I. The reason: How did the world get so messed up?

1. A Universal Problem: SIN

Romans 5:12 (NCV) Sin came into the world because of what one man did, and with sin came death. This is why everyone must die--because everyone sinned.

Ecclesiastes 7:20 (NLT) There is not a single person in all the earth who is always good and never sins.

Romans 3:10 (NIV) "There is no one righteous, not even one”

II. The Result: We live in a FALLEN WORLD

1. natural DISASTERS & DEFORMITIES

Romans 8:20 (TEV) For creation was condemned to lose its purpose

Romans 8:22 (TEV) … all of creation groans with pain

2. physical DECAY & DEATH

2 Corinthians 4:16 (NCV) Our physical body is becoming older and weaker

1 Corinthians 15:42-43 (TLB) ⁴²our earthly bodies which die and decay are different from the bodies we shall have when we come back to life again [in heaven], for they will never die. ⁴³The bodies we have now embarrass us, for they become sick and die; but they will be full of glory when we come back to life again.

3. Emotional DISTRESS & DISAPPOINTMENT

Job 6:20 (NIV) They are distressed, because they had been confident; they arrive there, only to be disappointed.

Romans 7:18 (MSG) I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it.

4. Relational DISTANCE & DISCORD

Genesis 3:7 (NLT) At that moment, their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they strung fig leaves together around their hips to cover themselves.

5. Spiritual DISCONTENT & DARKNESS

Ephesians 4:18 (MSG) They've refused for so long to deal with God that they've lost touch not only with God but with reality itself.

III. THE RATIONALE: Why God Lets It Continue

1. To give us A CHOICE

Deuteronomy 30:15 (TEV) "Today I am giving you a choice between good and evil, between life and death.”

Ecclesiastes 3:17 (TLB) "In due season God will judge everything man does, both good and bad."

2. To show us OUR NEED FOR A SAVIOR.

Ecclesiastes 3:18 (NLT) God allows people to continue in their sinful ways so He can test them. That way, they can see for themselves that they are no better than animals.

3. to demonstrate HIS GRACE

2 Peter 3:9 (NLT) The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise to return, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish, so he is giving more time for everyone to repent.

IV. MY RESPONSE:

1. Receive GOD’S GRACE DAILY

Romans 5:17 (TEV) It is true that through the sin of one man death began to rule because of that one man. But how much greater is the result of what was done by the one man, Jesus Christ! All who receive God's abundant grace and are freely put right with him will rule in life through Christ.

2. Remember THIS PLACE IS TEMPORARY

Psalms 119:19 (TEV) I am here on earth for just a little while

Hebrews 13:14 (TLB) For this world is not our home; we are looking forward to our everlasting home in heaven.

3. Reject MAN MADE SOLUTIONS

Jeremiah 2:13 (NLT) For my people have done two evil things: They have forsaken me—the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!

4. Reach out WITH GOD’S LOVE

Philippians 2:15 (MSG) Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night

Join a Small Group and receive a free 85 page study guide. Going Deeper: Read Chpts 16-20 in “The Good Life” by Chuck Colson. Go even farther with “Diving Deeper” using our “pdf” study guide. Go to www.4salem.org/fyw.htm for all resources and group possibilities.

Daily Doses: For those with extremely busy schedules: Take just a minute a day to start out with a Word from the Lord. Read it! Listen Again! Write down how it applies to you. Finally pray about it.

qMon. Rom. 3:10	qWed. Eph. 4:18	qFri .2 Pet.3:9
qTue. Heb. 13:14	qThr. Deut.30:15	qSat. Philp.2:15

Through the Bible in One Year "Parson Larsen's Quiet Time Notebook" or “Through the Bible In 1 Year” brochure study guides are available in the lobby of the church. This free resource should help you to develop a Bible reading plan that will certainly bless your week.