Is It A Sin to touch?

[threeinone]

We know that Jesus was tempted in all the things that we’ve been tempted in. In fact, our frustrations (bills, boring job, nagging wife, cheatin husband, children in trouble, jail, drugs, alcohol, abusive parents, being hated by family members) pale compared to the frustrations and suffering our Lord experienced during His ministry. The experience Christ has with regards to horrible suffering (and we all know he greatly suffered) serves us all well because Jesus, through the Holy Spirit and through those that have been sanctioned, can help us overcome these temptations by giving us sound advice in a Spirit of compassion and love.

And if we all worked with the Living Christ, towards elevating ourselves to conform to His likeness, we would all desire one another even more than we do now. And that tremendous desire for each other translates itself as needing one another.

Great post Rock

I have been thinking a lot about the word "lust" because it has been bothering me....the almost lustful use of the word "lust".........

lust (l

st) n. 1. Intense or unrestrained sexual craving.
2. a. An overwhelming desire or craving: a lust for power.
b. Intense eagerness or enthusiasm: a lust for life.

3. Obsolete Pleasure; relish.

intr.v. lust·ed, lust·ing, lusts To have an intense or obsessive desire, especially one that is sexual.

I cannot help but think that not all masturbating is "intense" or "unrestrained" sexual craving. From the female point of view, I don't lust that way and I am just suspecting that most men also don't actually lust according to the definition. Sometimes I find that we grab a hold of a word and wring it until the blood oozes out and I just suspect that lust is one of them. Lust is an intense or obsessive desire for anything, not just sexual.

 

[Rockbysea]

Great post Rock

I have been thinking a lot about the word "lust" because it has been bothering me....the almost lustful use of the word "lust"......... 
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Thanks Threeinone: I agree with your posted definition of lust. This thread though is rightly dedicated to a particular form of lust, one that is extremely popular and needs to be addressed because many have mixed feelings about it.

The thing folks should always consider is that there are varying degrees of sin and not to get discouraged because of our struggles with this. And I say our struggles because I include myself. That’s what this whole thing is all about, struggling against the desires of the flesh and against the things that tempt the flesh, overcoming the flesh and then using that experience to encourage others to fight a winnable battle. It’s a “good fight,” …the best fight I know and it’s sure feels nice to give it a big kick in the butt every now and then. If we take our calling very seriously we can all work together by helping each other press towards overcoming all sin. This is exactly what Christ would want us to do.

 

[threeinone]

Thanks Threeinone: I agree with your posted definition of lust. This thread though is rightly dedicated to a particular form of lust, one that is extremely popular and needs to be addressed because many have mixed feelings about it.

The thing folks should always consider is that there are varying degrees of sin and not to get discouraged because of our struggles with this. And I say our struggles because I include myself. That’s what this whole thing is all about, struggling against the desires of the flesh and against the things that tempt the flesh, overcoming the flesh and then using that experience to encourage others to fight a winnable battle. It’s a “good fight,” …the best fight I know and it’s sure feels nice to give it a big kick in the butt every now and then. If we take our calling very seriously we can all work together by helping each other press towards overcoming all sin. This is exactly what Christ would want us to do.

I don't think that overcoming all sin is the objective. We live in sin. To sin is our nature. To desire to eradicate sin is to deny out nature as human beings. I especially find the quest against enjoyment of the flesh that God gave us to be objectionable. Not that I wish to sin sexually to any great degree, but to not be able to enjoy our bodies by ourselves when we have not a partner or spouse, to me seems rather ridiculous, and this calling it flesh and giving in to flesh - it is body, my body, a house for God and I tend it as best I can. It is only flesh when it is misused and no one has a right to call it flesh but God for He knows. I am not out to eradicate all sin for if we do this thing, we have no need of each other or God or anything. It is sin that we are born to and it only makes sense to me to strive to defy it as much as possible rather than attempt to eradicate it.

When all sin is eradicated, life on this earth is over. Why can't we talk in less sever terms. After all, this is a Christian forum. I remember somebody somewhere talking about we humans being dirty, filthy rags, decrepit sinners blah, blah, blah in the sight of God, not a nice word said of humans. I just found my self worth and I am tired of everybody trying to take it away.

 

[Rockbysea]

I don't think that overcoming all sin is the objective. We live in sin. To sin is our nature. To desire to eradicate sin is to deny out nature as human beings. I especially find the quest against enjoyment of the flesh that God gave us to be objectionable. Not that I wish to sin sexually to any great degree, but to not be able to enjoy our bodies by ourselves when we have not a partner or spouse, to me seems rather ridiculous, and this calling it flesh and giving in to flesh - it is body, my body, a house for God and I tend it as best I can. It is only flesh when it is misused and no one has a right to call it flesh but God for He knows. I am not out to eradicate all sin for if we do this thing, we have no need of each other or God or anything. It is sin that we are born to and it only makes sense to me to strive to defy it as much as possible rather than attempt to eradicate it.

When all sin is eradicated, life on this earth is over. Why can't we talk in less sever terms. After all, this is a Christian forum. I remember somebody somewhere talking about we humans being dirty, filthy rags, decrepit sinners blah, blah, blah in the sight of God, not a nice word said of humans. I just found my self worth and I am tired of everybody trying to take it away.

I appreciate your views on this threeinone. It is very interesting to see the different views on this matter.

But I’ll go out on a limb here, then I’ll go duck for cover as Gukkor did:

- Christ called me to get a new nature, not a nature of sin but a nature like His own (duck!)

- I want to totally eradicate sin from my body and to deny my former nature as a human being and live here as a spirit being encapsulated by a fleshly tent – (block shot plus duck!)

- I find that all the pleasure of the flesh means nothing and is nothing compared to the pleasure my Father will give me when He sends His Son to get me out of this rotten place. (crouching in the corner behind the sofa!)

- This “body of death” that I currently possess, is like a parasite beside the oceans of the earth compared to the glorious divine eternal body that my Father has prepared for me. (Leaping over the sofa and headed for the front door!)

- The mind of a good soldier desires to eradicate the enemy, and sin is the enemy of the Soldiers of Christ (out the front door peelin towards Main & 3rd )

 

[threeinone]

I appreciate your views on this threeinone. It is very interesting to see the different views on this matter.

But I’ll go out on a limb here, then I’ll go duck for cover as Gukkor did:

- Christ called me to get a new nature, not a nature of sin but a nature like His own (duck!)

- I want to totally eradicate sin from my body and to deny my former nature as a human being and live here as a spirit being encapsulated by a fleshly tent – (block shot plus duck!)

- I find that all the pleasure of the flesh means nothing and is nothing compared to the pleasure my Father will give me when He sends His Son to get me out of this rotten place. (crouching in the corner behind the sofa!)

- This “body of death” that I currently possess, is like a parasite beside the oceans of the earth compared to the glorious divine eternal body that my Father has prepared for me. (Leaping over the sofa and headed for the front door!)

- The mind of a good soldier desires to eradicate the enemy, and sin is the enemy of the Soldiers of Christ (out the front door peelin towards Main & 3rd )

good belly laugh here. Laughing is good for the soul. You need not duck, block, leap, run for cover or anything. Just different ways of life. I choose to not think about the sins of the body and I concentrate on the beauty of my soul. I invite God into my soul and He sweeps it clean for there is only room for Him in my soul. Soul swept clean, God settled in, and I am a good person which is all I ever want to be and the sins that I commit God sweeps away or He waits for me to kneel before Him again in prayer and He immediately gets the broom out. Today, I accidentally asked Him to sweep away a part of me that I need very much. That part of me emerged later, had hidden, knowing my need.

