How to determine what is a sin for me?

[Godislove94]

Hello everyone, newbie to the forum and a newbie to Christ here .

I'm struggling to understand a lot about living the Christian life. Right now I'm trying to figure out what is sinful for me out of the things that the Bible doesn't directly address. "Be in the world not of it" is my focus at present and it's very confusing.

First of all, what does that truly mean? I've heard it can be interpreted as anything from a simple change in attitude about things and not getting caught up in everything to the more extreme opinion that a Christian should live in complete seclusion completely cut off from society. No doubt there are certain things we should avoid, but certain things we have to do to both adhere to God's word and to survive: we have to work for a living, we have to be around people to preach the Gospel and witness, we have to obey the laws of civil government, we have to take care of others, etc. Basically I'm trying to separate the worldly from the holy. Here's what I have questions about:

1) Secular music: I gave up a lot of the modern junk that plays on all the mainstream stations, but what about instrumental or lyrics that even though they don't mention God or Christ, still have a positive message? I'm really into the smooth jazz instrumental and classical genre's, and I listen to some R&B like Anita Baker, Luther Vandross, etc. Most worship music I hear isn't that good, but I do love the church hymns. I heard a recording of "Be Thou My Vision" the other day that I really like. If it is a sin to listen to this kind of stuff I will gladly give it up. It doesn't seem to affect me the way I used to though other than it's just nice music. Television and movies I won't even bother with because there's so much garbage and filth out there it isn't worth trying to sort out the bad from the good so......

2 Occupations: This is a tough one. Almost all jobs are a part of the world some how. I ran across one website that had a list of "approved jobs for Christians" that listed being janitors, carpenters, painters, farmers, and other jobs like such as being the only acceptable jobs a Christian should have (male, anyway) while the woman should only take care of the children and the home exclusively. The author also advocated Christians not going to college at all, which is pretty convincing. Some other scriptural interpretations on this site were rather frightening, so given that fact and the Bible says the world hates Christ and doesn't want to know the truth, I'm wondering if this guy is correct.

3) Holidays: I read the thread on Christmas being pagan, but given the mixed and unsure history of what came first I'm just plain confused and a bit nervous.

4) Certain activities: I used to read and write a lot of realistic and historical fiction books, but now I only read the King James Bible and the thought of reading or doing any of the lit. stuff terrifies me that I'm going to go to hell if I even think about it, so there's one hobby I'm giving up.

Basically I see everything as a sin right now and it's a real shock to my system, but I'm glad I see things for what they really are. I only wish I could keep the fear of hell from running my Christian life and begin to enjoy it the way Christ says we will. I've heard people say that if something doesn't affect you to where you'll be tempted to sin, then it's not a sin for you......help??

 

[Emmy]

Dear Godislove94. Jesus made it easy for us to remember.
In Matthew 22: 35-40: Jesus tells a Lawyer: " The first and great Commandment is: Love God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. The second is like it: Love thy neighbour as thyself." Then Jesus points out: " On these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." God wants our Love, freely given and No condition tagged on.
Everything we say or do, everything we advice and stand for, Must Be From
Love and Compassion. Keep asking yourself: " Is Love the reason that I want to do this? or is it from selfishness or pride or even revenge or anger that I
ask it or say it?
God is Love, and God wants loving men and women. Jesus will give us his Love and Joy, and the Holy Spirit will empower us with His Love, also.
Jesus told us to " ask and ye shall receive," ( Matthew 7: 7-10) then we thank
God and share all Love and Joy with our neighbour. God will see us and God will bless us. A Christian`s great weapon is Love, love will overcome all enmity and wrong behaviour. To Love God with all our being, and love our neighbour as we love ourselves. ( treat all we know and all we meet, friends and not friends, treat them as we would love to be treated, any other way is
sin. I say this with love, Godislove. Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ

 

[Harry3142]

Godislove94-

Christianity is a society within a society. We live in the world, but we hold ourselves to stricter standards and limitations, as well as expecting other Christians to also hold themseles to these same standards and limitations. But we are not God's enforcers, so those who do not claim to be fellow believers are not to be judged by us, but only by God himself:

I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people - not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. (I Corinthians 5:9-13a,NIV)

