That’s Some List
Isn’t it? I have got to tell you, it is such a tremendous feeling knowing that in my atonement I have left all that deviant and perverse nonsense behind. I mean what was I thinking being wrapped-up in such trash. I most certainly was, as Paul says, “deserving of death.” But wait a minute. What’s that last part Paul wrote–something about those who approve of those who practice such deeds? I don’t that; I don’t approve of murder, and violence, and evil things…do I?
Therefore you are inexcusable…Romans 2:1a,
Ouch–I wasn’t ready for that. If I watch TV and movies that portray these activities, I am sympathetic to their cause–there’s no way to get around it. If I listen to gossip, rather then actually contribute, I am still culpable. If the books I read portray corruption, I too am blameworthy. If I opt to remain silent in full view of some depraved or immoral activity, I might as well be doing it myself. In my observances (and occasionally in my silence), I am slapping a big ol ‘Amen’ on everyone else’s sin.
Good Judge/Bad Judge
O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. Romans 2:1b
Paul is going to continue-on and ultimately lay down two basic components of our faith: forgiveness and repentance. The good news is that by God’s grace, Christians are not condemned if they have done, or are doing, these things. But, as we grow in our devotion there is a faithful expectation that we will turn from these things as God reveals them to be objectionable. If we choose to continue in them we are not jeopardizing our salvation necessarily, but we are laying the foundation for spiritual stagnation, frustration, distress in our Christian walk. If your faith journey is blahzey, this might very well be the cause.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Galatians 6:7
The issue that Paul wanted us to be most mindful of, in this our hypocritical condition, is that we do not find ourselves condemning others for the same behavior we absently support. Don’t receive Paul’s communication inaccurately though—he’s not proclaiming, “don’t ever judge, ” but rather that we should never do it condemningly. The judgments we are called to pronounce are done in Christian love and for the purpose of identification and/or restoration.
And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:3
Today’s Compassion’s Child—Day 6
Astrid is 7 years old and she lives with her Mom in Columbia–there are 12 children in the family and no dad. Astrid helps with duties around the home, including making beds and cleaning. Astrid enjoys art, playing with dolls and running. Astrid means ’divine beauty’.
Astrid needs a sponsor and your sponsorship will provide her with a loving, church-based child program that provides: food and clean water, medical care, educational opportunities, and important life-skills training. Most importantly, Astrid will hear about Jesus Christ and be encouraged to develop a lifelong relationship. She will know your name, write to you, treasure the thought that you care, and will pray for you.
Sponsor Astrid today and I will send you Dr Wess Stafford’s ‘Too Small to Ignore’ for free as a thank-you.
To sponsor Astrid simply respond by writing, “I WANT TO SPONSOR ASTRID” in the comments section and I will send you her information packet.
Please pray about sponsoring Astrid. God bless you all.
compassiondave
Hello Asad, welcome back!
God would essentially tell us that it isn’t so much that sin (any sin) is bad, but that sin is bad for us. The worse thing of course is that the tineist of sins seperates us from God for eternity. The only solution Asad to our sin-problem is found in our faith in Jesus Christ–no works, just faith… that He died for our sins, and rose again proving that He is Lord and Savior.
We are called to be responsible for all our sins–for example, I can murder a person and be forgiven, but I am still responsible for having broken the law and could be executed myself for the offense. The Good News is if that were the case, my salvation is still intact.
On an earthly level, you are correct–we are to bear the consequences of our sins. But on an eternal and Heavenly level, Jesus takes all those sins away. All we need do is believe.
God bless you Asad
A girl handed me a Christian tract on the street yesterday. I’m familiar enough with Christianity that none of the points it raised are new to me, but I did start to wonder about the idea that everyone is a sinner. If you say that everyone is a sinner and the wages of sin are death, doesn’t that ignore the distinctions between people? First off, if everyone is a sinner, why should I feel bad about being a sinner? It’s almost like defining sinner as “human” so being a sinner just means being human. Also, a reasonable person can see that some sins are small and some are big. Overeating at lunch is minor. Committing genocide is major. My point is that I don’t need a savior to die for my sins if they’re so minor that I can be responsible for them. I believe each person bears the burden of his or her own deeds.
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