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 From the Desk of the Pastor...
 
 
Exercise Your Rule
“If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? 
And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; 
and its desire is for you, but you must master it”
- Genesis 4:7 -
   Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
   In our individual journeys of faith, we often encounter numerous challenges, one of the most significant being the battle against sin. From the very beginning, sin has plagued humanity, leading to separation from God and discord among us. Today, I invite you to delve into the depths of Genesis 4:7, where we find great insights into overcoming sin.
   These words were spoken by God to Cain, just before he committed the heinous act of murdering his brother Abel out of jealousy and anger. In this verse, God reveals to Cain the choice he faces: the choice between righteousness and sin, between acceptance and rejection, between life and death.
   First, God tells Cain that that he has the ability to “do well.” God is pleased with those who live according to His revealed will, who walk in obedience to His word. When we align our lives with God's will and follow His ways, we experience His favor and acceptance. Christ’s imputed righteousness, granted by grace through faith, opens the door to communion with God and His blessings.
   However, God also warns Cain of the lurking danger of sin. Sin is personified as a predator, "crouching at [his] door." Sin is never passive; it actively seeks to ensnare and destroy us. It whispers lies, tempts us with fleeting pleasures, and leads us away from God. Just as a predator waits for its prey, sin waits for opportune moments to strike and entangle us in its grip.
   Yet, God does not leave Cain helpless in the face of sin. He imparts a crucial truth: "but you must master it." In Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin; we have the power to overcome it through Christ (see Romans 6). As believers, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist temptation and live victoriously over sin. We must exercise self-control, relying on God's strength to resist the allure of sin and choose righteousness instead.
   In our daily lives, we are confronted with choices similar to that of Cain. Will we choose righteousness and acceptance, or will we succumb to the temptations of sin? Let us heed God's warning and take hold of His promise to rule over sin. Through prayer, Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, may we overcome sin and walk in the abundant life that God offers us.
   As we reflect on Genesis 4:7 today, let us examine our hearts and commit ourselves afresh to live in obedience to God. May we strive to do what is right, knowing that in Him, we find acceptance and victory over sin.
   Blessings in Christ,
   Pastor Darren A. Jones