Genetics and Forgiveness

February 13, 2016

Opening Hymns:
351 Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh351.sht

Scripture Reading:
Romans 5:12-19
5:12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned-

5:13 sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law.

5:14 Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come.

5:15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man's trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many.

5:16 And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification.

5:17 If, because of the one man's trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

5:18 Therefore just as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man's act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all.

5:19 For just as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.

Message:
     Our parents pass things down to us whether they mean to or not. Even at birth parents can see themselves in their child. Their baby might have their mother’s eyes, or their father’s nose. Some things aren’t as great to have passed on, such as an increased risk of heart failure or diabetes. In the scripture today we are reminded of our ancestor Adam, who passed on to each of us his guilt and sinful nature.

     However, genetics does not dictate every part of our lives. We have healthy choices that we can make for our bodies. Even if we have a higher risk for certain diseases, we are the ones who get to choose the life style that we live. We can eat right, and exercise to help our bodies get strong. The same goes for our own spiritual life. Though we have inherited death through Adam, we are offered a new life through Christ’s sacrifice. We are given the choice to be a part of a new family that offers forgiveness and salvation.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for calling us to be a part of Your family. Forgive us when we sin, and when we stray. Lead us back to You. Make our hearts pure, and let us feel Your loving forgiveness. Thank You for calling us Your children, and allowing us to call You Father. Amen.


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
144 This Is My Father’s World http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh144.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God