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Wherefore, leaving the beginning word of the Christ, we should bear on the basis of the maturity, not again laying down a foundation of changing the mind from dead works and faith concerning God, doctrine of immersion, laying on of hands, both resurrection from the dead, and eternal judgment – Hebrews 6:1,2
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 […]
Called is used for the name of a person or a description by which a person is defined. Summons is an aspect of “called” in which a person is called to a meeting, event, place, or state of existence for the purpose of participating.
In Matthew 2:7 Herod summons the Magi, but not in a public way, so he can gain information about this King of the Jews they speak of. During the tribulation period, while the Jews are in the wilderness, those who are peace makers are described (called) as sons (mature ones) of God (Matthew 5:9).
God calls those things that do not exist as though they do, for when He says He will do something, even when we cannot see it, He is able to make it come true (Romans 4:17). Within the decree of God, He made specific plans according to His purpose. One of the things He determined was that a group of the saved would be marked off to conform to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). Now is the time for all who believe to be placed as sons in Christ so we can mature unto a full experiential knowledge, so today God calls us. Our calling is not because we are righteous, for those whom He calls He also justifies (Romans 8:30). God showed that his calling is not based upon the desire or the work of humans, but rather His own plan when He called Jacob over Esau for the inheritance of promise before they were even born (Romans 9:7). Unlike under law, now both Jew and Gentile are being called (Romans 9:24). Therefore, the fellowship we have with Christ is because God called us, not by […]
In Genesis 4:7, God instructs Cain concerning the rules of his household. After God rejected the work of Cain’s hands as an offering, Cain was very angry. In response, God lays out the rule by which Cain is expected to govern his life.
And if you do good, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do good, sin lies at the opening, and its desire is unto you, and you are to rule over it – Genesis 4:7.
This is the first time in Scripture we are introduced to the sin nature. The sin nature describes the human nature bent by Adam’s fall. Through Adam’s trespass and sin, his nature became bent towards doing what is wrong, for although Eve was thoroughly deceived, Adam was not, 1 Timothy 2:14. Adam passed on this bent nature to his offspring, Genesis 5:3. Therefore, even though as humans we now inherently possess the knowledge of good and evil, we are all born with a nature that is separated from God in our spirit and bent towards wrong. However, with this knowledge, we are also to rule over our nature, not permit it to rule over us.
After Cain does not heed God’s instructions and slayed his brother as a sacrifice, he was punished. The works of his hand will no longer produce good, and he is to wander the earth, never possessing a homeland to reside in. In Cain’s response, we again encounter the sin nature when he states, “My perversity is greater than I can bear.”
And Cain said to the LORD, “My perversity is greater than I can bear.” Genesis 4:13.
In Genesis 4:7, the word for sin is in a specific […]
Happy (μακάριος) is an attitude of enjoyment and delight, whereas Joy (χαρά) is contentment. In action, joy is rejoicing; however, it is different from exultation (ἀγαλλιάω), Matthew 5:12.
When the magi of the east saw the star of David rise, they knew the King of the Jews was born. They responded to this finding by rejoicing with very great joy because their discovery brought them happiness, Matthew 2:10. Zacharias is informed by an angel that the Lord has heard his supplication for a son. Elizabeth will bear him a boy, and he will have joy and gladness along with many others who will rejoice at his birth, Luke 1:14. In addressing the saints of Philippi, Paul expresses that they are his joy, Philippians 4:1. For they bring him a sense of delight just as the saints in Thessalonica, 1 Thessalonians 2:19, even though Paul has been separated from them through the persecution he was facing. Not only did they receive the gospel of the Christ, but they also took hold of eternal life through obedience to the gospel. During Christ’s ministry, as He proclaimed the gospel of the Kingdom of the Heavens, some of the Jews immediately received the message with joy; however, they were like seeds on stony ground that have no root, so they only endure for a short time, Matthew 4:16. Joy is not emotionally centered because it is also shown by the spirit beings, who do not possess a soul. There is great joy in heaven over one sinner changing his mind, Luke 15:7.
Unlike joy, which is often expressed in rejoicing because of satisfaction, happy is more of a state of mind. Happy is the man to whom the Lord does not […]