Compromise

This last Sunday was Teen Sunday and to say that it was anything less then amazing would be a lie. After hours of practice and anticipation, our teenagers delivered a knock-out performance. The feedback was all positive as the teenagers put their skills and gifts on display. Barnabas preached on what it means to be “Living A Reckless Faith.” He challenged the church to continue to live by faith. We may be looked upon as strange creatures, but that is not to be used an excuse to shy away from living our faith. I am very proud of our teens but this is just the first step towards preparing them for future ministry whether that be in the church, at school, or at a Bible School. The church will continue to invest our time, money, and resources in training these boys and girls to be all that God has called them to be! As their Pastor, I could not have asked for a better Sunday morning!

It began in the Garden, it crept into the palace walls, and it took place on the waters of the Sea of the Galilee. It was in the heart of the “man after God’s own heart,” it was in heart of the “disciple whom Jesus loved”, and it was in the heart of the prophet who “knew God face to face” and it’s in you. It has the power to make kingdoms fall, it has the power to divide churches, and it has the power to destroy your family. It can happen in a split second to anyone who is caught off guard, it can happen to the best of people, and it can happen to those that we least expect it would happen to. It shows its ugly face when we feel lonely, tired, and hurt. What is it? Compromise! This year we will all face moments in which we will be tempted to compromise. There is nothing that we can do to escape it. It is like a vicious venomous snake that is getting ready to strike its prey. It is coming for you and for me, we are the prey! The question that needs to be asked what is, when it does come, what are you going to do about it?
In Ancient times, success was measured, not by land owned, but by the size of one’s herd and their possessions of silver, gold, and jewels. Not unexpectedly, conflict occurred because of crowded conditions and limited gazing space. Both uncle and nephew had accumulated much on the slow trip from Ur and Egypt to Bethel. Abraham allowed Lot to choose for himself the land he desired for his household and flock. After, Lot’s choice, Abraham would accept what was left over. Genesis 13:10-14 says, “And, Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the lord, and the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar. Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan and Lot journey east. And they separated from each other. I like what James Dobson said, “The grass on other side is often not greener and often not even edible.” Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plains and pitched his tent even as far Sodom. But, the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord.” The people in Sodom may not have appeared wicked to Lot, but they were wicked as far as God was concerned. Did you catch that downward spiral of compromise? First, Lot looked toward Sodom (Gen 13:10) then he moved towards Sodom (Gen 13:11-12) and finally he moved into Sodom (Gen 14:12). Instead of being a pilgrim in this sinful world, Lot moved into it. He journeyed east, and in doing so, he turned his back on God. He turned his back on Bethel which literally means, “house of God” and towards Ai which means, “Ruins.” In fact their evil is the major theme of Genesis 19. This year, you will be tempted to compromise. It may be in your personal integrity, your family life, or even in your job. What price tag have you placed on your personal integrity? What guard have you put on your eyes? You will be tempted to compromise but that does not mean that you have to yield. The secret is staying close to the heart of God. When we move away from our Bethel we are always going to be headed towards our ruin!

This week at THFC:

Tuesday 7pm - Ladies' Bible Study
Wednesday 6pm - AWANA Pizza Party/Parent's Night
Saturday 8am - Men's Bible Study
Saturday 7pm - Youth
Sunday 10am - Sunday School
Sunday 11am - Morning Service

God bless and have a great week!!

Pastor Paul