mike adkins | grace•ology

When Sin Seems More Appealing Than God

Of course, I know this doesn't apply to you, but try to bear with me anyway.

I'm tired of listening to pastors who tell people they should just stop sinning as if this never really occured to people. If stopping were enough, then we'd all have done it by now. It's a lot bigger than that. It's bigger because sometimes what is wrong is more appealing to us that what is right. I'm not saying ALL the time, just sometimes.

So here's some advice. Don't ever try to stop something without starting something else. Don't stop smoking, or overeating, or looking at pornography, or being greedy without first starting something else. That might seem like weird advice, but I promise it will be easier to stick with the changes if you follow it. When we try to stop something it's all about what we are losing. "Oh, no, I can't eat that eclair anymore. This stinks." Starting something on the other hand, is all about what you're gaining. "I'm going to be more healthy."

The Bible says, "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-23

It boils down to this. If you're getting rid of something, it probably belongs to the "old self," and needs to go. However, in its place you need to build the "new self," which is like Christ. The problem of leaving nothing in the place of the "old self," when it goes is that this creates a vacuum which will pull you right back in. That's why so many people go right back to the same old thing. They didn't fill the hole.

Momentum and ways to capitalize on it

Have you ever noticed there are times when things just seem to be clicking for you? You catch all the green lights. You get a good bonus. All your prayers are answered--YES! Things are moving in a good direction. That's MOMENTUM. And if you're really smart, you will build on that momentum making choices that benefit you down the road. It's the same for churches too.

I want to encourage you to look at the the momentum we've been having over the last two weeks. Attendance is up. People have given their lives to Christ. The energy is contagious. So what next? I'm glad you asked! The next step is to partner with us to see lives changed for eternity. How can I do that? Two very clear ways:

1) You need to be there on Sunday to greet new visitors. Believe it or not, they really need YOU there. They need your smiling faces and they need to see you worshipping with hearts that overflow for God. When new-comers see true worship it inspires and draws them to God.

2) Invite new people. Sometimes I get push-back from people on this one. Usually Christians. Their thought is that we shouldn't be concerned with church growth. WHAT? I have to tell you, that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. It's a good thing thing for these people that the person who brought them to Christ didn't think that way. Otherwise, they'd be headed for Hell. Jesus created the church so that the world could hear about his love and his salvation. We don't become followers of Jesus and then close the door behind us. That kind of selfishness is unexcusable. Jesus died so that the unbelieving world could know him. It's like spitting in his face to say that the church shouldn't grow. Of course, by now, you can tell I feel strongly about this. People matter to God. SO INVITE. INVITE! INVITE! Maybe your friend will be the next one to be encouraged, have their marriage saved or even give their life to Christ. Is there anything more worthy to be giving your time, resources, or even your life to?

Walking Through the Lobby Sunday Morning

One of the things I love about our church is walking through the lobby area and seeing so many people engaged, excited, and having a great time. I remember going to church when I was a little kid (very seldomly), and always being told to be quiet and sit still. I remember thinking that if God was so boring, I wasn't sure I wanted to get to know him more.

I think every day of our lives should be a reflection of God's goodness toward us. How we live on the outside is a reflection of the spiritual momentum we have on the inside. So what does your attitude say to others? Do others see Jesus in you? Remember, people are watching to see if what you believe is worth following.