WHY I WEEP FOR AMERICA

I love the United States of America. 

I love this land.

I love this people.

I love our flag.   

I love the ideals of the people who created this nation. 

I love our Declaration of Independence.

I love our Constitution.

I love George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Abraham Lincoln.

I love the Gettysburg Address.

I love free market capitalism. 

I love representative democracy.

I love liberty.  

I love American justice. I am so grateful for equal and fair justice. 

I love the freedom to believe and to worship.

I love the freedom to publish and to petition.

I love the freedom to learn and to teach.

I love the freedom to search and to click.

I love the freedom to defend my property and to fend for myself.

I love the freedom to do and to be what the Creator deigns for me to do and to be.

So why is it that I keep weeping when my congregation stands and sings, “America, America, God shed His grace on Thee.”

Why is it that warm tears welled up in my eyes when I watched again the 1984 recording of the blind artist Ray Charles singing “America the Beautiful?” as a party re-nominated their president?

Why did I get a lump in my throat as I listened to my niece and her sisters in the American Heritage Girls lead the Pledge of Allegiance at this year’s Memorial Day ceremony?  The Veterans stood and proudly saluted Old Glory as she waved in the country breezes.  But I was tentative.

Why is It that now in addition to admiration and awe of America’s great battlefield victories—a profound sense of impending loss now troubles my soul?  As I watched the news reels and reflected on  D-Day this year I was so proud and I was so worried.

What’s with me?  Why am I so apprehensive? What is wrong with me?  Have you felt that way too?

The roads and bridges we have engineered have never been more substantial. The skyscrapers and stadiums, the houses and buildings we have built have never been more impressive. The technology and conveniences we have available have never been more fascinating or more accessible. The weapons and intelligence assets of our government have never been more precise or pervasive.

But something’s not right.

Indeed...

Moral clarity has given way to obstinate uncertainty.

               “We hold these truths” has become “We’re absolutely sure that no one can be absolutely sure”  We are without chart and compass.  We are adrift.  And we mock anyone who dares to declare, “Thus saith the Lord!”  

Moral heroism has been replaced by deviant cowardice.

               General Washington’s “Victory or death” has become “hell no, we won’t go.”   I marvel at the inordinate attention we give to the stars of pop culture and the short shrift to those who have taken the road less traveled.

And, Moral courage has been supplanted by godless exhibitionism. 

             One man has defined "moral courage" as "the ability to take action and show integrity in the face of personal harm, danger, for a greater cause despite the risk of adverse consequences."

              It’s not moral courage that inspires sinners to wave the rainbow flag on the steps of our Supreme Court.  But it was moral courage that hoisted the stars and stripes over Constitution Hall in Philadelphia, that planted old glory at Iwo Jima and on the beaches of Normandy, and that dared to defend this fundamental truth: “Right makes might!” 

              We tell ourselves that since we have thrown off the restraints of virtue and morality, our nation, our people, and we ourselves have never had more freedom.  But experience, as C. S. Lewis observed, is such an honest thing!  Liberty without law is proving unfulfilling, undesirable, and physically, spiritually, and fiscally unsustainable.

             Oz Guinness is right.  Freedom, Virtue, and Faith are all three essential to secure and preserve liberty. As America's faith in the God of our Fathers diminishes our virtue dissipates.  As virtue disappears, our freedom devolves from divine right into anthropocentric privilege--the ground from which despots and tyrants have tortured their subjects throughout history.

              Our Declaration of Independence begins, “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, and that they are endowed by their Creator with inalienable rights.”  In too many quarters America is losing her grip.  

Americans, this is no time to loosen our hold...It is time for us to hold tightly! This is no time for us to surrender...It is time for us to remember General George Washington's inspiring words to the Continental Army, "Victory or death!"  Let's fall to our knees, let's confess and repent, and let's roll up our sleeves, and set about the task before us.  

DELUSIONS OR GRANDEUR?

FROM TODAY'S PASTOR'S PERSPECTIVE - FCC JUNE 23, 2013

Have you ever looked around and wondered, “What happened to this Nation?”  Or have you ever asked, “What’s wrong with people today?”  Maybe you’ve even said it out loud, “How long will God put up with this?”
We have been impressed by the Holy Spirit to preach and teach from 2 Thessalonians Chapter 2.  It is here that we begin to see God’s explanation for the circumstances of our times.  The inspired Apostle Paul warned us that “There will come a falling away,” in the days right before our Lord’s Second Coming.
He warns us that those who do not love the truth will fall for “strong delusions,” will “believe lies,” and will chose the “pleasure in unrighteousness.”  All of these will be finally lost.
It sure explains our day. It is true of individuals.  It is true in families.  It is true in governments.  It is true in churches.  Millions and millions, here and around the world, are falling away from the truth.  They despise God’s will.  They refuse God’s authority.  They lift themselves up “as gods,”--determining for themselves what is right and what is wrong.  Their future is certain, and it is bleak.

But what a thrill to know that GOD HAS CHOSEN US, all those who have chosen HIM, to TO SALVATION through SANCTIFICATION of the SPIRIT, and BELIEF OF THE TRUTH!  
I love the thought, and I am so grateful for the reality of GOD’S great work of Redemption!  HE CHOOSES US!  HE SAVES US!  HE SANCTIFIES US! HE TEACHES US TRUTH! And then HE FILLS US WITH HIS GLORY!  The songwriter is right, “Let HIM have HIS way with Thee!”

At this writing , 7:30AM Sunday, our FreshStart offering and pledges total $27,602.00.  We are now  $2,408.00 away from Victory!  By bringing this $30,000 to the closing on our new church loan, we will reduce our monthly payments by $1,000!  That’s a savings of $12,000 a year.  That’s the tithe on $120,000 of income.
God is doing a marvelous work in our midst!  Circumstances have forced us to raise this great offering in the month that historically has been our least attended.  But the LORD and HIS Mighty Army are rising up to meet the challenge.  THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!  May the Lord continue to bless and keep you

We love everyone of you and trust that this will be a great day for you and your family.  REMEMBER THAT THIS IS THE LORD’S DAY!  It is not ours, it is HIS!  We hope to see you at both services today.  May God richly bless you!

AH THERE ON EAGLE'S WINGS WE SOAR!

FROM EVERY STORMY WIND

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0FuAneaJSQ&feature=c4-overview&list=UUpUmxduWvxlTv1C-2JA4xtw

One of my Grandpa Jones' favorite hymns was FROM EVERY STORMY WIND!

The last verse reads, 

AH THERE ON EAGLE WINGS WE SOAR

AND SIN AND SENSE MOLEST NO MORE

AND HEAV'N COMES DOWN OUR SOULS TO GREET

WHILE GLORY CROWNS THE MERCY SEAT!

Think of that...

At the MERCY SEAT, in the PRESENCE of the LORD HIMSELF,

We soar on Eagle's wings...

We are free from the fear and torment of sin

We are delivered from the drag and drive of physical senses,

We are ushered into the presence of God Himself

And

OH THE GLORY OF HIS PRESENCE dwells in and on and through us!

And the third verse brings comfort to those of us who are separated from one another,

THO SUNDERED FAR, BY FAITH THEY MEET,

AROUND THE COMMON MERCY SEAT!

I'm praying for you.  You're praying for me.  And at this moment we can meet around the MERCY SEAT!  Hallelujah!  Praise the Lord!  Glory to His Name!

AT THIS WRITING, 7:18 AM ON SUNDAY, JUNE 23, our FRESH START OFFERING TOTAL IS NOW $27,592.  WE ARE PRAYING THAT PLEDGES AND OFFERINGS WILL BRING US TO OUR NEED OF $30,000 TODAY.  IF YOU CAN HELP US OUT, WE WOULD BE MOST GRATEFUL.  TEXT 3146071424; CALL 3146071424; EMAIL, PAYPAL: RMJONES58@AOL.COM, SNAIL MAIL: FCC 2969 N LINDBERGH ST ANN MO 63074, MONEYGRAM... HOWEVER YOU CAN, WE ARE SO VERY VERY VERY THANKFUL!

IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT - FROM EVERY STORMY WIND

LISTEN TO THE YOUTUBE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0FuAneaJSQ&feature=c4-overview&list=UUpUmxduWvxlTv1C-2JA4xtw

HEBREWS 10

12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

21 And having an high priest over the house of God;

22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

FROM EVERY STORMY WIND

From every stormy wind that blows,
From every swelling tide of woes,
There is a calm, a sure retreat—
’Tis found beneath the mercy seat.

There is a place where Jesus sheds
The oil of gladness on our heads,
A place than all besides more sweet—
It is the blood-bought mercy seat.

There is a scene where spirits blend,
Where friend holds fellowship with friend;
Though sundered far, by faith they meet
Around one common mercy seat.

There, there on eagle’s wings we soar,
And time and sense seem all no more,
And heaven comes down our souls to greet,
And glory crowns the mercy seat.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/774#ixzz2X0h0EqAz

THE FOLLY OF DIMINSHING LIGHT and FRESHSTART UPDATE

Dear Friends of FCC,

It was 17 years ago, June 21, 1996 that Vickie promised me "for better or for worse..."  I think I shall not ask her which it has been!  But I am very thankful for a loyal, loving, and lovely wife.



To celebrate we returned again to Maine to see the Portland Headlight.  Commissioned by President George Washington, this Lighthouse is still active--sending both beacons of light and radio signals to guide Captains into the Portland harbor.

In the 1880's the Lighthouse was shortened by 20 feet and the lens was replaced so that its beacon was less visible to passing sailors.  The addition of another lighthouse nearby was thought to diminish the importance of the Portland Headlight.

Captains who had depended on the Portland Headlight were confused.  But when confusion turned to tragedy, and lives were lost because the light was no longer distinct and visible to seafarers, the Lighthouse was raised and the light was returned to its previous intensity.

We do well to heed the Principle of Portland.  Though others may be sending out the light we must not minimize the import of the place to which God has called us to serve.

This is no time to doubt our significance.
This is no time to lower our Light.
This is no time to diminish our beacon, and blend with other lights along the shore.

By God's grace we at FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH (www.fccstlouis.org) are determined to "let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven."  Matthew 5:16.

WE ARE NOW ONLY FOUR DAYS AWAY FROM OUR FRESHSTART MORTGAGE OFFERING deadline.  We are praising the LORD that GOD'S PEOPLE HAVE GIVEN $23,150.00  BUT WE ARE $6,850 SHORT.  By bringing the entire $30,000 to closing we will save $1,000 a month in mortgage payments.   MANY IN OUR MISSION CONGREGATION have given sacrificially and cannot give more. COULD YOU?  WOULD YOU?

If you could call or text (314) 607-1424 the amount the LORD would have you to send, or if you would e-mail your intention to help out to my personal e-mail rmjones58@aol.com, or if you can send an envelope to FCC, 2969 N. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63074 it would be a great encouragement and a blessing.

And we can make this solemn promise.  WE WILL NOT LOWER THE LIGHTHOUSE.  WE WILL NOT DIMINISH THE LIGHT.  AND WE WILL NOT DOUBT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LIGHT GOD has called us to shine.

NO GIFT IS INSIGNIFICANT!  Please pray and then do what the Lord impresses upon you to do.

ONWARD! PR

FATHER'S DAY 2013

Today is FATHER’S DAY!

In preparing for today’s message I came across an article, “How to Find Your Father.”  The author advised, “Tracking down your father can be an extremely difficult and stressful process.”  How painfully true.

As our culture abaondons God’s plan for the family, “one man, one woman--for life,” the casualties are mounting.  Children are suffering.  The costs to society are mounting--spiritual, emotional, practical, and financial.  More than race, or economics, fatherlessness determines whether a child will be delinquint, conceive a child outside of marriage, be addicted to drugs, or drop out of high school.

It think George Will is right, the fatherless have, “holes in their souls.”  Ken Canfield, an inner city missionary puts it this way,“If you don’t have the calm self-respect that a father gives, your passions go sideways. For a number of men, their passions become sexualized as they look for comfort and affirmation of their manhood.”

So today we would like to encourage every father to step up and live out “Championship fathering!”  Love your children.  Coach your children.  Model virtue and spiritual excellence before your children. Read your Bible with them.  Pray with them, and call them by name.  Be responsible as a provider and protector.

