BEGIN AGAIN WITH
GOD'S FORGIVENESS

January 18, 2026

The atheist, Freud, considered the Christian, Dostoyevsky, the second greatest writer of all time, just behind Shakespeare.

In Dostoyevsky’s novel, “Crime and Punishment,” Raskolnikov commits murder.  He later confesses his crime and is sent to Siberia to serve a prison sentence of eight years.  His friend, Sonia, follows him there to wait for his release. 

In prison Raskolnikov sleeps with a New Testament under his pillow, the book from which Sonia had read to him about the resurrection of Lazarus.  As he gazes at the countryside outside the prison, he sees nomads with their dark tents visible against the melting snow, reminiscent of the days of Abraham.  He then repents of his sins and seeks God’s forgiveness.  Now he was ready for resurrection, ready to begin again with God’s forgiveness. 

Sunday I’m preaching on “Begin again with God’s Forgiveness” from Psalm 51:1-13.  We’ll talk about “Depend on God’s Love,” verse 1; “Receive Forgiveness,” verses 2-9; and “Get a New Heart,” verses 10-13.  This is the unparalleled Psalm about David’s new start after confessing his sin against Bathsheba and her husband Uriah.  Please come to the service and enjoy the forgiveness and new start that God offers.

Love,

Jim Meek