GWFT 06/07/2024

This is a podcast from the Apostolic Lutheran Church of America. The reading discusses the concept of sin and how it separates us from God. It mentions that sin came first, followed by shame, guilt, and blame. The fall of Adam and Eve affected all of humanity. The podcast also talks about how society has been trying to redefine sin in recent years, using different words and humor to make it more acceptable. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing personal sin and guilt, and the need for repentance and forgiveness. The podcast ends with a prayer and encourages listeners to visit the church's website for more information. Welcome to God's Word for Today, a podcast ministry of the Apostolic Lutheran Church of America. My name is Bob Tomberg, pastor of the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Kingston, Minnesota. Today is Friday, June 7th, and we're looking forward to the third Sunday after Pentecost. Our reading, entitled, Sin Renamed is Still Sin, was written by the late pastor Elmer Yelanimi and published in August 2000 and the June 2020 editions of the Christian Monthly. The Bible tells us that it is sin that separates us from God. Because the fall of Adam and Eve, men constantly break the divine law. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God. For it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Romans 8, 7 says, according to the Scripture, our evil thoughts and desires and deeds are sin, whether done knowingly or unknowingly. Now then, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me, Romans 7, 17. But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart, in Matthew 5, 28. Sin came first. Then came shame, guilt, and blame. Adam and Eve were ashamed and tried to hide from God. They knew they were guilty, so Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. The result of that fall has been passed on to the whole human race. Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned, Romans 5, 12. Sin is a serious matter, but for the past thirty or forty years our society has been trying to redefine sin. Supposedly it would no longer offend our holy God. One of Satan's weapons is to change the meaning of words. Adultery and fornication are called affairs and relationships. Murder has become pro-choice. Perverted relationships are alternative lifestyles, addictions are illnesses, divorces are no fault, anger is assertiveness, greed is good business, and pride is high self-esteem. If we talk about sin, we're intolerant. We are more afraid of offending man than God. Another tool of Satan involves the use of humor and entertainment. If we can be made to laugh at sin and to enjoy the sinful lives of others through various media, it becomes acceptable. God spoke to Prophet Ezekiel in his days, saying, Son of man, say unto her, Thou art the land that is not cleansed. Your priests have violated my law and have profaned mine holy things. They have no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths. I am profaned among them, and I sought for a man among them that should make up the hedge and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it. But I found none. Ezekiel 22, 24, 26, 30. Martin Luther lived in such a time also. He wrote, A sinner no longer exists in the world, but God have mercy on us. The world is full of saints. Where vices become honorable virtues and situation defiles remedy, is this the state we live in today? Have we lost the sense of personal sin and guilt? Is there any among us to stand in the gap? If one does not recognize his sin and God's wrath, he cannot come to repentance and the forgiveness of sins. John the Baptist came to prepare the way for Christ by preaching the law, which led the people to repentance. Then he pointed them to Jesus Christ, who fulfilled all the demands of the law through His death and resurrection. The final message of Jesus to His disciples was to preach repentance and remissions of sins in His name. The sinner who knows no guilt is truly helpless. Luther said, A penitent heart is a rare thing and a great grace. Only the Holy Spirit can impart it. God is still seeking those who are willing to pray, preach repentance and the forgiveness of sins to a lost world. The Holy Spirit works through the Word of God. Let us not become weary in teaching and the Word of God in our homes and surroundings. God's love in Jesus Christ is offered to everyone. When God has made known to us the greatness of sin, and we are cleansed by the precious blood of Christ, the greatness of God's grace is revealed to us. Then our hearts and lips can break forth with praise, as did the psalmist. Praise ye the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul. While I live will I praise the Lord. I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being. Psalm 146 verses 1 and 2 Please pray with me. O God, you see that of ourselves we have no strength. Keep us both outwardly and inwardly, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul. Through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the Holy Spirit, one true God, now and forever. Amen. God's Word for today is a podcast ministry of the Apostolic Lutheran Church of America. You can visit our website at apostoliclutheran.org for more information about our Federation or to find a congregation. 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