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Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned—sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man’s trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man’s sin. For the judgement following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. If, because of the one man’s trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.Therefore just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. For just as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. (Romans 5:12-19)
Tomorrow we begin the observation of Lent. Forty days of preparation, and for many, fasting of some sort, to help us more fully understand the passion and death of Jesus Christ. The focus of Lent is on our sins, and the need we have to rid ourselves of sin. This passage explains the idea of the first man, Adam, designed to be God's faithful and obedient creature, failed and because the model of all humans, who are prone to disobedience, and thus, sin; while the person of Jesus Christ, was that one man sent to bring us back to the right relationship with God. Adam introduced death. Christ introduced eternal life. And it is our choice to enter into relationship with God through Jesus Christ or continue on the merry way we may be on, caring for nothing. My prayer, and the prayers of many who love you, would be for you to choose Jesus as Lord and Savior, and reject your sins, ask forgiveness of those sins, and come to the fullness of life in Jesus Christ.
PRAYER: Loving God, as Lent approaches, let us approach your throne of glory and grace. Help me to be rid of my sins, I confess again that I stand in need of forgiveness, and accept the pardon You freely give. My desire is to be in a loving relationship with You; be my Lord and Savior, and help me glorify You in all things. This I pray in Christ Jesus my savior, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Prayer Request: The Rev. John Cochran underwent emergency gall bladder surgery early this morning here in Corpus Christi. I am on my way to see him.
Also, don't forget many youth groups in the area will be serving pancakes as a part of Shrove Tuesday, our last chance for 40 (46 if you're really counting) to indulge in something sweet! Or as one newspaper put it: You Batter Believe It!
