The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

Struggling With Fear That Clouds Judgment

Tom Graves

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August 19, 2025

Struggling with fear that clouds judgment is not uncommon. Although God intended the emotion of fear to protect us, it can also become exaggerated. When this happens, it leads us to make poor decisions, as characterized by Abraham. 

In the quiet hours of the early morning, Abimelech, King of Gerar, awoke from a dream that would shake the foundations of his world. Genesis 20: 8 Abimelech got up early the next morning and quickly called all his servants together. When he told them what had happened, his men were terrified. 9 Then Abimelech called for Abraham. “What have you done to us?” he demanded. “What crime have I committed that deserves treatment like this, making me and my kingdom guilty of this great sin? No one should ever do what you have done! 10 Whatever possessed you to do such a thing?” [1]

Abraham, deeply faithful, allowed his fear of death to cloud his judgment, misleading Abimelech by calling Sarah his sister. This incident illustrates that even those close to God can succumb to fear, making choices that threaten not only their well-being but also that of those around them.

Faith’s Pathway to Forgiveness

The aftermath of Abraham’s deception emphasizes the vital role of faith in seeking and receiving forgiveness. Abimelech, though wronged, was open to understanding that God intervened to protect Sarah and confront him. Abraham, facing the consequences of his fear-driven actions, was confronted with his lack of faith in God’s protection.

Although Abraham did not ask Abimelech to forgive him, it certainly would have been the right thing to do. As people, we need to ask God to forgive us when we sin and, at times, ask others to forgive us as well. There is something that happens in our hearts when we admit our failures and lean into God’s love. Through humble confession and renewed trust in God’s character, we can experience the liberating power of forgiveness. God’s goal is always to lead us to a repentant heart so He can restore us.

Cultivating Discernment Through Trust

Abimelech asked Abraham a pointed question. Genesis 20:10Whatever possessed you to do such a thing?” [2]. If Abraham had fully trusted God, he would have known that God could protect him and Sarah without resorting to deception. The same applies to us.

With God’s help, we can cultivate a discerning spirit through prayer, Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. As we do this, it allows His truth to guide us and dispel fear. In God’s mercy, as our faith grows, our discernment sharpens. This enables us to make wise choices that honor God and uplift others rather than succumbing to fear’s deceptive whispers.

To learn more about struggling with fear that clouds judgment, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/when-fear-leads-to-deceit

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Revelation Through Dreams

Paula K. Graves

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August 18, 2025

We see how God gives revelation through dreams. Genesis 20: 3 But that night God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, “You are a dead man, for that woman you have taken is already married!”

4 But Abimelech had not slept with her yet, so he said, “Lord, will you destroy an innocent nation? 5 Didn’t Abraham tell me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘Yes, he is my brother.’ I acted in complete innocence! My hands are clean.”

6 In the dream God responded, “Yes, I know you are innocent. That’s why I kept you from sinning against me, and why I did not let you touch her. 7 Now return the woman to her husband, and he will pray for you, for he is a prophet. Then you will live. But if you don’t return her to him, you can be sure that you and all your people will die.” [1]

God Reveals Truth

Job 33: 14 For God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it. 15 He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds. 16 He whispers in their ears and terrifies them with warnings. 17 He makes them turn from doing wrong; he keeps them from pride. [2]

Abraham had told a half-truth when he claimed Sarah was his sister. She was his half-sister, but more importantly, she was his wife and the mother of their promised son. Abimelech had no clue about this, but God revealed it in a dream. God also understood that Abimelech was innocent in the situation.

Sometimes, God speaks through dreams because that is the only time we are still. God speaks through dreams throughout Scripture. Joseph and Daniel in the Old Testament received revelation about what was to come. Joseph, in the New Testament, received guidance in dreams so he could protect the baby Jesus.

God Reveals the Importance of Marriage

Unfortunately, in our culture, marriage is not considered to be that important. Many couples simply live together, and adultery is common. That is not God’s view, as we see in our story. God threatened to kill Abimelech because he had taken another man’s wife. Since Abimelech didn’t know this, God revealed the truth in a dream. Yet, if Abimelech didn’t return Sarah, he and his people would die. That is very serious business!

