sermon can be viewed by clicking on the video link at the bottom right of the following site:
http://www.graceistheplace.com/Summary:
It's the classic story of forgiveness. Pharisees drag a woman toward her death. Her crime? She was caught in the act of adultery. They encounter Jesus.
"Moses' law commands us to stone her," they said. "What do you say?"
Jesus scribbled in the sand, then said, "Let the one who has no sin cast the first stone."
One by one they dropped their stones and slithered away. Jesus turned to the woman and asked, "Where are your accusers?"
"I have none," she whispered.
"Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on don't sin."
And just like that the woman who had been "caught" was "released." And so were you. And so was I.
Notice that Jesus did not argue her innocence. She was caught in the act. She was guilty. Nor did He apologize for Moses' law. It was what it was. He simply caused the accusers to look within. And they couldn't condemn her when they remembered their own sin.
Isn't it a great lesson for us all! If we can remember where we came from, what we were, or rather what we are, then we are not likely to sit in judgment on others.
All of us have been "caught" in sin. But Christ's "release" of this woman gives us great hope. He does not recommend rehab for a year. He doesn't suggest she find a life counselor. He just tells her to "Go!" Get on with life! Go do whatever you have to do! Go! Live! Oh, and "don't sin anymore." Just like that!
Remember who Christ is. He's the one who can say, "Let there be..." - and there will be! He speaks, and creates. His Words are life and power. So when He says, "Don't sin anymore," He is telling us that it's possible. More than that, He is empowering us to not sin.
Whatever your current sin might be, you can stop. And you can "go" live a great life. Without sinning. He releases you!
So go.