Jesus himself taught his disciples that there were certain actions which they were to see as 'unclean,' and therefore also see as forbidden to them:

He went on, "What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.' " (The Gospel of St. Mark 7:20-23,NIV)

St. Paul also taught that there were certain motivations which were evidence that the sinful nature was dictating a person's actions, as well as certain motivations which were evidence that the Spirit was dictating a person's actions. Needless to say, the motivations which are products of the sinful nature we are to shun, and the motivations which are products of the spiritual nature we are to embrace, accepting them as our new nature as Christians:

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:16-26,NIV)

The motivations listed as 'the acts of the sinful nature' are the root cause of all sinful acts. No act which has any of the motivations listed here can be seen as anything other than evil, and that includes even those actions which try to camouflage themselves in piety. Just as a poisoned tree cannot yield good fruit, these motivations can only culminate in sinful acts.

In order for our actions to conform to God's will, the root cause of those actions must also conform to God's will. And that occurs only when the root cause is 'the fruit of the Spirit'. Just as we can identify the motivations listed as 'the acts of the sinful nature' as being the impetus for all sinful acts, we can also identify the motivations listed as 'the fruit of the Spirit' as being the impetus for all righteous acts. That's why the words which immediately follow their listing are, "Against such things there is no law."

 

[Emmy]

Dear Godislove94. In Luke 10: 25-28: Jesus is asked by a Lawyer:" Master what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus asked him: " What is written in the Law, how readest thou?" The Lawyer answered:
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself." Then Jesus said to him:
" Thou hast answered right: Do This, and thou shalt live." That tells us what is sin, and what is not sin. God wants our Love, freely given and No condition asked. Everything we say or do, everything we advice and stand for, Must Be From Love and Compassion.
Jesus told us: " Ask and ye shall receive," ( Matthew 7: 7-10) then we thank God and share all Love and Joy with our neighbour: all we know and all we meet, friends and not friends. God will see our sincere efforts, and God will bless us. God is Love, and God wants loving children/sons and daughters. Jesus our Saviour will help and guide us: Jesus Is The Way. We might stumble and forget at times, but then we ask God to forgive us, and carry on Loving and Caring. All we say or do without love or compassion, is SIN.
I say this with love, Godislove. Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ.

 

[x141]

Hello everyone, newbie to the forum and a newbie to Christ here .

I'm struggling to understand a lot about living the Christian life. Right now I'm trying to figure out what is sinful for me out of the things that the Bible doesn't directly address. "Be in the world not of it" is my focus at present and it's very confusing.

First of all, what does that truly mean? I've heard it can be interpreted as anything from a simple change in attitude about things and not getting caught up in everything to the more extreme opinion that a Christian should live in complete seclusion completely cut off from society. No doubt there are certain things we should avoid, but certain things we have to do to both adhere to God's word and to survive: we have to work for a living, we have to be around people to preach the Gospel and witness, we have to obey the laws of civil government, we have to take care of others, etc. Basically I'm trying to separate the worldly from the holy. Here's what I have questions about:

1) Secular music: I gave up a lot of the modern junk that plays on all the mainstream stations, but what about instrumental or lyrics that even though they don't mention God or Christ, still have a positive message? I'm really into the smooth jazz instrumental and classical genre's, and I listen to some R&B like Anita Baker, Luther Vandross, etc. Most worship music I hear isn't that good, but I do love the church hymns. I heard a recording of "Be Thou My Vision" the other day that I really like. If it is a sin to listen to this kind of stuff I will gladly give it up. It doesn't seem to affect me the way I used to though other than it's just nice music. Television and movies I won't even bother with because there's so much garbage and filth out there it isn't worth trying to sort out the bad from the good so......

2 Occupations: This is a tough one. Almost all jobs are a part of the world some how. I ran across one website that had a list of "approved jobs for Christians" that listed being janitors, carpenters, painters, farmers, and other jobs like such as being the only acceptable jobs a Christian should have (male, anyway) while the woman should only take care of the children and the home exclusively. The author also advocated Christians not going to college at all, which is pretty convincing. Some other scriptural interpretations on this site were rather frightening, so given that fact and the Bible says the world hates Christ and doesn't want to know the truth, I'm wondering if this guy is correct.

