Born Again Christians Thread-No Bashing please

[luvthatduke]

My understanding of the sin=sin is this:
As Jenny stated, the laws were given
to discipline or punish us by human standards.
But I've also heard a great argument that
we focus too much on the degrees of sin while we really
should be focused on the holiness of God.

We, as humans, recognize that some sins are
certainly more depraved and harmful than others,
and the people who commit them must be forced to stop.
Hence, the different penalties provided, both in the OT
and even now around the world according to individual law.

But, God sees each sin as the "same" because any sin
is enough to keep us from His Presence forever.
God is Holy, therefore no matter how light the sin
or how depraved the sin, either person can not be allowed
into His Presence.
So now what to do?
That's where Jesus' sacrifice and atonement for us comes in,
long before we reach Heaven!
If someone has accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior,
God sees that person, right now - today/tonight/tomorrow -
literally through the blood of Christ.

 

[ElizK]

My understanding of the sin=sin is this:
As Jenny stated, the laws were given
to discipline or punish us by human standards.
But I've also heard a great argument that
we focus too much on the degrees of sin while we really
should be focused on the holiness of God.

We, as humans, recognize that some sins are
certainly more depraved and harmful than others,
and the people who commit them must be forced to stop.
Hence, the different penalties provided, both in the OT
and even now around the world according to individual law.

But, God sees each sin as the "same" because any sin
is enough to keep us from His Presence forever.
God is Holy, therefore no matter how light the sin
or how depraved the sin, either person can not be allowed
into His Presence.
So now what to do?
That's where Jesus' sacrifice and atonement for us comes in,
long before we reach Heaven!
If someone has accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior,
God sees that person, right now - today/tonight/tomorrow -
literally through the blood of Christ.

This makes a lot of sense to me... And also goes back to agreeing with disneymom3!

Ya'll have a great day... i'm off to work...

 

[Miss Jasmine]

He did..That is from the Torah,..The Torah was given too Jews,for Jews,halacha,or Jewish Law is /was for jews

But it is part of the Christian Bible as well.

 

[Aidensmom]

But, God sees each sin as the "same" because any sin
is enough to keep us from His Presence forever.
God is Holy, therefore no matter how light the sin
or how depraved the sin, either person can not be allowed
into His Presence.
So now what to do?
That's where Jesus' sacrifice and atonement for us comes in,
long before we reach Heaven!
If someone has accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior,
God sees that person, right now - today/tonight/tomorrow -
literally through the blood of Christ.

Very well said.

If the only sin you ever committed in your life was a little white lie, and your neighbor has murdered someone, you will both receive the same grace and forgiveness when you accept Jesus Christ as your savior, you are not treated any differently. None of us is worthy of God on our own because all of us have sinned. I know a lot of people disagree, but I feel that NONE of us are "good" people because we have all sinned, we are all sinners. It is hard for our for our human brains to rationalize that, but I don't think we have to be able to understand all that God does for it to be true. I don't understand how God came into being, but I believe he is real.

I even think that the murderer might experience his Christianity in a fuller way than someone who has only told a white lie BECAUSE us as humans find that to be a much worse sin. Imagine how much more tremendous a feeling of relief and gratefulness you would feel when God forgives you for the sin of murder than when he forgives you for telling a white lie.

 

[Buckalew11]

 

[DisneyTrippin]

Very well said.

If the only sin you ever committed in your life was a little white lie, and your neighbor has murdered someone, you will both receive the same grace and forgiveness when you accept Jesus Christ as your savior, you are not treated any differently. None of us is worthy of God on our own because all of us have sinned. I know a lot of people disagree, but I feel that NONE of us are "good" people because we have all sinned, we are all sinners. It is hard for our for our human brains to rationalize that, but I don't think we have to be able to understand all that God does for it to be true. I don't understand how God came into being, but I believe he is real.

I even think that the murderer might experience his Christianity in a fuller way than someone who has only told a white lie BECAUSE us as humans find that to be a much worse sin. Imagine how much more tremendous a feeling of relief and gratefulness you would feel when God forgives you for the sin of murder than when he forgives you for telling a white lie.

