1/14/12

Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.

Romans 5:18

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1-4

Condemnation is one of the road blocks to knowing Jesus. When someone turns their life over to Jesus, but doesnt understand Gods forgiveness, the enemy has a stronghold over that persons life. At best condemnation will keep that person at a distance from Christ, thinking that they arent worthy of the good that Jesus has for them and at worst they will feel like a hypocrite and give up wanting to know God more by believing the lie of the enemy that they could never measure up to Gods standards. Which none of us can measure up, if we could we wouldnt need a Savior.

Condemnation brings shame and guilt.

Condemnation is not the same as conviction. Conviction helps to free us from sin. Conviction always causes our heart and mind to want to obey. Conviction brings revelation of freedom that happens when we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness; Freedom from shame and guilt.

Today was a bitterly cold day. The wind blowing with the rain pouring chills to the bone. But even with the cold weather, we ministered to so many grateful people. Grateful not so much for the few material things that were provided, but grateful that someone cared enough to come out in the cold for them. We were happy to tell them that someone that cares is Jesus Christ. One man shared with a minister that he was tired of his addiction. The minister and this man talked for a long time and the minister shared that the way he came out of his addiction was Jesus Christ. The minister shared he had tried everything else and nothing worked until he turned everything over to Christ. This man was tired of living in guilt and shame and he received Christ. Praise Jesus! Another man came with his two children. He was happy he was spending time with them and knew that it was because he was choosing to walk with Christ that God gave him this blessing. One man as he comes to the street corner starts crying but the minute someone mentions prayer he get angry. We believe that God is ministering to his heart to soften it and hence the crying, but the enemy is working hard to keep him from peace with God. Please pray with us that any influence the enemy has in his life will be broken and he will receive the goodness of the Gospel of Grace that Jesus has for him. Thank you for everyone that prays for and donates to The Street Corner Commission. We are praying for a Holy Spirit fire to fall on each and every believer so that a passion for Jesus and for the lost will be so great people will start accepting Christ in the schools, grocery stores, and any place where there is someone lost. Shouldnt we give them the directions to get to peace, freedom, forgiveness and hope?

Love,

Steve and Donna

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