Journeying to Easter - Part 2Sample

False faith

We may find it difficult to grasp that our God is determined to condemn wickedness and yet is determined to grant mercy and a new beginning to the wicked. From our perspective, it’s dealt with on the cross. God judged sin, and also offered forgiveness to sinners. Justice and mercy were each satisfied. Back in history, God’s people had strayed from His ways. Over time, they became complacent and figured that their status as the chosen people insured them against divine disapproval. They became content with performing the expected rituals as if that was all God required of them.

It’s so easy to take God for granted, to observe the outward formalities without letting our faith permeate each area of our lives. We may enthusiastically praise God on Sunday yet not let Him intrude on Monday. We may eagerly absorb the teaching we get at church, but not let it shape our lives beyond.

It’s a mistake to assume worship of God mainly involves singing praises to Him in church and becoming more knowledgeable about the Bible. These matter, but there is a world out there that needs more than praise choruses and profound sermons. Let’s face it, we are all hypocrites to some degree. Thankfully, our God is able and willing to get to work on us, to remove the ugly stain of hypocrisy. He doesn’t give up on us, though He warns us that if we finally and ultimately turn our backs on Him, we face separation from Him. The bad news is we go astray; the good news is that there is a way back.

Written by DAVID REAY