My only question is "why concentrate on the evil when there is so much good to concentrate on". Then I remember that whatever works for you is good for you. No ducking Rock, or leaping, until I am out of the way

 

[Gukkor]

I don't think that overcoming all sin is the objective. We live in sin. To sin is our nature. To desire to eradicate sin is to deny out nature as human beings. I especially find the quest against enjoyment of the flesh that God gave us to be objectionable. Not that I wish to sin sexually to any great degree, but to not be able to enjoy our bodies by ourselves when we have not a partner or spouse, to me seems rather ridiculous, and this calling it flesh and giving in to flesh - it is body, my body, a house for God and I tend it as best I can. It is only flesh when it is misused and no one has a right to call it flesh but God for He knows. I am not out to eradicate all sin for if we do this thing, we have no need of each other or God or anything. It is sin that we are born to and it only makes sense to me to strive to defy it as much as possible rather than attempt to eradicate it.

When all sin is eradicated, life on this earth is over. Why can't we talk in less sever terms. After all, this is a Christian forum. I remember somebody somewhere talking about we humans being dirty, filthy rags, decrepit sinners blah, blah, blah in the sight of God, not a nice word said of humans. I just found my self worth and I am tired of everybody trying to take it away.

Unfortunately, many Christians have taken the fact that God is perfect and we're not and twisted it into one mother of an inferiority complex.

 

[Rockbysea]

good belly laugh here. Laughing is good for the soul. You need not duck, block, leap, run for cover or anything. Just different ways of life. I choose to not think about the sins of the body and I concentrate on the beauty of my soul. I invite God into my soul and He sweeps it clean for there is only room for Him in my soul. Soul swept clean, God settled in, and I am a good person which is all I ever want to be and the sins that I commit God sweeps away or He waits for me to kneel before Him again in prayer and He immediately gets the broom out. Today, I accidentally asked Him to sweep away a part of me that I need very much. That part of me emerged later, had hidden, knowing my need.

My only question is "why concentrate on the evil when there is so much good to concentrate on". Then I remember that whatever works for you is good for you. No ducking Rock, or leaping, until I am out of the way

Hey Love, I have no doubt that every time you kneel before Him in prayer and confess these rather little sins He takes out His broom, after cleaning off all of my crap, and sweeps them all away.

It’s not really concentrating on evil but being aware of the enemy and his deceitful cunningness. This is warfare, and the most vicious kind. As I gain ground I firmly fortify what I’ve conquered and continue to watch for the enemy. I am a vicious warrior in Christ…I would like to be like His she-lion, like a little kingdom of Solomon during the peak of Israel’s reign, not to be messed with by the enemy, only in the midst of Vancouver. They had peace on all sides because those pagan nations on the outside new that there was a great God in Israel and Jerusalem was like His Lioness and the dwelling place of the Lord.

 

[JesseRaymondBassett]

Jesus would absolutely spend his time on a computer forum with those who profess His name and discusses issues regarding the salvation of souls.

AMEN!

 

[Rockbysea]

AMEN!

 

[Gukkor]

 

[Rockbysea]

 

[threeinone]

 

[Rockbysea]

couldn't think of anything else,,,i believe that is called a "brain freeze"....no "brain freeze" icons

 

[Stan53]

Well?

Yes.

 

[Rockbysea]

Nothing, it's simply an example of my actual point, that being that the Bible isn't always black and white on everything.

Just noticed this post rather late and thought I'd better comment:

The bible is a small recorded portion of all the words that have been spoken by godly men (men who belong to God and are of God and keep His commandments and speak precisely according to the Holy Spirit).

Therefore does God mix black and white? Does God speak in gray terms (a mixture of black and white)? No! It's not the bible that's not alway black and white but it's the misunderstanding of the scriptures that makes the bible appear not always black and white. What God says is black is black. What God says is white is white. Therefore the bible is black and white on all things. Wether or not this is understood is a different matter.