Secondly we would like to reinforce the vital role that women play in promoting Christian Fatherhood--and Godly masculinity.  There is nothing pleasant or pleasing or proper about sissy men.  The specter of domineering women who “wear the pants in the family,” both figuratively and literally, is unscriptural and it is demoralizing.  The office of “Fatherhood” should be respected.  The ideal of Godly Fathers should be exalted.  And instances of Christian example are worthy of public note.  In other words, brag on the Father who is doing what is right.

Lastly, inspired leadership is godly leadership.  It is when God’s people order their lives according to the infallible dictates of God’s holy Word, that men are blessed, families are strengthened, and societies are stabilized.  

We love everyone of you and trust that this will be a great day for you and your family.  Get in touch with your father.  If your father has “slipped the surly bonds of earth,” to “touch the face of God.” then pause to remember the good things.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuNnDJoFemE

PEACE IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM

IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT!  How grateful we are for the PEACE of the LORD in the midst of the storms of LIFE!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dehd9a61tBY

GREAT COMMISSION 2013 - ONWARD!

Around the same time that we launched FCC we were inspired to begin a revolutionary new youth camp--a camp that would be centered on evangelism and witnessing.  
We announced to the young people in our sister churches and others who shared our vision, that this new ministry would be called MISSION AMERICA! 
We gathered together 25 young people and leaders, and began a week of intensive Bible Study, Teaching witnessing techniques,  door-to-door evangelism, and nightly church services led to a large extent by the young people.  After services we would have refreshments and sometimes “open-mic” night.  The first MISSON AMERICA in St. Louis, Vickie had 15 teen girls sleeping all over our small 800 square foot apartment.  (I graciously exited!)  
Those were great days.  The vision was picked up by others and MISSION AMERICA went to MISSOURI, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, and OKLAHOMA.  Some of the families attending FCC today were first introduced to us through MISSION AMERICA.
With the coming of the new millenium we became aware that there was already a national ministry calling itself MISSION AMERICA.  We thought and prayed about a new name and GREAT COMMISSION caught our attention.  
When Pastor Andrew Durst took leadership of the movement he added to the name and GREAT COMMISSION CAMP advanced to the next level.  In addition to the 4 original states, GEORGIA and OHIO were added to our outreach.  
Literally ten’s of thousands of invitations have been distributed by 200+ young people over the past 17 years.  Only eternity will reveal all the good that has been accomplished.
GREAT COMMISSION INDY will convene on Tuesday of this coming week.  This year our teams will be in Indianapolis (June 11-12), St Louis (July 9-12), Central Illinois (July 16-18), and at FOUNDER’S WEEK-Urbana (July 22-26).  
Here in St. Louis, the GREAT COMMISSION teams will help 
(Concluded on back cover)
us with Vacation Bible School--GOD’S MIGHTY KINGDOM!
We are in agreement with the man who said, A GREAT COMMITMENT, to the GREAT COMMANDMENT and to the GREAT COMMISSION, will build a GREAT CHURCH!  
We are claiming the promise as well as the commission Christ gave us in Matthew 28:18- 20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

www.fccstlouis.org

TWO MINUTE MESSAGE - GOT TROUBLES?

WATCH THE TWO MINUTE MESSAGE HERE:

http://youtu.be/CzXDmd2p4Rs0%

We may not actually be in what the Bible calls, “The Great Tribulation,” but there certainly are a lot of people who are facing great tribulations.

What’s a Christian to do?

Hi, I’m Pastor Rick Jones, and I have about a Three Minute Message I’d like you to think about!

FIRST I HOPE YOU WILL NOT FORGET THIS,

GOD LOVES YOU!   Others may not love you. Those who you once depended on may turn on you.  You may not love you.  But GOD LOVES YOU!  He loves you with an everlasting love.  I love the way Moses puts it,

There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky. The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.  Deuteronomy 33:26-28 

GOD LOVES YOU, AND UNDERNEATH ARE HIS EVERLASTING ARMS!

SECOND,  DON’T LET YOUR TROUBLES DRIVE YOU AWAY FROM THE LORD, RATHER TAKE YOUR TROUBLES TO THE LORD!

