March 2nd 2014

From the Pastor's Desk: The influence of generations can be clearly seen in the life of Enoch.  God forever defined this man’s life as that of a man who walked with God.  We see the influence of Enoch upon the lives of those who followed him all the way to Noah and beyond.  There are times when we are under the false impression that what we do doesn’t really matter.  But we couldn’t be further from the truth.  As stated last week, our actions, good or bad, influence the following generations.  If we reverence the Lord and teach our children and grandchildren what it is to respect God and His Word, then we can impact not only them, but all who they will touch by their life example and influence.  God had something to say about Enoch and it is forever etched in His Word.  Enoch walked with God.  What about you and me?  What can be said of our life and habits?  Can others see the high regard we have for the Lord and His Word?  Do our lives show our love for Him as well as our loyalty to Him?  Enoch’s did, and so can ours.    

Verse of the Week:

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

Hebrews 11:5  

The Problem of Sin

Sin opens the door for dysfunction in our lives as well as that of our families.  Adam and Eve found out that their sin affected more than just them, but all those with whom they had to do.  It was sin that caused division and strife between them.  They saw that strife grow to hate between Cain their eldest and his younger brother Able.  The first family came to fit the definition of dysfunctional.  What God created and declared to be very good, had been corrupted by sin and turned ugly.  Heartache and hardship was the result of their self-indulgence.  It is ever the case.  No person is an island unto themselves.  Our decisions, good or bad, impact those around us.  Unfortunately it seems that the bad is more easily modeled than the good.  Paul stated it in this way; (I paraphrase) the good I should do I don’t do and the evil I shouldn’t do, I do.  This is the struggle each of us faces because of the nature of sin we are all born with.  This is the consequence of Adam’s sin and the first couple would see it firsthand.   

Verse of the Week:

    For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

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