Seals & Thunder, 1

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Life is lived without thinking about the mundane. Ponder for instance the very basic function of breathing or blinking. These two bodily activities critically impact our quality of life yet are rarely considered as we go about our day. Why is that? Well, for many of us, our body performs these tasks with little need for conscious thought. The same can be said with regard to our sinful hearts. The natural inclination is to only give attention to our sinful behavior when it affects our relationships or complicates our quality of life. “Mundane sins” are subtle and often ignored for a number of reasons. In the end, we subconsciously categorize sinful habits or behavior by ascribing varying degrees of severity, which stems from a deficient view of sin. We ignore the subtle sins because of how little we feel their consequences. However, the apostle Paul makes no such distinction between degrees of sin. In Romans 8 he argues that all sin is heinous and displeasing to God (v6-8). Paul goes on to instruct believers to put to death (mortify) the deeds of the flesh if we are in fact alive in Christ (v13). The sermon text for this week is a good reminder of sin’s ultimate destination. As Jesus opens the “seals” in Revelation 6, the great cosmic war, famine, and pestilence are unleashed. The result of mankind’s depravity is on full display. What John witnesses is the logical progression of sin’s completed circle. The reality of sin is nothing short of terrifying. There is nothing mundane about sin and the subtle ways it seeks to corrupt and destroy the image-bearers of God. Its odious repulsive nature should fill our nostrils as we encounter its perilous allurements. As Spirit-indwelled believers, may this grim reality compel us to greater vigilance as we combat our own sinful nature (1 Pet. 5:8). May we strengthen our resolve by trusting in the conquering Lamb who has defeated sin and death and provides the strength to persevere in a world that is on a path of self-destruction. —Pastor Nate

Sunday at Liberty

9AM: How to Study the Bible 

10AM: Pastor Rory Martin–Seals & Thunder, 1–Revelation 6:1-17 (sermon notes)

11:45AM: Potluck

12:30PM: Members’ Meeting

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