Posts Tagged ‘sin’
Why does God feel so distant to me?
Question: I have read the articles on blasphemy and they have given me a better understanding of what it is. But I am still not sure if a person can think blasphemous thoughts not speak them and still be condemned. I feel that God is so distant from me and that this is because His…
Read MoreIf evil comes from within, what difference does it make if there is a devil?
Question: If you would help me with a question on the subject of the Devil, I would be grateful to you. If evil comes from within, as stated in Mark 7:18-23 and James 1:14-15, what difference does it make if there is a real devil or not? Answer: If you are willing to accept God’s…
Read MoreIs the only sin to be repented of is the sin of murdering Jesus?
Question: For your information: The only Way that has been perfected to get into heaven is by the faith to repent of the one sin of Jesus’ murder for the forgiveness of ALL sins. This is the only way to obey the Acts 2:38 command. Answer: I left the grammar of this note basically as…
Read MoreSin in the Church: A Study of I Corinthians 6:9-10
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton The church at Corinth had many problems in living the Christian life. Their problems did not come from a rebellious attitude toward God. Most of their problems came from a misunderstanding of God’s law. In I Corinthians 5:1-8, Paul takes the Corinthians to task for accepting an immoral person as a…
Read MoreIs thinking about sin a sin?
Question: It is a sin to have that thought? Even though I didn’t act upon it? Answer: A thought is not a sin. Otherwise, there would be no temptation — only sin. Satan has to get us to think about sin to lure us into it. What should happen is that we immediately follow the…
Read MoreAfter a person becomes a Christian, can they live as they please?
Question: There are some people who feel that Christians can live a lifestyle pretty much as they please after “believing on the Lord Jesus Christ” ( Ephesians 2:8-9; John 5:24; and others). Faith alone in Christ alone with nothing else required, it is all in the rewards. Is that your thinking also or do we…
Read MoreWhat do you think about the idea “anything you do in moderation is not a sin?”
Question: My sister and her husband patronize the gambling casino’s at least 2 or 3 times a week. I mentioned to them that I feel that gambling is a sin. My brother-in-law’s answer was, “anything you do in moderation is not a sin.” I do not believe this to be true. I still believe that…
Read MoreCan personal sins blind a person to the truth?
Question: In a discussion on Calvinism, I stated, “I would advise any reading this thread not to hinge their belief of Calvinism on this verse or discussion alone. ( Ephesians 4:14 ) This is a very deep topic. I would also counsel against taking this sort of scriptural meat on when you know you have…
Read MoreSince sin comes from our thoughts, does this mean there is no Satan?
Question: Does the following passage mean that there is no Satan or demons that cause men to do evil?: “He summoned the multitude, and said to them, “Hear, and understand. That which enters into the mouth doesn’t defile the man; but that which proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.” Then the disciples…
Read MoreAre people born good and do bad things, or are they born bad and do good things?
Question: Are people born good and do bad things, or are they born bad and do good things? Answer: “Truly, this only I have found: that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes” (Ecclesiastes 7:29). Thus we learn that people are born sinless, but become sinful as they grow up.
Read MoreWere Adam and Eve bound to sin?
Question: My thesis is that Adam was bound to fall. How long Adam or Eve could resist not eating the forbidden fruit? Because as long as Adam and Eve were in the garden that tree was always before them. As long as they resist eating the fruit they would remain in the garden. The tree…
Read MoreAs Long as I Love …
by Keven A. Sulc via The Berean, Vol. 5, No. 6, August 1996 There are many concepts and beliefs that are held regarding salvation. We must never just accept something because it is commonly accepted or taught by religious teachers but see what the Scriptures say lest we be deceived. Let us examine the concept of…
Read MoreLetting Go of Sin
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Peter 3:1-14 I. “Will God forgive me?” A. It is a question that I have been getting over and over again. B. People of all ages from teens to adults caught up in sin and now that they realize the error of their past and turn from it, they wonder if…
Read MoreWhere in the Bible does it say we inherit the nature to sin?
Question: Where in the Bible does it say that we only inherit the nature to sin and not the original sin? Answer: Don’t you just love questions that want you to choose between two possibilities, but neither one is correct? The concept of man inheriting the original sin of Adam was espoused every early on…
Read MoreCan small children commit morally wrong acts?
Question: Can small children actually commit morally wrong acts? Answer: It depends on the age and ability of the child, but in general, the answer is, unfortunately, “yes.” There are cases mentioned in the paper of children as young as eight or ten committing murder with guns. “They cited the example of Nathaniel Abrahams, a…
Read MoreHow can I make sure I’m not doing anything wrong?
Question: I think I feel a lot better after our discussion and it’s appreciated. Any other advice you can give is appreciated. I just want to make sure I am not doing anything wrong. I try every day to live like Jesus, but like probably everyone else I find it extremely difficult. Answer: I’m going to ask…
Read MoreHow do I stop repeating sins?
Question: I have been struggling with my past and with sins that I seem to repeat. I know that Jesus died and is forgiving of sins when we repent. My problem is that I was baptized and then slipped into a path of sin and lust. I truly want Jesus to be in control of…
Read MoreWhat is the punishment for the unrepentant sinner on Judgment Day?
Question: I wanted to write and ask you what you teach the punishment for sin is for unrepentant sinners at the final Judgement. Answer: “… and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who…
Read MoreHow do you distinguish between sin and areas for growth?
Question: Thank you for your reply. That was helpful. I agree we need to be mindful of differing levels of maturity. The crux of the matter comes down to this: (maturity issues aside) when is sin involved? Let me frame this issue another way: the brother in Romans 14 who abstains from all meat does…
Read MoreHow do I keep focused and not be tempted and fall?
