Wednesday, 19th February

MEDITATION

There is a question that has often generated debate.  What sort of people are we – deep down, I mean?  Many sociologists would argue that we are basically good.  Some people argue that we are rotten through and through.  I would want to disagree with both of these views.  The Bible claims that we are not basically good.

The Apostle Paul says in Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  And so, none of us are able to be perfect. No one can keep all of God’s Commandments but that does not mean we are rotten through and through because we are created by God, and in his image.  We do have the potential to do good.

Another question is:  Is our bad behaviour created by our environment?  Are we a product of our upbringing?  Now of course these things impact our lives.  But as we look at Genesis 3 where rebellion enters into our world, we realise that our problem is that we want to be in charge.  We want to decide what is right and wrong.  We work very hard to dethrone God.  And so, while there is a lot of good in our world, our lives & our world is basically in a mess because we are unable to run things well.

But Genesis 3 tells us that there is something worse than this.  Because of our rebellion we have fallen under God’s judgement.  So, what sort of people are we?  We are a rebellious people, under the judgement of God.  If this was not true, then firstly, the world would be in a much better way, and secondly, there would be no need for a Saviour.  Christ would not have to have come to die for our sin and take the judgement we deserve if we were not a rebellious people under the judgement of God.

PRAYER 

Lord Jesus, for too long I’ve kept you out of my life. I know that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself.  By faith I gratefully receive your gift of salvation. I am ready to trust you as my Lord and Saviour. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to earth. I believe you are the Son of God who died on the cross for my sins, taking the judgment I deserve.  You rose from the dead on the third day. Thank you for bearing my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life. I Put my trust in you. Be my Lord and my Saviour. Amen.

PRAYERS for WEDNESDAY 

• Pray we would understand that wherever we go in the world there is rebellion (sin)
• Pray that our greatest concern would be for men and women to believe in and serve Jesus.
• Pray we would live each day grateful for what Jesus has done.
• Give thanks that we serve a saving God who has a plan for our world.
• Pray today for gospel growth amongst all our ministries at CCB.
• Pray for financial growth at CCB.