Struggling With Sin

[ToBeLoved]

Who is any man to say that what the Lord has said is His is not good enough?

 

[Gideons300]

The fact of the matter is, that being washed in the blood of Jesus Christ, we are enough. If Jesus says that He is our advocate and NO ONE can remove us from His right hand, then I'll have to say that you are wrong and do not know God's Word.

Please state verses to support your 'God's children are not enough' theory?

Please re-read what I wrote. We are in a time of peace. The dark days are not here, not like they are going to be. So, in good times, are we able to walk in victory, possessing our vessels in sanctification and honor? God says this:

"If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, what will you do when the horsemen arrive?"

Jesus said that we would be wise to dig deep, and make sure our foundation is Him alone, not us with Him as co-pilot. Everyone can build a house that outwardly looks strong and secure when there is no storm. But when the storm comes, and it is, many will find that they have never truly counted the cost of their salvation and great will be the fall of it.

It seems so..... normal..... right now, doesn't it? This is when we need to redeem the time, for the days are evil, and getting moreso.

Blessings,

Gids

 

[Gideons300]

The fact of the matter is, that being washed in the blood of Jesus Christ, we are enough. If Jesus says that He is our advocate and NO ONE can remove us from His right hand, then I'll have to say that you are wrong and do not know God's Word.

Please state verses to support your 'God's children are not enough' theory?

Well, if you want to go to the scriptures, it says that no one external to us can remove us out of His hand. The scriptures tell us that we can indeed walk away from God. It warns us that if we sin willfully, there remains no more sacrifice for sins and that by doing so, we are in essence rebuilding what He destroyed.

As long as that lie is perpetuated that once we say 'the prayer', even if we end up reprobate and even unrepentant sinners, God still has our mansion reserved in heaven for us, we will continue to hide from the truth that will make us real overcomers.

Blessings,

Gideon

 

[Messy]

I have struggled with homosexual tendencies for years now. And I have had other Christians tell that just having the temptation for that kind of lifestyle is sin. Is this true? Do you think that God is going to throw me into hell because of my temptations?

I am fighting my temptations.

No temptation is not sin. I get tempted sometimes with that rarely and say no. I know a guy who still calls himself homosexual since he's not attracted to women. He said since he got born again it got less and less and now he almost never gets those thoughts anymore. He hangs around with other celibate gay christians.
You can say no when you know that that fleshly nature died with Christ and you are set free from lust. Homosexuals get set free instantly when they go to T.B. Joshua. It's on youtube. He also prays for viewers.
And you have to get baptized in the Spirit. If you sinned confess and it's done away. Don't expect it to always be like this. If everyone who got tempted by sin was thrown into hell it would be very empty in heaven. I went to a Bible study. Deeper with the Holy Spirit. He said if you try yourself to not sin you will never succeed. The Holy Spirit helps you with thst, but we need to be totally full with Him. He put a cup in a bowl with water and said: this is baptism.
He gave an example. A man has Jesus in his heart. He lives with him on the second floor in the living room.
The bell goes. The devil. He opens the door, he comes in and bullies him the whole day. At night he is exhausted. He prays. Oh Lord You also want to live on the first floor? Okay.
Next day the devil is on the third floor at the window. He lets him in and he bullies him the whole day on the third floor. At night he is exhausted and prays. Oh Lord You also want to live on the 3rd floor? Okay.
Next day he sees a bird at the window by the roof. He opens the window and the devil comes in and bullies him the whole day. Same thing.
Next day the bell rings. It's the devil. Jesus opens and he says: oh wrong house.

Btw the Holy Spirit helps you and doesn't leave you when you sin. When you start living in sin, have a sexual relationship, you leave Him.

 

[ToBeLoved]

Well, if you want to go to the scriptures, it says that no one external to us can remove us out of His hand. The scriptures tell us that we can indeed walk away from God. It warns us that if we sin willfully, there remains no more sacrifice for sins and that by doing so, we are in essence rebuilding what He destroyed.

As long as that lie is perpetuated that once we say 'the prayer', even if we end up reprobate and even unrepentant sinners, God still has our mansion reserved in heaven for us, we will continue to hide from the truth that will make us real overcomers.

Blessings,

Gideon

I don't think so.

I think it says NO ONE can remove them from my right hand when the Father has given them to me.


John 10:28
"and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand"" I and the Father are one."

