Sin

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”  Romans 3:23

Sin is a subject that is not popular in today’s world.  The concept of sin brings along with it a lot of ideas that do not fit into the modern idea of life.  It declares that there is an absolute right and an absolute wrong.  It tells us that we are responsible for our actions.

But the idea of sin does not stop here.  As Christians we have a hope.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”  Romans 3:23-24

The hope we have as Christians and that we profess in the Creed every week is that there is forgiveness of sins.  That God has provided a way, through the sacrifice of Jesus, that even though we have fallen short of God, we can still approach God.

As we continue our Lenten journey, take time to ask God where sin still exists in your life.  Listen to Him, and ask Him for forgiveness and help to move away from sin.

Ash Wednesday

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, for me one of the most meaningful services of the year that I attend. I generally attend another church's service than the church where I minister as we are a small church and do not currently have a mid-week service.

I would like to share my favorite liturgical prayer with you: the opening prayer of the liturgical Ash Wednesday service:

“Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledge our wretchedness may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.” The Book of Common Prayer

For more information on Ash Wednesday and Lent please click here.