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AlexB23

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Hello folks. Today's study is on how Jesus forgives us of our sins, but does not condone our sins. Habitual sins will also be covered in this devotional.

Date
June 30, 2024 | Forgiveness ≠ License to Sin​
Verse
Romans 6:1-4 (NIV): "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

Romans 7:21-25 (NIV): "So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin."

1 John 3:9 (NIV): "No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God."

John 8:10-11 (NIV): "Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’"​
Explanation
These four passages from the Bible discuss the relationship between sin, grace, and the Christian life.

In Romans 6:1-4, Paul is addressing the idea that because of God's grace and mercy, Christians might think they can continue to sin without consequences. However, Paul strongly asserts that this is not the case. He explains that believers have died to sin and have been raised to new life in Christ. Being baptized into Christ means being identified with Him in His death and resurrection. Therefore, Christians should no longer live in sin but instead strive to live a new life in Christ.

Romans 7:21-25 comes from Paul's personal struggle with sin. He acknowledges the desire to do good, but the presence of sin within him. Paul confesses that he is a slave to God's law in his mind but a prisoner of sin in his sinful nature. He expresses his wretchedness and seeks rescue from his sinful nature. However, he ultimately finds hope and deliverance through Jesus Christ. This passage emphasizes the ongoing battle against sin and the need for God's grace and mercy.

1 John 3:9 states that those who are born of God cannot continue to live in sin. This passage highlights the transformative power of the new birth and the reality that true followers of Christ will produce good fruit and turn away from sin.

In John 8:10-11, Jesus encounters a woman caught in adultery. He neither condemns her nor excuses her sin. Instead, He tells her to leave her life of sin. This passage illustrates Jesus' compassionate approach to sin and His call for repentance and transformation.

Regarding forgiveness and avoiding a license to sin, these verses teach that God's grace is not an excuse to continue living in sin. Instead, it is a call to live a new life in Christ, transformed by His love and power. Christians are to strive for holiness and obedience, but they are not saved by their own effort or perfection. They are saved by God's grace and mercy, and that same grace empowers them to live a life worthy of their calling.​
Societal Relevance
Strategies to avoid habitual sins and the trap of excusing sins in the modern world:
  1. Pray for the strength and wisdom to recognize and resist temptation.
  2. Cultivate healthy relationships that encourage and support your spiritual growth.
  3. Seek accountability through small groups, mentors, or spiritual friends. For instance, an alcoholic or drug addict could go to an an Alcoholics’ Anonymous group, or Narcotics Anonymous respectively.
  4. Regularly reflect on your thoughts, words, and actions to identify areas of growth and repentance.
  5. Practice forgiveness towards others and towards yourself.
  6. Surround yourself with positive influences and avoid those that encourage or enable sinful behavior.
  7. Memorize and meditate on Scripture that speaks to your specific struggles and provides encouragement and guidance.
  8. Live a balanced life, prioritizing physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
  9. Seek professional help if necessary, such as counseling or addiction recovery programs.
  10. Remember that you are not defined by your struggles or sins, but by God's love and grace.
  11. Focus on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and lean on His strength in your daily life.
  12. Cultivate a heart of gratitude and obedience to God, recognizing that your salvation is not based on your own effort but on His grace.
For myself, habitual sins can be a struggle. For instance, beating my plantain is my vice. While I have always stayed away from inappropriate visual content, the feeling of jerking off can be very addicting. However, I pray almost every night about this, and try my best not to. Another struggle for me is being quick to judge, and has been since middle school or so. Sometimes, my thinking can be in black and white, without viewing both sides of the argument. Recently though, I have been slowly getting better at more nuanced thinking, but have a long way to go. Jesus will always continue to forgive us, but we must try our best to repent of our sins.
 

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Hello folks. Today's study is on how Jesus forgives us of our sins, but does not condone our sins. Habitual sins will also be covered in this devotional.