 

[threeinone]

Just noticed this post rather late and thought I'd better comment:

The bible is a small recorded portion of all the words that have been spoken by godly men (men who belong to God and are of God and keep His commandments and speak precisely according to the Holy Spirit).

Therefore does God mix black and white? Does God speak in gray terms (a mixture of black and white)? No! It's not the bible that's not alway black and white but it's the misunderstanding of the scriptures that makes the bible appear not always black and white. What God says is black is black. What God says is white is white. Therefore the bible is black and white on all things. Wether or not this is understood is a different matter.

Yes, what the bible says is black and white. And yes, there are many parts of the bible that are open to interpretation. And yes, mankind does not live in a black and white world.....DOES NOT live in a black and white world, Mankind lives in a gray world where things can be very confusing and the best remedy is people who try to understand and help rather than spewing black and white stuff. People need to arrive there with help rather than being whipped into shape. And believe it or not, God is the first to be understanding because He created this world with all its contradictions.

 

[Quantos]

Is everything in the Bible Black & White ? Nope.

Proof:
Is Meat offered to idols good or bad ?

 

[djbcrawford]

Is everything in the Bible Black & White ? Nope.

Proof:
Is Meat offered to idols good or bad ?

While many things in the bible are black and white, there are also times where the bible says it depends on the situation (as above). Another example is Paul telling people at a particular time it is better to be single.

I think the bible contains things we should do, things we shouldn't do, and things to be careful about. It's like the Highway Code. Stop at a red light, don't stop on a clearway and be careful at a bend or hill. Yet would you say the highway code is black and white?

For example, many churches are very down on alcohol, yet while the bible warns about the effects of alcohol, it doesn't say it is wrong. So is it wrong to drink alcohol?

Well, if you end up fighting, breaking things and beating up your wife then it is wrong for you to drink alcohol.

If you can quite happily sit and have a beer with your mates or a glass of wine with your meal then it's fine.

If you are having a meal with someone who has an alcohol problem then it's probably better if you don't have one.

Is that black, white or grey?

 

[Rockbysea]

...the best remedy is people who try to understand and help rather than spewing black and white stuff. People need to arrive there with help rather than being whipped into shape. And believe it or not, God is the first to be understanding because He created this world with all its contradictions

When Christ speaks, the words He speaks are black and white, meaning, what is black He calls black and what is white He calls white. Those who are born of God and belong to Christ speak exactly the same way and of the same Spirit. Many who receive those words may find them harsh because they may contradict the way they live and may feel as though they are “being whipped into shape.”

God is very understanding but not because He created a world with “all its contradictions”. God did not create this world but He did created the heavens and the earth. We created this world with all its contradictions, which is why we are called out of this world into the world of the Kingdom of God where there is no contradictions.

 

[Rockbysea]

While many things in the bible are black and white, there are also times where the bible says it depends on the situation (as above). Another example is Paul telling people at a particular time it is better to be single.

I think the bible contains things we should do, things we shouldn't do, and things to be careful about. It's like the Highway Code. Stop at a red light, don't stop on a clearway and be careful at a bend or hill. Yet would you say the highway code is black and white?

For example, many churches are very down on alcohol, yet while the bible warns about the effects of alcohol, it doesn't say it is wrong. So is it wrong to drink alcohol?

Well, if you end up fighting, breaking things and beating up your wife then it is wrong for you to drink alcohol.

If you can quite happily sit and have a beer with your mates or a glass of wine with your meal then it's fine.

If you are having a meal with someone who has an alcohol problem then it's probably better if you don't have one.

Is that black, white or grey?

Great Post:

Well, if you end up fighting, breaking things and beating up your wife then it is wrong for you to drink alcohol. (BLACK)

If you can quite happily sit and have a beer with your mates or a glass of wine with your meal then it's fine. (WHITE)

If you are having a meal with someone who has an alcohol problem (BLACK)

To abstain from drinking with a person who has an alcohol problem (WHITE)

To occasionally drink with a person who has an alcohol problem is not grey but (BLACK).