It is evident once again that our lives and everything around us can change drastically overnight.  We are always in the hope that the days ahead will be better than the days past, but as we see, history repeats itself. Why? Because the hearts of men are corrupt.  God tells us through his prophet Jeremiah.  “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9) When evil prospers, it is always a result of men who reject and refuse to reverence and obey Christ.  This includes even the church in its misuse of “religion.” 

The only answer to this problem is for man to agree with God concerning his sinful heart, repent and turn to Christ, individually and as a nation.  As the prophet Isaiah made clear, we need to “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; 7 let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6–7)

We are seeing what happens when the world falls to sinful men.  Sin unhindered always begets more sin. 

Christ is man’s only hope. He is the only one who can forgive sin and change hearts.  The Bible tells us “that wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”   How do we receive Christ and forgiveness? The Bible makes clear “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.”” (Romans 10:9–11)

Belief on Christ for salvation will not change the whole world, or keep you from tribulation, but it will change you.  You will no longer be without true hope and peace while in this world.  Jesus made very clear that “In me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

The times we live in will always be difficult because of sinful hearts, including the struggles with our own hearts.  But those who are in Christ can take comfort for Jesus says: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) The question is, “Are you with Him?”   

Would you like to know more?  Contact us at 425-432-0634 or www.taylorcreekchurch.org.  We would love to talk to you about the hope we have in Christ. Join us every Sunday, 9 AM for Sunday School and 10:15 AM for Worship. 21110 244th Ave. S.E., Maple Valley.

Author Pastor Katen