For myself, habitual sins can be a struggle. For instance, beating my plantain is my vice. While I have always stayed away from inappropriate visual content, the feeling of jerking off can be very addicting. However, I pray almost every night about this, and try my best not to. Another struggle for me is being quick to judge, and has been since middle school or so. Sometimes, my thinking can be in black and white, without viewing both sides of the argument. Recently though, I have been slowly getting better at more nuanced thinking, but have a long way to go. Jesus will always continue to forgive us, but we must try our best to repent of our sins.

Remember that God gave us a sex drive for a very important reason. So sexuality is not sin. What you need is a willing partner, blessed by God. Even soldiers in Israel were relieved from military duty for the first year after marriage so that the man could bring "happiness" to his wife -- and to continue the family line if he was killed in battle.

Rather than try to extinguish the drive, perhaps try to redirect it?

Best wishes,

KT
 
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AlexB23

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Remember that God gave us a sex drive for a very important reason. So sexuality is not sin. What you need is a willing partner, blessed by God. Even soldiers in Israel were relieved from military duty for the first year after marriage so that the man could bring "happiness" to his wife -- and to continue the family line if he was killed in battle.

Rather than try to extinguish the drive, perhaps try to redirect it?

Best wishes,

KT
I am single, and this post mainly refers to sins in general.
 
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BPPLEE

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Hello folks. Today's study is on how Jesus forgives us of our sins, but does not condone our sins. Habitual sins will also be covered in this devotional.

Date
June 30, 2024 | Forgiveness ≠ License to Sin​
Verse
Romans 6:1-4 (NIV): "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

Romans 7:21-25 (NIV): "So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin."

1 John 3:9 (NIV): "No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God."

John 8:10-11 (NIV): "Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’"​
Explanation
These four passages from the Bible discuss the relationship between sin, grace, and the Christian life.

In Romans 6:1-4, Paul is addressing the idea that because of God's grace and mercy, Christians might think they can continue to sin without consequences. However, Paul strongly asserts that this is not the case. He explains that believers have died to sin and have been raised to new life in Christ. Being baptized into Christ means being identified with Him in His death and resurrection. Therefore, Christians should no longer live in sin but instead strive to live a new life in Christ.

Romans 7:21-25 comes from Paul's personal struggle with sin. He acknowledges the desire to do good, but the presence of sin within him. Paul confesses that he is a slave to God's law in his mind but a prisoner of sin in his sinful nature. He expresses his wretchedness and seeks rescue from his sinful nature. However, he ultimately finds hope and deliverance through Jesus Christ. This passage emphasizes the ongoing battle against sin and the need for God's grace and mercy.

1 John 3:9 states that those who are born of God cannot continue to live in sin. This passage highlights the transformative power of the new birth and the reality that true followers of Christ will produce good fruit and turn away from sin.

In John 8:10-11, Jesus encounters a woman caught in adultery. He neither condemns her nor excuses her sin. Instead, He tells her to leave her life of sin. This passage illustrates Jesus' compassionate approach to sin and His call for repentance and transformation.

Regarding forgiveness and avoiding a license to sin, these verses teach that God's grace is not an excuse to continue living in sin. Instead, it is a call to live a new life in Christ, transformed by His love and power. Christians are to strive for holiness and obedience, but they are not saved by their own effort or perfection. They are saved by God's grace and mercy, and that same grace empowers them to live a life worthy of their calling.​
Societal Relevance
Strategies to avoid habitual sins and the trap of excusing sins in the modern world:
  1. Pray for the strength and wisdom to recognize and resist temptation.
  2. Cultivate healthy relationships that encourage and support your spiritual growth.
  3. Seek accountability through small groups, mentors, or spiritual friends. For instance, an alcoholic or drug addict could go to an an Alcoholics’ Anonymous group, or Narcotics Anonymous respectively.
  4. Regularly reflect on your thoughts, words, and actions to identify areas of growth and repentance.
  5. Practice forgiveness towards others and towards yourself.
  6. Surround yourself with positive influences and avoid those that encourage or enable sinful behavior.
  7. Memorize and meditate on Scripture that speaks to your specific struggles and provides encouragement and guidance.
  8. Live a balanced life, prioritizing physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
  9. Seek professional help if necessary, such as counseling or addiction recovery programs.
  10. Remember that you are not defined by your struggles or sins, but by God's love and grace.
  11. Focus on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and lean on His strength in your daily life.
  12. Cultivate a heart of gratitude and obedience to God, recognizing that your salvation is not based on your own effort but on His grace.
For myself, habitual sins can be a struggle. For instance, beating my plantain is my vice. While I have always stayed away from inappropriate visual content, the feeling of jerking off can be very addicting. However, I pray almost every night about this, and try my best not to. Another struggle for me is being quick to judge, and has been since middle school or so. Sometimes, my thinking can be in black and white, without viewing both sides of the argument. Recently though, I have been slowly getting better at more nuanced thinking, but have a long way to go. Jesus will always continue to forgive us, but we must try our best to repent of our sins.
I appreciate your honesty but there’s no need to share these details. Lust is something all men deal with whether they admit it or not. I hope you come to peace with this. The Bible is silent on the issue of masturbation but it forbids lust so that leaves us with some guidance. Trust God and pray about this and trust him to guide you..
 
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Grip Docility

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Hello folks. Today's study is on how Jesus forgives us of our sins, but does not condone our sins. Habitual sins will also be covered in this devotional.

Date
June 30, 2024 | Forgiveness ≠ License to Sin​
Verse
Romans 6:1-4 (NIV): "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

Romans 7:21-25 (NIV): "So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin."

1 John 3:9 (NIV): "No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God."

John 8:10-11 (NIV): "Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’"​
Explanation
These four passages from the Bible discuss the relationship between sin, grace, and the Christian life.

In Romans 6:1-4, Paul is addressing the idea that because of God's grace and mercy, Christians might think they can continue to sin without consequences. However, Paul strongly asserts that this is not the case. He explains that believers have died to sin and have been raised to new life in Christ. Being baptized into Christ means being identified with Him in His death and resurrection. Therefore, Christians should no longer live in sin but instead strive to live a new life in Christ.

Romans 7:21-25 comes from Paul's personal struggle with sin. He acknowledges the desire to do good, but the presence of sin within him. Paul confesses that he is a slave to God's law in his mind but a prisoner of sin in his sinful nature. He expresses his wretchedness and seeks rescue from his sinful nature. However, he ultimately finds hope and deliverance through Jesus Christ. This passage emphasizes the ongoing battle against sin and the need for God's grace and mercy.

1 John 3:9 states that those who are born of God cannot continue to live in sin. This passage highlights the transformative power of the new birth and the reality that true followers of Christ will produce good fruit and turn away from sin.

In John 8:10-11, Jesus encounters a woman caught in adultery. He neither condemns her nor excuses her sin. Instead, He tells her to leave her life of sin. This passage illustrates Jesus' compassionate approach to sin and His call for repentance and transformation.

Regarding forgiveness and avoiding a license to sin, these verses teach that God's grace is not an excuse to continue living in sin. Instead, it is a call to live a new life in Christ, transformed by His love and power. Christians are to strive for holiness and obedience, but they are not saved by their own effort or perfection. They are saved by God's grace and mercy, and that same grace empowers them to live a life worthy of their calling.​
Societal Relevance
Strategies to avoid habitual sins and the trap of excusing sins in the modern world:
  1. Pray for the strength and wisdom to recognize and resist temptation.
  2. Cultivate healthy relationships that encourage and support your spiritual growth.
  3. Seek accountability through small groups, mentors, or spiritual friends. For instance, an alcoholic or drug addict could go to an an Alcoholics’ Anonymous group, or Narcotics Anonymous respectively.
  4. Regularly reflect on your thoughts, words, and actions to identify areas of growth and repentance.
  5. Practice forgiveness towards others and towards yourself.
  6. Surround yourself with positive influences and avoid those that encourage or enable sinful behavior.
  7. Memorize and meditate on Scripture that speaks to your specific struggles and provides encouragement and guidance.
  8. Live a balanced life, prioritizing physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
  9. Seek professional help if necessary, such as counseling or addiction recovery programs.
  10. Remember that you are not defined by your struggles or sins, but by God's love and grace.
  11. Focus on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and lean on His strength in your daily life.
  12. Cultivate a heart of gratitude and obedience to God, recognizing that your salvation is not based on your own effort but on His grace.
For myself, habitual sins can be a struggle. For instance, beating my plantain is my vice. While I have always stayed away from inappropriate visual content, the feeling of jerking off can be very addicting. However, I pray almost every night about this, and try my best not to. Another struggle for me is being quick to judge, and has been since middle school or so. Sometimes, my thinking can be in black and white, without viewing both sides of the argument. Recently though, I have been slowly getting better at more nuanced thinking, but have a long way to go. Jesus will always continue to forgive us, but we must try our best to repent of our sins.
You captured Honesty, Humility, the Pure Power of Jesus Christ’s blood and many other difficult matters to discuss.

To each human that lives, there are forms of willful sin in their lives. The saved are no different. Christs Blood covered it all! You honored 1 John 1:8! This is well!

My Brother in Jesus, Love covers a multitude of sins and you did not place forth a demand of sinless perfection. You instead explained how when even saved, we experience struggles throughout our lives, knowing that Christs blood is far more than sufficient for all of them.

Many Protestants detest the act of “confession”. You know, I understand why it is a Catholic Doctrine! God has already forgiven us, yet… we struggle to forgive ourselves! Ironically, the closer we get to Jesus, the more sinful we know that we are in comparison to Him, who is Perfect and Without Sin.

It is well to confess our sins one to another in a confessional booth and hear a messenger of God absolve us.

All Love in Jesus Christ to you, my honest Brother who Rests in Christs finished work.
 
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Grip Docility

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I appreciate your honesty but there’s no need to share these details. Lust is something all men deal with whether they admit it or not. I hope you come to peace with this. The Bible is silent on the issue of masturbation but it forbids lust so that leaves us with some guidance. Trust God and pray about this and trust him to guide you..
His honesty is momentous and to be bound to scripture.

It says to confess to one another. He made sure that his OP covered all sides of the matter from all sides! He was honest! If Christians did this more, the church would grow.
 
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BPPLEE

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His honesty is momentous and to be bound to scripture.

It says to confess to one another. He made sure that his OP covered all sides of the matter from all sides! He was honest! If Christians did this more, the church would grow.
Yes I have to commend him but he may want to keep some details private in the future ( confess one to another, not to everyone)
 
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AlexB23

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I appreciate your honesty but there’s no need to share these details. Lust is something all men deal with whether they admit it or not. I hope you come to peace with this. The Bible is silent on the issue of masturbation but it forbids lust so that leaves us with some guidance. Trust God and pray about this and trust him to guide you..
Hey, thank you. I thought that Leviticus talks about avoiding these things, so I pray to God a lot about this. But yes, lust is common for humans in general. Eventually, I will come to peace about this. Paul struggled with sin, probably sin that is much more difficult to my own sins, so I am at ease in that regard.
 
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AlexB23

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You captured Honesty, Humility, the Pure Power of Jesus Christ’s blood and many other difficult matters to discuss.

To each human that lives, there are forms of willful sin in their lives. The saved are no different. Christs Blood covered it all! You honored 1 John 1:8! This is well!

My Brother in Jesus, Love covers a multitude of sins and you did not place forth a demand of sinless perfection. You instead explained how when even saved, we experience struggles throughout our lives, knowing that Christs blood is far more than sufficient for all of them.

Many Protestants detest the act of “confession”. You know, I understand why it is a Catholic Doctrine! God has already forgiven us, yet… we struggle to forgive ourselves! Ironically, the closer we get to Jesus, the more sinful we know that we are in comparison to Him, who is Perfect and Without Sin.

It is well to confess our sins one to another in a confessional booth and hear a messenger of God absolve us.

All Love in Jesus Christ to you, my honest Brother who Rests in Christs finished work.
Hey, thank you. Humility is important, though sometimes I am a little too honest. 1 John 1:8 (NKJV) says "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." Looks like I will have to do a devotional on this. For myself, I need to go to confession more, but I do confess to Jesus, and to people that I trust.

 
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SabbathBlessings

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We are to confess our faults to one another, which I would take it as a close friend, family member, church member etc.

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Our sins should be confessed to Jesus as only He can forgive our sins.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He (God)is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
 
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AlexB23

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We are to confess our faults to one another, which I would take it as a close friend, family member, church member etc.

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Our sins should be confessed to Jesus as only He can forgive our sins.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He (God)is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Amen to that. I confess to Jesus for my sins, and faults to folks that are close to me such as a friend, family member or priest.
 
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Grip Docility

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We are to confess our faults to one another, which I would take it as a close friend, family member, church member etc.

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Our sins should be confessed to Jesus as only He can forgive our sins.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He (God)is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
This is not pointed at you but following that we have been enjoying positive dialogue here and there. I just was inspired to respond to your post because you brought up some pertinent points.

We all struggle. I have yet to meet a person in transgression of 1 John 1:8. I’ve met sinless doctrine folks that suggest we are to be perfect. It only takes a few scriptures to bring them to confession.

Many Christians… and I mean MANY think they are lost because of condemnation scripture misinterpretation.

Jesus died for sinners While they were yet sinners. That verse reassures us that we will struggle until we give up the ghost.

The church was supposed to be a place where the most ashamed of sinners could find love, acceptance and reassurance that struggle is normal for a lifetime. I.e. Being without sin and not an active sinner was never supposed to be a Body requirement.

Brick and Mortar establishments are supposed to be a Hospital for the broken (all of us)… not a museum for “Good People”. Only God is good.

The fact that there are so many that misquote Hebrews and 1 John out there has forced us to keep our dirt to ourselves and “fake it till we make it” in front of the visible Body. It was never supposed to be that way. We were supposed to be able to find comfort and reassurance in the presence of all brethren. No sin found in Moses was supposed to hold people from confessing one to another. The enemy has been hard at work to turn oasis's of comfort into establishments of fear and judgment. This goes forward to scare people away from joining that need a physical body. It is the single greatest cause of Atheism.
 
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Grip Docility

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Yes I have to commend him but he may want to keep some details private in the future ( confess one to another, not to everyone)
I wrote a response that explains why secrecy and fear of judgment has ruined the Physical Body.

My opinion on the matter.

 
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SabbathBlessings

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This is not pointed at you but following that we have been enjoying positive dialogue here and there. I just was inspired to respond to your post because you brought up some pertinent points.

We all struggle. I have yet to meet a person in transgression of 1 John 1:8. I’ve met sinless doctrine folks that suggest we are to be perfect. It only takes a few scriptures to bring them to confession.

Many Christians… and I mean MANY think they are lost because of condemnation scripture misinterpretation.

Jesus died for sinners While they were yet sinners. That verse reassures us that we will struggle until we give up the ghost.

The church was supposed to be a place where the most ashamed of sinners could find love, acceptance and reassurance that struggle is normal for a lifetime. I.e. Being without sin and not an active sinner was never supposed to be a Body requirement.

Brick and Mortar establishments are supposed to be a Hospital for the broken (all of us)… not a museum for “Good People”. Only God is good.

The fact that there are so many that misquote Hebrews and 1 John out there has forced us to keep our dirt to ourselves and “fake it till we make it” in front of the visible Body. It was never supposed to be that way. We were supposed to be able to find comfort and reassurance in the presence of all brethren. No sin found in Moses was supposed to hold people from confessing one to another. The enemy has been hard at work to turn oasis's of comfort into establishments of fear and judgment. This goes forward to scare people away from joining that need a physical body.
I agree, Mat 18:21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Jesus would never teach something He would not follow Himself.

