I heard a very famous televangelist say the other day that, "we can not serve the Lord and be in sin". I thought this wrong, but let it go. Then I read the same thing in a blog and just can not let this one go. I've heard it many times and was left with a bad taste in my mouth. So, I'm going to state my feelings on this and hope that you, dear reader, will correct me if you see I'm wrong or you will state your case.
My feelings on, "you can't serve the Lord if you are in sin" are based on these scriptures:
Romans 3:23-26 The Message
we've compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we're in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.
The NIV
There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement,through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
If I were to believe the statement that God can not use me with sin in my life, then I have to ask myself "what God am I serving, if not the Lord Jesus Christ." Because, I have seen so many miracles and healings in my ministry. And yet, "I am the chief of all sinners".
If I had no sin in my life I wouldn't need Christ. Are those who believe these statements delusional? Do they think that they walk in perfection, because, it is obvious that God uses this famous televangelist. What is he thinking?
I'm to walk in forgiveness. So, when someone cuts me off in traffic I don't cuss them out. Instead I raise my voice and state "I forgive you!!!" Now, I know the truth. The truth is, I'm angry. I try to hide it, by stating I forgive you, but, the truth, and I know it, is "you idiot, are you trying to kill me." Not very gracious or forgiving. Not a sin free life. And yet, God uses me.
If we were not used by God because of our sin, God would not be visible on this earth. "Everyone comes short of the glory of God". Everyone.
The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 7:21
21-23It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.
The Message.
Oh, I wish I could be more Christ like. But,thank goodness for mercy, grace and the forgiveness of Christ. I would be useless in the Kingdom of God if it were not for the sacrifice of Jesus. Thank God, that He uses me where I'm at, that He comes near me even though I am as "filthy as rags", that He loves me "just as I am"
I believe that these careless statements make the Christian walk appear, to the world, as exclusive and unattainable. They are lies and dangerous to the new Christian and should be put back where they belong, in the pit of hell.
六本木で味わう和食の魅力
3 weeks ago
6 comments:
Very well-put.
True true, and probably a very self-serving statement on the part of that preacher. If true, as you stated the implication is he's living sin-free.
No, the truth is, it is quite possible to serve God while stumbling through sin. It doesn't make one a particularly good representative of Christ, but if He had to wait for the perfectly obedient to do his will, no one would have served him for 2000 years.
The worst part is that it sets up this ridiculous standard that is based completely on image image image, and then the world roars with delight when the veil is ripped away and the ugly humanity is exposed for all to see.
It's a *terrible* lie to promote.
Anita,
Thank you.
Desert Cat,
Your so right and it is so sad.
It would be fair to clarify your arguments to say that in one moment we are serving God, helping others, setting a good example...and in other moments we are not, indeed we are doing the opposite and adding to the pain and suffering that is on the planet today.
However, it would not be fair to say that we cannot improve. Earlier in my life I held far more unloving and harmful thoughts which often led to acts of the same quality. Through years of practice and habit reprogramming efforts I have transformed myself into a person who is far more loving and helpful. And I will also say that now, even in my moments of unloving thoughts and actions, I catch myself very quickly, reverse that thinking, and again set about to reprogram myself such that the triggering events triggers a different reaction from me the next time.
I am not trying to brag. I am trying to say this is possible for everyone. We all make mistakes, and we all have programming within us that does not serve us or God. And WE ALL CAN CHANGE. We can ALL become perfect as our father in heaven is perfect. It is just a matter of continuing the process until the job is done.
Kind and Loving Regards,
Michael Skowronski
Michael,
You are absolutely right. "Catch every thought to the obedience of God." Isn't it wonderful how we change when God catches us. Learning to put on the mind of Christ is an ongoing effort that we all need to keep in the forefront of our thoughts
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