Good morning everyone:
Can one person make a real difference? What’s one person among hundreds in your neighborhood or millions in our nation or billions in the world? Yet how many times has one individual made a difference in your life? One competent, caring customer service rep can make your day by taking the time to listen to your problem and then resolving it, rather than just transferring your call to someone else. It doesn’t take the entire hospital staff, just one insightful doctor who diagnoses and successfully treats your illness to get you back on your feet. One smile from a stranger in the checkout line can boost your spirits for the rest of the day.
But no one makes a bigger difference in anyone’s life than Jesus. He loves all people. He came to be the Savior of all. His perfect life is credited to the account of every sinner, no matter what their age, income level, nationality, or lifestyle. His blood shed on the cross settles the debt every one of us owed to God because of our guilt inherited from Adam and compounded daily by our own sins. He did it all! God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ not counting men’s sins against them” (2 Cor. 5:19). “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). Salvation is a done deal. It is not just a possibility or a potential. It is an accomplished fact. “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk. 16:16). “Be reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20).
How tragic when that free gift of God’s grace is rejected in unbelief. No one is ever lost because their sins are not paid for and forgiven, but only because they refuse what Jesus has already won for them. Thank God that the Spirit has called you by the gospel and worked faith in the one Savior in your heart. For no one can say Jesus is Lord but by the Holy Spirit. Let’s also pray that the Spirit will continue to call many more through the news of Christ crucified.
One person can make all the difference. How can you be the difference in someone’s life today? To whom can you show the kindness and love of Christ through a smile, an encouraging word, or just by listening? With whom can you share the news of forgiveness for every sin and the Lord’s care and help for every situation in life? Lord, help each of us make a difference for You!
In tomorrow’s sermon text (Rom. 5:12-19), St. Paul compares and contrasts the difference Adam and Christ have made upon all mankind.
The Lord’s Supper will be celebrated in both services. The adult Bible class will continue the study of Isaiah. No choir tomorrow.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor
