DECEMBER 20, Acts 18:1-8

From Athens, the city of knowledge, Paul travelled to Corinth—the city of great sins. Corinth was a place of many nationalities, a trading place and very wealthy. In the eyes of men, it was a great city but in God’s eyes, it was an ungodly and sinful city. The apostle spent 18 months preaching the Gospel to the Corinthians and encouraging them to repent.

Are we like the Corinthians? Well, some of us may think our sins are less than theirs. We did not steal or physically hurt others. As long as we try our best, we think we can get to heaven. If we do whatever our parents tell us, and do what our teachers say, and are kind to other children, and try not to quarrel or fight or become angry, then God will take us to heaven. But that is not true.

No matter how hard we try, we will sin. It could be uttering a selfish word, or even thinking a selfish thought. We, like the Corinthians, have sinned. There is no such thing as different degrees of sin; a lesser sin or a greater sin. Sin is sin.

Further, when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, sin had entered into the world and every person is born in sin. That is why even babies will often disobey parents and can become angry and naughty.

Since we are all born sinners, we cannot go to heaven on our own merit. God is holy and just. He cannot let sin go unpunished. However, because of His great love for us, God sent Jesus to take the punishment that we deserve for our sins. Jesus died in our place.

Thought: Have you ever thought you are not sinful? We have all sinned and all of us need Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God. Thank You for sending the Lord Jesus to die on the Cross for my sins. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.