Talking About Sin
I remember having a boss, years ago, and you might relate to this, he was the kind of guy that only talked to me when he wanted to point out something wrong. I get it. I was young and had much that needed correcting, but after a while I didn’t want to hear anything he had to say. I’d see him coming down the aisle and do my best to try to disappear in place. It never worked.
I felt a little like that boss Sunday when I preached on the doctrine of sin. Who wants to hear an entire message on sin, having me point out wrong for 40 minutes? But during my preparation I ran across a quote from the British preacher, Martyn Lloyd Jones, when he preached his final sermon at his London church, before retiring in 1968. He believed, “Men must know the horror of sin, and their own guilt, before they can understand the cross of Christ: ‘It is no use saying to people, ‘Come to Jesus.’ They do not come to Jesus: why not? They have never seen any need of Jesus.'”
It’s true that until we realize we need to be saved from sin, we’re unlikely to see that we need a savior. This is why the Bible has many warnings about the danger of riches: it’s the satisfied and comfortable who struggle to see their need for God. Of course we need the Holy Spirit to bring about this change in our desires, but it often starts with dissatisfaction in the direction of our own lives and seeing our sin for what it is.
I’m glad that this week’s message will focus on Christ – His person and His work: who He is and what He has done on our behalf. Be praying for this message, that many will see Christ and see that He is where real life is found. Also be praying for our Children’s Ministry. They have a special surprise planned for our service to help us celebrate Palm Sunday.
Finally, be praying for whom you might invite to church for Easter. Many people know they need a change, know that they need something different in life. Sometimes all they need is just to be asked to take the first step toward a new direction in life. Who knows how God might use you to change the life of someone in our community this year. Pray for God to open doors for the gospel in Valley Station in 2026!