Week of March 2, 2017

"A Blunder for the Ages"

That's what Jason Gay said in his review of last Sunday's Oscars.  Jason was referring to the incorrect announcement made for the Best Picture award which resulted in the wrong "winners" coming up on stage and giving their acceptance speeches.  It wasn't until the speeches were over that a production crew member's activity indicated there was a problem.  Finally, one of the actors graciously informed the audience that an error had been made.  It is almost certain that this error, although corrected, will long be remembered thanks to the Internet.

I am sure that all of us have done something that we regret and have, in fact, committed what the Bible calls a sin.  A sin can be defined as anything in word, action, attitude, or nature that goes against the character and Word of God.  Thankfully, the Bible not only defines sin, but it identifies its cure.  In 1 John 1:9 we read, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."  To "confess" means we agree with God's definition of sin, we take full responsibility for our actions, and we put our trust in God's provision of forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  Our sensitivity to sin and desire to turn from it each and every day is an indication that our faith is genuine and that God is true to Word.

In a day when blunders and embarrassing mistakes typically go viral, it is reassuring to know that there is a way to experience forgiveness and restoration from all of our sins.

God's Servant & Your Shepherd,
Pastor Kevin
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