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This could be the worst way to start a Monday. I had a health review recently and a financial review. But a sin review?
We should start the week with something positive. Even the Apostle Paul didn’t pass the sin review; he summarized his test with the following comment:
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst (1 Timothy 1:15, NIV).
If Paul failed his review, is there hope for you passing yours?
With these dismal prospects in mind, let’s get started.
Question: Are you a sinner?
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
The Greek word for “sin” means missing the mark of God’s holiness. None of us will find peace, love, faith, self-control, or righteousness by our own efforts.
Answer: Yes. (Sorry, based upon good Biblical authority, I answered this question for you.)
Question: Are you lost?
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).
The Greek word for “death” means separation. As a result of sin (missing the mark of peace and love) you have become increasingly separated from God, others, and even yourself.
Answer: Yes. (Again, I answered for you. Sorry, I know you, and you aren’t perfect.)
Question: Is there good news?
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).
The Greek word for “salvation” means to be made entirely and completely whole again. Grace comes through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
Answer: I don’t know. (Sorry, I don’t know this answer for you. “Yes,” if you have confessed Jesus as Lord, but “no” if you haven’t.)
Question: What’s next?
Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him because he always lives to intercede for them (Hebrews 7:25).
The Greek word for “completely” implies that the goal of everything happening to you while walking with Jesus will bring perfection into your life.
Answer: By His grace!
I was thinking of ending this Interruption by giving you a Body Mass test to check your muscle-to-fat ratio. But instead of adding more woe to your Monday, I thought that you would be encouraged by the Apostle Paul’s reaction after he failed the Sin Review:
But for this very reason, I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life (1 Timothy 1:16).
This is an Interruption to which you might want to say, “Amen!” If so, hit reply, type “Amen!” and then send.