Encouraging Word
Sin is not a popular topic these days. Sin is something that we do not think about much. Sin is defined as transgression: to break the law. I John 3:4 says, “Everyone who sins breaks the law (God’s law),” in fact, sin is lawlessness. James 4:17 says, “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.”
Sin is universal. It affects all of us. Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 5:12, “therefore, just as sin entered the world… and death through sin… because all sinned.” I John 1:8 says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”
What is the result or consequence of sin? It is separation from God. It provides a barrier between Holy God and sinful man. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages (pay off) of sin is death (spiritual separation from God), but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
There is only one remedy for sin and that is Jesus’ death on the cross for our sin. I John 1:7, “…and the blood of Jesus His Son, purifies us from all sin.” Romans 5:8 says, “But, God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
What is our responsibility in dealing with our sin? Take ownership for it and admit it. I John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Next, we place our faith in God. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 10:9, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus as Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Then we invite Jesus Christ into our lives to be our Lord and Savior. Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door (of your heart) and knock; If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him and he with Me.” Romans 10:13 says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
If you have not addressed the sin in your life, I strongly encourage you to do so!
-Tony Cooper 
Celebrating 28 Years of Service as Exec. Director, Jimmie Hale Mission
Congratulations to 
Multi-platinum MercyMe, along with Grammy nominee Crowder and GMA Dover nominee Micah Tyler, will stop in Birmingham on October 17 as part of the Imagine Nation Tour! Recent radio favorites “Best News Ever,” “Grace Got You” and “Even If” are housed on MercyMe’s most current album, LIFER, and will be among the hits included in the powerful evening of music. 2019 has reaped both multiple nominations for the current American Music Award winners. The tour also comes on the heels of the box office hit film, I Can Only Imagine, which is inspired by MercyMe’s Bart Millard’s real-life story behind the beloved MercyMe song. Millard wrote the mega-hit song, “I Can Only Imagine” after the loss of his father. The recent film depicting this remarkable story, directed by Birmingham’s own Erwin Brothers, opened at Number 3 at the box office on March 16, 2018.
