How much of a "sinner" are we really?

If lust means more to you than Christ, I can't help it. I simply look the other way if necessary.

 

You should try walking in the Spirit sometime and see if it doesn't mean more to you than walking in the flesh.

 

Would we be in trouble if we took these literally?... Thoughts?... Brother Glen

Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

 

You know, 25+ years ago I was a merchant sailor aboard an oil tanker. I had to work in some rooms and crew cabins which were literally wallpapered with pornography. I knew God had placed me in that job at that time, but I still struggled with the situation. Until one day, I looked one of those calendars head on and said, "You know, she's pretty. I'd even say she's beautiful. If I tried to say otherwise, I would be lying. But she doesn't belong to me, and she's never going to. God, I'm asking you to send me someone like that, someone special and beautiful and maybe even a little bit magical, who I can share my life with and fulfill my desires in a way which is perfect, holy, and above reproach."

I've never had a struggle with pornography since. But, at the same time, I can admire the beauty of a pretty girl without guilt.

 

I sin because I'm a sinner. But I am neither a "particular redemptionist" nor an "arminian"

 

Paul says: “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” (2 Corinthians 10:4–5)

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on thee: Because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)

 

So do I, because my wife means more to me than anything. We gave our vows together 32 years ago and I have never broken my promise to god and to her. However, I have seen some lookers in my day and I have a healthy libido. That said and knowing that, I walk in a different direction when temptation strikes. I also enjoy tangling with old Saten and winning. I know he laughs ... I laugh too.

 

That’s good to here

 

Same thing with alcohol.. I enjoy a beer now and then...a good vodka, gin and tonic and scotch (particularly the single malt) but it never really owned me so when my wife got sick about 6 months ago I stopped drinking so I was there full time for Pam... and I don’t miss it

 

I never touched a drop of alcohol all through six years in the Navy and two in the Merchant Marine and then for twenty years thereafter. However, a few years back I felt God saying something along the lines of, "You know, I'd like for you to get to the point where you could be hospitable to those who do wish to drink; I might want to put you in those circles in years to come." So I had my first glass of wine on my fiftieth birthday, and since then I might average two or three servings of beer or wine a month. Still haven't touched liquor, yet; I'm not absolutely opposed to it but haven't felt an urge to dip a toe into that pond at all as of this writing.

 

I understand what you are saying. But hatred is a big allurement too. In fact, if love is righteousness, then hatred is at the root of all sin. So we must guard against it too, and not just loose women who dress like *****. The guys at work would listen to talk radio and the hatred being spewed was like second hand smoke for the ears. I think they felt justified because it was "good hatred". But nonetheless, it had negative effects on them and me. That's why I like Paul's formula I mentioned above.

 

Well Steve I can't say I won anything... Ever since I been trying to walk with the Lord, Satan has tried everything in his power to rob me of my joy, my peace, and everything that is godly and decent in the world... IOW... He was bent on destroying and devouring me... When I cry out to the Lord because I am no match for this roaring lion, the Lord delivers me... And Satan high tails it to where he came from... I don't play with fire but sometimes fire plays with me... Oh I know he will return but he knows he's already a defeated foe... My battles belong to my Lord and I give him ALL the credit... Brother Glen

 

Actually, I agree with others who have said that the opposite of love is not hatred, but indifference. There's a reason that Jesus is quoted as saying, "...I would thou wert cold or hot (Revelation 3:15b, KJV)." Speaking as someone who has interacted with quite a few witches and pagans, I think that it's easier for God to connect with and reach a witch or a pagan than someone who can look at these situations...such as are discussed on talk radio...and simply not care.

Edit To Add: There are some things...such as the deeds of the Nicolaitans...which God says that he hates, as well. There are things in this world that we should hate...and, if we don't, I say it's sin!

 

I have a ministry that calls on bars, strip joints, blah blah. The happiest time in a professional drinkers life is to hear laughter and bottles clinking together. Thankfully the Lord gave me a high tolerance level cause you can’t go into those places without pounding down a few. Even when I’m drunk I’m somewhat coherent. I’ve carried them to the bar to the AA meetings to the church and back home. That stuff is death and distruction to some people and so if you know you have those tendencies, stay the heck away.

 

I’ve parlaid with him many many times. He just took a buddie away from me yesterday after putting the guy thru cancer hell and then he laughs... I mean Glen, really really laughs. See he knows my vulnerabilities. But I have the lord ( ingrained in my DNA) so he has already lost. God covers my losses.

 

Agreed, certainly...but if we finish a big project at work and the guys want to head to the local 'Hooter's wannabe' establishment for a couple of cold ones, I no longer have a problem joining them for a beer, two Cokes, and a plate of chicken wings.

 

But, if your buddy is now with Jesus, does he really have a reason to laugh? Only if he has some hope that, by depriving you of your friend's companionship in the here and now, he can cause you to give up your hope and faith in the Living God.

That doesn't mean that I believe that you would "lose your salvation"; it's arguable that at one point Jesus himself lost his hope and faith in his own Father...Matthew 27:46. Obviously Jesus didn't lose his salvation, and obviously God eventually worked that cry out for good...but I think Satan breathed a sigh of relief when he heard it. At least for the next three days....

 

See I don’t hate anybody, that would disarm me. I gotta think clearly in order to achieve my aim. You look at trump and he hates everything....his station in life, his persieved enemy’s and he works his followers just function that way... ya gotta laugh, it’s so toxic, so absurd. I’m not going to be ripped apart by waves of negative emotion and so therefore I’m not defenseless

 

I will have eternity with my friend Demetry— he had a wonderful ( may he RIP ) sense of humor and I look forward to meeting him again. Satan on the other hand was the angel of light, the most beautiful of all and he found a way to mess that up. I’m sure he sang the most joyful & and naughtiest songs for the edification of the angels. Yea he laughs cause he knows our weaknesses, but inwardly he knows he’s finished and knows what awaits him.... and he trembles. He ain’t on team Jesus.

 

James was pretty plain. If you break any part of the law you are guilty of breaking the entire law. After salvation, it becomes a terminology game. Some would say they are sinners. I would say that because of Jesus Blood I am a saint who sins.