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From the Pastor's Heart.......

How Far Does Sin Reach?

The temptation to sin has been around for a long time. Satan tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden. Sure, it was short sighted of Eve (and eventually Adam) to give in to the temptation and sin. Could they have imagined that hundreds of years later their sin still reverberates in the lives of men and women throughout  the earth? Do you think they had any idea of the ramifications of their sin? I seriously doubt that they understood, but their ignorance didn’t help their guilt. The fact remains that their sin changed the course of history for all mankind, and now we live in a fallen and sinful world. If only they had just listened and obeyed God! If they could just have seen the impact of their sin and the tremendous suffering their sin would cause to so many people! How could they have been so blind?

Now, I’ll let you in on a little secret that most of us already know but need to be reminded of. The results of sins that we commit have far reaching consequences similar to Adam & Eve’s sin. We may argue that “small” sins don’t seem to affect anyone in a big way, while the more public and “gross” sins cause much more collateral damage. I think that is a reasonable response, as  God’s word in I Timothy 5:24 says, “ Some men’s  sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. So I must concur that some sins do seem to have immediate consequences, while others seem to be more hidden and the consequences follow later.

In the neighboring town where I grew up, the pastor of a fast-growing evangelical church was caught in adultery. It devastated his family, the other families involved, the church, the people he had discipled, the community, and the list of casualties go on and on. His sin was like a pebble thrown into the water and the rippling effect just grew bigger and bigger. Adam and Eve are not the only ones whose sins have far-reaching consequences. Our sin, whether we think it to be small or large, will eventually affect our families, our co-workers, our church and others. Maybe one is harboring bitterness or unforgiveness, holding a grudge, or being greedy. Eventually those sins will affect your life and the lives of those around you.

Shall we just confess that we are no better than Adam and Eve? Whether we sin in private or public, we are being just as shortsighted as they were. When we sin, we are being selfish and thoughtless of others whom it will influence and affect. If only we could see the impact of our sin and the suffering our sin causes.

Somehow confession and repentance seem to be in order for us, the offspring of Adam and Eve. May we comprehend the seriousness of our sin, yet find forgiveness in the shed blood of Jesus Christ which covers our sin.

I’m so thankful for a Savior,

for mercy, and for grace.

Your pastor, Tim.

For questions or comments you may email the pastor at timbev2@yahoo.com or the webmaster at hffinc@i-c.net