Question: I realize that this world is not for us. What advice could you give to help me to be focused and not allow the things of this world to tempt me and cause me to fall? Question: This is a vast topic that is explored in many aspects within the Bible. I won’t be…
Read MoreUnplanned Consequences
by Ethan R. Longhenry The girl heard the news and began to sob. She could feel all of her dreams and expectations for life changed on account of the unplanned consequences of her fornication. When the drunk finally regained consciousness and the news of his actions and upcoming trial were brought to him, he was…
Read MoreThere’s too much to learn. How can you not sin?
Question: In my frustrated life, I began to search for answers and clues and anything that could lead me to answer what on earth am I here for and found your website. I found it insightful and thought-provoking. My question to you is how can you be sure to know God’s plan for your life…
Read MoreWhat can be done for a man who continually falls back into sin?
Question: I have another question that relates to a brother who is dealing with some personal issues. Basically, he is a good brother who is ambitious and devoted to the church. However, he has gone through a lot and is continually fighting the temptation of allowing the old man to return, especially when negative situations…
Read MoreBarabbas – A Prisoner Set Free
by Kent Heaton The scene was chaos as the crowd shouted, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.” The subject of their wrath was not for a murderer but a man “who went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). Their cries for death were not given for one who had been an insurrectionist but to a man who healed…
Read MoreRemember the Duck
Author Unknown There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods. He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit the target. Getting discouraged, he headed back inside for lunch. As he was walking back, he saw his grandmother’s pet…
Read MorePresumptuous Sins
by Carey Scott Take a few minutes to read Psalm 19. Our focus will be on verse 13: “Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me; then shall I be upright and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.” To presume something is to have our minds…
Read MoreThe Point of No Return
by Tom Wacaster A plane, flying across the ocean, will eventually reach the “point of no return.” It is a real and definite point, beyond which it is better, in case of mechanical problems, to proceed than to attempt a return to the origination point. In the mind of the pilot, it is impossible to…
Read MorePeople Change
by Donnie V. Rader via Guardian of Truth XL: No. 19, p. 6-7, October 3, 1996 When General Motors came out with the new aerodynamic style Chevy Caprice (1990) I said that I would never have one of those “ugly” things. When cellular phones started getting popular, I thought it was dumb to carry your phone with…
Read MoreThe Book of Lamentations
by Philip North This book, believed to be written by the prophet Jeremiah between 586 and 585 B.C., is centered around the aftermath of the first destruction of Jerusalem, due to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Jeremiah had prophesied of Jerusalem’s destruction for forty years before it finally took place. Since Jeremiah is known as “the…
Read MoreA Popular Sport – Unfortunately
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Judges 16:23-30 I. In our text, the Philistine lords and ladies were getting their jollies from having a captured enemy “amuse” them. A. Exactly what Samson was doing, we don’t know B. But here was a man whom they had gouged out his eyes and used as an ox to run a…
Read MoreA Heart that Devises Wicked Plans
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton A. Eph. 4:17 – Don’t walk like the Gentiles do, in the vainity of their minds. B. They have their own teachers telling them that everything is fine – Jer. 23:7 C. A carnal, or wordly, mind is at odds with God’s purpose – Rom. 8:7
Read MoreThe Disease of Sin and Its Cures
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. Ever since Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit, sin has been a big problem for mankind. A. We just can’t seem to get away from it. You could almost look at it as a disease — a spiritual disease of the heart. B. Like any disease, it has characteristics which allow…
Read MoreDoes the command to “forsake not the assembling of ourselves together” apply only to Sunday worship?
Question: In our Bible study at church, the statement was made that if elders schedule a meeting, then it would be a sin for one to ‘forsake the assembly” if one could have attended. I feel that a person should attend, for it is a benefit to study and learn of one’s duty to God…
Read MoreThe Nature of Sin, Temptation, and Lust
I. The pathway to death – James 1:13-16 (handout) A. Desire 1. Each of us is born with a normal, natural set of desires. 2. Those desires are the consequences of the operation of our bodies. a. What is the purpose of thirst? Hunger? b. Does sexual desire have a purpose? B. Temptation 1. Satan tries to place us in situations where it…
Read MoreDid Lot’s wife go to heaven or hell?
Question: Did Lot’s wife go to heaven or hell for her sin of looking back? Answer: “When the morning dawned, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, “Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city.” And while he lingered, the men took…
Read MoreIsn’t there at least one sin worse than other sins?
Question: You said that sin is sin in the eyes of God, but Mark 3:22-30 says there is an unforgivable sin. Isn’t that a sin worse than forgivable sins? Answer: “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the…
Read MoreLove Is … (Article)
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton In learning the craft of needlepoint, a person will sometimes work on a sampler. The sampler typically features a notable quotation and a variety of images and scrollwork to showcase the different stitches mastered. Bible verses are often selected for the basic text, and one of the most popular selections is…
Read MoreIs divorce a sin?
Question: I have been a Christian and a member of the church for ten years. I have been studying and I have some Bible questions: In Matthew 19:18 Jesus gives direct commands concerning murder, adultery, stealing and giving false testimony. Since Jesus gives us a direct command not to do these things, then failing to follow those…
Read MoreWhy isn’t more time spent on spreading the golden rule?
Question: Yes, I did generalize your views when I inferred that the church goes after sins of the “flesh” and homophobic is one of the words I used to describe your stance. After reading your response it turned out that I was right in your case. It seems that the church (I know that’s a…
Read MoreWhat are the consequences of sin?
Question: What are the consequences of sin? Answer: Whenever we sin, there are consequences that come as a result of sin. Some of those consequences are spiritual and some are physical. When Adam and Eve sinned they experienced both physical and spiritual consequences (Genesis 3). The first result of their sin was their awareness of…
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