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Definition of Sin

The Definition of Sin

The definition of sin has become so elusive today that there are so called “sins” in many churches that cannot be found in Scripture. How do you know what a sin is? True, we see very well defined sins in Scripture such as adultery, fornication, stealing, lying, murder, etc., but what about the things that are not revealed in Scripture. Is it a sin not to give ten percent of your wages to the Church? Is it a sin for a husband to ignore his wife? What about which movies you watch, what you wear, what friends you hang out with, going to a party…, how do we know if they are sins?

“Missing the mark” as a definition of sin is very predominate in teachings today. However, there is a problem with this definition. First of all, what mark are we missing? When we start asking this question we will find that the answer is a moving target. Secondly, this definition is so generic it allows for really anything to be put in as the mark missed. The mark could be, not living up to God’s glory; having a ruined character; not abiding by God’s law; and they go on and on. Lastly, where this definition comes from is an issue. In the book of Judges the word normally translated as “sin” from the Hebrew is used to describe men who are so good with a sling that they do not miss their targets. The meaning “missing the mark” comes off of a miss understanding of how this word is used in this passage and also requires ignoring other passages of Scripture that specifically define sin. These men are so good […]

Definition of SinLuther Walker2018-10-28T13:29:20-07:00

Sin, Trespass, and the Mind

The definition of sin has become so elusive today that there are so called “sins” in many churches that cannot be found in Scripture. How do you know what a sin is? True, we see very well defined sins in Scripture such as adultery, fornication, stealing, lying, murder, etc., but what about the things that are not revealed in Scripture. Is it a sin not to give ten percent of your wages to the Church? Is it a sin for a husband to ignore his wife? What about which movies you watch, what you wear, what friends you hang out with, going to a party…, how do we know if they are sins?

“Missing the mark” as a definition of sin is very predominate in teachings today. However, there is a problem with this definition. First of all, what mark are we missing? When we start asking this question we will find that the answer is a moving target. Secondly, this definition is so generic it allows for really anything to be put in as the mark missed. The mark could be, not living up to God’s glory; having a ruined character; not abiding by God’s law; and they go on and on. Lastly, where this definition comes from is an issue. In the book of Judges the word normally translated as “sin” from the Hebrew is used to describe men who are so good with a sling that they do not miss their targets. The meaning “missing the mark” comes off of a miss understanding of how this word is used in this passage and also requires ignoring other passages of Scripture that specifically define sin. These men are so good with the sling that […]

Sin, Trespass, and the MindLuther Walker2016-10-12T06:02:44-07:00

Who a Christian is in Christ makes Demon Possession Impossible

The saints who are apart of the Church (body of Christ) are the Holy of Holies. The Spirit of God indwells them, which no other group has had or will have this type of relationship with God, 1 Corinthians 3:16. The Holy of Holies of God has no agreement with idols – demons are behind the worship of sticks and stones, 2 Corinthians 6:16. Christ indwells those in the Church, Colossians 1:27. Therefore, no demon can enter this house (the flesh of a saint).

Satan (and his demons) is not permitted to touch a Christian. 1 John 5:18 We intuitively know that everyone born out from God does not habitually sin, and the malignantly evil one cannot touch him.

Satan can only ensnare a Christian to do his desirous will, 2 Timothy 2:24-26 …they should come to a right mind out from the snare of the Devil, having been captured alive by him for the purpose of that one’s desirous will; 1 Timothy 3:7.

This is not being demonized. One who is demonized is in fact possessed by a demon not just tormented. During the earthly ministry of Christ, He cast out the demons from those who were demonized, Matthew 8:16; 9:32, 33; Mark 1:32-34. We only see this type of activity during the time Jesus was walking the earth. After the Gospels, Scripture does not use this word; rather, it says they had a demon or spirit, Acts 16:16.

Although the Old Testament reveals the workings of demons among men, the concept of men being possessed is not used; rather, the evil spirits manipulate unsaved men, Judges 9:23; 1 Kings 22:23. Even within the Dispensation of Law, prior to the Son’s incarnation, we see […]

Who a Christian is in Christ makes Demon Possession ImpossibleLuther Walker2013-05-10T22:56:13-07:00

THE PROCESS OF A TEMPTATION: HOW TO MANAGE BAD THOUGHTS

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 “for though in the flesh we walk, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not pertaining to the flesh, but pertaining to the natural ability of God towards the tearing down of fortresses; pulling down logics and every high thing lifting itself up against the experiential knowledge of God, and taking captive every thought into the obedience of Christ.”

How do you control the thoughts in your mind?

So often we struggle with thoughts that are of a “lacking in character” type, which flood our minds all day long. Perhaps they are thoughts that we will never do because ultimately our conscience would not permit such an action; nonetheless, we struggle with them. Perhaps we would do them if the opportunity presented itself knowing full well that we should not be involved with that type of action. Or perhaps they are thought that seem to be impossible to resist. They take over our minds, making us feel guilty and unworthy before God for even allowing such a thing in our minds, not to mention actually doing them.
We need to remember that our battle is not a battle of the flesh; we are not waging war against fleshly enemies. Our enemies are spiritual and affect our way of thinking. When it comes to how we deal with thoughts in our minds we need to realize that the thought is not a sin, or even a trespass. The thought in itself is nothing until we make it something.
In James 1:12 we are told how we are tempted by a desire to do something that lacks in character. First, the lust has to enter your mind, hence, a […]

THE PROCESS OF A TEMPTATION: HOW TO MANAGE BAD THOUGHTSLuther Walker2023-11-23T12:48:41-08:00

The Christian Life

What is the Christian life all about?

Salvation comes by faith, not by works. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 states, “For I delivered unto you at first that which also I received, that Christ died on behalf of your sins according to the Scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…”. Verse 2 states that this is the good news by which we are saved.
The Christian life begins by believing these facts. You are saved by grace through faith, not by work, Ephesians 2:8,9 “For by grace you are in a state of having been saved through faith, and this is not out from you, but a gift from God, not out from works, in order that no one can boast.”

Faith is taking God at His Word. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of that which is hoped for, the evidence of accomplished deeds not seen.” Faith is always based upon a promise from God.

Grace is God’s attitude by which He gives a benefit without consideration of merit.

Once you believe these facts there is a substantial change that happened to you. It is not something that you can see, and often will not be overcome with emotions, but the affects of this change will influence you for the rest of your life.

Believing is only the beginning of salvation. To learn more about the changes that happen at salvation, how these changes influence your life, and what the Christian life is all about, join us on Sundays for our morning service. It will be well worth your time!

Salvation

Armor from God: Defense against Satan’s attacks

What is Sin?

The Christian LifeLuther Walker2015-07-12T13:40:57-07:00