It is easy to obsess about our failures of the past.  Guilt is a way that Satan uses to paralyze the servant of God.  We will set our focus on trying to earn forgiveness or to prove our remorse.  The fact is much of these actions really do nothing to move forward.  They really do not prove to those we’ve wronged that there is a sincerity in our actions. And there is no way that we can adequately compensate for the mistakes of our past.

Scripture teaches us that the work that Christ does in our lives is intended to move us forward rather bog us down in the past.  Paul tries to picture the change that Jesus makes in the lives of the faithful as he writes, Romans 7:4 (CSB) “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you also were put to death in relation to the law through the body of Christ so that you may belong to another. You belong to him who was raised from the dead in order that we may bear fruit for God.”

When we identify with Christ, He raises us up to walk in a new a relationship that is intended to, “bear fruit for God.”  Satan tries to overwhelm us with guilt from our sins while the Spirit points us forward to fruitful actions for His glory.  Jesus told His disciples in John 15:8 (CSB) “My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.”

The Christian who is constantly trying to make amends for the past is failing to produce the fruit that God desires from His disciples.  Repentance is not completed till it results in visible change.  Paul told his listeners, Acts 26:20 (CSB) “Repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance.”

It is important for us to understand that our works don’t save us, but they are the evidence that proves the genuineness of our repentance.  As we seek to minister to a world trapped in sin, let us be especially careful to show them the works that should accompany a repentant heart. And as they see our good works, they will Matthew 5:16 (CSB) “Give glory to your Father in heaven.”

Dear God, help me to walk in the newness of life that others may see the change you have made in me.  To God be the glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Join us for Zoom Meetings tonight: Youth, College and Career, and Prayer Meeting will all be taking place at 7 PM tonight.

Food Cards Needed for NKU International Students

We have 50 international students stranded at NKU (primarily from African nations). There is a need to collect gift cards FOR THESE RESTAURANTS SPECIFICALLY (walking distance to where they are housed with no transportation) to help feed these students: Chipotle, Canes, Chick Fil-A, Ichiban, Subway, Wendy’s, and Meijer. They were supplementing their income to cover food costs at NKU and are now unemployed. 

Currently, we no longer need food for the Piner Families.  If we receive any more requests, we will restart this program.

VBS on the Road

We are looking for volunteers to lead and/or host 2-hour day camps in subdivisions around our area during the month of July.  If you are interested in teaching or hosting, please contact Bro. Mark.  mark@pinerbaptist.org