But there is nobody who has just told a white lie and that is the beauty of God's grace. We all sin, be it in thought, action or disobedience. Lies, fornication, cursing, drunkeness, personal sexual pleasure, theft, cheating, coveting, lusting, indulgence, gultony, etc....all separate us from Him, but Grace through Christ has provided a way to be free.
I disagree in the catholic teaching that there are different levels and punishments for sin as that is not biblical. That is man's teaching.
The HOLY BIBLE makes clear that ALL sin separates us from God, therefore all sins are equal as far as separating us from God. God may choose to look at your cursing differently that He would you murdering somebody, but with Jesus as your advocate, you will stand blameless before The Father on all counts of sin, regardless of what you have committed.

 

[DisneyTrippin]

G-ds

Why do you mention God as it is a sin to say His name? Is this still a belief among the Jewish today? I know in the OT, many would not spell out Yahweh as they felt an unworthiness to spell out (YHWH) His name. Just curious if that still remains today.

 

[live4christp1]

OK, I've got a question for y'all. How do you pray?

As I posted over on the heathen thread (an interesting thread BTW), I see prayer as much more than a means of asking for stuff. I sse it as a conversation with God. I few years ago I took a course called Companions In Christ (highly recommended). It featured serveral chapters on different prayer techniques, new ways to converse with God. It was facinating. Some techniques worked well for me, some didn't, but I was overwhelmed by the richness of the various ways people use to talk to God. I learned several wonderful ways of simply listening that have helped me a great deal.

I personally find that when I'm really upset, singing to God (yes, out loud) works very well. It beings my emotions to the forefront and help me bring my whole self into his presence. I make up the tune as I go to fit the words I need and don't worry about rhyme. I just sing out everything I am right to God. When I do this, I find God gives me comfort, clarity and a view to paths I had not even considered.

I try to carry on an ongoing dialog with God as I go through my day. I also try to find at least a few minurte of quiet medidation to listen for his voice. I have been trying visualization as well, but not having a whole lot of success there yet.

So, how about you? Are their any prayer techniques you find useful?

Hi WDWHound,

My pray life is much like what you have posted above. Another thing I like to do is journal my prayers, kind of like writing a letter to God each day. It's amazing and encouraging to go back through and see all the answered prayers. God is so good!

 

[RickinNYC]

I'm a bad Catholic as I don't clearly understand the different types of sin--but they do have it...as far as how you handle it and what happens to you--I get lost...but there is a clear difference between murder and stealing candy.

You're not a bad Catholic! LOL! It's not for you to decide what "level" your sin is. It's determined during confession, hence the type of penance!

Edited to add: Oops! Sorry guys. Didn't mean to jump in. I'll stuck to lurking from now on. I find this thread fascinating.

 

[live4christp1]

MTE. Although I am an atheist and freely admit it, I have always and will always be respectful to the beliefs of others (and I expect that same courtesy in return but that is a different topic). I am curious and even a bit envious of those with strong faith, as it is not something that has ever come easily to me in my life.

Phillybeth, I would recommend a book set (3) by Dr. Erwin Lutzer who is the pastor of Moody Church in Chicago. The first book is How You Can Be Sure That You Will Spend Eternity With God, the second book is One Minute After You Die and the third book is Your Eternal Reward. IMO these were excellent books and I have read them each several times.

If you have a Bible, I would encourage you to read the gospel of John.


Another excellent little book is More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell.

 

[macraven]

sin is sin.............there are no "degrees" to sin.

God hates sin and sees it all as bad. when Jesus died on the cross, the earth turned dark. i interpret that as God had to turn His face away as sin was so bad. even Jesus cried out to His Father asking why He was forsaking Him.

i understand you asking why or if sin will be judged differently by God.

God does not have to face our sin, He is repelled by it.

when you are judged by God, you will acknowledge your actions/sins.

remember, we do not get judged at the Great White Throne, that is for the nonbelievers, but we will face God and be held accountable for our ways.

the crowns we receive for our obedience and ways will reflect our actions we had living on earth prior to heaven.

sin can not be judged by us. God created us and has given us His Word on how we are to live. don't fret and try to determine which of your sins are greater. The greatest sin is rejecting God.

 

[Tasha+Scott]

The greatest sin is rejecting God.

I couldn't have said it better myself!

