Pastor's Article 08-09-26

Recognizing the Real Problem
What are the greatest problems we face in life? Politicians often point to the economy and affordability, citing the rising costs of housing, energy, and groceries. The medical community points to health concerns, often blaming poor diet, lack of exercise, and insufficient sleep. Educators point to a lack of formal education and the low test scores in our schools.
While each of these concerns is real, the Bible teaches that our deepest problem is sin. This problem is rooted in our fallen nature and is intensified by a wicked environment that makes it easier than ever to find opportunities and excuses to walk in depravity.
The Danger of Treating Consequences Instead of Causes
It is impossible to live in sin without experiencing destructive results. Yet humanity often tries to manage the consequences of sin without addressing its root cause.
I remember speaking years ago with a man who was addicted to drugs, with fentanyl as his drug of choice. I warned him that if he continued down that path, he would overdose and die. He told me he had already overdosed and stopped breathing four times, only to be revived with Narcan.
Rather than dealing with the addiction itself, he was placing his hope in a remedy for the consequence. He was trusting that Narcan would be available and that someone would reach him in time. Tragically, he later died from an overdose. When the story was shared at the hospital, an ICU nurse said, “This time, he is not coming back.”
The Only True Solution
Hear me today: Jesus is the solution to our sin problem. Trust Him for salvation from sin and follow Him as He sanctifies your life.

• He saves us from the penalty of sin.
• He changes us from the inside out.
• He offers a better life than sin can ever provide.

Jesus is not merely a remedy for the consequences of sin; He is the only true solution to the sin problem itself.

Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus