Beech Tree News Network

 On December 7, 1941, the U.S. was bombed by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. At this act of war, “a day that will live in infamy”, a nation assembled and united against a common enemy, an “axis of evil” in the Orient and in Europe. We ought to remember and respect the sacrifices of so many who lived during those turbulent times and made it possible for us to live in freedom.

    It was an “infamous day” when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor; but is there not also an “infamous day” that we face when we choose to serve Satan instead of God? You see, each one of us, if we live long enough to make independent decisions, will choose to follow Satan (Rom. 3:23). James wrote, “every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (Jas. 1:14-15). This has happened to each one of us.

    Whether or not we can remember the day we first sinned, we know God can remember it. That day is a “day that will live in infamy” in our own lives. It is because on this day we yielded to temptation and succumbed to the onslaught of Satan. In so doing, we then belonged to the “kingdom of darkness,” and died to God that day (Eph. 2:1-3, 4:17-19; I Pet. 2:9b; Col. 1:13).

    This day will “live in infamy” because those of us who have learned better realize that it is for this cause, our sin, that Christ came into the world (I Tim. 1:15). He who committed no sin (I Pet. 2:22) came to this world and offered Himself as the supreme sacrifice so that men might be saved (Matt. 20:25; Jn. 1:29; Lk. 19:10; II Cor. 5:14-15).

    What have we done? We turned from God and sinned. From the very first time we sinned, we were separated from God (Isa. 59:1-2). As we continued living in sin, we moved farther and farther away from God. Yes, the first day we sinned is a “day that will live in infamy” because from that time forward, we are lost, undone, and have no hope of Heaven (Eph. 2:12). We have been taken captive by Satan, and have no promise of eternal life with Christ. How tragic!

    Yet, just like WWII, which had a beginning and an end, so also the war with Satan will end! He has been fighting with God since Genesis 3 for the souls of men, but will be defeated when this world ends (Rev. 20:10). Therefore, we have to be ever-vigilant (I Pet. 5:8), and ready to “fight the good fight of faith” (I Tim. 6:12).

    How can one fight against Satan? We begin by turning to Christ and receiving remission of our sins through faith in Him, repentance, confession of our faith and baptism (Jn. 8:24; Lk. 13:3; Rom. 10:10; Mk. 16:16). In becoming a Christian, we are no longer separated, but “reconciled” to God (II Cor. 5:17-18; Eph. 2:13), and in this relationship we may “fight the good fight of faith”, wearing the “whole armor of God” (Eph. 6:13-18).

    Yes, there is a “day that will live in infamy” in all of our lives; but in Christ, all of our sins can be washed away and we can wear Christ’s name (Acts 22:16, 11:26). Have you done this?

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167