05/22/2017
DON'T LOOK BACK, LOOK FOWARD
Sunday's lesson focused on the story of Lot and his family leaving S***m and Gomorrah. The people of S***m and Gomorrah did evil in God's eyes. They did whatever they felt was pleasurable andright in their eyes. They did not cosider God's ways at all! The actions of the people rose up to God like sticky garbage. The smell was so bad that it made God sick and He had enough! But God is merciful and was willing to forgive the peole if they would repent. Unfortunately, the people would not repent so God had to bring judgment, kinda like when your parents punishing you when you repeatedly refuse to listen to there directions.
Abraham had a heart like God so he prayed for the people. He asked if there were 100 people, who would obey God in either of the the two cities, would God save the city? And God said yes. But there was not 100 people. Abraham asked for 50 people all the way down to 10 people and God's answer remained the same. Yes, He would save the city if there were people obeying Him. But there were not. So God had to bring judgement. Before He acted He sent angels to get Lot and his family out of there. Lot had decided to make his home near S***m and Gomorrah. So the angels got Lot and his family out of the city and told them to run, keep going but DO NOT LOOK BACK! Unfortunately, Lot's wife looked back and she turned into a pillar of salt. Lot andthe rest of his family was saved.
1. Temptation and sin will try to pull us back
First of all the problem was that Lot and his family chose to live near tempting and sinful cities. They were taking a big risk that the ways of the cities would get into them and become a stumbling block. Instead, live a life that is no where near sin and temptation. Do your best to avoid them. They will come but do not make it where you live! Temptation and sin should not be your home.
2. We must run from evil and don't look back
Temptation and sin will try to pull you back to the garbage but Jesus has a plan, destiny and purpose for your life. Run from the garbage and look forward to what Jesus has for you. Do not sacrifice your eternal reward and purpose for throw-away garbage. That would really stink!
3. We must keep our eyes on Jesus
Keep you eyes looking FORWARD. Do not look back! Give up your old ways and embrace the new life Jesus has for you. Learn to discover the joy of your faith and relationship with Jesus. Run for the prize.
God wants to get rid of the garbage and not you. You are more important to him. God will take out the garbage. So let go of the garbage and embrace Jesus. He is your reward.