God designed marriage and knows what is best for us. Thus, He wants us to protect marriage because He loves us. God knows how damaging adultery and divorce are, not only to the couple but to family and friends around them. There are too many Scriptures about marriage to consider them here, but the writer of Hebrews summarizes it well. Hebrews 13: 4 Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery. [3]

In our story, God gives revelation through dreams to reveal the truth of the situation and the importance of marriage. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/when-fear-leads-to-deceit

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Relapsing into My Sin

Tom Graves

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August 17, 2025

Relapsing into sin is something we all experience if we’re honest. When this occurs, we feel a sense of shame and discouragement, accompanied by the overwhelming feeling of “not again.” It’s painful for believers who want to walk in righteousness but are hindered by familiar temptations.

In Genesis 20, we see Abraham, the patriarch of faith, relapsing into a sin he committed years earlier. His story offers a profound insight into spiritual relapse and God’s unwavering grace in the midst of it. Genesis 20:1Abraham moved south to the Negev and lived for a while between Kadesh and Shur, and then he moved on to Gerar. While living there as a foreigner, 2 Abraham introduced his wife, Sarah, by saying, “She is my sister.” So King Abimelech of Gerar sent for Sarah and had her brought to him at his palace. [1]

When I Struggle With My Sin

This isn’t the first time Abraham has sinned by calling Sarah his sister out of fear. Years earlier, in Genesis 12, he told Pharaoh that Sarah was his sister, a claim made while they were in Egypt. This led to chaos, and divine intervention was required to protect Sarah and reveal his deceit. You’d think someone who experienced God’s mighty hand would learn, yet here he is, like us, repeating the same sin.

What drives a relapse? It’s often the same fear or insecurity that fueled the initial sin. For Abraham, it was his safety. He feared being killed if his true relationship with Sarah became known. This anxiety, though dormant for a time, resurfaced in similar circumstances. This should be sobering for us. Our past sins often stem from deep-seated issues requiring ongoing surrender to God. As we surrender to God, we must approach His throne, confessing our sins and asking for forgiveness. 

God Can Help Me When I Relapse

No one is immune from relapse, not even Abraham, the father of faith, or you. This isn’t an excuse to sin but a call to humility and watchfulness. Abraham’s failures highlighted God’s faithfulness rather than disqualifying him from God’s plan. Instead of shame, we can pray and ask the Lord: What fear, insecurity, or unmet need am I addressing through this sin? What false beliefs about God or myself am I holding? These questions can lead to profound healing and freedom. 

Just as He pursued Abraham, He pursues us. God’s goal is restoration, not shame. When we stumble, the enemy wants us to think we’re beyond redemption, that God is fed up with us. The truth is God’s mercies are new every morning; He forgives, heals, and guides us back to righteousness.

If you face a relapse, take heart; you are not alone. See Abraham’s story as a testament to God’s grace, not an excuse to sin.1 John 1: 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.[2] Remember, He is waiting to lift you up and walk with you again.

To learn more about relapsing into my sin, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/when-fear-leads-to-deceit

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

God Answers Prayers

Tom Graves

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August 16, 2025

Abraham wholeheartedly believed that God answers prayers, a truth he had experienced throughout his life. God does not always respond in the way we expect or with the outcomes we fully desire, but according to His perfect will and grace.

I remember praying for an eight-month-old infant suffering from a liver disease. As I laid my hands on her and prayed, I felt that the Lord would heal her supernaturally. God did heal her, but it was when He took her to heaven a few months later. Sometimes, we don’t understand why God doesn’t answer prayers the way we desire, but we must trust that He knows best.

Abraham’s Intercession

The previous day, Abraham had stood before the Lord, interceding with desperate earnestness for the cities of the plain where his nephew Lot resided. He had pleaded, bargaining down from fifty righteous people to a mere ten, hoping against hope that God would spare the cities. Now, as the first light touches the sky, Abraham, a man of faith and deep concern, rises early and returns to that very spot. Imagine Abraham’s heart in that moment. Was it filled with dread, anticipating the worst? Was there a flicker of hope, clinging to the possibility that God had found ten righteous souls?

Genesis 19:28 Abraham looked out across the plain toward Sodom and Gomorrah and watched as columns of smoke rose from the cities like smoke from a furnace. 29 But God had listened to Abraham’s request and kept Lot safe, removing him from the disaster that engulfed the cities on the plain.[1]

God Listened to Abraham

Though the cities were beyond saving due to their sins, God’s promise and Abraham’s intercession were not in vain. God listened to Abraham, and for his sake, He saved Lot and his daughters. In our prayer life, we must be persistent like Abraham. Don’t give up, even when circumstances appear dire.

Remember, God listens and does not forget our pleas or His promises. God is sovereign and filled with grace. His judgment of Sodom was righteous, but in His mercy, He prompted Abraham to intercede on behalf of Lot. Don’t forget the power of intercession; our prayers can make a difference.

