we saw that we are to love the lonely, but how? We are to love with touch, love by listening, and love with our time. .
Sunday's message is available for streaming or for download on our
sermons page, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
Worship with us as we dig into God's Word.
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Upcoming Events
September 4, 2016 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner
September 9, 2016 - Men's BBQ at 6 PM at the Southview Park and Pavilion. Cost is $5 per person.
September 10, 2016 - Trustee Meeting at 8 AM at the church
September 11, 2016 - Deacon Meeting at 8 AM at the church
September 12, 2016 - Ladies Small Group at 7 PM at Stephanie Robinson's house
September 22, 2016 - Men's Small Group at 7 PM at the church. Please read chapters 14-16.
September 25, 2016 - Lord's Supper and Deacon's Fund Offering following the AM Worship Service
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