King David knew something about troubles.  He had troubles that were not his fault.  He had troubles that were completely his fault.  And yet, through it all he learned this great truth, GOD WAS NOT HIS ENEMY, GOD WAS HIS BEST FRIEND.  OVER AND OVER HE TESTIFIED, “GOD IS MY REFUGE.”

In the 91^st Psalm He affirms, “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”  Psalm 91:2

Keep talking to the Lord!  He’s listening.  He cares.  He will guide.

AND REMEMBER, GOD LOVES YOU!

THIRD, LISTEN TO THE LORD!

God is trying to get us to pay attention to Him!  He has answers.

He has answers in His Word—Read the Bible!

He has answers in Prayer—Get alone with God!

He has answers in Worship—Get to a Bible preaching church with sincere Christians who love the Lord Jesus! 

He has answers in Godly Counsel—Get together with godly and good people!  I know that if it were not for some great and godly friends who have helped me think straight, and then make wise choices, I would have been overwhelmed.

AND REMEMBER, GOD LOVES YOU!

LAST, IF YOU’RE GOING THROUGH A TRYING TIME RIGHT NOW,  DON’T GIVE UP, AND DON’T QUIT!  That is exactly what the enemy wants you to do. 

Of course we need to take care of ourselves physically—be sure we eat healthy and get enough rest—but then we must get moving!  Get up.  Ours is a faith that works by love.  Do something.  Do something for the Lord.  Do something for someone that needs help.  Do something to improve your circumstances.  But don’t sit around staring at mindless idiocy on a screen!

AND REMEMBER, GOD LOVES YOU!

CONCLUSION:

So whether our tribulations are the result of our mistakes or misdeeds, or if they are the result of our godly commitments or good deeds, we as God’s people can count them all joy!

REMEMBER GOD LOVES YOU!  And He will work all things together for good to them who love HIM!  

30TH ANNIVERSARY UPDATE!

Dear Friends of Faith,

Today's 30th Anniversary Celebration in the Ministry was such a blessing.  Over 120 attended the services. We were especially blessed to see 52 at the evening service.  There were seekers at our altars.  And God's people sacrificially gave and moved our FRESH START Mortgage Offering to $18,180.  We are now praying for the balance of $11,820 in the next 3 weeks, by June 23.  Your prayers and offerings of every size are greatly appreicated!

If you would like a CD of the messages today:
WE HAVE THIS MINISTRY (2 Corinthians 4) and

TIMES CHANGE, JESUS REMAINS  (Hebrews 13:8)

please call, or text, or email us.

May the Lord richly bless you!

FOR TWO MINUTE MESSAGES

AND

IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT HYMNS & PRAYER

CLICK ON OUR YOU-TUBE CHANNEL:

http://www.youtube.com/user/rmjones58?feature=guide

IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT - 30TH ANNIVERSARY IN THE MINISTRY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDotTejvNaE

ON THIS 30TH ANNIVERSARY EVE IN THE MINISTRY, "IT'S MY DESIRE" AND "I OWE IT ALL TO THEE" are the songs we're singing.

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR LOVE, YOUR FAITHFUL PRAYERS, AND YOUR KINDNESSES TO ME, TO MY DEAR WIFE, AND TO OUR CHURCH FAMILY!

ONWARD! PR

THIRTY YEARS - A REFLECTION

  

              A lot has changed over the past 30 years.  When I graduated from Christ Theological Seminary in Urbana, Illinois and entered the full-time ministry as an Assistant Pastor for my Father, I was a single guy, with no wonderful wife and precious daughter.

There was no internet or e-mail, nor were there PC/Laptop computers, Game Boys, Sony Wii’s, Smart Phones, Mobile Phones, MRI’s, Fiber Optics, Office Software, CDs, MP3s, LEDs, LCDs, GPS, E-Bay, Digital Photography, Video Cameras, Bio Fuels, Genetically altered plants, Human Genome Mapping, ATMs, or Stents.  We still typed on electric typewriters and made copies by offset printing or ditto machines. 