Are your loved ones going through tough times or feeling a bit hopeless? Just like Abraham, we can approach the Lord and share our heartfelt feelings, trusting that our faithful God always remembers, hears, and responds to our prayers. While His answers might not always match what we hope for, they are always fair, compassionate, and part of His excellent plan. So, let’s keep praying; God is listening, and God answers prayers!

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/divine-judgment-and-human-choices

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ge 19:28–29). Tyndale House Publishers.

Hanging On When God Says to Let Go

Tom Graves

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August 15, 2025

Hanging on when God says to let go often represents a significant part of our spiritual journey. Before returning to school to become a pastor, I spent twelve years in a completely different profession. To follow the direction the Lord was leading me, my wife and I had to let go of our jobs and the financial security we had previously enjoyed. Only with the Lord’s strength were we able to move forward with His calling, which would transform not only us but also our three small children. 

Throughout our ministry career, the Lord has taught us to hold onto things loosely, which is easier said than done. I am living proof that the words of Jesus are wonderful words of wisdom. Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. [1]

Lot and His Family Were Instructed to Leave Sodom

Two angels came to Sodom to warn Lot of the impending destruction of the wicked city he had come to love. Yet, it seemed difficult for Lot and his family to leave. The worldliness of Sodom, like that of wicked cities today, has a sinful attraction. The angels had come in the evening and stayed at Lot’s home, and the next morning, they insisted that they hurry and leave the city before it was destroyed. But what was Lot’s response to this urgency?

Genesis 19:16 When Lot still hesitated, the angels seized his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and rushed them to safety outside the city, for the Lord was merciful.[2] As the angels ushered Lot out of the city, he continued to stall, saying he could not flee to the mountains they had directed him to.

Lot told the angels he could only travel as far as the small village of Zoar, and they agreed. When Lot and his family arrived in Zoar, the angels destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. The angels had warned them as they fled not to look back, which was symbolic of letting go of their former lives. Genesis 19:26 But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt. [3] The verb for her looking indicates a prolonged, intense gazing at the world she had grown to love.[4]

Letting Go is Learning to Trust God

Throughout life, the Lord teaches us that He can be trusted when we follow His word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Just as a child learns to walk by taking baby steps, walking by faith follows a similar process. God’s call to “let go” is not a punishment; it is an invitation to freedom. It is an act of divine love, clearing away what hinders our growth and prevents us from receiving His best.

When God says to let go, it is always for our good, our salvation, and our flourishing. The question for us today is: what are we hanging on to that God is urging us to release? Will we choose the path of obedience and freedom, or risk becoming stuck, like a pillar of salt, looking back at a life that God intended for us to leave behind? Let us choose to let go, trusting that God’s way is always the path to life.

To learn more about hanging on when God says to let go, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/divine-judgment-and-human-choices

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

[4] Ross, A., & Oswalt, J. N. (2008). Cornerstone biblical commentary: Genesis, Exodus (Vol. 1, p. 130). Tyndale House Publishers.

Heeding God’s Warning

Tom Graves

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August 14, 2025

Have you ever considered taking time to pray about heeding God’s warning so that when it comes, you will obey the Lord? Warnings, like temptations, often arrive when we least expect them, and our ability to follow can have serious ramifications. In life, frequent signs are warning us of danger, such as “High Water: Turn Around” or “Do Not Enter.”

The problem is that the road ahead is so alluring that we begin to justify in our hearts why we are going in that direction. We know the flashing light ahead is trying to detour us, but we press on, thinking that sign doesn’t apply to us. Does this picture sound familiar? It could be an affair outside of marriage or lying because it is convenient. We ignore God by taking a shortcut on a work project or other intentional sin.

Angels Warn Lot of the Coming Destruction

Lot, the nephew of Abraham, moved near Sodom because of the area’s rich grazing land for his flocks and fields. As time passed, he settled in the sinful city of Sodom as he traveled down the broad road of the world. The Lord told Abraham that He was going to destroy Sodom because of its wickedness, leading Abraham to intercede for the righteous in the city. In His mercy, God sent two angels to warn Lot. 

Genesis 19:12 Meanwhile, the angels questioned Lot. “Do you have any other relatives here in the city?” they asked. “Get them out of this place—your sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone else. 13 For we are about to destroy this city completely. The outcry against this place is so great it has reached the Lord, and he has sent us to destroy it.” 14 So Lot rushed out to tell his daughters’ fiancés, “Quick, get out of the city! The Lord is about to destroy it.” But the young men thought he was only joking. [1]

 Sadly, Lot’s compromised lifestyle led his future sons-in-law to disbelieve him, resulting in their destruction. 

