Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Jul 10th, 2012 Just for Ladies by Camille Stahl

Listen to Sunday Morning’s Message at Jersey Shore Baptist Church.

Today’s Passage – Psalm 119 (Click on the references to hear the audio)

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 19 – 20; Psalms 46 – 50; Proverbs 10)

Scripture Memory for July – Hebrews 1

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – 1 John 3:1

A Study of Women in the Bible

This Week – Lot’s Wife

“Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:24-26)

Lot’s wife is not mentioned in the Bible account of Abraham’s family as they journeyed  from Ur of the Chaldees, or as they left Canaan to go down into Egypt. The first mention of her is at Sodom. This could mean that she was from Canaan or perhaps she was from Sodom. Regardless of where she was born, Lot and his wife had two daughters who left Sodom with them, and at least two other daughters who, along with their husbands and possibly children, refused to leave. We do know that in Genesis 18:32, God’s promise to Abraham was not to destroy the city for the sake of 10 righteous. This could have included all of the family of Lot if they were, in fact, all saved. Apparently Lot’s family were not.

Lot’s wife was a privileged woman. She was married to a “righteous man”. Genesis 13:12 says, “Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.”  Just a side note, in the very next chapter of Genesis the Bible says, “And they took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.”  Notice it say in Sodom. Anyway, there was very little chance that Lot’s wife would be able to withstand the evil of Sodom unless she was very strong in the Lord. It reminds me of 1 Corinthians 15:33, which states: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”

Lot’s wife was warned of the coming danger from God himself. Whether she really believed it or not, she did follow her husband and left. When leaving, she must have heard the cries of the people when fire and brimstone fell from Heaven. Her heart must have broken as she thought of her daughters and possible grandchildren being destroyed. But then she committed the sin. She looked back.

In our day, we have a tendency to minimize and downplay sin and its consequences. The consequence of sin without Christ is death. Lot’s wife suffered the consequence of unbelief.

A Few Lessons That Can Be Applied:

To the Christian Woman: Once you’ve come out of darkness (saved), never look back. Stay far away from the world’s influences. 1 John 2:15 says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Study and obey the word of God. Teach your children to study the Bible, and obey His word. Start as early in their life as you can. When God speaks, listen. I am sure there are many other lessons that we can learn from Lot’s wife.

To the non-Christian Woman: Christ also warns us of the danger before us. He spoke more about Hell than the apostles. Jesus tells us of the judgment day, when the wicked “will go into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life”. (Matthew 25:46) I urge you to call upon the name of the Lord, and be saved.

Our church website www.jerseyshorebaptist.com has a link “The Bible Way to Heaven” where you can read and understand the way to Heaven.

“In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Remember Lot’s wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” (Luke 17:31-33)

Rushing wind blow through this temple. Blowing out the dust within. Come and breathe your breath upon me, I’ve been born again. Holy Spirit, I surrender, take me where you want to go. Plunge me by your living your living water, plant me deep, so I can grow. Jesus, your the One, who set my spirit free. Use me Lord glorify, your Holy name through me. Separate me from this world Lord, sanctify my life for you. Daily change me to your image, help me bear good fruit. Everyday your drawing closer, trials come to test my faith. But when all is said and done Lord, you know, it’s been worth the wait.” (Keith Green)

Thank You and God Bless 1 John 5:13