               While technological and scientific advances have progressed at a dizzying pace, we have witnessed a jaw-dropping decline in moral virtue and Christian spirituality. Nearly every cultural indicator—out of wedlock births, unmarried couples living together, divorce rates, availability of pornography, STD’s, sodomy, juvenile delinquency, drug dependency, financial irresponsibility, dishonesty, cheating, educational deficiency, and declining church participation (particularly among the young) and lax Church standards—confirms that the very fabric of our civilization is unraveling before our very eyes.

               As we march into this Brave New World convinced that traditional mores are outdated and irrelevant to our times:

1. Western governments are spending themselves into bankruptcy trying to meet the needs of their citizens—needs that have historically been met by traditional families,
2. Psychological duress is debilitating and destabilizing large portions of the population while the wages of sin are wreaking havoc with public health, social welfare, and family stability &
3. Children are undervalued, undisciplined, insecure, and woefully unprepared for the challenges of adulthood.

I’m starting to wonder if I’ve enlisted in a losing cause!  Actually I have.  Martin Luther was right when he penned the words to this classic hymn:

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

IT WOULD BE A LOSING CAUSE, BUT CHRIST JESUS WILL NOT FAIL—HE MUST, AND HE WILL WIN THE BATTLE! Praise the Lord! Hallelujah! Glory to God in the Highest!  I am not worthy—But HE is!  I am not able—But HE is!  I am not wise enough—But HE is! 

FOR MY 30^TH ANNIVERSARY IN THE MINISTRY it would be thrilling to…

+Sing 30 verses of Gospel Music this Sunday!

+Have 30 riders on each bus route!

+Have 30 men, 30 women, and 30 teens in the morning service!

+Hear a 30 voice choir singing Sunday Morning!

+Have $3,000 pledged and given to “Fresh Start” Building Fund Campaign

+Have 30 minute sermons (yeah right!)

+Have everyone over after Church Sunday evening for fellowship.

TWO MINUTE MESSAGE - HOW MANY TIMES CAN CHRISTIANS SIN AND STILL GO TO HEAVEN?

Outdoor Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZNsMngfxMw

Indoor Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOfzEe0wLkg

H

OW MANY SINS CAN WE COMMIT AND STILL GO TO HEAVEN?”  Would you say that if I am a Christian I can commit as many sins as I can commit and still get to heaven when I die?

Or would you say that a Christian really shouldn’t sin but a few once in a while won’t hurt?

Hi I’m Pastor Rick Jones, and I’ve about a TWO MINUTE MESSAGE for you to think about.

It’s an interesting question.  “How many sins can we commit and still go to heaven?”

And as is so often the case, the question itself raises another question:  Why are you asking? 

And gets to the heart of the question—literally.

Why would a child of God, born of the Spirit, adopted into the family of God, who loves the Lord with all his or her heart, be asking

“How many times can I dishonor you Lord?” And still live with you in heaven forever?  Or,

“How many times can I disobey you Lord?”

And still enjoy the blessings of your love?  Or,

“How many times can I disgrace you Lord?”

And still experience the joy of your presence?

In fact, those who are born of the Spirit, who walk in the Spirit, and who are led by the Spirit, are not asking …

How many times can I dishonor you Lord,

They are asking… what Lord can I do to honor you Lord?

We are not asking, “How many times can I disobey you Lord,” rather, “In what ways Lord may I please and obey you?”

We are not asking “What disgrace will God’s grace cover? Rather, “Lord how can we live to the praise of the glory of His grace?”

In fact, if there is a part of our heart that hopes that we can get away with doing “our will” rather than “God’s will,” our love for God is not yet whole-hearted.

And that is the issue.  Jesus said that all the commandments could be summed up into two—Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and Love your neighbor as yourself.

It is loving God, loving God without reservation, and in loving God with a passion—a fervent desire to please Him in everything, that our love for God is perfected.

John tells us, “God is love, and he that dwells in love, dwells in God, and God in him.”  And this love longs to do God’s will.  “This is the love of God that we keep His commandments.”

So if I fail to keep His commandments, it’s actually because I failed to love God as I ought.

Can God forgive us? Of course, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.  When we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

But let’s not ask how close to the line we can draw and still enter the city of God, let’s ask “Lord what more can I do to express my love and my gratitude for your sacrifice and death on the cross?”  I hope you’ll think about it.