Articles
"Do You Approve?"
Dear Friends, Romans 1:32 is a verse I use as a barometer of my actions and thoughts on a daily basis. Romans 1:32 "who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them." What are things deserving of death? Throughout the New Testament we see many verses that have different groups of sins together. One time there might be six or seven sins listed and another time there will more sins listed. Is there any significance in this? The answer is yes, and God hates all types of sin. There are so many sins God hates you may wonder how I can go through my life and not commit sin? First realize you are not tempted by God in whom many people blame God saying, "I was born this way. " James 1:13-15 says, 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 "Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." God is not a liar! It is our own desires that bring forth sin and then death. Who is the one that temps us to sin? It is the evil one, Satan. 1 Peter 1:5-8 gives us the description of this very one, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." So, you say you are a good person who worships every first day of the week. You give to the offering each week, you teach Sunday school, so how can you be held accountable for the sins of others? Do you approve of those who practice these sins? How about the people you work with? Do you see and hear them gossiping over the water cooler without suggesting they, not gossip? What about your relative who is always boasting about the things he has accomplished, and you go right along with it? Do your best friend cheat on their spouse, and you help to cover for them? Do you children go to school dances, or go swimming with their friends every week? There are so many ways to approve of sinful things that others do, the most obvious way to support sin is how you vote in all the elections. Do you vote for those who practice techniques that are discouraged in the Bible or do you vote for good people with good ideas who believe in God? By now I believe you get what I am trying to say. It is easy to sin and so very hard to not sin. Being a Christian is not easy, if it were easy, everyone would be a Christian. Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Please let us help you find the narrow gate. If you have sinned and need help, please contact us or your nearest church of Christ. We can help in many ways including teaching you what God wants of you. We can also baptize you when you are ready.
God Bless all of you,
Rick Horton
