5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." 8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
Here Saint Paul is speaking to us about the past behavior of Israel as a teaching and warning to us in the Church. As we read this in 2010 we can further read it as confirmation that not all who profess Christ live a Christian life which was of utmost importance for Saint Paul and the ancient Church. We make choices every day whether or not to heed the warnings in Scripture, but it is never too late to begin anew…
Embrace Christ in your life and find an Orthodox Christian Church in which to pray and be united to Christ. Find a local Orthodox Christian Church in which you can begin a new life dedicated to Jesus Christ and communion with Him. If you haven’t been to church in “a while” make the effort to attend the next available service. It may be a morning Orthros or Matins (morning service) or Sunday Divine Liturgy. The longer you wait the longer it will take to begin to heal from the pain and suffering that the worldly life, such as sexual immorality etc, inflicts upon each of us.
Life in Christ is freedom from death and sin.
For an Orthodox Christian Church near you click on the link to the right…
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