I am always struck by the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). There we see the stark contrast between the cold, cunning of the unforgiving Pharisees and Jesus’ consummate wisdom, compassion and forgiveness. However, Jesus did not overlook the woman’s sin but told her to sin no more!

 Isn't it wonderful to know that Jesus paid the price for our sins through His sacrifice on the cross (Rom 5:8). As Christians we are forgiven (Col 1:14), given new life (2 Cor 5:17) and righteousness in Christ Jesus (2 Cor 5:21). As Christians we do still sin (1 John 1:8) as our spirit (spiritual heart or conscience) is made new but not our body or soul (1 Thess 5:23). However, we should not habitually or willfully sin (1 John 3:6) as God has made us new spiritual creations in Christ Jesus (2 Cor 5:17).

 Our spirit is to govern our soul and body. When we gave our lives to Christ we were born again spiritually (John 3:1-6) and our spirits were made new (Ezek 11:19). When we do slip and sin, because we allow our souls to get the upper hand, we can repent and ask God’s forgiveness. God forgives “us and cleanses us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9; NKJV).

 What an advantage we have over the woman caught in adultery; how God loves us, in that He has placed His Holy Spirit on the inside of us to enable us to change  and help us not to sin (John 14:16-17). All we have to do is cooperate and walk in obedience!

Luke 16:16 (NKJV) “The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is PRESSING INTO it.” Matt. 11:12 (Amp) “And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force (as a precious prize; a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion)". So who are the “violent men”? We are!!! These verses speak of an urgency and a passion in following after God and I believe this urgency is birthed in prayer. The apostle Paul also talked about "pressing in" in Philippians 3:12 and 14 - he tells us that he is pressing in to win the prize and he then encourages us to do the same thing. People who are seriously training for any kind of athletic event will give it all they've got to win the prize and that is how we need to be about pressing in to God. If we are going to make an impact on our society, our Christianity cannot be halfhearted.