3) Holidays: I read the thread on Christmas being pagan, but given the mixed and unsure history of what came first I'm just plain confused and a bit nervous.

4) Certain activities: I used to read and write a lot of realistic and historical fiction books, but now I only read the King James Bible and the thought of reading or doing any of the lit. stuff terrifies me that I'm going to go to hell if I even think about it, so there's one hobby I'm giving up.

Basically I see everything as a sin right now and it's a real shock to my system, but I'm glad I see things for what they really are. I only wish I could keep the fear of hell from running my Christian life and begin to enjoy it the way Christ says we will. I've heard people say that if something doesn't affect you to where you'll be tempted to sin, then it's not a sin for you......help??

Life is full of distractions, and every one of them come from without you, and are planted as seeds in a garden that our mind in scripture is in picture form.

Our reasoning is likened firstly in Genesis to the tree of knowledge, which is our reasoning. If we don't eat then the tree yields its fruit to us without ever having touched it. This is the first sight we have of picking up our cross.

Something seems right until someone comes up with another opinion, which becomes confusion to us. In Genesis it was a serpent, but the serpent comes in many forms.

 

[TheDag]

1) Secular Music - I don't see it as a sin. Certainly there are songs out there that are not very honouring to God. I think it is a good idea to avoid these songs. Worship music can be very hit and miss and I really love some of the old hymns and wish we sung them more often but as I'm attending a charismatic church at the moment it isn't going to happen anytime soon. Of course that advice is for individual at home or listening to to an mp3 player or similar. When it comes to church services though one needs to have the right attitude. Even if you don't like the style the worship leader chooses or you don't like the songs you need to focus on having the attitude of being there to worship God with others and being available to help others if need be. I find if I have the right focus then it doesn't really matter what goes on in a service. I grew up in a traditional church so it took some time to adjust to people speaking in tongues during a church service. I decided that while people were doing that I would just say praises to God or sing a praise song and ignore what everybody else was doing.

2) Occupations - There is a bible verse that says whatever you do then do it for the glory of God. So I don't think it matters too much what occupation you have provided you are trying to glorify God while doing it. For me this has meant refusing to follow an instruction that essentially would be committing fraud. I value honesty and integrity. Certain fields it would be very hard to honour and glorify God as it is all about making money and often trampling over others. I think it is good to avoid those professions. An example might be stock trading. That doesn't mean trading stocks is bad as an individual but rather as a fulltime job.

3)Holidays - Christmas is Christian originally. The date Christmas is held is not originally Christian but pagan. Essentially Christians to make Christianity a bit more appealing took the dates of pagan celebrations and chose to have a Christian celebration so it was easier for converts and so they don't miss out. Some churches do similar stuff today by not acknowledging the tooth fairy as they think it is bad to lie to kids like that. Instead if a child loses a tooth they are encouraged to bring it to church and during kids time they hand it over and are given money for it to celebrate that they are growing. This way the kids don't miss out simply because of beliefs. I don't think it is a perfect situation but certainly one of the best ways of handling it.

4)It does seem to be a Christian man made tradition to try and make everything a sin. To spend our time racking our brain for stuff to repent from. As Emmy said if you are trying to love God with all your heart, soul & mind and loving your neighbour as yourself then you aren't really going to go wrong. Sure we all fail at times but God is loving and forgiving and understands when we fail. It makes no difference to God.

 

[IXOYEandeggsbaconandbeans]

Sin is sin.. Even if you don't think something os sinful for you.. Does not make it right if it is a sin. The problem with postmodernism is that we interpret what is sin.. We need to recognize sin for what it is.. Rebellion against God's righteous law.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Welcome to the family of Christ!!!

I'll tell you what has been my experience. God works within us to make us more like Christ. That change doesn't happen all at once, but rather is a continuing work. And each person is different. God alone knows exactly how to address sins in your life, how to best grow you, and what you are ready for.

(I'm not saying sin isn't sin, by the way ... just trying to say that we are not suddenly perfect and sinless at the moment of conversion, never to sin again - if we were, there wouldn't be the need to continually confess and receiving cleansing.)

The best way (in my opinion) to accomplish your growth in Christ is to set aside time each day to study the Scriptures, and make sure to pray and be sensitive to God's leading. Submitting yourself to wise Christian counsel you can trust is also very helpful, as is good teaching. All of these are important to keep you on track.

In my case, God immediately delivered me from certain things. I had a tendency to feel rage inside at certain things that absolutely disappeared when I was saved, never to return again. I mean the kind of rage that makes you WANT to kill someone (though I never actually considered it). But that kind of rage in the heart is the same as murder. That was obviously something God wanted to deal with right away. Other things were just not appealing to me anymore. Certain sinful lifestyle choices I had previously enjoyed I had no desire for, and stopped doing, never to look back. Other things were harder. A few months later, I failed at something I was responsible for, and had to own up to someone I was responsible to and admit it. I didn't want to, but I felt God urging me to do it. I confessed to that person, and made it right. A few months after that, I realized that I was being a bit smug because my pastor admitted rage at very trivial matters, and God had delivered me from that. While I was praying, God made me realize that MY sin was pride. Even though my pastor may have been wrong, it was also wrong of me to have grown prideful. Even more months later, I felt the urge to do something that I believe was prompted by God. I thought about it a bit, and decided to do it. I came to realize that, even though I had been obedient, it wasn't instant obedience even though I recognized it as coming from God, and that my delay was sin.

I hope you understand this rather long (sorry) narrative that what I'm trying to say is that God will convict us of sins, and those sins He convicts us of are usually the "worse" ones first, and as we respond, grown, and become more like Christ, he will begin to point out areas we still have to grow. Another person, seeing me do the thing I knew I should do, would probably never have been able to call it sin. I knew in my heart was, but only because I debated following through. A year before, that delay would not have been something I'd have been convicted of at all, even if it had been a much longer delay.

Trust God with your growth. And it didn't take long to realize that it really DOES fall down to two commandments - Love God with all your heart, and love others as you love yourself.

Be careful that a list doesn't develop into legalism. It is human nature to want a list of do's and don't-do's so that we can dutifully check off the boxes and feel ok about ourselves.

My take on your specific questions:

1) Secular music

For me myself, I am strongly impacted by music (this may or may not be true for you). I find that certain rock rhythms and beats that I used to enjoy now put me on edge, and certain of the lyrics are more glorifying of the devil (I used to listen to Meatloaf, AC/DC, Ozzy Osbourne as a teen). Those I avoid.

I seek out the Christian music that really inspires my spirit to worship. That is my favorite. I will also listen to Christian music that is more of a "background listening" type. I'm someone who enjoys music, so I do that. No problems for me. I also enjoy classical, certain instrumentals, and some ethnic music. Some classical music inspires me as worship music does, I enjoy flutes/harps/bagpipes, and zydeco is a lot of fun. I don't worry about listening to things like that, and I'm not convicted by it.

BTW, as far as TV and movies, I have actually found a lot of things rather inspirational too, but it does tend to be the older stuff. Commercials can ruin the whole thing though - they are often worse than programming.

2 Occupations: This is a tough one. Almost all jobs are a part of the world some how. I ran across one website that had a list of "approved jobs for Christians" that listed being janitors, carpenters, painters, farmers, and other jobs like such as being the only acceptable jobs a Christian should have (male, anyway) while the woman should only take care of the children and the home exclusively. The author also advocated Christians not going to college at all, which is pretty convincing. Some other scriptural interpretations on this site were rather frightening, so given that fact and the Bible says the world hates Christ and doesn't want to know the truth, I'm wondering if this guy is correct.

Well, I'm a little leery of someone giving a short list of approved occupations. David was a King and warrior, and I'm sure that's not on the list. That's an extreme example (haven't seen a job opening for king lately). But I think there are many occupations that would be fine. There are obviously a few that would make it hard to stick to your convictions, and with the current legal climate in the US (not sure where you live though?) it may be wise to consider whether you would be legally obligated to betray your convictions. But I think there are many more jobs that would be ok than those that wouldn't. As far as women ... well, the woman of Prov 31 appeared to be quite the savvy businesswoman. True, she did it for the sake of her family, but doesn't the man do the same when he goes to work? As to an education, I think it's wise to be careful what kind of education you subject yourself to, as faith can be hard to maintain in many colleges (I had a lot of professors who actively tried to squelch it when they found it). But then again, a degree is required for many noble Christian professions, so I don't think it's necessarily evil.