God Warns Us Because He Loves Us!

Do you remember your parents telling you not to touch the hot stove? I do! God is similar in many ways. In His boundless mercy and grace, He lovingly warns and guides us, helping us avoid harmful choices and the negative consequences that can follow.

It’s not just about avoiding punishment; it’s about embracing the wonderful blessings and deep fulfillment that come from walking in God’s will. We must remain open to God’s guidance every day. This involves facing difficult choices and adjusting our plans to align with His will, and we can do so with God’s strength.

The Psalmist knew this and wrote a song about it. Psalm 37:23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. [2]

To learn more about heeding God’s warning, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/divine-judgment-and-human-choices

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ge 19:12–14). Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ps 37:23–24). Tyndale House Publishers.

God’s Intervention Despite Our Foolishness

Paula K. Graves

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August 13, 2025

Lot’s story tells of God’s intervention despite our foolishness. Lot’s desire for worldly pleasures had led him to live in Sodom. He was aware of God and may have denounced evil, but he seemed to enjoy the lifestyle there. He foolishly allowed bad company to corrupt him and his family.

This resulted in corrupted values. He wanted to protect visiting strangers, so he was willing to sacrifice his daughters to satisfy the sexual desires of the town. Somehow heterosexual rape was a better option than homosexuality.

Genesis 19: 6 So Lot stepped outside to talk to them, shutting the door behind him. 7 “Please, my brothers,” he begged, “don’t do such a wicked thing. 8 Look, I have two virgin daughters. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do with them as you wish. But please, leave these men alone, for they are my guests and are under my protection.”

9 “Stand back!” they shouted. “This fellow came to town as an outsider, and now he’s acting like our judge! We’ll treat you far worse than those other men!” And they lunged toward Lot to break down the door. [1]

An Angelic Rescue

Lot had foolishly miscalculated the evil of the townspeople. The angels had to rescue him. Genesis 19: 10 But the two angels reached out, pulled Lot into the house, and bolted the door. 11 Then they blinded all the men, young and old, who were at the door of the house, so they gave up trying to get inside. [2]

Even though the whole town was trying to push their way into Lot’s house, the angels were able to pull him inside and bolt the door. Then they performed a miracle to blind the mob so they couldn’t find the door.

Lot was living where he shouldn’t have been, his values had been corrupted, and he underestimated the danger of the evil around him. He had made mistakes all along the way, but God rescued him by the actions of the angels. He didn’t deserve to be rescued, but God graciously granted Abraham’s prayer request.

We Don’t Deserve Jesus’ Rescue

We, like Lot, have made foolish decisions. We have sinned and deserve punishment. Yet, God sent Jesus to rescue us from our sins and give us salvation as a gift. Ephesians 2: 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!…

8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. [3]

To learn about God’s intervention despite our foolishness, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/divine-judgment-and-human-choices

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Biblical Values Transform Our Thinking

Paula K. Graves

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August 12, 2025

Biblical values transform our thinking. Romans 12: 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. [1]

Our thinking influences our values, actions, and discernment. God’s values are rooted in His character, which includes love, compassion, righteousness, and holiness. Unfortunately, sin can corrupt these values.

Lot and His Values

Lot had invited two angels, disguised as men, into his home. After sharing a meal with them, they faced a dangerous mob of men from the city.

Genesis 19: 4 But before they retired for the night, all the men of Sodom, young and old, came from all over the city and surrounded the house. 5 They shouted to Lot, “Where are the men who came to spend the night with you? Bring them out to us so we can have sex with them!”

6 So Lot stepped outside to talk to them, shutting the door behind him. 7 “Please, my brothers,” he begged, “don’t do such a wicked thing. 8 Look, I have two virgin daughters. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do with them as you wish. But please, leave these men alone, for they are my guests and are under my protection.” [2]

What had happened to Lot’s values that he was willing to let his daughters be gang raped? Hospitality to strangers was highly valued in the society. We can understand Lot’s desire to protect the visitors, but how could he do that at the expense of his own flesh and blood?

Values Turn into  Actions

Lot may have been resorting to the principle of what was the lesser evil. He may have considered heterosexual rape a lesser evil than an unnatural sex act. But you can’t stop sin with sin. His compromised faith corrupted his values. Corrupted values obscure spiritual vision and influence judgment. His warped values resulted in warped actions.

If Lot had been walking with God, he would not have been in a place where he thought he had to offer his daughters to satisfy the sensual appetites of a mob. We must learn a lesson from this story so we don’t repeat Lot’s actions. We need to turn to God for His wisdom and His transformation so we don’t think like the world. When God changes our thinking, our values and resulting actions change.

Ephesians 4: 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.[3] To learn how Biblical values transform our thinking, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/divine-judgment-and-human-choices

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

The Destructiveness of Sin

Tom Graves

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August 11, 2025

The destructiveness of sin is evident in Lot’s life, which also serves as a warning of a trap we could fall into. Walking with the Lord sharpens our awareness of sin. A tender heart enables us to hear the Holy Spirit’s voice more clearly and turn away from sin. However, when we, myself included, drift away from the Lord, our spiritual senses become dull to sin.

Sin can blind us, leading us down the wrong path without our realizing the destructive journey we are on. In Lot’s story, we see a pattern of drifting away from the Lord. First, Lot moved near Sodom for its rich grazing land, and then he moved into Sodom. Later, when God sends angels to rescue Lot, we find him at the city gate, a bustling place for business.

Are You Building Your Life on Sand or the Rock of Jesus?

As Lot meets two men who have come to the city of Sodom, he doesn’t realize they are angels. The two men suggest spending the night in the city square, but Lot insists they come to his house, aware of the danger they would face. After Lot prepared a meal for these men, the men of the city, both young and old, surrounded his home and made a sinful request. 

Genesis 19:5 They shouted to Lot, “Where are the men who came to spend the night with you? Bring them out to us so we can have sex with them!” [1] Why hadn’t Lot left such a sinful city? This highlights the danger of drifting away from the Lord as we become blinded by the world and build our lives upon the sand.

However, as children of God, our lives can unfold in a different way. Jesus gives us advice. Matthew 7:24Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.[2]

The Gift of Repentance

The destructiveness of sin is why Jesus came to call sinners to repentance. To repent means to turn away from our sins and turn to God. 1 John 1:9But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. [3] Something in the spiritual realm happens when we come to the Lord with a repentant heart.

Jesus loves us so much that He cleans our hearts, regardless of the sins we have committed. The enemy tells us our sins are too great or that God will not forgive us, but that is not true. Additionally, Scripture provides further clarity on turning away from sin. Acts 3:19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.[4] If you are struggling with sin, call out to the Lord!

He will guide you to turn away from the broad road of the world and help you walk down the narrow path of faith. To learn more about the destructiveness of sin, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/divine-judgment-and-human-choices

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

The Dangers of Compromise

Paula K. Graves

no comments

August 10, 2025

We see the dangers of compromise in the life of Lot before the destruction of Sodom. Lot, a nephew of Abraham, had benefited from his uncle’s relationship. Both Abraham and Lot seemed to have gained wealth from their visit to Egypt (Genesis 12). They both had acquired large flocks of livestock to the point that they had to separate to provide enough pasture for their animals. (Genesis 13)

Lot chose the fertile valley near Sodom. At first, he would have lived in tents outside the city. Then, in Chapter 14, we find out that Lot was living in the city. By the time the angels come to destroy the city, Lot is sitting at the city gate.

Genesis 19: That evening the two angels came to the entrance of the city of Sodom. Lot was sitting there, and when he saw them, he stood up to meet them. Then he welcomed them and bowed with his face to the ground.[1]

A Citizen of Importance

Sitting at the gate has more importance than we modern people realize. People conducted business at the gate. People of importance had offices at the city gates. Lot now was not only a citizen of Sodom but a ranking official.

Lot had probably tasted the “good life” in Egypt and enjoyed the things available in Sodom versus the wilderness. He surely knew about God and His covenant with Abraham, but Lot seemed ready to compromise his faith for the sake of worldly pleasures. His association with the people of Sodom continued to corrupt Lot.

Paul’s warning to the Corinthian church speaks to this type of situation. 1 Corinthians 15: 33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” 34 Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all. [2]

Avoiding the Downhill Slide

Lot’s spiritual downhill slide was due to his heart attitude. One poor decision led to another, which led to another. The Apostle John gives us advice: 1 John 2: 15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.[3]

Since this world is temporary, we need to focus on what is eternal. Colossians 3: 1Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.[4] We do this as we pray, worship, and study Scripture in our relationship with Jesus. A strong relationship with Jesus helps us avoid the dangers of compromise.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/divine-judgment-and-human-choices

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

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