Only God can read our hearts and if we are struggling in sin the bible is full of ways to help us overcome sin and temptation

but as I just said in another post...

Yes, we serve a longsuffering Savior, but when He heals us from sin- He says go and sin no more. True repentance means a sorry heart and a change in direction.

We are told we not only need to confess us our sins, we need to forsake them. Pro 28:13 our salvation is from sin Mat 1:21

While we can't do it in our own strength, we can through the power of Jesus Christ Matthew 19:26 Phil 4:13 and He doesn't make us do it alone John 14:15-18 but it does require our cooperation and love of God, that we would be willing to forsake our rules and traditions to be a servant of Christ, just like the apostles did. This requires a lifestyle change, which can be tough living in a world full of sin, but can be done through Christ.
 
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Grip Docility

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I agree, Mat 18:21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Jesus would never teach something He would not follow Himself.

Only God can read our hearts and if we are struggling in sin the bible is full of ways to help us overcome sin and temptation

but as I just said in another post...

Yes, we serve a longsuffering Savior, but when He heals us from sin- He says go and sin no more. True repentance means a sorry heart and a change in direction.

We are told we not only need to confess us our sins, we need to forsake them. Pro 28:13 our salvation is from sin Mat 1:21

While we can't do it in our own strength, we can through the power of Jesus Christ Matthew 19:26 Phil 4:13 and He doesn't make us do it alone John 14:15-18 but it does require our cooperation and love of God, that we would be willing to forsake our rules and traditions to be a servant of Christ, just like the apostles did. This requires a lifestyle change, which can be tough living in a world full of sin, but can be done through Christ.
I will put it this way, there are MANY religions that tell us not to sin and identify the same exact sins that Christianity tells us are sin. This said, only one religion says that God died to forgive our life debt of sins.

The Holy Spirit of Jesus brings about life change. The perpetual call of behavioral change within Christianity is a marginal point. No one out there doesn’t know that Christianity equals life change.

The issue arises that each person is unique and their walk is different.

The world needs to know that God does the heavy lifting and we are all in the same boat as them, in my opinion.

Hebrews 2:14 and 1 Corinthians 15:55,56 makes it clear where shame and perpetual reminders of “unworthiness” come from.

I assure you, if Christianity in total would be more honest of sin and it’s reality, then focus on building up one another in Love, the church would grow.
 
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SabbathBlessings

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I will put it this way, there are MANY religions that tell us not to sin and identify the same exact sins that Christianity tells us are sin. This said, only one religions says that God died to forgive our life debt of sins.

The Holy Spirit of Jesus brings about life change. The perpetual call of behavioral change within Christianity is a marginal point. No one out there doesn’t know that Christianity equals life change.

The issue arises that each person is unique and their walk is different.

The world needs to know that God does the heavy lifting and we are all in the same boat as them, in my opinion.

Hebrews 2:14 and 1 Corinthians 15:55,56 makes it clear where shame and perpetual reminders of “unworthiness” come from.

I assure you, if Christianity in total would be more honest of sin and it’s reality, then focus on building up one another in Love, the church would grow.
Christ tells us not to sin 1 John 2:1 we have an Advocate in Jesus Christ who can help us overcome our sins. Unfortunately, many churches teach we can be saved in our sins, that the devil has more power to keep us in sin than Jesus does to save us from sin. Sin is what separated us from Christ Isa 59:2 Jesus wants us to close to Him- He will give us the power to overcome sin and temptation 1 Corinthians 10:13, but we have to trust Him, which as I said requires a conversion and lifestyle change. Sadly, many want Jesus and to live in their sins, but we must choose. This is nothing about shame, we have all sinned, every one of us, but I believe Jesus has more power than the devil to keep us from sinning but sadly, the devil has convinced people we can't overcome.

What does Jesus say:

Rom 3:21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

If people are struggling with sin- here are two short videos packed with scripture on how we can overcome.....