3) Holidays: I read the thread on Christmas being pagan, but given the mixed and unsure history of what came first I'm just plain confused and a bit nervous.

I have friends on both sides of this, and I've been on both sides of it, so I'm reluctant to spell it out for anyone else. I would say seek your own conscience, but be aware whether you feel hounded by your conscience (is the devil trying to condemn you, or are you tending to legalism or fear?) or do you sincerely believe it isn't appropriate to apply these things to your faith?

God gives us time to grow. Seek Him.

4) Certain activities: I used to read and write a lot of realistic and historical fiction books, but now I only read the King James Bible and the thought of reading or doing any of the lit. stuff terrifies me that I'm going to go to hell if I even think about it, so there's one hobby I'm giving up.

Be careful of putting too much on yourself. I've had a few friends who dedicated themselves to "only Christian things" and gave up EVERYthing. Now, that may be appropriate for some people, but I think these friends were feeling condemnation. I watched them swing from trying to cut out everything that wasn't distinctly Christian, to getting bored with that and immersing themselves back into their entertainment and fun, to feeling guilty and going back to "only Christian" ... and on and on. It wasn't pleasant to watch and has driven a couple of them into depression. I do not think this was led of God.

Remember, Jesus said his burden was light. The best times in my Christian life were when I was walking closely with God and considering everything through the lens of love. It was easy and natural to do good, and I did not feel caged in by rules and fear for my salvation. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

 

[2ndRateMind]

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Indeed.

 

[indigo tree]

I dunno. Just make sure you don't fall into the realm of "not doing." Don't hold back on life and opportunities that come your way because your confused and guilty. I grew up Catholic so I know all about guilt and wondering if I was tacking on some bad points if I watched a rated 'R' movie. Thankfully I let that go when I was a teenager.

 

[dayhiker]

Sounds to me like all the input from others is causing much confusion.

The scripture that comes to my mind is those that are lead by the Spirit will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. So I say stop reading what all these radical guys are saying, go out and live your life. The Holy Spirit will start to say do this and don't do that thru a number of means.

Much better to listen to the Spirit than men. Just because God told them to do something doesn't mean He will tell you to.

 

[pshun2404]

Since we are all weighing in (and some really good points have been brought up) bear in mind not to separate yourself entirely from "sinners" (or you will eventually be all alone and not able to be with yourself). If we are never to interact with unsaved sinners how then shall they be saved? Paul teaches for them to believe they must hear and unless someone tells them they cannot hear (Romans 10:13-14). How did you come to know Christ when you were being your pagan self? Someone came and told me and then I attended Church and by the hearing of faith I was convicted of sin and righteousness and came to this precious Christ who was coming to me. I was drawn to the Christ who had been hung on the tree for me. Therefore it was another person who was the initial place that I met Christ. How about you? You will become that for others.

What I want to share is you ARE IN THE world. You cannot avoid the world, but so not have to act as and make decisions after the rudiments of the world. You have to work and if the only job available is at a Hotel owned by Mormons it is fine to work there…do your work as unto the Lord. By the Spirit, be the best example you can to others…loving even the Mormons you may find yourself working with or for.

As for music, I must admit that over the years I listen to less and less secular music but it is not intrinsically evil, it is just music and some of it is well written and well produced and well played….having said that, lyrics which are promoting evil, death, sexual filth, drugs, and so on (?) these are not going to help! The same with TV and movies…use your discretion (decide what you want to let in through your eye and ear gates). I loved Star Wars when it first came out. I'm not ashamed to bring my kids to such a movie (they know there is not "force"). Can you discern? The same is true with movies and TV in general...You must not shelter yourself, or your children, from reality or once they meet it they will be powerless to deal with it. Old school fundamentalists would have you believe swimming is witchcraft (use your head...it is fun and kids love the beach...now if you have an unusual lust issue thats between you and God...learn to gird up the loins of the mind)…

They once said the same thing about the radio but now it is a powerful far reaching tool for the gospel. Some people (like when their was an Iron Curtain or now in some Muslim countries) would never hear God's word or about His grace in Christ without it. In other words much that is "evil" is about man taking something normal, or regular, or even good (like E=MC2) and turning it into something evil.

