"Never Again" 12/12/07
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an you remember the last time you slipped into sin? It's probably not the most pleasant thought, but can you remember it? Think back. Was it all that long ago? I think if we were honest we'd have to admit that it wasn't as long ago as we would like! Can you recall the feelings associated with the sin or the fall? Taking that sinful step may have felt well worth it at the time, but can you remember the feelings of regret and shame that followed? How did it feel to come before Almighty God to repent of your sin? If you're anything like me you didn't rush to the throne of grace, but rather, like Adam and Eve in the Garden, sought refuge in something else entirely.
~ Founder and Teacher Jeremy J. Lundmark
Oftentimes our last thought, just after we've blown it big, is to run to the cross. Especially those of us who suppose that we have polished records. To return to God with a stain on the glorious white garment that He has provided is sometimes too great a weight to bare. As Christians we are ever striving, and at times failing, to live the holy life. We desire to constantly be in the presence of our Lord, our King, our Loving Master. It is those times of weakness, when we let sin creep in, that we despise the thought of going to Him, even when we know it's the best place to be.
What if I told you that there was a way to guarantee that you would never fall again? What if I said that the Bible tells us of a way that we can be certain that we will never fall? Can you imagine what it would be like to have days, weeks, maybe even months without having to regret getting on your knees because you messed up all over again? In 2 Peter 1:10 the Apostle writes some very optimistic words when he writes: “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” Did you catch that? If you practice these qualities “you will never fall.” Earlier, in verse 8, Peter writes “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ever feel ineffective or unfruitful? Ever feel like you didn't give your all for the kingdom? According to this text there are some qualities that if you practice them in your life, if they are “yours and increasing”, you will never fall and you will never be unfruitful.
The qualities that Peter is referring to are the seven qualities upon which Diligence Applied Ministries is founded. Those qualities are “virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.” I personally have been in the place where I've fallen hard. I don't like it. I've been in the place where I've been stagnant, and unfruitful. I don't like it. I've been in the place where I wasn't sure if I could possibly be saved, and I don't like it.
The reason this ministry exists is to aid Christians in diligently pursuing those seven qualities that Peter refers to. We want you to be able to raise a triumphant and confident flag that says “Never Again!” An epidemic in the church is the epidemic of uncertainty. Too many Christians walk around uncertain of the condition of their souls. The effect is the kind of Christianity we see in the world today. It lacks depth and confidence. We need to do as Peter says and "make our calling and election sure.” We need to join together and raise high a banner that says “Never Again”!
Related Sermon: Never Again