Paul and the H1N1 Virus

20The law was added so that then trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 21so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?

Romans 5:20-6:2

Our pastor at church spoke on these verses a few weeks ago and I was struck by his words as he spelled it out for us. He said, “Where there is sin, there is grace. Where there is much sin, there is much grace. As sin increases, grace increases as well to cover the sin.” I immediately started thinking about it.

A Lesson on Mountain Climbing

By Stephen Walker

Dear friends,

Have you ever climbed a mountain–or felt like you did? Life is constantly giving us challenges. Some people call them problems, or issues, but ultimately it means that life isn’t easy.

A couple weeks ago I climbed a local mountain, Moak-san, along with 5 friends. In that experience, I noticed many parallels–similarities– to the struggle that we all share in overcoming those difficult challenges. May I share them with you?

At the bottom, you have a choice. You could turn around and go home. You must choose to face the challenges in your life. Can you do it? Is it worth it? Please, friend, climb this mountain with me.

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Caution and Advise in Friendships

Here in 2 Samuel 16:15-23 we have two close friends of David who are trying to kiss up to Absalom.

2 Samuel 16:15-23 (NIV)

15 Meanwhile, Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him. 16 Then Hushai the Arkite, David’s friend, went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”

17 Absalom asked Hushai, “Is this the love you show your friend? Why didn’t you go with your friend?”

18 Hushai said to Absalom, “No, the one chosen by the LORD, by these people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and I will remain with him. 19 Furthermore, whom should I serve? Should I not serve the son? Just as I served your father, so I will serve you.”

20 Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give us your advice. What should we do?”

21 Ahithophel answered, “Lie with your father’s concubines whom he left to take care of the palace. Then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself a stench in your father’s nostrils, and the hands of everyone with you will be strengthened.” 22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he lay with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.

23 Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel’s advice.

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Harmony

March 25, 2008

In this post-modern era, the ideals of harmony and uniformity are foreign notions. We live in an era of individualism where the precision, and unity of a military drill squad is viewed as archaic and outmoded. However, there is a great value in this kind of military precision. A beautiful example of such uniformity is the US Marine Corp Silent Drill Platoon. These men march in perfect time….

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”

(Romans 12:16, NIV)