In addition to Emmys point about the two great commands I would add as your faith grows, to know to do good and not do it, or to know what is not good and then do it anyway, is a sin against your own conscience (interferes with sleep and well-being when awake…been there done that when I was a Spiritual baby but experiencing it was a great motivator and teacher, but the little foxes spoil the vine).

Also do not get hung up on adding continually to a long list of do’s and don’ts or you will give up. Rejoice you are a new creature in Christ. You are new babe…drink in the milk, depend on Daddy (your Abba) to love you and guide you and be there for you. Know even that sometimes you will fall as you are learning to walk…it’s okay, He knows, and He is for you…you are His child now…sometime or other you may royally mess up and He is going to whoop your butt (chastise you with His rod)…but it is all good and all for your good and 5 or 10 years from now when you look back and see how great is this grace and love and how far it has brought you, you might even cry tears of joy (I have seen big staunch bruisers break down like little babies over this incomprehensible love)

So even if you do not have all the answers it is not about measuring up (Christ already has and you are IN HIM), and when you drop your cross or fall off the road….stop there, pick it back up, and get back on the road…

Hurray family we have a new baby in the Haaoouuusss!

In His love
Paul

 

[2ndRateMind]

How to determine what is a sin for me?

Well, the first thing you have to do, is distinguish between sinful thoughts, words, and deeds, and sin itself. Sin itself is a way of being; sinful thoughts, words and deeds arise out of that way of being, and are therefore secondary.
So, this is probably a little dense, and requires some explanation...

Consider lust. Lust is quite separate from love, and the focus is on satisfying one's sexual appetite, irrespective of the well-being of the object of that lust - maybe a filmstar, maybe a spouse, maybe a vulnerable child walking home through dark streets late at night. But lust is not an action, it is the way one is, at that time. The rape that follows is the action, and it arises out of the way one is. Loveless and selfish. The rape is the crime, the sinful act, but the sin is in being how one is being.

And so I believe it to be for all sin. Sin, essentially, is a way of being that separates us from love, and therefore from God. And sin is invariably a selfishness. The early church fathers listed for us seven deadly sins - Pride, Lust, Avarice, Gluttony, Sloth, Wrath and Envy. In each of these cases, it is not what one does that is the central problem, but one's way of being. Loveless and selfish.

So my conclusion is this. If you can hang on to a selfless, loving way of being, then you are close to God and far from sin. And if you can do this, you need not worry too much about rules and regulations - they will take care of themselves.

Hope this helps, and best wishes, 2RM.

 

[Emmy]

Dear IXOYEandeggsbaconandbeans. How to determine what is...Jesus could not have told us more clearly: all we say or do, all we advice or stand for, MUST BE FROM LOVE AND COMPASSION. In Matthew 22: 35-40: Jesus tells a Lawyer: " The first and great Commandment is: Love God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
The second is like it: Love thy neighbour as thyself." Then Jesus states this great fact:
" On these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." God wants our love, freely given, and No conditions made." God is Love, and God wants Loving children/sons and daughters. Everything else is Sin, the Bible tells quite clearly: " Repent," also
" Be Born Again." God wants us to change our selfishness into Loving and Caring,
1) Love God with all our beings, and love our neighbour: i.e. all we know and all we meet,
friends and not friends, as we love ourselves. God will see our sincere efforts, and God will approve and Bless us. Matthew 7: 7-10: tells us: " ask and ye shall receive, then we thank God and share all Love and Joy with our neighbour. We keep asking God and thanking God, then share all Love and Joy with all around us.
God is Love, and God wants us to change into loving men and women. Love is very catching, and we will find that we gradually change into the people which God wants us to become. God wants our Love: " Love and Obey, and Jesus our Saviour will help and guide us: JESUS IS THE WAY. We are told that on these two Commandments TO LOVE GOD AND LOVE OUR NEIGHBOUR, hang all the Law and the Prophets. A Christian`s great weapon is Love, with love we will overcome all enmity and wrong behaviour, And
Jesus told us quite clearly: Love God with all our hearts and all our souls and all our minds, also love our neighbour as we love ourselves. God wants our love, feely given and NO conditions tagged on. What is so hard to Love as we are being told???
I say this with love, IXOYE. Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ.

