In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
Acts 17:30 (NIV)
Overlooked
One of the most overlooked sports in Canada was once declared by Canada’s first Prime Minister as being our national sport. Unknown to most Canadians, cricket was declared Canada’s national sport by Sir John A. McDonald. The Toronto Cricket Club was established in 1827, and will be celebrating its 200th anniversary in just five years. The earliest reports of cricket in Canada date from 1785 where games seem to have taken place in Montreal. In 1840, there was a game between the Toronto and New York clubs.
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There are lots of things we overlook in life – and sometimes that’s a good thing. We should overlook the shortcomings of people we love, for example. There is an interesting verse in Acts 17:30 that speaks about God overlooking the sins of the people for a time. Paul says this: “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.” Paul here is speaking of the idolatry of the pagan nations around Israel who were worshipping idols. God overlooked their sin, because they were in spiritual ignorance. But with the coming of Jesus, we are without excuse. In our day, we see an increase interest in non-Christian religions. Many of them are polytheistic and idolatrous. There is no excuse now. The one true God has fully revealed Himself in Jesus Christ and He calls all people everywhere to repent of their sin and put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone. God no longer overlooks our sin and our pride, and our idolatry. We must put Jesus first in all things, and worship Him alone.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley