February 11, 2007

This morning we had a good time of worship. The members sang heartily as usual and Jenn & I were able to follow along slowly in the Khmer hymnal with the help of To-La. Yesterday, we were successfully able to renew our visas for one year - due to expire Feb. 13, 2008. We are so grateful to the Lord for his overwelming love and help in taking care of all the details. The weather has taken a turn for the worse as far as we are concerned. The unseasonably cool weather has been replaced by the normal hot temperatures. The balmy weather makes outside work in the afternoon difficult.

The Lord allowed me another opportuntiy to share the word with the local English class students. We discussed Mark 4:1-20. Afterward two students and I had an in depth conversation about what makes Christianity different than the other religions. The crux was basically... almost all religions recognize the need to atone for sin. And they try the best thing they think will please/appease the gods. They bring the best sacrifice they can afford. Bananas, beef, gold, silver, prayers, and their so called "good" works.

The problem is that we all, all of humanity, owe a debt to God because of sin. And the payment is death. Our feeble attempts to reconcile with God are useless. It's all just rotten fruit, spoiled meat, metal filled with dross. We need a perfect sacrifice, one unspoiled by sin. One tested in all ways and yet without fault. Thanks be to the Father for his great love for us (Romans 5:6). In Christ alone is there reconciliation and forgiveness of sin (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

Bill