 

[SkyWriting]

I'm struggling to understand a lot about living the Christian life. Right now I'm trying to figure out what is sinful for me out of the things that the Bible doesn't directly address. "Be in the world not of it" is my focus at present and it's very confusing.

Sin is separation from God. The Bible is not the rule book. It simply illustrates in many different ways stories of people who have come to know God. According to the Bible, The Bible is not required reading.

New International Version
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

 

[steve_bakr]

Hello everyone, newbie to the forum and a newbie to Christ here .

I'm struggling to understand a lot about living the Christian life. Right now I'm trying to figure out what is sinful for me out of the things that the Bible doesn't directly address. "Be in the world not of it" is my focus at present and it's very confusing.

First of all, what does that truly mean? I've heard it can be interpreted as anything from a simple change in attitude about things and not getting caught up in everything to the more extreme opinion that a Christian should live in complete seclusion completely cut off from society. No doubt there are certain things we should avoid, but certain things we have to do to both adhere to God's word and to survive: we have to work for a living, we have to be around people to preach the Gospel and witness, we have to obey the laws of civil government, we have to take care of others, etc. Basically I'm trying to separate the worldly from the holy. Here's what I have questions about:

1) Secular music: I gave up a lot of the modern junk that plays on all the mainstream stations, but what about instrumental or lyrics that even though they don't mention God or Christ, still have a positive message? I'm really into the smooth jazz instrumental and classical genre's, and I listen to some R&B like Anita Baker, Luther Vandross, etc. Most worship music I hear isn't that good, but I do love the church hymns. I heard a recording of "Be Thou My Vision" the other day that I really like. If it is a sin to listen to this kind of stuff I will gladly give it up. It doesn't seem to affect me the way I used to though other than it's just nice music. Television and movies I won't even bother with because there's so much garbage and filth out there it isn't worth trying to sort out the bad from the good so......

2 Occupations: This is a tough one. Almost all jobs are a part of the world some how. I ran across one website that had a list of "approved jobs for Christians" that listed being janitors, carpenters, painters, farmers, and other jobs like such as being the only acceptable jobs a Christian should have (male, anyway) while the woman should only take care of the children and the home exclusively. The author also advocated Christians not going to college at all, which is pretty convincing. Some other scriptural interpretations on this site were rather frightening, so given that fact and the Bible says the world hates Christ and doesn't want to know the truth, I'm wondering if this guy is correct.

3) Holidays: I read the thread on Christmas being pagan, but given the mixed and unsure history of what came first I'm just plain confused and a bit nervous.

4) Certain activities: I used to read and write a lot of realistic and historical fiction books, but now I only read the King James Bible and the thought of reading or doing any of the lit. stuff terrifies me that I'm going to go to hell if I even think about it, so there's one hobby I'm giving up.

Basically I see everything as a sin right now and it's a real shock to my system, but I'm glad I see things for what they really are. I only wish I could keep the fear of hell from running my Christian life and begin to enjoy it the way Christ says we will. I've heard people say that if something doesn't affect you to where you'll be tempted to sin, then it's not a sin for you......help??

It is alright as a Christian to engage with the world. I would not give up jazz, literature, or writing if I were in your shoes. I am currently studying a philosophical work, Being and Time, by Heidegger. I also study theology, but I don't feel that as a Christian I must limit myself to Christian books.

 

[LARMOG]

Dear Godislov94,

That is a great question but the perspective may be more important than listing specific do's and don't's! If the goal of a Christian is mediocrity, he may desire to sin as much as possible and still be saved. If He want to experience and serve God at the highest level possible, he may avoid things in his life for the sake of purity! Eating a lot of twinkles may not necessarily be considered a sin for most but for an athlete training for the olympics it would be. We cannot be as worldly as possible and as godly as possible at the same time. See Galatians 5!