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Have you ever been lost or separated from your family? I have been lost and remember having the worst feeling of hopelessness. I was at Six Flags in Atlanta, Georgia, and was separated from my group. I tried to find them in vain. Finally, I decided that rather than looking all over that huge place and becoming more lost, I would find my way back to the entrance of the theme park, get to the bus, and wait for everyone there. I can remember hoping that I would not be left behind and that someone was looking for me. What a horrible feeling. I cannot recall another time since then, but I believe that from that moment on I determined that the one thing I would not be again was lost. When I heard the sermon by Deacon Stephen Trott, that experience came to mind. Our Deacon Trott preached from the topic, “Where Are You?” That is the question God asked Adam after Adam sinned. Genesis 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 8 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. 9 And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? God did not ask Adam where he was because he did not know. Of course, God knew. God is omniscient — He knows all. God needed Adam to realize that for the first time he (Adam) was hiding from his God and there was a reason for it. God asked Adam the question to demonstrate what happens when you disobey God’s instructions — an important lesson. When you disobey the Word of God, you immediately take on a spirit of self-conviction and self-condemnation. One thing I realize is that as I minister the Word of God, I am not the one who is convicting or condemning.  

Out of order
No, it’s God’s voice. His Word is so powerful that when you hear His Word, if you are out of order or out of alignment, you will automatically want to hide or most certainly not desire to admit you are wrong. That is the nature of mankind. It was vital for God to ask the question to show that He yet cared for mankind. God was no longer in Adam’s presence but God did allow Adam to hear His voice. Important. God is not physically in our presence, but you can hear His voice as you read the Bible and hear ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ speak God’s Words. Therefore, each and every time church attendees gather, they ought to be there with the desire for God to speak to them. Also, if you are in church and are lost, confused, or needing help, then you ought to take joy and relief from the knowledge that God wants to speak to you. The more things change, the more they remain the same. Who wants to say that they are a sinner? Who wants to admit that they made a purposeful choice to disobey God? Who wants to actually admit that they feel guilt or remorse? The answer is hardly anyone. Instead, humanity seeks to do just what Adam did — cover the deed. There is a cover. Adam used figs and sewed them together. Today, mankind uses excuses and ties them together into a ‘story’ as to why they sinned or messed up. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Power
Knowledge is powerful. Yes, indeed it is. Knowledge can be powerful for the good and knowledge can be powerful for the bad. It is you and I who must decide how we shall use the knowledge we have. When there is knowledge of sin, rather than not speak to it, it is best to deal with it. It is known by God and known by you. Set yourself free and confess your faults allowing God’s precious Son, Jesus Christ, to cleanse you from that sin. Jesus will do it. No need to be lost, you can be safe and sound in the presence of our God. Respice finem.

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