 
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Grip Docility

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Christ tells us not to sin 1 John 2:1 we have an Advocate in Jesus Christ who can help us overcome our sins. Unfortunately, many churches teach we can be saved in our sins, that the devil has more power to keep us in sin than Jesus does to save us from sin. Sin is what separated us from Christ Isa 59:2 Jesus wants us to close to Him- He will give us the power to overcome sin and temptation 1 Corinthians 10:13, but we have to trust Him, which as I said requires a conversion and lifestyle change. Sadly, many want Jesus and to live in their sins, but we must choose. This is nothing about shame, we have all sinned, every one of us, but I believe Jesus has more power than the devil to keep us from sinning but sadly, the devil has convinced people we can't overcome.

What does Jesus say:

Rom 3:21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

If people are struggling with sin- here are two short videos packed with scripture on how we can overcome.....

Per 1 Corinthians 15:56 and Hebrews 2:14

Who condemns sinners?

Who has the power of Death?

________

What is the power behind sin?

_________

Who uses sin to condemn sinners?

___________
 
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SabbathBlessings

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Per 1 Corinthians 15:56 and Hebrews 2:14

Who condemns sinners?

Who has the power of Death ________

What is the power behind sin
_________

Who uses sin to condemn sinners
___________
Sorry, your scriptures do not show that we are saved in our sins.

The wages of sin is death, Jesus gives us another option, but sadly many choose staying in the bondage of sin than being free in Christ.

If everyone was keeping the Ten Commandments- would we be slaves to the devil or would we be free?

The scriptures answers this question.

James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

What is the law of Liberty?

James 2:10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.

We have two choices, we are either a servant of Christ or a servant to sin

Rom 6:16 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Is our devil bigger than our God? That the devil can keep us in the bondage of sin more than Jesus can free us from sin through love and faith in Him 1 John 5:3 Exo 20:6 John 14:15 Rom 3:31 Rev 14:12 and His power John 14:15-18. Sad this is even a debate. We should be rejoicing that though the power of Jesus we can overcome - if we stumble and fall we have an Advocate in Jesus who is just and faithful to forgive us 1 John 1:9 but as the scripture says we must confess and forsake our sins Prov 28:13 a Christian should not be comfortable living in perpetual sin Heb 10:26. We can overcome and as stated the scriptures are filled with ways we can, we just have to have faith in them and to do them. I think we have more hearers than doers, but we are called to be doers. Rev 22:14
 
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BNR32FAN

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Hey, thank you. I thought that Leviticus talks about avoiding these things, so I pray to God a lot about this. But yes, lust is common for humans in general. Eventually, I will come to peace about this. Paul struggled with sin, probably sin that is much more difficult to my own sins, so I am at ease in that regard.
I sometimes wonder if touching yourself is actually a sin. I know in my youth I was never strong enough to resist lust and touching yourself was the only thing that actually got rid of it. Perhaps it’s the lesser of two evils? It’s extremely difficult to repent when your body is all charged up with these hormones that are designed to perpetuate reproduction and they don’t go away just because you want them to, no matter how much you try. If it is a sin I think it’s probably the lesser sin than other alternatives. I’m fortunate to be getting up there in my age that my drive isn’t as active as it used to be which is a blessing to me because I’m not as tempted anymore.
 
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Ted-01

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I will put it this way, there are MANY religions that tell us not to sin and identify the same exact sins that Christianity tells us are sin. This said, only one religions says that God died to forgive our life debt of sins.

The Holy Spirit of Jesus brings about life change. The perpetual call of behavioral change within Christianity is a marginal point. No one out there doesn’t know that Christianity equals life change.

The issue arises that each person is unique and their walk is different.

The world needs to know that God does the heavy lifting and we are all in the same boat as them, in my opinion.

Hebrews 2:14 and 1 Corinthians 15:55,56 makes it clear where shame and perpetual reminders of “unworthiness” come from.

I assure you, if Christianity in total would be more honest of sin and it’s reality, then focus on building up one another in Love, the church would grow.
Does Phillipians 2:12-13 ESV fit in here anywhere?

Phil. 2:12-13ESV
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
 
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