 

[Gideons300]

I don't think so.

I think it says NO ONE can remove them from my right hand when the Father has given them to me.


John 10:28
"and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand"" I and the Father are one."

And that is true to every single one of the elect. But we have an issue. We do not KNOW we are the elect. How do we prove that we are? We walk in the light as he is in the light. We endure to the end. We make our calling and election sure. We resist the advances and temptations of the devil steadfast in the faith.

We are told that because sin will abound in the last days, the agape love of many will wax cold. Yes, godly love will actually die out in their hearts. Were these not safe? They certainly thought they were. Remember, on the last day, those who came to Christ for their reward were shocked to hear that in truth, they were never His at all. We are told through the parables that when Jesus returns, many that were His servants got infatuated with worldly endeavors, and were too busy to watch and pray, too confidant in their prayer of salvation that they simply ignored the multitude of warnings tells us to watch and pray so that we are not robbed of our reward. Is He saying we can be??

Yes.

Blessings,

Gids

 

[ToBeLoved]

And that is true to every single one of the elect. But we have an issue. We do not KNOW we are the elect. How do we prove that we are? We walk in the light as he is in the light. We endure to the end. We make our calling and election sure. We resist the advances and temptations of the devil steadfast in the faith.

We are told that because sin will abound in the last days, the agape love of many will wax cold. Yes, godly love will actually die out in their hearts. Were these not safe? They certainly thought they were. Remember, on the last day, those who came to Christ for their reward were shocked to hear that in truth, they were never His at all. We are told through the parables that when Jesus returns, many that were His servants got infatuated with worldly endeavors, and were too busy to watch and pray, too confidant in their prayer of salvation that they simply ignored the multitude of warnings tells us to watch and pray so that we are not robbed of our reward. Is He saying we can be??

Yes.

Blessings,

Gids

If you do not know that you are the elect, that is your issue. It sounds like you are depending upon your own knowledge rather than what God says. That is too bad, but please do not give opinion that you are not backing up with scripture.

However the Word tells us that whoever believes upon Him should not perish but have eternal life. Our promise that we are God's own is the Holy Spirit. That is biblical.

 

[Gideons300]

If you do not know that you are the elect, that is your issue. It sounds like you are depending upon your own knowledge rather than what God says. That is too bad, but please do not give opinion that you are not backing up with scripture.

However the Word tells us that whoever believes upon Him should not perish but have eternal life. Our promise that we are God's own is the Holy Spirit. That is biblical.

But do you not see? Both wheat and tares both believe they are the elect!How do we know we are the elect for real? We obey. If the fruits of the spirit are not forthcoming in our lives, is it not time to examining ourselves, whether we be in the faith? Why would God tell us to do so, if there was no chance we were being led astray? Why were we told by Paul to press, to hold fast, to resist, to be not ignorant of satan's devices?

When we finally examine ourselves, based not upon how we are doing compared to all our friends, but based solely upon what God said would occur in our lives if we truly were His, it will bring us to our knees once again. And it is there, where we cry out like Paul did in Romans 7 to be delivered from our wretched old nature, that we will find the door swings open to our rest in Romans 8. But as long as we remain in the old nature, and find contentment there, with our old nature still ruling the roost, the jury is out as to whether we be wheat or tares.

What does our heart long for? His will in our lives, or our will, with His blessing? That sliver of a question is what will separate the sheep from the goats in these last days.

Blessings,

Gids

 

[ToBeLoved]

But do you not see? Both wheat and tares both believe they are the elect!How do we know we are the elect for real? We obey. If the fruits of the spirit are not forthcoming in our lives, is it not time to examining ourselves, whether we be in the faith? Why would God tell us to do so, if there was no chance we were being led astray? Why were we told by Paul to press, to hold fast, to resist, to be not ignorant of satan's devices?

When we finally examine ourselves, based not upon how we are doing compared to all our friends, but based solely upon what God said would occur in our lives if we truly were His, it will bring us to our knees once again. And it is there, where we cry out like Paul did in Romans 7 to be delivered from our wretched old nature, that we will find the door swings open to our rest in Romans 8. But as long as we remain in the old nature, and find contentment there, with our old nature still ruling the roost, the jury is out as to whether we be wheat or tares.

What does our heart long for? His will in our lives, or our will, with His blessing? That sliver of a question is what will separate the sheep from the goats in these last days.

Blessings,

Gids

So in essence you force yourself to produce 'fruit of the Spirit' to convince yourself you are saved?

That's odd since it is the Holy Spirit that does all things.

Ummm. Ok. Whatever floats your boat.

 

[Gideons300]

So in essence you force yourself to produce 'fruit of the Spirit' to convince yourself you are saved?

That's odd since it is the Holy Spirit that does all things.

Ummm. Ok. Whatever floats your boat.

Force myself? LOL. Let's see. I tried that approach for 38 years and failed miserably. I am saying nothing of the kind. I am saying that the gospel of Jesus Christ promises us that if we are abiding in Him by faith alone. reckoning that it is no more us that live (the old man) but Christ who now lives in us (the new man), then fruits WILL grow. And is this not exactly what God promised the new covenant would do for us.... cause us to walk in obedience to Him.

Our job, despite what we have been taught, is not to produce fruit, but to make our tree good. And praise God, when we stop trying to grow from flesh to spirit man, and put off the old nature by a radical, desperate act of faith alone, we are doing that very thing, making our tree good. And what will be the result of such audacity... such looking away from us, whether it be our strength or our weakness, and simply taking our Jesus at His word that our old rebellious nature really did die on Calvary? Well, it is easy. A good tree CANNOT bear bad fruit! The being changed into His likeness finally kicks into full gear.

When we get hungry enough to believe such a thing, that it MUST be true if we are ever able to show the world Christ in us, we will be amazed at what our Jesus will do. Being forgiven for our sins is a glorious thing, but being delivered from the power of darkness is the culmination of the fullness of the glorious gospel of Christ. He is not waiting for more effort from us. He is waiting for more faith in His goodness. Can He cause us to will and to do of His good pleasure? You bet He can.

Blessings, dear sister

Gids

 

[Svt4Him]

So my question is, do we see this principle working in the church? Are the elder Christians less and less worldly, more holy, more victorious over self and sin? It all sounds nice in theory, but how long does one wait to see things that once dominated him under his feet where they belong?

They should be. They are held to a higher account. Not only that, but they should be holier next year than they are now...as we all should be.

Do we understand that multitudes have left the body of Christ because no one is telling them HOW to walk as overcomers? Somehow, it is just supposed to happen. When it doesn't, and after many fruitless years they are still wandering in the wilderness, not enjoying life as an overcomer in the promised land, they simply drift away. Our logic? We say they must not have ever been called to begin with.

Nope, people leave the body for many reasons. Like my kids, I won't let them blame another, that is their choice.

In these last days, we are going to find more and more saints who are tired of defeat and compromise and a flesh that refuses to bow the knee to God, worn out of being healed only slightly, saying 'peace peace' when they are not walking in it. More and more, saints are wanting something that works when satan comes tempting, not tired clichés that keep us hanging on by the fingernails, promising g much but never delivering the goods, the power to say no to the enemy.

Ya, and my garbage day is Tuesday next week. True, but has nothing to do with anything. Oh, sorry, it's Wednesday. We have thanksgiving so it bumps it a day.

We are not to walk on the highway TO holiness, but the highway OF holiness. But until we want it more than our daily bread, I fear all will remain just as it is, and based upon what is coming at us on the horizon, what we have is simply not going to be enough.

Blessings,

Gideon

Is this an ac/dc song? Again, sounds nice, but means nothing. Everyone thinks they are on the highway to holiness, the fear of God will make sure one is walking the narrow road, but even then it's a process. As for what we have for those who hold on to Christ, it will be enough, BUT it may look different for each and every one of us, that's why angels reap the harvest, not us.

 

[Svt4Him]

So in essence you force yourself to produce 'fruit of the Spirit' to convince yourself you are saved?

That's odd since it is the Holy Spirit that does all things.

Ummm. Ok. Whatever floats your boat.

I heard a funny quote. If the spirit you have only make you laugh and dance but doesn't make you holy, it's not the Holy Spirit but it may be ADHD.

But whatever floats your boat.

 

[Viren]

From my experience if I don't spend time in prayer everyday I become very weak against temptations and there are more temptations. But if I set aside time to be with God everyday in Spirit then it's like a shield and I become strong in Spirit. Temptation is just desire and thought. First you have a desire then through thinking you plan out how you will sin. If you consistently spend time in Spirit then your mind will be transformed and the thinking that causes you to sin won't be there anymore. That's true freedom.

