While I appreciate much of what is being said here, Distinctions between, "sin nature", and "sin living in our bodies"? Is it mere semantics? , "you say tomato and I say tomatoe!
Does this theological distinction help with the temptations I face today? . We want relief, and we want it now! What most of us want is universal, to be loved and accepted, to belong and to make a difference.
All this "reckoning ourselves dead to sin", is hard work that goes against what is natural. Even with prayer, the Bottom line. I am inclined to fall if the pressure gets great enough.
That is where I (we), must have and cultivate a firm grasp on the love of God, and that he has a plan for our existence, which is hard in our disconnected transient culture.
When faced with temptation, Do we stop to think how our choices will affect our future? Where will this lead me? Will I like myself afterward? Who will I hurt? The best motivation I have for avoiding sin is, I hate the consequences and pain it brings me.
My teacher from college once gave a very graphic analogy about sin I will. He said "Sin is like chocolate covered vomit". That says it all now doesn't it.
Sadly the church only love's you if you are like them! As christians, (myself included), We are sometimes some of the most ill-at ease, judgmental, non-authentic kill-joys around. I find more acceptance in the world by far.
I pondered the beatitudes the other day. We are often hard on ourselves, and as a result, we are hard on others, but do we realize that God has these fruits of the spirit in perfect measure for us?
A close friend of mine gave in to temptation and now will have nothing to do with living with Christ, because they believe that it is too difficult, and they want to live their way. Truth be told, Sometimes we lack somebody to help us find our way. "suck it up" is the advice we often get from fellow christians.
It is difficult living counter to popular culture. We are all capable of falling in an instant! We don't want to fear it, but to have a healthy repect that we are vulnerable. We all need the grace of God, because life is filled with tough choices that have the potential to alter our lives and others' lives too. God help us to help each other on our journey.
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God".
"They will know we are christians by the love that we have for each other".
These videos have been a huge blessing to me. Thanks so much. I plan to buy a few of your books. I have just discovered some of these new truths. They are very powerful new weapons in my spiritual arsenal. =)
While I appreciate much of what is being said here, Distinctions between, "sin nature", and "sin living in our bodies"? Is it mere semantics? , "you say tomato and I say tomatoe!
ReplyDeleteDoes this theological distinction help with the temptations I face today? . We want relief, and we want it now! What most of us want is universal, to be loved and accepted, to belong and to make a difference.
All this "reckoning ourselves dead to sin", is hard work that goes against what is natural. Even with prayer, the Bottom line. I am inclined to fall if the pressure gets great enough.
That is where I (we), must have and cultivate a firm grasp on the love of God, and that he has a plan for our existence, which is hard in our disconnected transient culture.
When faced with temptation, Do we stop to think how our choices will affect our future? Where will this lead me? Will I like myself afterward? Who will I hurt? The best motivation I have for avoiding sin is, I hate the consequences and pain it brings me.
My teacher from college once gave a very graphic analogy about sin I will. He said "Sin is like chocolate covered vomit". That says it all now doesn't it.
Sadly the church only love's you if you are like them! As christians, (myself included), We are sometimes some of the most ill-at ease, judgmental, non-authentic kill-joys around. I find more acceptance in the world by far.
I pondered the beatitudes the other day. We are often hard on ourselves, and as a result, we are hard on others, but do we realize that God has these fruits of the spirit in perfect measure for us?
A close friend of mine gave in to temptation and now will have nothing to do with living with Christ, because they believe that it is too difficult, and they want to live their way. Truth be told, Sometimes we lack somebody to help us find our way. "suck it up" is the advice we often get from fellow christians.
It is difficult living counter to popular culture. We are all capable of falling in an instant! We don't want to fear it, but to have a healthy repect that we are vulnerable. We all need the grace of God, because life is filled with tough choices that have the potential to alter our lives and others' lives too. God help us to help each other on our journey.
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God".
"They will know we are christians by the love that we have for each other".
Respectfully,
DMS
These videos have been a huge blessing to me. Thanks so much. I plan to buy a few of your books. I have just discovered some of these new truths. They are very powerful new weapons in my spiritual arsenal. =)
ReplyDelete