Understanding this has changed me. Profoundly.

The key to winning the battles over sin in your life in the long term is not found in some inner reservoir of strength or new-found resolve. Instead, it is found in the joy and freedom of the Gospel. When you have tasted the goodness of God and freedom from guilt and shame, it puts your mouth out of taste for the fleeting and corrupting pleasure of sin. Turn to God for forgiveness, and believe that Jesus' death was for YOU. Sin promises lasting joy, but only delivers short-term pleasure. Like bait on a hook. God is infinitely more satisfying.

Visited Holy Cross Greek Orthodox church in Mount Lebanon, PA.

Part of the Vacation Bible School experience for our 7th and 8th Graders at Ruthfred Lutheran Church in Bethel Park, PA, is a number of visits to various places of worship in the area. Today was a tour of a local Greek Orthodox church. Beautiful iconography and rich symbolism. Afterward, we came back to Ruthfred where Pastor Carlson highlighted the important similarities and differences between the Orthodox church and our Lutheran doctrine.