 

[Gideons300]

They should be. They are held to a higher account. Not only that, but they should be holier next year than they are now...as we all should be.

So, is that how it is working? In the church? In us? Does the world see the change? Enough to be convinced we are not hypocrites but really are growing up into Him in all things? Have you heard any in the world exclaim "Behold how they love one another!"? Yeah, me either. But we will hear such a thing.... and more, when we awake and light our lamps. It is coming, whether we believe it or not. The only question for each one of us is, when we are faced with the choice of hating our lives to let Him reign in us, or holding on to control and stay nicely religious and forgiven, but in no way free indeed as Christ promises us......will we lose our lives to let Him reign inside us?

That is the valley of decision awaiting each of us, and no matter how hard we try, we cannot avoid it, for to make no decision is to make the wrong one.

Blessings,

Gids

 

[Gideons300]

From my experience if I don't spend time in prayer everyday I become very weak against temptations and there are more temptations. But if I set aside time to be with God everyday in Spirit then it's like a shield and I become strong in Spirit. Temptation is just desire and thought. First you have a desire then through thinking you plan out how you will sin. If you consistently spend time in Spirit then your mind will be transformed and the thinking that causes you to sin won't be there anymore. That's true freedom.

Viren, I agree with what you say. However, this was my experience as I tried for those many years to please God with my walk, my devotion, my desire to obey Him in all things. Maybe this strikes a chord with others who long to please their God but find that it is not just difficult to do so 24/7, it is in truth impossible without a miracle.

I would draw near for a while, get full, but then I would 'leak'. One slip, and there went my victory. I simply could not consistently resist the pull of the world, the day-to-day events that seemed to take my mind and my heart off God. Now, if I slipped, of course I could repent, confess it and set my eyes back on Jesus, but here is what would happen. My shield of faith that Christ would keep me from falling again became smaller, thinner, less effective, and the whole, sin, repent, believe cycle became just that, a repetitive thing.

Jesus talked about that freedom you referred to, and my prayer is that we finally see that the free indeed Jesus referred to is more than what we have believed. He said concerning this freedom He spoke of, that when we commit sin, we are at that instant a slave to sin, and that is not the freedom He promised us. The question before us is..... can He keep us from falling? Can He change us, make us truly new creatures, where we no longer want to sin at all, and when faced with temptation, trust that He will do as He promised and make a way of escape for us.... and then CAUSE US to take it! THAT is free indeed, glory to God.

Blessings, brother

Gideon

 

[Viren]

Viren, I agree with what you say. However, this was my experience as I tried for those many years to please God with my walk, my devotion, my desire to obey Him in all things. Maybe this strikes a chord with others who long to please their God but find that it is not just difficult to do so 24/7, it is in truth impossible without a miracle.

I would draw near for a while, get full, but then I would 'leak'. One slip, and there went my victory. I simply could not consistently resist the pull of the world, the day-to-day events that seemed to take my mind and my heart off God. Now, if I slipped, of course I could repent, confess it and set my eyes back on Jesus, but here is what would happen. My shield of faith that Christ would keep me from falling again became smaller, thinner, less effective, and the whole, sin, repent, believe cycle became just that, a repetitive thing.

Jesus talked about that freedom you referred to, and my prayer is that we finally see that the free indeed Jesus referred to is more than what we have believed. He said concerning this freedom He spoke of, that when we commit sin, we are at that instant a slave to sin, and that is not the freedom He promised us. The question before us is..... can He keep us from falling? Can He change us, make us truly new creatures, where we no longer want to sin at all, and when faced with temptation, trust that He will do as He promised and make a way of escape for us.... and then CAUSE US to take it! THAT is free indeed, glory to God.

Blessings, brother

Gideon

Yeah, I think a lot it is being fully convinced that our way doesn't work and letting him have full control. That's when the seemingly impossible can start to happen. Then once you get a taste of that freedom you'll have more desire to stand firm when the fiery arrows are coming toward you and know they can't harm you. All I know is if I don't spend quality time with God everyday in prayer my life goes down really fast so that's ultimately the answer.