I hope all of you are well today. My beautiful dd is sleeping on my shoulder right now. All I have to do is take one look at her and I know that I am blessed and that God is great!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I find it interesting that most people here DO agree that sin is sin (I agree with that as well). But why is is that we get caught up on certain sins, and make bigger deals out of them? I guess the example I am thinking of is homosexuality. Some people believe this to be a sin, some have even said that certain diseases are a punishment for those who are homosexual. So if sin is sin, why is this such a biggie for some people? I am not asking this to start a debate, I am really curious, and looking for some answers. Thanks.

 

[live4christp1]

Wow- quiet morning-you can tell it is Sunday and everyone was at church!
Sooooo....what was one thing that stood out to you from your worship service this morning?

Our sermon was on serving. How everyone has gifts that they can use to serve others, and serve God. And without servers, nothing would get done! Makes you think about the behind the scenes people-sound man, janitor, people who decorate and do maintenance, people who prepare communion, people who put together the worship songs, etc... Makes you appreciate people. And the programs that there is at our church.

I like to volunteer, but one thing the pastor said-find what makes you feel like a 10. Not everyone works well with kids. Not everyone likes to be in the spotlight. Not everyone is organized. Not everyone can sing. Find your fit, and you will love volunteering.......Find where God wants you to be.....

Our pastors message was on 2 Corinthians 5:18 as the base and much of the message spoke about things we discussed here last week. About after accepting Christ the old man is passed away and we are a new creation. He talked a lot (especially to the young people) that we should be wary of anyone who is living willfully in sin but also saying "it's okay because I'm saved" (refering to how we hear that sometimes in the media from celebrities, etc.) It was a good message. Our Sunday School class was really good yesterday as well, we are in a couples class going through a study called "Critical Decisions" I'm not sure who the author is. We normally don't get to go to Sunday morning service as we work with the Children's Church program but during the summer month we usually take a couple weeks off and have everyone come to the main sanctuary.

Yesterday was DS's birthday so after church we got to spend the day at Chuck E. Cheese

 

[AuntieM03]

Our sermon this morning was about sin. Had me teared up for most of the day, actually. I have been a bit of an emotional basketcase. The main points being that God sees all sin as the same--no levels or degrees of sin. (I have a hard time with that.) God forgives us of our sin and sees it no more and that is what he wants us to do with others whose sin affects us. (That was one part that had me teary. I don't think I have completely let go of some issues and I was really convicted about that.) And that we need to move on from sin. (Which also had me tearing up because I know there are sins that I just keep repeating over and over and over and I will just not leave them laying at the foot of the cross as I need to do. For instance, worry about finances, impatience with my kids, losing weight/eating healthy.) It was a really good message and one I really needed to hear. It was closed with the song On the Ocean Floor and that was when the tears really hit me. The nice thing was DH was sitting with me and most Sundays he is up on stage leading the band. So, at least I had someone to hold my hand while I cried.

I just love my church and am so very thankful God led us there.

I love the song Ocean Floor. Once of the things that lead me back to church was hearing it on the Dove awards.

 

[live4christp1]

I love the song Ocean Floor. Once of the things that lead me back to church was hearing it on the Dove awards.

This is for you: (Audio Adrenaline is one of my favorite groups)

The mistakes I’ve made
That caused pain
I could’ve done without
All my selfish thoughts
All my pride
The things I hide
You have forgot about

CHORUS:
They’re all behind you
They’ll never find you
They’re on the ocean floor
Your sins are forgotten
They’re on the bottom
Of the ocean floor

My misdeeds
All my greed
All the things that haunt me now
They’re not a pretty sight to see
But they’re wiped away
By a mighty, mighty wave
A mighty, mighty wave

CHORUS

(add to chorus)
Your sins are erased
And they are no more
They’re out on the ocean floor

Take them away
To return no more
Take them away
To the ocean floor
To the ocean floor
To the ocean floor

CHORUS

Your sins are erased
And they are no more
They’re out on the ocean floor
Your sins are forgotten
They’re on the bottom
Of the ocean floor
Your sins are erased
And they are no more
They’re out on the ocean floor

 

[macraven]

I find it interesting that most people here DO agree that sin is sin (I agree with that as well). But why is is that we get caught up on certain sins, and make bigger deals out of them? I guess the example I am thinking of is homosexuality. Some people believe this to be a sin, some have even said that certain diseases are a punishment for those who are homosexual. So if sin is sin, why is this such a biggie for some people? I am not asking this to start a debate, I am really curious, and looking for some answers. Thanks.

we make a big deal out of certain sins because we want to.


the more you study the Word, the more you learn.
for me, the more i learn, the more i realize my shortcomings. everyone is tempted by sin and i am no exception. satan tried to tempt Jesus in the garden..............of course that was in vain as Jesus was without sin.

sometimes people have fears and with that make biased opinions.
a lot here want to talk about homosexuality. some people say not to associate with sinners as it will affect your life. some say you need to in order to be a witness,

please remember that Jesus associated with the lowliest people on earth.
shephards were low lives........tax collectors were hated.......adulteress at the well who was shunned by the people......who by the way spread the word and the entire village came to know Jesus...

anywho.....my point is we should live our lives by the example Jesus gave us. when you read God's Word, pray that the Holy Spirit guide you as you read. we all are alike (God's children) and at the same time, not alike as we have different human ways of interpretting life.

i do not believe disease is a punishment from God for our ways.
from the original sin God allowed us to suffer, deserved or not (in our minds)
God gave us this world and the natural disasters and diseases we have will affect us all. we live in a world that satan lives in. ask yourself, why wouldn't we have suffering now. until Jesus returns and rules, we will always have suffering. no one is spared from this.

no way do i believe gay people are stricken by God Almighty by aids.......
and no way do i believe that non believers are anymore cursed with poor health than believers.

your time is short on earth. your time in heaven or hell is for eternity.
Jesus is the only way.

 

[JennyMominRI]

Why do you mention God as it is a sin to say His name? Is this still a belief among the Jewish today? I know in the OT, many would not spell out Yahweh as they felt an unworthiness to spell out (YHWH) His name. Just curious if that still remains today.

It's not a rule or anything,more of a Custom..I'd say about 75% of the Jews I know type it this way..It's not about unworthiness,It's a about respect for the word..I pice of paper can be tossed away defaced ,destroyed etc.. It's not just done with the word God,It's also done with L-rd..
There is certain name of G-d that is unspeakable,but the G-d custom has nothing to do with that

 

[JoyG]

I find it interesting that most people here DO agree that sin is sin (I agree with that as well). But why is is that we get caught up on certain sins, and make bigger deals out of them? I guess the example I am thinking of is homosexuality. Some people believe this to be a sin, some have even said that certain diseases are a punishment for those who are homosexual. So if sin is sin, why is this such a biggie for some people? I am not asking this to start a debate, I am really curious, and looking for some answers. Thanks.

I believe a sin is a sin. God sees them as the same. Homosexuality seems to be a big deal right now partly because of the political issues surronding it and the media coverage around it.

I also think it is a "big deal" (your words) because unlike telling a lie once, or stealing something, etc. homosexuality involves a lifestyle of something that continues over time...commiting the same sin often.

I don't think being a homosexual is a stronger/worse sin than living with your boyfriend or girlfriend before you're married. They are both sinful lifestyles. Our society has been working towards acceptance of both as normal.

As a christian, I see the legalization of same sex marriage as sliding further down the slope. Although I'm too young to remember, I'm sure there was this kind of debate/strife before abortion was legalized...just another slip down society's slope.

However, in the end, I think there's nothing we can do about it...eventually it will be legal just like abortion is... I read the book...I know how this story ends.

Joy

P.S.- I also wanted to add that in terms of Homosexual people themselves, I treat them the same way I treat any nonchristian that I know...I've had one friend in high school that I cared about deeply who was gay (he was my prom date!)...I prayed for him just like I would any nonchristian friend. I don't "shun" or avoid them...if I did that I would miss out on witnessing opportunities.

 

[macraven]

It's not a rule or anything,more of a Custom..I'd say about 75% of the Jews I know type it this way..It's not about unworthiness,It's a about respect for the word..I pice of paper can be tossed away defaced ,destroyed etc.. It's not just done with the word God,It's also done with L-rd..
There is certain name of G-d that is unspeakable,but the G-d custom has nothing to do with that

how i believe may not be how you believe.

Using G_D is out of reverence.
none of us are worthy to speak His name.
this is how i used to feel but i changed and do spell His name out.
i don't know if i am correct but it is something i can live with.

i have overwhelming reverence for God. don't get me wrong on that.
its just that i have allowed myself to change on this..