Scripture says that when sin increased and abounded Grace surpassed it and increased the more and superabounded. Grace did not come on equal footing to the increase of sin but Grace surpassed it. We must understand the depth of God's love and Grace. He loved us first. He died for us as we were still sinners. As we look at Romans 5:20-21 and Romans 6:1, Paul asked a question.
"What shall we say [to all this]? Are we to remain in sin in order that God’s grace (favor and mercy) may multiply and overflow?2 Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?"
Many Christians take these verses to give themselves a license to continue in sin even though scripture says it does not give us a license to sin. As sin may take a foothold on many Christians and because they do not have the power to overcome, they interpret scripture to justify their shortcomings. If a Christian is addicted or in bondage, does Grace abound more so they may give up and continue in sin? No, Grace abounded and superabounds to give them the ability to become free.
In today's modern era, with technology, entertainment, media, leisure activities, health care, education, sports, prosperity, real time, fast foods, transportation, etc are all avenues in a world system to help sin increase. They in themselves may not be wrong per se but how they are employed for the lust of the flesh and carnal eyes have contributed to the people's bondage and addictions and especially even those with Christians.
Our lives are inundated with advertisement, sex, entertainment, gossip, competition, prosperity for selfish desires, and the likes. There are so many temptations. There are so many traps. We are being made slaves within this world system. Therefore, can we say to God that it is too hard to overcome these temptations? Yes, sin is abounding in this world as technology, entertainment, and media increases. Yes, sin is abounding more as pharmaceutical companies are creating an illusion that a pill can solve all your problems. Such programming is making Christians desiring a spiritual pill to solve all their problems.
The immorality of our society seems to be getting worse. Many governments and cultures are welcoming the homosexuality agenda. Many governments are making abortions legal. Yes, sin is abounding. But what is God's answer and countermeasure to help His people and help man kind?
He is giving us Grace. In fact, He is giving up more Grace that is surpassing the sin and it is a Grace that is superabounding. How? Many people can now watch pornography on their phone and computers in their privacy. Many people can watch defiled and sinful things through the internet. But God is sending His Word to flood the internet. The Word can now be reached in all parts of the world. As technology increases, so is Grace increasing more with that technology. A hundred years ago, many Christians in this country could not read. But today, almost everyone can read. Grace is on the abound. And for those who have a hard time reading, the Word is now in audio. They can listen to it in traffic, while exercising, sleeping, cooking, resting, etc.
Yes, there are so many bars and night clubs as the economies improve but at the same time, churches are springing up everywhere. But although the Word is available on our fingertips and although churches are springing up everywhere, are we taking advantage of this Grace? No, many of us are instead abandoned ourselves to the soft prodigal living like the world. We have found too many idols that give us pleasure to our flesh. When we are terminally sick, rather than spending time with God for healing and praying for hours and hours, we run to the world's health care system and look for a short cut waiting in doctors offices for hours and hours. This is not to say hospitals are bad. God will use the hospitals but the priority in our hearts is my concern. If we knew we were going to die, should we go for broke and trust God or do we spend all our money on doctors hoping they would save our lives. We make our offerings to the hospitals to save our lives but where is our offering to God to save you? We make our offerings to the government in taxes so they can have a retirement plan for us but where is our offering to God? So many have built their golden calves and they make their offerings to it.
James 5:5 [Here] on earth you have abandoned yourselves to soft (prodigal) living and to [the pleasures of] self-indulgence and self-gratification. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.
James 4:4-6 You
[are like] unfaithful wives [having illicit love affairs with the world
and breaking your marriage vow to God]! Do you not know that being the
world’s friend is being God’s enemy? So whoever chooses to be a friend
of the world takes his stand as an enemy of God.5 Or
do you suppose that the Scripture is speaking to no purpose that says,
The Spirit Whom He has caused to dwell in us yearns over us and He yearns for the Spirit [to be welcome] with a jealous love? 6 But He gives us more and more grace ([a]power
of the Holy Spirit, to meet this evil tendency and all others fully).
That is why He says, God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but
gives grace [continually] to the lowly (those who are humble enough to
receive it).
Yes, many churches are springing up everywhere and even though many of them are religious and teaching compromised water down gospel and even though they possess no power of God where is the one person who will just start on his/her own and get on their knees and begin to pray and intercede for their local church? God only needs one person to change a region. HE is allowing churches to spring up through His Grace but where are those who will answer the call? Who shall HE send? God is pouring down His Grace so we can find churches or alters to pray in but where are those who will come to a prayer meeting? You are so busy with your work, so busy with your recreation, so busy with watching TV, so busy playing sports, so busy making money, so busy making your own temples to look good but many have left God's temples in ruins.
Isaiah 6:8 (AMP) Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
In America, God's servants have so much access to research, study, and time to pray. They have plenty to eat. They have freedom. They have no life threatening persecutions. They have been given so much grace to pray and intercede for their congregation. But where are they?
Joel 2:17-18 Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar; and let them say, Have pity and spare Your people, O Lord, and give not Your heritage to reproach, that the [heathen] nations should rule over them or use a byword against them. Why should they say among the peoples, Where is their God?18 Then was the Lord jealous for His land and had pity on His people.
The churches and God's people are scattered and God is calling His servants, priests, and ministers to weep between the porch and altar for His people. Where are they!!! Do you not know you will answer to HIM?
If I was coming to give you a thousand dollars and I lost one dollar and brought you $9,999.00 you would not care of me losing the one dollar because I was still able to bring you $9,999.00. But if God placed 1000 people under you and you lost one person based on your mistake then God would REBUKE you and ask "WHERE IS THE ONE!!!!" One person is so precious to HIM. The blood of that one person would be on your hands and it would disqualify you from entering the Kingdom of Heaven if you had not repented.
Yes, it may seem to be difficult. Yes, it seem to be that sin is rampant and everyone is participating with the things of the world. But God is answering with His Grace. His Grace is surpassing and superabounding as His Word and His Spirit is being poured down but the choice is yours. Grace is still available but you must let something go so you can receive His Grace. You must let go of the world and its sinful nature. Separate yourselves and be consecrated. Humble yourselves while it is still called "Today."
2 Chronicles 7:14 (AMP) If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
Grace is here to get things right with God. It is not here so you can stay in your sin. Receive Grace and draw closer to HIM. Otherwise, judgement will be greater on this generation as we would have rejected such Grace.
Fire of God International Church
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
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