 

[Gideons300]

Yeah, I think a lot it is being fully convinced that our way doesn't work and letting him have full control. That's when the seemingly impossible can start to happen. Then once you get a taste of that freedom you'll have more desire to stand firm when the fiery arrows are coming toward you and know they can't harm you. All I know is if I don't spend quality time with God everyday in prayer my life goes down really fast so that's ultimately the answer.

Viren, may God bless you in your pursuit of Him. Thank you for sharing your heart.

Gids

 

[ToBeLoved]

So, is that how it is working? In the church? In us? Does the world see the change? Enough to be convinced we are not hypocrites but really are growing up into Him in all things? Have you heard any in the world exclaim "Behold how they love one another!"? Yeah, me either. But we will hear such a thing.... and more, when we awake and light our lamps. It is coming, whether we believe it or not. The only question for each one of us is, when we are faced with the choice of hating our lives to let Him reign in us, or holding on to control and stay nicely religious and forgiven, but in no way free indeed as Christ promises us......will we lose our lives to let Him reign inside us?

That is the valley of decision awaiting each of us, and no matter how hard we try, we cannot avoid it, for to make no decision is to make the wrong one.

Blessings,

Gids

In my church we are working for the Lord. What church do you go to? Do they have a website? I'd love to check it out!

 

[ToBeLoved]

So, is that how it is working? In the church? In us? Does the world see the change? Enough to be convinced we are not hypocrites but really are growing up into Him in all things? Have you heard any in the world exclaim "Behold how they love one another!"? Yeah, me either. But we will hear such a thing.... and more, when we awake and light our lamps. It is coming, whether we believe it or not. The only question for each one of us is, when we are faced with the choice of hating our lives to let Him reign in us, or holding on to control and stay nicely religious and forgiven, but in no way free indeed as Christ promises us......will we lose our lives to let Him reign inside us?

That is the valley of decision awaiting each of us, and no matter how hard we try, we cannot avoid it, for to make no decision is to make the wrong one.

Blessings,

Gids

I think you would be perfect for a mission trip. Sometimes we can see everything that's wrong when we get to cozy in the U.S. thinking that Christians everywhere are lazy and selfish.

Maybe your mind would be changed by a mission trip? See some of the real struggle in the world with faith and who is working for the Lord. I've been thinking about it and am looking into possiblities myself. I want to be part of positive change rather than backseat quarterbacking the situation.

 

[Gideons300]

In my church we are working for the Lord. What church do you go to? Do they have a website? I'd love to check it out!

It would be great if you were asking out of genuine love for me. Can you honestly say that your core motives are pure towards me?

Look. Can I be candid with you? We both know that you do not like what I share, and boy, can I understand that. It is amazing good news, but unfortunately, some hard things go with it. I get that you do not agree, but it seems increasingly that you have somehow turned this, or at least gave it your best shot, to make this more about me personally, and not at all discussing what I share. I am not angry. I understand that what I share can be upsetting for it is controversial and currently rarely ever taught. But here is what you don't get about me. Despite how you 'hear' and then interpret what I share, my motives, towards you, towards the church, are loving ones. I know that may be hard to believe but let me explain.

I have been, for many of those 38 years of Romans 7 living, a very angry man, and I suspect maybe a little close to how you currently view me. I truly do try to soften the hard things I am asked to share, but at some point, one cannot spin it any other way than unpleasant for the flesh to hear. I promise. I do not thrive on the confrontation my posts seem to generate. I do not share what God puts on my heart with anger, nor in judgement, nor to chase people from Christ with legalism. I simply am sharing an amazing truth that promises to transform us into the image of Christ in this life. I am not talking sinless perfectionism. That sounds restrictive to me too. I am talking perfectly kept and totally transformed by it being no more I that live, but Christ who now lives in me.

There is a problem however. In order to put on this amazing new nature, we must agree to offer up the old US, and therein is the issue.

I so want to put aside that feeling that seems hovering between us. Whether we agree or not, we are brother and sister in Christ. Loving those who do not agree with us is a true test of the love we possess, amen?

I worry that somethings I come across like a stern old testament type, If you got to know me beyond my words, in truth I have been one of those guys who always wanted everyone to like me. You just could not tell from watching me. LOL. My flesh was BAD flesh. So agreeing to share what God asked me to share comes with a built-in price..... people will not like what I share. I can accept that. Heck, I expect it! I simply ask in the love of our Lord that we keep our discussions on what I share, and not with me. Is that fair?

Blessings,

Gids